Dove prospects slimmer in High Plains due to drought, good elsewhere

  • TWO TO TRY FOR--Both mourning and collared doves will be legal game on opening day of dove season September 1. The difference between the two species, a distinctive black ring at the back of the collar, is evident upon close examination of collared doves, but not mourning doves.
    TWO TO TRY FOR--Both mourning and collared doves will be legal game on opening day of dove season September 1. The difference between the two species, a distinctive black ring at the back of the collar, is evident upon close examination of collared doves, but not mourning doves.

    Dove hunting prospects for the 2026 season are shaping up to be strong with mostly favorable local habitat conditions, adequate moisture in some key areas, and consistently high mourning dove populations across Texas that provide a solid outlook for the September 1 opener. Drought conditions mean a less robust outlook for the High Plains.

    “Our statewide dove populations are looking very good. This …