If the February freeze affected our dove population, those losses have been balanced out by reproductive success due to the rainy year. The season forecast ranges from stellar in the South Zone, to average/good in the North/Central Zones. For details, see the dove forecast: <https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20210817a&utm_ campaign=hunttx&utm_ medium=email&utm_ source=aug21>.
NEW this year, the South Zone gets two extra Special White-Winged Dove Days. For all regulation information, including season dates, refer to the Outdoor Annual: <https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoorannual/regs/animals/dove?utm_campaign=hunttx&utm_ medium=email&utm_ source=aug21>. Look over the dove ID guide: <https://tpwd. texas.gov/education/hunter-education/know-your-doves?utm_campaign=hunttx&utm_ medium=email&utm_source=aug21> so you’ll know which birds are protected, and don't forget to buy your license (https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/?utm_ campaign=hunttx&utm_medium=email&utm_source=aug21) and migratory game bird endorsement before you head out.
If you can't make it out at the start of the season, Webless Migratory Game Bird Program Leader Owen Fitzsimmons has encouraging news, "The cool, wet summer means habitat conditions are still really good. So late season hunting may be better than usual this year."