Dove season opens Monday in Shackelford County
Shackelford County is shaping up to be one of the best spots in the state for dove hunting as the 2025–26 season begins Monday, Sept. 1.
Game Warden Jacob Mort said conditions point to another record-breaking year.
“Last year was a record, and this year looks even better,” Mort said. “There are lots of birds, plenty of seed, and plenty of water. Hunters should find success both in the fields and around tanks. With the mild summer and good rainfall, everything is lined up for a great season.”
Shackelford County, long considered a premier hunting destination, is known for its abundant dove populations and ideal habitat.
A Texas Breeding Bird Atlas study once recorded the highest average number of breeding mourning doves in the United States and Canada on a route in the county. Outfitters frequently say that the combination of sunflower fields, wheat plots, and access to the Clear Fork of the Brazos River keeps doves in the area.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists are also reporting strong numbers statewide. The 2025 survey estimates 35.9 million mourning doves, a 5 percent increase over last year and well above the long-term average. White-winged doves remain near historic highs, with an estimated population of 11.7 million.
Rules and Reminders
Mort urged hunters to pay attention to regulations. Shooting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset, and baiting remains illegal for migratory birds.
“The number one thing I run into is hunters forgetting they have to stop at sunset,” he said. “The second is baiting. Those are the two issues I deal with the most.”
Mort also reminded hunters of licensing requirements. In addition to a hunting license, a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification are required. Anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must also complete hunter education.
Reporting Violations
Mort encouraged hunters to use Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’s wildlife “crime stoppers” program, to report violations. OGT allows citizens to send tips anonymously by phone, text, mobile app, or web form. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for information leading to convictions.
“If anyone sees something wrong, they can call me directly or use OGT,” Mort said. “It can be completely anonymous, and it’s the best way for us to stop violations in the field, especially if they are reported while they are happening.”
For more information on licenses, regulations, or OGT, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
