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TEXAS - Despite some early weather challenges, Texas dove hunters can expect a strong season when it opens on Sept. 1, with mourning dove populations trending near historic highs.

Dove Season 2025

What we know:

Spring surveys from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) estimate the statewide mourning dove population at 35.9 million birds, a 5% increase from last year and 28% above the long-term average. The white-winged dove population is estimated at 11.7 million, slightly down from a record high last year but still the third-highest on record.

Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD's Webless Migratory Game Bird Program Leader, said heavy storms this spring likely impacted nesting in certain areas, particularly parts of the Hill Country. However, milder temperatures and abundant ra

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