 Elevated rainfall in Texas has been a boon for doves. This is the third year in a row for record or near-record highs in their numbers, including the highest estimates ever for white-winged doves. This is not a season to sit out!
The South Zone experienced massive jumps in the number of both white-winged and mourning doves. This coincides with this season's historic Sept. 1 dove season start date for the South Zone – Special White Wing Dove Days and special bag limits are no longer necessary.
All zones open Sept. 1. The daily bag limit in all zones is 15, with no more than 2 white-tipped doves.
To hunt dove, you'll need a hunting license, a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and free HIP certification. Anyone born after 9/1/71 must complete hunter education. Look over the Dove Season Checklist before you head out. While you wait for Sept. 1, read our Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story Dawn of the Dove Hunter.
NEW Tool: The Turkey Harvest Map allows you to track wild turkey harvest trends throughout the season. It updates every 24 hours as mandatory harvest reports are completed by hunters.
NEW Regulation Changes:
- Doe days expanded in 21 counties from 4 doe days to 16 doe days.
- Harvest of unbearded wild turkey hens is prohibited.
- Matagorda and Wharton counties closed to wild turkey hunting.
- Dove season starts Sept. 1 in the South Zone.
- Special White-winged Dove Days eliminated in the South Zone.
Find what's new and all your hunting regulations in the Outdoor Annual online or in the free app.
NEW I.D. Requirements for Your Hunting License Purchase:
Updated identity verification rules are now in effect when you buy your hunting license. These new rules will help combat residency fraud and support your game wardens. Get information about specific requirements in our License ID Validation FAQ.
|
We recently acquired 2,850 acres west of Dallas-Ft. Worth that will become the Robbie Davis Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Once it opens, this new WMA will be utilized as a public hunting site. It will provide walk-in dove hunts, drawn hunts for deer, turkey, and possibly waterfowl, in a region where little public hunting land currently exists. Our goal is to have it open for hunting in the 2027-28 season.
“The new Robbie Davis WMA will go a long way to increase public hunting opportunities and support our hunting heritage that is part and parcel to Texas,” said Wildlife Division Director Alan Cain. “Hunting has and always will be critical to the conservation of our native lands and wildlife.”
The land was acquired through our partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Find out more about this new public land in our press release Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Acquires New Wildlife Management Area in Stephens County.
Imagine you and your hunting companions on a premium guided hunt with lodging, meals and on-site transportation included. If that's your kind of dream hunt, enter Big Time Texas Hunts (BTTH).
We’re offering 10 amazing hunt packages on some of the finest private ranches and public lands in Texas. Fan favorites include the Texas Grand Slam and Ultimate Mule Deer Hunt.
PLUS, for only the second time in BTTH's 30-year history, winners of the following hunts will receive a bonus – generously donated by Allens Boots, Dometic and Los Cazadores:
Enter by Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Each entry is $9 online or $10 at license retailers. Enter as often as you'd like. All proceeds support Texas wildlife conservation and public hunting.
ENTER TODAY
|
Wildfires are making headlines, reminding us all that prevention is far easier than putting them out.
If dry conditions persist, these safe practices will help you prevent wildfires while in the field:
- Avoid parking vehicles or idling over dry vegetation – a hot catalytic converter can ignite grass.
- Avoid shooting near tall, dry grass or into rocks that might spark.
- Avoid using full metal jacket or tracer ammunition.
The Texas A&M Forest Service has more tips to prevent wildfires while hunting.
|
A message from our non-profit partner Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation:
 When catastrophic flooding struck Central Texas in July, Texas Game Wardens rushed to help, rescuing 150+ people.
Thanks to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation's Gear Up for Game Wardens program, they had access to the best search and rescue equipment and specialized gear to carry out their mission.
Help prepare game wardens for their next call by taking part in the 6th Annual Gear Up for Game Wardens Online Auction Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.
Bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences while providing vital operational support for Gear Up for Game Wardens to ensure Texas Game Wardens have the gear they need to get the job done.
Mark your calendars and get ready to gear up for a great cause!
REGISTER HERE
If you see live maggots (larvae) on a live animal, report the sighting immediately and do not move the animal. It may be infested with New World Screwworm (NWS).
NWS are flies that lay eggs in open wounds and moist body parts of live mammals. The eggs hatch into maggots that feed on living tissue. They kill the animal if left untreated. The first case of NWS in Texas was found on a calf on June 3, 2026.
For guidance on identification of NWS and safe management of your harvest, see the NWS Guide for Hunters and Landowners (PDF).
Stay informed with our situational updates. For more information, watch our short video New World Screwworm.
|
A message from our sponsor:
 Messages from Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine advertisers:
The Hunt Texas newsletter is made possible in part
by the generous support of Toyota.
Did someone forward this email to you? Subscribe now – it's free!
|
