Dove hunters take aim in South Texas. This year, dove season begins Sept. 18 in the South Zone. Photo Courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife
Friday, Sept. 18 marks the South Zone dove season opener, which includes Corpus Christi and much of the Coastal Bend. Licensed hunters have until Oct. 21 to bag a daily limit of 15 doves, with a limit of two white-tipped doves per day. After a short intermission, the season resumes from Dec. 18 to Jan. 22. A special Whitewing Area, encompassing the area beneath Del Rio, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, allows afternoon shooting on Sept. 5-6 and 12-13. The Whitewing Area then follows the same schedule as the South Zone, except for an early season end on Jan. 18.
Though North and Central Zones open on Sept. 1, outdoor enthusiasts across the country recognize South Texas as the single-best hunting spot for dove. Experts cite the area's ample avian population and the birds' natural migration patterns. Experienced guides offer local expertise in navigating lodging, dining and hunting enclaves in the tiny towns that comprise a veritable treasure trail — but they'll only serve those with a validated, stamped hunting license.
Texas hunting licenses fund conservation efforts and anti-poaching campaigns key to healthy game survival. Every hunter, regardless of age, needs a hunting license to stay legal. A standard Texas resident hunting license runs $25, and a Texas Migratory Game Bird stamp endorsement is an extra $7. Basic hunting licenses can be purchased at many sports or discount stores, but the requisite endorsement stamp must be purchased in-person at a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement office, online at http://tpwd.texas.gov or by phone at (800) 792-1112.
All hunters must complete a $15 Hunter Education Training Course, though prices for online versions may vary. A free Harvest Information Program certification is also required to hunt doves. While safety is obviously paramount, TPWD efforts also focus on conservation. Hunters may find their downed birds wearing a band with a phone number. Calling that number will help TPWD track the birds' migration and population.
Over the past century, doves facing habitat destruction have largely relocated from the Rio Grande Valley to areas in southwest and coastal Texas. Close monitoring and rolling restriction dates have evened out the odds somewhat, giving doves a fair shot before hunters can take aim. The thrill of the hunt and its relatively low entry cost means increased popularity among families. Pre-season preparation is the perfect time to scout a site, learn your gun and ready a campsite recipe.
