What you need to know
Hunters must purchase valid hunting licenses for the 2024-25 season before hitting the field, according to a news release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A Migratory Game Bird Endorsement stamp is also required to hunt doves, along with a Harvest Information Program certification.
While a Hunter Education Certification is only required for those born after Sept. 1, 1971, Hidalgo County Game Warden Roel Cantu Jr. recommends everyone looking to hunt gain the certification.
“Many of the safety issues and violations we run into are topics covered in the course that could have been easily prevented if the hunter had received that prior education,” Cantu Jr. said in a release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Zooming in
The city of McKinney requires that hunters ensure that land used for hunting purposes must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals and daycare facilities, as well as at least 600 feet from residential housing, including multi-family residential complexes.
Hunters must also obtain permission from land owners prior to hunting on land inside city limits.
“Hunters should ensure—as always—that they fire their weapons in a manner not reasonably expected to cause a projectile to cross the boundary of property tracts,” the city’s website states.
Keep in mind
A shotgun is the only legal firearm for hunting migratory game birds, according to the release. Lawful archery equipment is also permitted, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's website. For more information on the legal means and methods for dove hunting, click here.
“Because our very mission statement is to conserve wildlife resources for present and future generations, many of our laws and regulations are based upon the ‘fair chase principle,’” Lubbock County Game Warden Drew Spencer said in the release. “One such example pertaining to dove hunting is that shotguns cannot be capable of holding more than three shells at any given time, including one in the chamber.”
Shooting hours are limited to 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. More information on hunting limitations, permitted species and other expectations can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's website. To see areas where dove hunting is permitted in McKinney city limits, click here.
