Dove, Teal and Fall Alligator Seasons Open Soon

• Dove season opens Sunday, Sept. 1 in the North and Central Zones
• South Zone's Additional White-winged Dove Days begin Sunday, Sept. 1 at noon, and regular season in the South Zone opens Saturday, Sept. 14.
• Teal season opens Saturday, Sept. 14 statewide.
• Fall alligator season opens Tuesday, Sept. 10 in core counties.

Fantastic Dove Season Predicted

It's shaping up to be a fantastic season. Dove populations are thriving this year thanks to spring rains. States to our north had similar spring conditions, which should result in strong numbers of additional birds migrating to Texas later this season. Get ready to hunt some dove!  

Below are the regular seasons for each zone. The daily limit is 15 birds, with no more than 2 white-tipped doves. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Check the Outdoor Annual for all regulation information.

• North Zone: 9/1 to 11/12 and 12/20 to 1/5
• Central Zone: 9/1 to 11/3 and 12/20 to 1/14
• South Zone: 9/14 to 11/3 and 12/20 to 1/23

Special White-Winged Dove Days continue in the South Zone on Sun. and Mon. Sept. 1-2, plus Sat. and Sun. Sept. 7-8, from noon to sunset. The bag limit is 15 birds per day, with no more than 2 white-tipped doves and 2 mourning doves.

If you’re looking for a change, find a new dove area using the walk-in hunting program, which includes 110 dove and small game areas leased from private landowners. Annual Public Hunting Permits are available for $48.

Your Need-to-Know

Use the Dove Checklist as a reminder of what you'll need for your hunt, including:  A valid hunting license – NEW: a digital license can be used as proof while dove hunting. Access the digital version of your license on the Outdoor Annual app. Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement (included in the Super Combo license package) Harvest Information Program (HIP) – free when you buy a license  Proof of Hunter Education – if you can't find your certification, print a free copy online. For help scheduling your time, refer to a sunrise/sunset timetable. And study the dove identifier so you can quickly identify protected dove species.

Get the Free Outdoor Annual App

The Outdoor Annual app lets you view a digital version of your license and allows one-tap access to TPWD websites and other apps, including the My Texas Hunt Harvest app. Once it's downloaded, you don't need a cell signal to check current regulations. Download the Outdoor Annual app today.

Stay Within Your Safe Zone of Fire

Swinging on game outside a safe zone of fire is the #1 cause of hunting accidents in Texas. To maintain safe conditions, establish individual safe zones of fire for your wingshooting group. Then constantly remain aware of people and dogs moving around you – if they move, or you move, your safe zone of fire will move as well. Learn more with our short skillbuilder video, Safe Zone of Fire.

Big Time Texas Hunts Are Back

10 first-class hunt packages, including the popular Waterfowl Adventure. Be sure to enter by Oct. 15.