Dallas, Texas Dove Hunting

Doves migrate through Dallas, Texas, every fall.

Dallas, located in northeast Texas, is the third-largest city in Texas, but regardless of the size, there are plenty of opportunities for excellent dove hunting. Every fall, doves migrate through Dallas as they fly south for the winter. With an abundance of dove habitat in the Dallas area, wing shooters can take aim at this fast-flying migratory game bird.

Seasons

The earliest dove season, as mandated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, opens on Sept. 1. The Dallas area is located on the boundary between the north and central dove hunting zones. Both zones have the same season structure, with opening day on Sept. 1 and closing on Oct. 25. A late season from Dec. 26 to Jan. 9 is available in both zones.

Methods

Hunters need to utilize different methods during different times of the day when hunting the Dallas area. When the season opens, the temperatures can be hot during the afternoon. Time Lilley from "Game and Fish," recommends focusing on small ponds and water holes as the doves will fly to the water for a mid-afternoon drink. Hunting early in the morning and late in the evening can be successful as the doves are actively traveling to and from the roost. Ray Sasser from "The Dallas Morning News," suggests staying mobile and learning the travel patterns of the doves.

Hunting Land

Public hunting land opportunities are abundant throughout the "Prairies and Lakes" region surrounding Dallas. More than 114,000 acres are available through 10 different Wildlife Management Areas.

At least 400 square inches of florescent orange is required when hunting doves on public land in West Texas. Ray Roberts Lake, located north of Dallas, consists of 41,303 acres. The second largest management area is Caddo National Grasslands, located northeast of Dallas, and contains 16,174 acres.

Licenses

Dove hunting in the Dallas area requires a hunting license, Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit and a state migratory bird stamp. Hunting licenses can be purchased online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website or a license vendor. Residents will pay $25, with non-residents paying $132 for an annual license or $48 for a five-day license. A HIP permit is free and can be printed from the Internet after filling out a short survey about migratory game birds.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses the results from the information to set future season dates and bag limits. The state migratory bird stamp is required for hunting doves, ducks or geese in Texas. If you are hunting on public land, you will need to purchase the Annual Public Hunting permit for $48.

Regulations

Hunting in the Dallas area involves several different regulations. Overlooking a regulation could result in a fine from a conservation officer. Some of the most overlooked regulations are bag limits, possession limits and legal shooting hours. As of 2009-2010, the bag limit was 15 with a possession limit of 30. If you travel to Texas for a three-day hunt, for example, you are only allowed to have a total of 30 birds in your possession at any time. Legal shooting hours for the Dallas area start one-half hour before sunrise and end one-half hour after sunset.

References

• Texas Parks and Wildlife: 2009-2010 Bag and Possession Limits for Dove
• Texas Dove and Waterfowl: Dove Hunting facts and information
• "Game and Fish:" 2009 Lone Star Dove Outlook
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Hunting General Information
• Dallas News: 2009 dove hunting preview