2025-26 DOVE OUTLOOK

Biologists predicting banner season statewide, numbers on the upswing
  • TPWD says mourning dove popu - lations are in great shape as the Texas season opener approaches on Sept. 1. Texas’ mourning dove population is estimated at around 36 million - up five percent from last year and on par with the high - est estimates seen since surveys started 18 years ago. TPWD Photo
    TPWD says mourning dove popu - lations are in great shape as the Texas season opener approaches on Sept. 1. Texas’ mourning dove population is estimated at around 36 million - up five percent from last year and on par with the high - est estimates seen since surveys started 18 years ago. TPWD Photo
  • Map of Texas Dove Hunting Zones.
    Map of Texas Dove Hunting Zones.
    The 2025-26 Texas dove season is set to open at 30 minutes before sunrise on Sept. 1 (Labor Day Monday) in the North and Central hunting zones. Owen Fitzsimmons is saying it’s going to be a good one. Fitzsimmons is the web-less migratory bird program leader with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.The positive outlook is based largely on survey data gathered by biologists around th...

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