Dove Season Kicks Off Across West Texas

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Breaking News More () » Local News Dove season kicks off across West Texas Sept. 1 marks the start of the season.

Credit: Lexis Greene Author: Morgan McGrath Published: 4:27 PM CDT September 1, 2022 Updated: 4:27 PM CDT September 1, 2022

TEXAS, USA — To some people, Sept. 1 is the beginning of “unofficial fall.” It’s also the start of dove season in parts of Texas (including the Concho Valley), and hunters are eager to get outside.

“Dove season’s huge,” Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Webless Migratory Game Bird Program Leader Owen Fitzsimmons said. “Doves are the most popular game bird in Texas and the most popular game bird in the U.S.”

Fitzsimmons has been working as a “dove leader” with the TPWD for approximately five years and he said the department begins dove season as early as possible in accordance with government regulations.

“It’s almost like a tradition or unofficial holiday,” Fitszimmons said.

He added one-third of dove hunters across the U.S. are from Texas, totaling about 300,000 each year.

Dove season runs through Nov. 13 in North Texas and ends on Oct. 30 in Central Texas, according to the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

Autumn is the best time to hunt these migratory birds and Texas hunting zones are split into three distinct parts: north, south and central. Private hunting land is accessible with a permit while there are public lands, as well.

Each county in Texas is also required to follow a specific set of rules when it comes to hunting doves and other game. The daily limit of doves is 15 aggregate (including white-winged, mourning, and two or less white-tipped) and hunting hours begin 30 minutes before sunrise and end during sunset, according to TPWD.

Fitzsimmons said white-tipped doves are not typically found in the San Angelo region. He also provides some safety tips for hunters to keep in mind at the start of the season and beyond.

“Typically, firearm safety is by far number one,” he said. “Just be careful, be aware when you’re out. Wear the proper gear, wear eye protection” and bright orange clothing when out in the field.

Hunters of a certain age are also required to take a course ahead of time. Go to tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/ for more information.