The varieÂty of landscapes in Texas and abundance of doves make the hunting experieÂnce here truly unparalleÂled.
This detailed guide will give you all the key knowledge you need for an exciting and succeÂssful dove hunting experieÂnce in the 2024 season in TeÂxas. No matter if you’re a veteÂran hunter or a beginner, this guide is your ticket to an adrenaline-pumping adveÂnture.
Knowing When to Go Texas Dove Hunting
Usually beginning on September 1st, the Texas dove season lasts until January 21st of the following year. To be sure there aren’t any little changes, it’s a good idea to confirm the most recent rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The hunting seasons for 2023 and 2024 are available at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/general-regulations.
The season structure is broken down below to assist you in organizing your dove game experience:
Regular Season:
- North Zone: Opens September 1st, closes November 10th. Reopens December 20th and runs until January 7th, 2025.
- Central Zone: Opens September 1st, closes October 27th. Reopens December 13th and runs until January 14th, 2025.
- South Zone: Opens September 14th, closes October 27th. Reopens December 13th and runs until January 21st, 2025.
Special White-winged Dove Days (South Zone Only): September 1st-2nd, September 6th-8th, and September 13th, 2024.
Recall that ethical hunting is very important. Remember to always respect bag limitations, shooting hours, and exclusive hunting regions. A sustained dove population for next hunting seasons is ensured by adhering to these rules.
Which Doves Can You Hunt in Texas?
There are three primary dove species that are authorized to hunt in Texas:
- Mourning Dove: The most common species of dove in the state is the mourning dove, which is distinguished by its swift and unpredictable flying patterns.
- White-winged Dove: Mostly found in the west and south, this bird is smaller than the mourning dove and has noticeable white patches on its wings.
- Eurasian Collared-Dove: The black neckband of the Eurasian Collared-Dove, an invasive species that is often seen close to suburban and urban areas, makes it easy to identify. Seasonal or bag limitations do not apply to Eurasian collared doves.
Texas Hunting Regulations for Doves
Make sure you are aware of the TPWD’s hunting restrictions before starting your Texas dove game expedition. Here’s a brief summary of the requirements:
- Hunting License: Regardless of age, all dove hunters in Texas must possess a current hunting license.
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) permission is mandatory for all migratory game bird hunters, including those holding lifetime permits. Hunters under the age of seventeen, elderly individuals (65 years of age or over), and landowners who only hunt on their property are exempt.
- Daily Bag Limit: Fifteen mourning doves per day are allowed, with no more than nine of them being of the white-winged kind.
- Shooting Hours: Every day from 30 minutes before dawn to dusk, duck hunting is allowed.
- Weapons & Ammunition: Only firearms that can hold up to three rounds total—one within the chamber—are permitted. A shotgun with a plug may store up to five rounds in total. For doves, only shot sizes #7 or #8 are permitted.
- Safety First: When hunting, safety should always come first. To ensure maximum visibility, wear blaze orange clothes; always follow weapon safety procedures; and be alert of your surroundings to prevent unintentional injury.
The Price of Texas Dove Licenses and Fees
| License Type | Resident Cost (USD) | Non-Resident Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting License (Annual) | $25 | $100 |
| Migratory Bird Permit (Free) | Free | Free |
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/, offers a simple online license buying option. This guarantees that you are in compliance with the law before taking the field, saving you time.
Texas’s Top Spots for Dove Hunting
The three hunting zones in Texas provide a plenty of dove game chances due to its diversified topography. Zone-by-zone, these are some of the most sought-after locations:
North Zone:
- Texas Panhandle: The vast plains and agricultural fields of the Texas Panhandle, encompassing areas around Amarillo and Lubbock, are a haven for mourning doves throughout the early season. Look for recently harvested wheat or milo fields, or near rivers and lakes where doves gather for water. Public hunting opportunities exist in state wildlife management areas (WMAs) like the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge and the Hagerman WMA.
- North Central Texas: The fertile farmlands and rolling hills of North Central Texas, near Dallas and Fort Worth, provide abundant food sources for doves. Scout for areas with cornfields, sunflowers, or grain sorghum, particularly after the harvest. Public hunting opportunities can be found in WMAs like the Richland Creek WMA and the Hagerman WMA.
Central Zone:
- Hill Country: The iconic Texas Hill Country, stretching from Austin to San Antonio, offers a unique blend of rolling hills, wooded areas, and agricultural fields. Doves frequent these areas, particularly near sunflower fields and stock tanks. Private hunting leases are common in the Hill Country, but public hunting opportunities exist in places like the Pedernales Falls State Park and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
- South Texas Brush Country: The dense brush country of South Texas, encompassing areas around Laredo and Corpus Christi, provides excellent dove opportunities throughout the season. Look for areas with senderos (cleared paths) bordering fields of sorghum or sunflowers. Public hunting is available in WMAs like the Chaparral WMA and the Las Palomas WMA.
South Zone:
- Rio Grande Valley: The fertile Rio Grande Valley, along the Texas-Mexico border, is a haven for doves, particularly white-winged doves. During the early migration, vast numbers of doves descend upon the valley’s agricultural fields. Public hunting opportunities exist in the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. However, be aware of regulations specific to hunting white-winged doves in this region.
- Texas Coast: The Texas Gulf Coast, stretching from Corpus Christi to Houston, offers a unique dove experience. Doves frequent coastal fields planted with sorghum or sunflowers, and also gather near freshwater ponds and estuaries. Public hunting opportunities can be found in WMAs like the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and the J.D. Murphree WMA.
Pro Tip: Utilize the TPWD’s online WMA locator to explore interactive maps and hunting regulations for specific Wildlife Management Areas across the state. Additionally, consider consulting local sporting goods stores or hunting clubs for insights on recent dove activity in your preferred hunting area.
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