A select optiion + php problem

Hi all

I have in the html select optin like this:

<SELECT NAME="open_season_date" value="<?= $open_season_date?>">
<option value=1>Jan
<option value=2>Feb
<option value=3>Mar
<option value=4>Apr
</SELECT>
whereas $open_season_date is a php variable. It's value is
$open_season_date=3.
The problem it keeps showing me Jan (as if it's value is 1).
What should I do to make it show Mar (like it's true value 3) ?

Thanks and regards

In the march one, have: <option value=3 selected>Mar</option>

(You know you do have to end <option> tags right?)