Migratory birds
Dove
Mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped.
Texas's biggest opening-day tradition, split into three zones.
Where
Statewide, in three zones (North, Central, South).
Daily / season limit
15 per day (mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped combined), with no more than 2 white-tipped. Possession is 3x the daily limit (45).
Season(s) (2026-2027)
- North Sept. 1 - Nov. 8, 2026 and Dec. 18, 2026 - Jan. 7, 2027
- Central Sept. 1 - Oct. 25, 2026 and Dec. 11, 2026 - Jan. 14, 2027
- South Sept. 1 - Oct. 25, 2026 and Dec. 18, 2026 - Jan. 21, 2027
License & add-ons
Hunting license plus the Migratory Game Bird Endorsement and HIP certification.
- Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
- HIP certification
Quirks & things to watch
- Eurasian collared-doves and common pigeons (rock doves) have no season and no limit — they aren't native.
- This season the South Zone opens Sept. 1 like the rest of the state; the old Special White-winged Dove Days are gone.
Source to confirm: TPWD Dove / Migratory Bird Regulations
More migratory birds
Others like this
Migratory birds
Ducks
Federal rules set the outside limits; Texas picks its dates inside that frame.
Where: Statewide, in three units: High Plains Mallard Management Unit, North Zone, and South Zone.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Migratory birds
Geese
Split into East and West goose zones, with limits set yearly.
Where: Statewide, split into East and West goose zones.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Migratory birds
Teal (early September season)
A statewide early teal season before the regular duck season opens.
Where: Statewide.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Migratory birds
Sandhill crane
Hunted in three zones, and you need a separate (free) federal permit.
Where: Statewide, in three zones (A, B, C).
Seasons, limits & official link ->Official sources
Hunting rules for dove come from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Confirm the season, limits, and your county's rules before you hunt.
- Data vintage:
- Built on the 2026-2027 season
- Last reviewed:
- June 15, 2026
- TPWD Dove / Migratory Bird Regulations - Official TPWD page for this animal
- TPWD Outdoor Annual
- TPWD Seasons by County - County-specific dates and limits
Caution: Seasons, limits, and open counties change every year. The official TPWD pages are the final word.