Dove2024-2025 Seasons & Regulations

Bag Limits

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.

Legal Shooting Hours

From one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

During the Special White-winged Dove Days: noon to sunset.

See sunrise and sunset computations.

License Requirements

Hunting License

All migratory game bird hunters must have a valid hunting license.

Texas Migratory Game Bird Stamp Endorsement

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

Harvest Information Program (HIP)

When you purchase a hunting license, indicate to the license clerk that you intend to hunt migratory game birds and need to be HIP certified by answering a few simple questions.

Report Leg Bands

Please report leg bands to www.reportband.gov.

Legal Game Birds

Mourning Dove

• Brown with black spots on wing
• Long, pointed tail
• All of Texas

White-winged Dove

• White bar on wing
• Long, rounded tail
• South Texas, increasing statewide

White-tipped Dove (White-fronted)

• Large, rounded tail
• Rust-colored wing linings
• South Texas

Unprotected Species

Eurasian Collared-Dove

There is no closed season or bag limit restrictions for Eurasian collared-doves; however, it is recommended that plumage be left on these birds for identification purposes.

• Narrow black collar on nape of neck
• White, squared tail underside
• Pale gray body, black bill, red irises

Rock Dove (Rock Pigeon)

There is no closed season or bag limit restrictions for common pigeons (rock doves); however, it is recommended that plumage be left on these birds for identification purposes.

• Large plump body, small head
• Gray, brown or white
• Common in cities and ranches

Protected Species

Band-tailed Pigeon

Do Not Hunt

• Yellow bill
• White band on neck
• Wooded mountain areas

 

Inca Dove

Do Not Hunt

• Scaly looking
• Small, brown body
• Urban and suburban areas, woodland edges, savannahs, thickets

Common Ground Dove

Do Not Hunt

• Sandy brown color
• Dark spots on wings
• Short, round tail
• Small body, short thin bill

 

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Migratory Game Bird Regulations

Definitions

General Rules

Methods

License, Permit and Endorsement Requirements

Species Illegal to Hunt

Waterfowl Banding Maps