Texas dove season will open September 1 in every region of the state for the first time, giving South Texas hunters an earlier start as mourning and white-winged dove populations approach record levels.
The historic change comes as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists estimate the state has 36.7 million mourning doves and a record 12.9 million white-winged doves. More than 300,000 hunters participate in the season annually, generating over $500 million in economic activity.
South Texas Receives Earlier Opening
South Texas has historically opened its regular dove season later than the North and Central zones because of federal concerns about the effect hunting could have on late-nesting mourning doves.
After reviewing newer biological data, TPWD determined that the delay was no longer necessary. The agency worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to revise federal regulations and establish the same September 1 opening date statewide.
“For over 100 years, the South Zone has opened later than the rest of the state, frustrating a lot of hunters,” TPWD migratory game bird program leader Owen Fitzsimmons said in the agency’s season forecast.
The change will operate on a three-year experimental basis while wildlife officials monitor its effect on dove populations and gather feedback from hunters.
The earlier regular season replaces the Special White-winged Dove Days previously offered in the South Zone. Daily bag limits and shooting hours will also be standardized across the three zones.
Dove Populations Approach Records
Spring surveys estimated Texas’ mourning dove population at 36.7 million, a 2% increase from 2025 and slightly below the 2016 record of 37.5 million.
The estimated white-winged dove population climbed 10% from last year to 12.9 million, the highest figure recorded by TPWD.
The increases followed a third consecutive spring of significant rainfall across much of Texas. The moisture improved nesting and feeding conditions while supporting sunflowers, croton, grasses, and other food sources.
Birds may initially be scattered because food and water remain available across broad areas. As hotter weather dries the landscape, larger groups are expected to gather around remaining water sources.
Texas leads the country in dove hunting, accounting for approximately 32% of the nation’s mourning dove harvest and 87% of the white-winged dove harvest annually, according to TPWD.
Current Licenses Expire Monday
Most current Texas hunting and fishing licenses expire at the end of August 31. Hunters entering the field on September 1 will need a license valid for the 2026-27 season.
New licenses have been available since August 15 and may be purchased through the TPWD website, agency offices, or participating retailers. A $5 administrative fee applies to online purchases.
Dove hunters must have a valid Texas hunting license, a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, and Harvest Information Program certification.
The federally mandated Harvest Information Program helps wildlife agencies identify migratory bird hunters for harvest surveys. Hunters complete the certification by answering several questions when purchasing their endorsement.
Anyone born after September 1, 1971, must also complete an approved hunter education course before hunting in Texas. TPWD identifies missing hunter education certification and the migratory bird endorsement as two of the most common violations encountered during dove season.
Daily Bag Limit Set at 15
The daily bag limit is 15 doves in the aggregate across the North, Central, and South zones. The limit may include no more than two white-tipped doves. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
Regular season dates are:
- North Zone: September 1 through November 8, 2026, reopening December 18, 2026, through January 7, 2027
- Central Zone: September 1 through October 25, 2026, reopening December 11, 2026, through January 14, 2027
- South Zone: September 1 through October 25, 2026, reopening December 18, 2026, through January 21, 2027
A shotgun is the only firearm that may be used to hunt migratory game birds. It must be no larger than 10-gauge and incapable of holding more than three shells, according to the state’s migratory bird regulations.
Federal law prohibits hunting migratory birds over baited areas. Hunters are responsible for determining whether the location they are hunting has been baited, even when they did not place the bait.
Heat and Screwworm Bring Additional Risks
TPWD is urging hunters to prepare for high temperatures by carrying adequate water, seeking shade during the hottest hours, and avoiding parking vehicles in tall, dry grass that could ignite.
Hunters using dogs should monitor them for overheating and inspect them for injuries before leaving the field.
The agency issued an additional warning because New World screwworm has been detected in Texas. The fly’s larvae infest open wounds and feed on living tissue. Hunters who find suspicious wounds or larvae on their dogs should contact a veterinarian.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, dove hunting is a longstanding September tradition across the state. This year, South Texas hunters will join the North and Central zones on opening day for the first time.
Provided by Dallas Express
