Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds Texas dove hunters that while mourning doves still reign supreme at more than 5 million harvested yearly, nearly 1.8 million white-winged doves are also taken, and they continue to expand their range.

The following are some quick tips taken from the TPWD magazine on how to have a great hunt this year.

Shotguns and Ammo: 12- or 20-gauge, over-and-under, "plugged" pump and semi-automatic shotguns loaded with 8 lead or 6 to 7 ½ steel shot are most commonly used. Test various types of shot in your gun to see how they pattern. Use and carry only ammo that matches your shotgun gauge. Non-toxic shot is an option that reduces lead’s impact on all wildlife.

Save on ammunition by getting some “batting practice” by swinging on birds with an empty shotgun, or practice with shooting at clay targets.

Know your limitations by practicing on paper targets such as paper plates. Try different chokes, loads and distances.

Necessary gear: Go with camouflaged game vests or waist-strap dove bags that hold several boxes of shells/spent hulls with a lined game bag. Bring swivel-style buckets or folding chairs for sitting and coolers for bottled water/snacks and bagged dove meat.

Dogs: A trained retriever reduces wounding loss and provides years of great joy and companionship.

Game Care: Take a small, portable game care kit (with knives and shears) afield, including disposable gloves. Carry baggies for dove meat and a waste sack for entrails/feathers.

Sun, water and bugs: Since this is summer in Texas, don’t forget about water, sun and bugs. Proper hydration and sun/insect protection in tall grasses and marshy areas are the two biggest concerns. Plan for it.

“Doveology”: Brush up on your dove knowledge. Doves feed in fields early, go to water mid-morning and mid-afternoon Check the dove identifier (tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education/know-your-doves) so you’ll know which doves are protected. Doves feed in fields early, go to water mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

And most of all … be safe. Be aware of everyone around you, especially when the action gets hot. Shooting outside of a safe zone is the number one cause of Texas hunting accidents.

Here are four things you’ll need to have to avoid receiving a citation.
A valid hunting license
Texas Migratory Game Bird Edorsement
Harvest Information Program (HIP) free certification you acquire when you bought your new license
Proof of Hunter Education