Hunters Info

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, there are steps you have to take for a successful Texas Dove Hunt.

1. Buy a hunting License and Migratory Bird Permit

2. Proof of Hunters Education

3. Review all season dates and regulations.

4. Know your daily bag limit.

5. Know how to identify legal game birds and protected species.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be ready for your Texas Dove Hunt!

Buy a Hunting License and Migratory Bird Permit

A Migratory Bird Permit is a $7 Endorsement that is required to hunt any migratory game bird (waterfowl, coot, rail, gallinule, snipe, dove, sandhill crane and woodcock).

The new license year begins September 1, each year.

Official Online Fishing & Hunting License

You will also need a Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification. This free certification is obtained when you purchase your new license and takes only a few minutes to complete. HIP is used by TPWD & USFWS to generate reliable estimates of hunting activity and the number of all migratory game birds harvested throughout the country. Learn more about the Harvest Information Program.

Proof of Hunter Education

Every hunter (including out-of-state hunters) born on or after September 2, 1971, must successfully complete a Hunter Education Training Course and must carry proof of completion while hunting. If you have completed Hunter Education in Texas and need proof of completion, you can print a duplicate card online. There are 3 course options to complete Hunter Education in Texas. More info Texas Parks & Wildlife Courses

Dove Hunting Zones

North Zone

That portion of the state north of a line beginning at the International Bridge south of Fort Hancock; thence north along FM 1088 to State Highway 20; thence west along State Highway 20 to State Highway 148; thence north along State Highway 148 to Interstate Highway 10 at Fort Hancock; thence east along Interstate Highway 10 to Interstate Highway 20; thence northeast along Interstate Highway 20 to Interstate Highway 30 at Fort Worth; thence northeast along Interstate Highway 30 to the Texas-Arkansas state line.

Central Zone

That portion of the state between the North Zone and the South Zone.

South Zone

That portion of the state south of a line beginning at the International Toll Bridge in Del Rio; thence northeast along U.S. Highway 277 Spur to U.S. Highway 90 in Del Rio; thence east along U.S. Highway 90 to State Loop 1604; thence following Loop 1604 south and east, then north, to Interstate Highway 10; thence east along Interstate Highway 10 to the Texas-Louisiana Line.

Review all season dates and regulations

North Zone

Sept. 1 – Nov. 12, 2021 & Dec. 17, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022

Central Zone

Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2021 & Dec. 17, 2021 – Jan. 14, 2022

South Zone

Sept. 14 – Oct. 31, 2021 & Dec. 17, 2021 – Jan. 21, 2022

Special White-winged Dove Days

Additional days for White-winged Dove – South Zone: Sept. 3 – 5, 2021 & Sept. 10 – 12, 2021 (special regulations apply)

Know your daily bag limit

The daily bag limit for doves statewide is 15 and the possession limit 45.

North Zone

• 15 birds

• No more than 2 white-tipped

• 3 times daily bag

Central Zone

• 15 birds

• No more than 2 white-tipped

• 3 times daily bag

South Zone

• 15 birds

• No more than 2 white-tipped

• 3 times daily bag

Special White-winged Dove Days

• 15 birds

• No more than 2 mourning doves and 2 white-tipped doves

• 3 times daily bag

During the early two weekends in the Special White-winged Dove Days, hunting is allowed only from noon to sunset and the daily bag limit is 15 birds, to include not more than two mourning doves and two white-tipped doves. During the general season in the special area, the aggregate bag limit is 15 with no more than two white-tipped doves.

Know how to identify legal game birds and protected species

Here is a link to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Know Your Doves

South Texas dove hunting has turned into a really big business and there are some fine outfitters, like us, out there that work really hard to put their clients onto birds. We offer the best dove hunting grounds in South Texas.