An Awesome Dove Hunting Season Is Expected in Texas This Year

I am avid hunter and a native Texan,  I love the great outdoors so, I'm used to the heat in the Lone Star State. When it comes to hunting season, I know I have to be prepared because we've not only had a very hot summer but add to that a very dry summer as well.

I have two friends that live in Colorado that are always coming to Texas to dove and deer hunt. They recently called me and were asking "will the dove even be flying this year since it's been so hot and dry in Texas?"

Get our free mobile app

Fortunately, I recently spoke with another friend James Cummings Taylor County Game Warden and he educated me on some things from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). According to our area game wardens and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department newsletter, during the long, hot, dry spell this year the dove kick it into high gear mating, and by mid-summer, the dove numbers have started going back up.

The dove hunting season opens this Sunday, September 1st, 2024 for most of Texas, especially here in Central and West Texas. A word of advice to all hunters is that if you are taking a bird/hunting dog with you please keep a close eye on them to ensure the stay hydrated and cool.

Youth Hunting License Requirements: What You Need to Know

Furthermore, and most important if you are taking a young hunter and that child pulls a trigger, that child will need hunting license regardless of age. However, If the child is going to be watching and retrieving your game a license is not required.

Please remember get your hunting licenses before you go hunting! Within the past four years purchasing your license online has made it a lot more convenient. The latest newsletter update from the TPWD says "You may also purchase hunting licenses by phone at (800) 895-4248 during regular business hours (M-F 8A-4P), though you may experience long hold time during peak calling periods such as the beginning of the season. Additionally a $5 administrative fee will be added to phone and online purchases."

Hunting with Dogs: What to Take to Be Prepared

Furthermore, if you're hunting with your four-legged furry-friend you might want to rethink bringing your bird dog hunting during the extremely hot temperatures. While the dogs get real excited running around retrieving dove the dogs tend to overheat.

So if you are taking your dog, it's probably best you do it early mornings or late evenings when the temperatures are a bit cooler. Plus, remember to take plenty of water for you and your canine companion and you will all have to stay well hydrated and cool at all times.

Here are the hunting dates throughout Texas:

• The regular season for the north zone is September 1st through November 10th then starts again December 20th through January 7th, 2025
• The regular season for the central zone starts September 1st through October 27th and then starts again December 13th through January 14th of 2025
• The regular season for the south zone starts September 14th and runs through October 27th then starts again December 13th and runs through January 21st, 2025
• The select days for the special white-winged dove are September 2nd-4th and 9th-11th
• Special White-winged Dove Days run Sep 1-2, 2024 and starts again Sep 6-8, 2024
• Remember, get your hunting license before you do anything. Hunting licenses are now available online check out the video to find out how you can prepare for this year's 2024-2025 Texas hunting season.
  Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)/Hunting Season.org