Dove hunting season helps Imperial County’s economy

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Hunting season doesn't only bring hunters to the imperial valley but also contributes to helping the economy. 

Tarek Danaf gets ready for a long morning, he's one of hundreds of hunters who came to the imperial valley this week for one thing.

"We are just out here to get our minds off of the daily stresses of life, we enjoy doing this," he said.

For others, it's more than just a hobby, but a family tradition.

Sam Assaf says he's been hunting ever since he was a kid.

"My dad is a hunter, my grandpa was a hunter and i think it gets passed down the family too," he said.

The season also contributes to the economy, as hundreds of hunters come to the Imperial Valley from all over California.

Las Chabelas is a restaurant in Brawley, the owner says business is good when hunters are in town. Erika Weir is the owner and says her restaurant can cook and clean the doves for hunters.

"We cook them in a sauce our own special sauce for the doves," she said.

Weir says she looks forward to this time of year.

"Hunters come, it improves the business and the economy as a whole, for us we get busy and for servers, you know it benefits them as well," she said.

As For Sam and Tarek, they reached their limit for the day, and say they might come back next weekend for round two.