Wildlife & Field Notes
Texas Dove & Teal Season 2026: What Hunters Are Seeing This September
By Chase Dickerson, Associate | Capital Ranch Sales | September 2026
The Short Version
- Dove season opened to great reports statewide, with TPWD’s recent study showing record-high numbers in the Rolling Plains and South Texas.
- Mourning doves are sensitive to pressure — resting or rotating fields is the difference between birds sticking around or moving on.
- A few small fronts are already pushing birds into the state, bringing the first taste of waterfowl.
- Texas teal season runs statewide September 19–27, the second year of the shortened nine-day format.
- Early migration is showing up in West Texas water and along the rice country and prairie west of Houston.
In This Post
Dove Season Off to a Record Start
September has finally arrived. Football is back, hunting is back, and if we are lucky, a couple of cold fronts will give us a much-needed break from this Texas heat.
With the start of dove season earlier this month, we have seen great reports coming in from across the state, confirming TPWD’s recent study showing dove numbers reaching record highs in the Rolling Plains and South Texas regions. As we continue through dove season, here are a few things you can expect.
Why Your Dove Numbers Are Dwindling
As you continue to hunt your dove fields, you will likely notice your numbers beginning to dwindle. Mourning Doves are unfortunately very sensitive to hunting pressure, with most hunters losing their birds not to migration, but to overpressure. If your goal is to keep birds around throughout the month, continue to rest your fields or rotate certain areas of your ranch.
“Most hunters are losing their birds not to migration, but to overpressure.”
Through my personal experience guiding, I have noticed that White-winged Doves tend to be a little more prone to being pushed out.
First Fronts, First Teal
That being said, it does appear that we have a few small fronts coming through that should push some birds into the state. Not only will these small fronts bring in dove, but they will also give us our first taste of waterfowl, with teal season quickly approaching.
Texas Teal Season 2026: Dates and Background
This year’s Texas teal season runs statewide from September 19 through September 27. This is only the second year of the “new” teal season implemented by TPWD. Previously, the season ran for three weekends in the middle of September, but with a decline in the teal population, shortening the season was the solution.
During the inaugural year of the shortened season, I noticed a large influx of birds across the state the weekend before the season opened. However, when opening day arrived, there was a noticeable lack of birds being reported from Lubbock all the way to the Katy Prairie.
Historically, the first and third weekends of Texas teal season were always the best during my tenure of running a waterfowl guiding service in the Panhandle. The new season, however, places us right in the middle of those two traditionally strong weekends. Unfortunately, it appeared that both major pushes of birds stayed consistent with what we have historically experienced.
Migration Notes From the Field
During my time in West Texas during the first week of September, it was evident that the migration had begun. What little water was available found itself holding small to medium-sized groups of birds. As I traveled back to the coastal plains of Southeast Texas, birds had also made their way into the rice country and prairie west of Houston.
With teal numbers up following this year’s count in the Prairie Pothole Region, we will all patiently wait to see if the weather cooperates and provides a great season for everyone.
“Here’s to cooler weather, migrating birds, and another great Texas waterfowl season!”
Looking for Ground of Your Own This Season?
Whether you’re chasing dove, teal, or your next ranch, Capital Ranch Sales can help you find land built for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Texas teal season?
The 2026 Texas teal season runs statewide from September 19 through September 27, the second year of TPWD’s shortened, nine-day early teal season.
Why do dove numbers drop off during the season?
Mourning doves are very sensitive to hunting pressure. Most hunters lose their birds not to migration, but to overpressure — resting fields or rotating areas of a ranch helps keep birds around longer.
How were dove numbers in the Rolling Plains and South Texas this year?
TPWD’s recent study showed dove numbers reaching record highs in both the Rolling Plains and South Texas regions heading into the 2026 season.
Why was Texas teal season shortened?
The season was previously three weekends in the middle of September. With a decline in the teal population, TPWD shortened it to the current nine-day format, now in its second year.
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