To plan your dove hunt, refer to the dove checklist for a reminder of what's required, including: 

1. A valid hunting license.
2. Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement (included with the Super Combo license).
3. Harvest Information Program (HIP) is a free certification you get when you buy a license; simple questions are asked about your previous year's bird-hunting success. 
4. Proof of Hunter Education if you were born after 9/1/71.

You should also:

• Familiarize yourself with the dove identifier so you can quickly identify which doves are protected. 
• Check harvested doves for leg bands and report them to The North American Bird Banding Program.
• Learn about doves in different areas with the 2024 Dove Status Report (PDF).
• Be ready for opening day by checking Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine's preseason guide Dove Done Right. 

The number one cause for accidents while dove hunting is shooting outside a safe zone of fire.

Find out how your wingshooting group can establish individual safe zones of fire, and stay within them, by watching our short video Safe Zone of Fire.

Finding your safe zone of fire is one of the skills taught in Hunter Education. All hunters born after Sept. 1, 1971 must be able to prove they've taken Hunter Ed. You can find proof of your certification online. 

Thanks to the benefits of Hunter Education, Texas recorded a new all-time low number of hunting-related accidents in 2023, so let's keep up the trend – always keep safety first. 

Some of the most common hunting violations during dove season are lack of a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, lack of a Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification, or hunting with an unplugged shotgun. 

How you can avoid receiving a citation:

1. Purchase a Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement (Stamp). Use the free Texas Hunt and Fish app to view all your current endorsements and licenses.

2. To get HIP-certified, just answer a short survey when you buy your license or Stamp. If that's in-person, tell the clerk you need to be HIP-certified. If you already have your license, you can still go online and update it with HIP certification.

3. Shotguns used to hunt dove must be incapable of holding more than 3 shells. Shotguns made to hold more than 3 shells MUST be plugged with a one-piece filler which cannot be removed without disassembling the gun.

Be ready for opening day by purchasing your license and Stamp today. See Migratory Game Birds Hunting Methods to review more unlawful and lawful activities while dove hunting.