Dove hunting is a popular sport in Texas, with many people heading out to the fields every year to try and bag themselves a few of these birds. While it can be a fun and challenging activity, there are also some important things to know before you go dove hunting in Texas. In this blog post, we will cover the basics of dove hunting in Texas. We will discuss the best time of year to go, what type of equipment you need, and where you can find the best Dove hunting spots in Texas.
Dove Hunting Laws in Texas
In Texas, there are a few different laws that must be followed when hunting doves. The first law is that you must have a hunting license in order to hunt doves. The second law is that you can only hunt doves during the open season, which is typically from September 1st to October 31st. The third law is that you can only shoot at doves during legal shooting hours, which are typically from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Finally, you must follow the bag limit for doves, which is typically 12 per day.
If you plan on hunting doves in Texas, it is important that you familiarize yourself with these laws and make sure that you are following them. Breaking any of these laws could result in fines or even jail time. So, make sure that you are aware of the laws before heading out on your dove hunting trip.
Related: Deer Hunting in Texas
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Texas?
Dove hunting is a popular pastime in Texas, and the state offers many opportunities for hunters to pursue these birds. However, before you head out on your next dove hunt, you need to make sure you have the proper licensing.
In Texas, anyone who wants to hunt doves must have a valid hunting license. The type of license you need depends on the game bird species you plan to hunt. For example, if you want to hunt doves exclusively, you would need a migratory game bird stamp in addition to your hunting license.
If you plan to hunt other game birds as well, such as quail or waterfowl, then you will need the appropriate stamps for those species as well. You can purchase all of the necessary licenses and stamps from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
So, before you head out on your next dove hunt, make sure you are properly licensed! It’s the law in Texas, and it will help ensure that everyone can enjoy this great outdoor activity for years to come.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Texas
The dove hunting season in Texas usually opens on the first Saturday in September and runs for 70 days. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with a possession limit of 45. There are four subspecies of doves found in Texas: mourning, Eurasian collared, white-winged, and rock pigeons.
Mourning doves are the most common type of dove found in Texas. They are small birds with gray-brown plumage and black spots on their wings. Mourning doves are typically found in open fields and along roadsides.
Eurasian collared doves are slightly larger than mourning doves, with gray plumage and a black collar around their neck. These birds are not native to North America and were introduced to the United States in the 1970s. They have since spread across much of the country and can now be found in many parts of Texas.
White-winged doves are medium-sized birds with gray plumage and white stripes on their wings. They get their name from the conspicuous white patches on their wings, which are visible when they fly. White-winged doves are found in brushy areas and woodlands throughout Texas.
Rock pigeons are large birds with dark gray plumage. They get their name from their habit of roosting on cliffs and ledges. Rock pigeons can be found in urban areas as well as rural ones, and they often congregate around bird feeders
Can you hunt Dove at night in Texas?
Dove hunting is a popular sport in Texas, and many people enjoy hunting these birds. However, it is important to note that you cannot hunt dove at night in Texas. This is because doves are nocturnal birds, and they are not active during the day. If you want to hunt dove in Texas, you will need to do so during the daytime hours.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Texas
The bag limit for mourning doves is 15 per day. The aggregate bag limit for mourning and white-winged doves is 30. There is no possession limit. Daily bag limits for other game birds may be found in the current Hunting Proclamation.
Mourning doves may be taken with shotguns only, and the use of artificial lights is prohibited. During the September 2 – November 6, 2020, regular season, the shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. From November 7-23, 2020, the extended season shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
White-winged doves may be taken with shotguns only, and the use of artificial lights is prohibited. During the September 2 – 23, 2020 season, the shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset statewide.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Texas
The best way to hunt doves is to find a large field with plenty of trees. The next step is to set up several feeders and water sources around the field. Then, you will need to wait for the doves to arrive. When they do, you can begin hunting them.
There are a few different ways that you can legally hunt doves in Texas. The first is with a shotgun. You will need to get a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in order to use this method. The second way is with a bow and arrow. This method does not require a permit. Finally, you can also use falconry to hunt doves. Again, you will need to get a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before using this method.
Can you use dogs to hunt Dove in Texas?
Dove hunting in Texas is a popular pastime, and many people use dogs to help them hunt. There are a few things to keep in mind when using dogs to hunt doves in Texas.
First, it is important to make sure that your dog is trained properly. Dogs that are not properly trained can cause havoc during a hunt, and may even put the hunter in danger. Make sure that your dog understands basic commands such as sit, stay, and come, and that you have worked with him or her on hunting drills before taking them out in the field.
Second, be aware of the laws regarding using dogs to hunt dove in Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has specific regulations regarding using dogs for hunting, and it is important to follow these laws to avoid getting fined or having your hunting privileges revoked.
Third, consider the terrain where you will be hunting. Dove tends to stay close to the ground, so if you will be hunting in an area with tall grass or brush, make sure that your dog is comfortable working in these conditions. Some dogs may not be able to handle working in thick covers, so it is important to take this into consideration when choosing a dog for dove hunting.
Fourth, be prepared for hot weather conditions. Texas summers can be extremely hot, and your dog will need plenty of water and shade while out Hunting Dove In Texas heat waves are no joke. Be sure to pack extra water and food for your dog, and
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Texas?
The quick answer is no, you cannot hunt dove from a vehicle in Texas. However, there are some specific circumstances where you can drive slowly on a road while hunting other game animals, such as deer.
Dove hunting in Texas generally takes place during the September-October timeframe when the mourning doves are migrating through the state. Many Texans take this opportunity to stock their freezer with fresh game meat for the winter months.
The best way to hunt dove is by setting up decoys in an open field and then hiding nearby in some brush or tall grass. When the doves fly into the area looking for food, they will see the decoys and hopefully land nearby. You can then take your shot at the bird.
If you do choose to hunt from a vehicle, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and be sure not to block any roads or driveways. You also need to be sure that you are not shooting across any public roads or highways, as this is illegal in Texas.
Final Thoughts
Overall, dove hunting in Texas is a great experience. The scenery is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the hunting is good. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys hunting and wants to try something new.
