Texas Dove Season Opens Sept. 1 with Near-Record Numbers: What Local Hunters Need to Know

​Milam County, TX - As late summer temperatures settle across the region, local outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of reason to prepare their gear. Dove season officially opens statewide on September 1, and according to the latest surveys from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department News Releases, this fall is shaping up to be one of the strongest seasons on record.  

​Population Boom Across the State

Spring population counts conducted by wildlife biologists revealed thriving populations across both major species, buoyed by favorable habitat conditions:

​Mourning Doves: The statewide count stands at an estimated 36.7 million birds—a 2% bump from 2025 and just shy of Texas’ all-time record of 37.5 million set in 2016.  

​White-Winged Doves: Numbers climbed 10% from last year to an estimated 12.9 million birds, marking the highest population estimate ever recorded in the state.  

​Field Conditions and Scouting Strategies

While early summer rains left ample food and water scattered throughout the countryside, late August heat is beginning to concentrate bird activity.

​Watering Holes: As smaller pools dry up, doves will congregate in larger numbers around reliable water sources.

​Feeding Patterns: Doves typically feed and drink twice daily. To establish consistent flight patterns, scout agricultural fields and areas rich in native seeds such as wild sunflower, croton, and annual forbs or grasses.  

​Youth Opportunities and Heritage Programs

For families looking to pass on outdoor traditions or introduce newcomers to the field, several statewide conservation organizations offer mentorship, educational resources, and hunter-development programs:

​Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP): Mentored, safe, and educational hunts designed specifically for young outdoor enthusiasts.  

​Texas Wildlife Association - Conservation Legacy: Educational outreach providing adults and youth with tools to understand land stewardship and wildlife ecology.  

​Texas Big Game Awards & Women of the Land: Skill-building and recognition initiatives celebrating conservation ethics and sustainable land use.

​Hunters heading out on opening weekend are reminded to check local regulations, ensure their licenses and endorsements are up to date, and bring plenty of water for both themselves and their hunting dogs in the late-summer heat.