As an event that attracts about 8,000 hunters and their families each year, the Karnes County Lonesome Dove Fest has become one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in the Lone Star State.

With the help of the booming oil and gas operations of the Eagle Ford Shale, the tribute to the South Zone dove season that kicks off Friday is reaching new heights.

“We could not do what we do without our local support and sponsors, but without the big money support of the oil companies, it would really be tough,” said Wade Hedtke, president of the 22nd annual Lonesome Dove Fest.

“Their involvement has been a wonderful blessing. Their attitude is we want to do whatever we can do to give back to the community.”

Hedtke said this year's festival, as in the past, will focus on family and the community as part of the state's largest celebration to herald in the opening of the South Zone dove season. In the past several years, donations and support from the growing oil and gas field industry working the Eagle Ford Shale formation have shown they are striving to become more and more involved with the local community, he added.

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