Texas dove hunters are in for an exciting season this year, with promising developments highlighted in the latest reports from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). According to the agency’s comprehensive Dove Population Status Report, mourning dove numbers are reaching near record highs, while the populations of white-winged doves remain robust, even though there has been a slight decrease from the previous year’s figures.
Owen Fitzsimmons, the TPWD Webless Migratory Game Bird Program leader, noted that the heavy winds and torrential rains experienced this spring, caused by severe storms across various regions of Texas, likely affected the peak nesting season in particularly hard-hit areas, including portions of the scenic Hill Country. However, the overall summer conditions proved favorable—milder temperatures coupled with abundant rainfall created optimal breeding environments across much of the state, setting the stage for a vigorous opening day for hunters.
In addition to the increase in dove populations, the favorable weather conditions have significantly boosted forage availability. “This year, hunters can expect a wealth of preferred dove forage to be seeded just in time for some exciting late fall action in October, coinciding with the end of the first segment and the start of the second,” Fitzsimmons elaborated.
As the late summer heat continues to dry out the landscape, hunters should focus on areas known to attract larger congregations of doves, particularly watering holes, which become critical resources in the dry months. TPWD emphasizes that doves typically feed and drink twice daily, making the careful scouting of their movements vital for a successful hunt.
Officials from TPWD recommend targeting agricultural fields where crops are plentiful, as well as natural habitats rich with native food sources such as sunflowers, croton, and other annual forbs and grasses. By doing so, hunters can strategically position themselves to maximize their chances of a productive and enjoyable hunting season.
Mourning dove
The statewide survey conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reveals a promising 5% increase in the mourning dove population compared to last year, bringing the estimated total to approximately 35.9 million birds. This marks a significant rebound, as the current population is now 28% higher than the long-term average established by standardized surveys since 2008.
The findings further illustrate that a substantial majority of mourning doves, around 90%, reside in rural areas, where their habitats are characterized by open fields, agricultural lands, and natural landscapes. In contrast, urban areas, while having a lower overall population, boast a greater concentration of mourning doves per square mile, likely due to the availability of food sources and suitable nesting sites amidst human development. This trend highlights the adaptability of mourning doves to various environments and underscores the importance of preserving both rural and urban habitats to support their continued growth.
White-winged dove
The population of white-winged doves has experienced a slight decline compared to the previous year’s figures. The 2025 population estimate now stands at 11.7 million birds, representing an 8% decrease from the 2024 estimate. Despite this dip, the current population remains 15% above the long-term average, indicating overall stability in the species. Notably, the 2025 estimate marks the third-highest population level on record, reflecting the resilience of white-winged doves in their habitats even amidst fluctuations.
Hunting season
The regular dove seasons are as follows:
- North Zone: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9 and Dec. 19 – Jan. 7
- Central Zone: Sept. 1 – Oct. 26 and Dec. 12 – Jan. 14
- South Zone: Sept. 14 – Oct. 26 and Dec. 12 – Jan. 22
The special white-winged dove days are Sept. 5-7 and Sept. 12-13.
During the designated special white-winged dove hunting days in the South Zone of Texas, hunters are permitted to pursue these birds only from noon until sunset. This limited time frame emphasizes the importance of responsible and ethical hunting practices. The daily bag limit is set at 15 doves, which may include a maximum of two mourning doves and two white-tipped doves, ensuring the conservation of these species during the hunting season.
Beginning September 14 in the South Zone, the standard daily aggregate bag limit for dove hunting increases to 15 birds. Within this limit, hunters are allowed to include up to two white-tipped doves in their haul, which reflects ongoing efforts to manage dove populations sustainably.
It is crucial for all hunters in Texas to possess a valid Texas hunting license, along with a state migratory game bird endorsement. Additionally, compliance with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification is mandatory. This certification helps in the collection of vital data on migratory bird populations and hunting practices, contributing to informed conservation efforts and the preservation of Texas’s wildlife resources.
