Texas Parks and Wildlife announced that, beginning this year, dove season will open on the same day statewide—Sept. 1. The uniform start replaces the previous two‑week staggered opening that kept the southern hunting zone on hold while the rest of the state began hunting.
Why the change?
A 20‑year review of dove population data conducted jointly by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that breeding and hatch timing in South Texas is not significantly different from other regions of the state or the nation. Wildlife biologist Olivia Kost explained, “When there’s rain, we get vegetation growth, and when we get vegetation growth, we get good dove food.” Recent spring and summer rains have produced abundant food, helping dove numbers rise for the third straight year.
Population numbers
State estimates now put the Texas dove population at nearly 37 million, including about 13 million white‑winged doves—the highest count on record. This robust population supports a unique hunting opportunity: South Texas is the only area in the country where hunters can pursue mourning, white‑winged, and white‑tipped doves during the same season.
Local benefits
The statewide opener gives hunters in the southern zone the chance to stay closer to home rather than traveling to another zone, which is expected to provide an economic boost to South Texas communities. Hunting guide Carson Neal advises hunters to set up near bodies of water now that the landscape is drying, saying, “Since it’s dry, they have to find somewhere with water, and so we like to set up next to the water.” He also stresses safety, reminding hunters to position themselves so that a bird’s flight path does not place two shooters in line with each other.
Regulations and safety
Before heading out, hunters must ensure they have a current hunting license, a migratory bird endorsement, and, when hunting on public land, an annual public hunting permit. Daily bag limits differ among the northern, central, and southern zones and can vary by county, so checking the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual app for the latest regulations is essential.
Hunters are also encouraged to complete the state’s harvest survey. Data collected through the survey helps wildlife officials monitor dove populations and make informed decisions about future seasons.
Where to hunt
In southern Bexar County, two public‑access units are designated for white‑winged dove hunting, offering convenient options for local enthusiasts.
With the new uniform opening date set to continue for the next two years, Texas hunters can look forward to a more predictable season, stronger local economies, and continued stewardship of a thriving dove population.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
