Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists estimate mourning and white-winged dove populations are near record highs heading into a hunting season that will open statewide on the same day for the first time in state history.
A third consecutive spring of significant rainfall across most of Texas bolstered already healthy dove numbers, the department said in an Aug. 21 news release. Spring surveys conducted by TPWD staff put the statewide mourning dove population at 36.7 million birds, a 2 percent increase from 2025 and just short of the record 37.5 million counted in 2016. White-winged dove numbers rose 10 percent to an estimated 12.9 million, the highest figure on record.
The season will open Sept. 1 in all three zones under an early opening date approved earlier this year. The South Zone had historically been barred by federal regulations from opening in early September because of longstanding concerns about the effect of hunting on late-nesting mourning doves.
After reviewing recent biological data, TPWD biologists determined the delay was no longer needed and worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to change federal rules so the South Zone could mirror the opening day and daily bag limits of the North and Central zones, according to the release.
“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. “I’m very excited about the earlier opener, especially in a year when we are seeing record numbers of doves down south, but it will be a big adjustment for both hunters and the birds.”
The change eliminated the Special White-winged Dove Days typically held before the regular opener, the department said. Federal regulations allow the shift on a three-year experimental basis, giving TPWD time to evaluate any effects on dove populations before the change becomes permanent.
Texas leads the nation in dove hunting, accounting for 32 percent of the U.S. mourning dove harvest and 87 percent of the white-winged dove harvest annually, the department said. More than 300,000 hunters take part each year, generating more than $500 million in economic activity.
TPWD advised hunters to prepare for early-season heat by carrying plenty of water and seeking shade during peak hours, and to take care when parking in tall grass to reduce the risk of starting a fire. With New World screwworm detected in Texas, the department urged hunters to report suspicious wounds or larvae to a veterinarian. All dove hunters must carry a valid hunting license, a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and HIP certification.