Biologists predicting banner season statewide, numbers on the upswing
The 2025-26 Texas dove season is set to open at 30 minutes before sunrise on Sept. 1 (Labor Day Monday) in the North and Central hunting zones. Owen Fitzsimmons is saying it’s going to be a good one. Fitzsimmons is the webless migratory bird program leader with the Texas Park and Wildlife Department.
The positive outlook is based largely on survey data gathered by biologists around the state. Fitzsimmons said Texas’ mourning dove population is estimated at around 36 million — up five percent from last year and on par with the highest estimates seen since dove surveys started 18 years ago.
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