As dove season begins in Texas, state officials are emphasizing wildfire safety to hunters across the Rolling Plains, Eastern Hill Country, South Texas, and the Lower Gulf Coast. Despite recent rainfall in some regions, fire managers warn that dry grasses and vegetation remain a major concern. The Texas A&M Forest Service stressed that although large-scale fire weather is not currently forecast, small wildfires remain possible and can quickly spread under the right conditions. Fire Chief Jared Karns of the Texas A&M Forest Service explained that human activity is the leading cause of wildfires in the state, accounting for roughly 90% of ignitions. Since 2020, more than 4,500 fires in Texas have been linked to equipment and vehicle use alone. Karns cautioned hunters that even minor sparks from vehicles or campfires can ignite a blaze capable of spreading across acres of land. Hunters are being urged to take specific precautions before heading into the field. One major recommendation is to avoid driving or parking vehicles on tall, dry grass, since heat from a vehicles undercarriage or exhaust can easily ignite vegetation. Hunters should also check burn bans in their counties, which vary across the state, and stay up to date using the Texas A&M Forest Services online resources. Campfire safety remains another focus. Hunters and campers are reminded to never leave fires unattended. All flames should be completely extinguished before leaving a site by drowning the fire with water, stirring the ashes, and ensuring they are cold to the touch. Officials advise hunters to carry basic firefighting tools, including water, a shovel, and a fire extinguisher, in case an ignition occurs. Those towing trailers or traveling long distances are encouraged to check tire pressure and ensure safety chains are properly secured. Chains or loose metal dragging along roadways have been documented as causes of sparks leading to wildfires. Small oversights in vehicle and trailer maintenance have been tied to thousands of preventable ignitions across Texas in recent years. The warning comes at a critical time, coinciding with the opening of dove season, which marks one of the busiest hunting periods in Texas. Thousands of hunters return to fields and pastures during this season, increasing outdoor activity and raising the potential for accidental fires. Wildlife officials emphasize that while hunting is an important tradition, safetyboth with firearms and firemust remain a top priority. The Forest Services campaign underscores that preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility. Every hunter and outdoor enthusiast plays a role in protecting natural resources, private property, and public safety. By taking a few simple preventive measures, the risk of devastating wildfires can be drastically reduced.