Texas Dove Season Gear Guide: What You Need Before You Head Out

Dove season is one of the most anticipated openers on the Texas hunting calendar, and whether you've been doing this for thirty years or you're heading to the field for the first time, having the right gear on hand makes the difference between a good hunt and a frustrating one. Here's what you need to know before you load up the truck this year — and where to find it.

When Is Dove Season in Texas?

Texas splits dove season into three zones — North, Central, and South — each with its own opening dates set by Texas Parks and Wildlife. If you're hunting near our Pearsall location, you're in the South Zone; hunters near Stonewall and Buchanan Dam typically fall in the Central Zone; and our Granbury/Cresson customers are usually North Zone. Dates shift slightly year to year, so double-check the current TPWD regulations before you head out, and make sure your hunting license and dove stamp (if required) are current.

Boots: Don't Skip This Step

South and Central Texas brush country is snake country, and dove fields bordering thick cover or creek bottoms are exactly where you'll run into rattlesnakes and copperheads this time of year. This is why so many of our regulars won't set foot in a field without a solid pair of Chippewa snake boots. Built with real snake-proof panels rather than just a snake-resistant look, they hold up to long days walking sunflower and milo fields without weighing you down. If you're new to snake boots, look for a pair with a comfortable break-in period, because dove season means hours on your feet in the heat — the last thing you want is a stiff boot fighting you all afternoon.

Pair your boots with lightweight, breathable socks. September in Texas is still brutal, and wet feet in a snake boot is a recipe for blisters by lunchtime.

Loads and Calibers: What's Actually Working This Season

Dove hunting doesn't require the heaviest load on the shelf — it rewards the right load. Most Texas dove hunters run 12 gauge or 20 gauge, with shot sizes 7.5 or 8 being the standard for a reason: dove are small, fast, and thin-skinned, so you want pattern density over knockdown power.

This season, Federal's dove loads continue to be a go-to for a reason, consistent patterns, reliable cycling in semi-autos, and a price point that makes sense when you're going through a few boxes in an afternoon. If you're running an over/under or pump, you have a little more flexibility on load choice, but if you're shooting a semi-auto, stick with loads rated for reliable cycling so you're not fighting your gun on a dove that flushes just out of range.

Buy more shells than you think you'll need. New hunters especially tend to underestimate how many shots dove season actually takes — a box of 25 disappears fast once the birds start moving.

The Rest of Your Dove Season Checklist

Beyond boots and ammo, a few things separate a comfortable hunt from a miserable one:

• A stool or bucket seat - dove hunting means sitting and waiting, and a five-gallon bucket seat with storage underneath keeps your shells, water, and snacks within reach. 
  • We reccomend the Los Cazadores Branded Dove Stool
• Sun protection - a hat, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses matter more in a sunflower field in September than almost any other gear on this list
  • We reccomend building out your collection to include any of our Los Cazadores Hats and a pair of Costa sunglasses!
• Water, and plenty of it - dove season overlaps with the hottest stretch of the Texas calendar; dehydration ends more hunts early than bad shooting does. Make sure that you're drinking as much water as you are beer! 
  • We reccomend using an insulated tumbler and cooler to keep your drinks fresh and cold!
• A dove strap or game bag - makes cleanup and transport far easier than stuffing birds in a vest pocket
  • We recommend Dove Cord - the original and still the best way to keep your doves organized and easily accessible during your hunt. This essential piece of hunting packs and gear is designed for convenience and durability, ensuring a successful and enjoyable dove season.
• Ear protection - a day of wing-shooting adds up, and lightweight electronic earmuffs let you still hear birds and conversation between shots
  • We recommend Walker's headphones to ensure that you'll hear everything around you clearly, while automatically suppressing harmful noises. 

Get Set Up Before Opening Day

Dove season sneaks up fast once the calendar flips to September, and gear shortages on popular items like Chippewa snake boots and Federal dove loads are common the week before opener. Our best advice: don't wait until the Friday before season to stock up.

Stop by our Pearsall, Stonewall, Buchanan Dam, or Granbury/Cresson locations to try boots on in person, talk through load options with our staff, and pick up everything else on this list in one trip or shop online now for fast shipping anywhere in Texas. Either way, get your gear squared away early so opening day is about the hunt, not a last-minute scramble.

Have questions about what's in stock for dove season at your local store? Stop in or give us a call - our staff hunts these same fields and can point you toward what's actually working this year!