Brownwood-area hunters heading into the field this fall will find Texas dove populations near historic highs and a major change to the state’s traditional season calendar. The 2026 regular dove season opens statewide on Sept. 1, including in the South Zone, which historically opened later under federal regulations.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists attribute the strong outlook to significant spring rainfall across most of the state and continuing healthy dove populations from the previous year. The agency said the combination of favorable habitat and high bird numbers should provide solid hunting opportunities when the season begins.

Population estimates remain near records

Statewide mourning dove numbers are estimated at 36.7 million birds, a 2% increase from 2025 and just below the record estimate of 37.5 million recorded in 2016. White-winged dove numbers rose 10% from last year to an estimated 12.9 million, the highest estimate on record.

Birds may remain spread across the landscape while food and water are widely available. As August heat dries conditions, however, larger groups are expected to gather around available watering holes. TPWD notes that doves typically feed and drink twice daily, making it important for hunters to scout bird movement throughout the day.

Recommended areas to scout include agricultural fields and places with native food sources such as sunflower, croton, annual forbs and grasses.

South Zone gets an early opener

The South Zone had historically been prohibited from opening in early September because of federal concerns about the possible effects of hunting on late-nesting mourning doves. After reviewing recent biological data, TPWD biologists determined that delaying the season was no longer necessary. The department worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the South Zone to follow the North and Central zones for opening day and daily bag limits.

“For over 100 years, the South Zone has opened later than the rest of the state, frustrating a lot of hunters,” said Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD Webless Migratory Game Bird Program Leader.

Fitzsimmons said the earlier opening is especially significant during a year with record dove numbers in southern Texas, but he also described it as a major adjustment for hunters and birds. TPWD plans additional monitoring and will seek feedback from hunters over the next several years to evaluate the change.

The new schedule is being implemented on a three-year experimental basis under federal regulations. The trial period will allow TPWD to assess possible effects on dove populations before deciding whether the change should become permanent. The Special White-winged Dove Days that were typically held before the regular season have been eliminated.

Season dates and requirements

The regular seasons are divided into three zones:

  • North Zone: Sept. 1 through Nov. 8, then Dec. 18, 2026, through Jan. 7, 2027.
  • Central Zone: Sept. 1 through Oct. 25, then Dec. 11, 2026, through Jan. 14, 2027.
  • South Zone: Sept. 1 through Oct. 25, then Dec. 18, 2026, through Jan. 21, 2027.

Texas has seven native dove and pigeon species, including the three legal game species: mourning, white-winged and white-tipped doves. The state remains the nation’s leading dove-hunting destination, accounting annually for 32% of the U.S. mourning dove harvest and 87% of the white-winged dove harvest. More than 300,000 hunters participate each year, generating more than $500 million in economic activity.

Before going afield, hunters must carry a valid hunting license, a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and HIP certification, which is completed during license purchase. Anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must also complete a hunter education course. TPWD says missing hunter education certification and the Migratory Game Bird Endorsement are the two most common hunting violations during dove season.

Hunters should prepare for early-season heat by carrying plenty of water and seeking shade during the hottest hours. TPWD also advises caution around dense vegetation when retrieving birds and warns hunters to avoid parking in tall grass because of the risk of starting a fire. Those hunting with dogs should watch for overheating and check animals for wounds before leaving the field.

New World screwworm has been detected in Texas. Hunters are encouraged to report suspicious wounds or larvae in a wound to a veterinarian. Full regulations are available through the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app or at outdoorannual.com. Guidance on movement requirements and inspections is available through the AgriLife Alert System.