Despite unrelenting summer heat, dove season expected to have soaring numbers

DROVES OF DOVES According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2023 shouldbeanoutstandingseasonfordovehunting.Thedepartment estimates there will be well over 40 million doves available, and hunters should prepare for an outstanding season. | TPWD PHOTO
DROVES OF DOVES According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2023 shouldbeanoutstandingseasonfordovehunting.Thedepartment estimates there will be well over 40 million doves available, and hunters should prepare for an outstanding season. | TPWD PHOTO

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

AUSTIN — A cool and rainy spring means that despite above-average summer temperatures, Texas hunters could encounter significantly increased dove populations as the 2023 season opens Sept. 1.

Spring surveys conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) staff found an estimated 28.3 million mourning doves in Texas, a 44 percent increase from 2022. White-w…