The 2026-27 hunting season opened with the dove season on Sept. 1 across Texas. Updated identity verification rules now apply to Texas hunting and fishing license purchases. The state said the rules are meant to combat residency fraud and support Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement.
Digital licenses are available only through online purchase. Digital license holders must keep their license on a mobile device in the field or on the water, because they will not receive a printed license or tags. Tags are accessed through the Texas Hunt & Fish app. The state also expanded doe days in 21 counties from four to 16 days. Matagorda and Wharton counties are now closed to Wild Turkey hunting, and harvesting unbearded Wild Turkey hens is prohibited statewide.
Dove season dates vary by zone. The North Zone runs Sept. 1 to Nov. 8 and resumes Dec. 18, 2026, to Jan. 7, 2027. Hunters are encouraged to check the full list of season dates at outdoorannual.com. Officials also encouraged hunters to watch for animals with suspicious wounds and to inspect harvested game for New World screwworm larvae.