09/03/2026
Texas dove season is officially here, and if you’ve been on the fence about getting into the field, this is your year.
Dove hunting is one of the absolute best ways to introduce yourself to the hunting community—it's fast-paced, social, and accessible.
But before you load up, you need to know your zones and regulations.
We’ve put together this quick-reference map for the 2026-2027 season so you can hunt smart and hunt legal.
Pay attention to your zone—whether you're in the North, Central, or South region, the season dates shift slightly.
Remember, legal shooting hours for all zones are exactly one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Keep your daily bag limit to 15 aggregate, with a maximum of two white-tipped doves.
Save this post, verify your specific county at tpwd.texas.gov, and let's get after it.
Who is hitting the field this weekend? Drop your Zone (North, Central, or South) in the comments! 📍
So you’ve got your gear, your license, and you know your zone—now what?
For new hunters, the hardest part of the game isn't taking the shot; it's knowing what you're looking at.
Bird identification is a non-negotiable responsibility.
To make it easy, we built this cheat sheet.
You are good to go on Mourning Doves, White-Winged Doves, White-Tipped Doves, and the invasive Ring-Necked (Eurasian Collared) Dove.
But you need to hold your fire if you spot an Inca Dove, Common Ground Dove, Band-Tailed Pigeon, or Red-Billed Pigeon, as these are strictly protected.
Study those tail feathers and wing stripes before you head out.
Our golden rule for the field: "When in doubt, don't shoot it out!".
It's all about respect for the wildlife and the law.
What shotgun are you running for opening weekend? Drop your setup in the comments! 👇