Texas Quail Species: All 4 Birds and Where to Hunt Them
Four species live in Texas. Three of them you can hunt. Here’s how to tell them apart, what each one does when your dog gets close, and where you’ll actually find them. Written by Pete and Eliseo, hunting guides at Lopez Ranch Properties. Both grew up on the ranch, went to school in Zapata, and […]
Wild Quail Hunting Season in Texas 2026-2027: Dates & What to Expect
Wild quail hunting season in Texas runs statewide from November 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027. Unlike some species, it doesn’t split by zone , every county in the state opens and closes on the same calendar. What sets South Texas apart isn’t extra hunting days; it’s the brush-country habitat that produces bigger, healthier coveys […]
Texas Dove Hunting Packing List: What to Bring on a Guided South Texas Hunt
Key Takeaways Start with legal items first: hunting license, Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, HIP certification, and hunter education proof if required. Your core dove hunting gear should include a legal shotgun, proper shells, eye protection, ear protection, and a vest or field bag. South Texas can be hot during early dove season, so water, sunscreen, […]
Corporate Hunting Retreats in South Texas: Group Packages, Lodging, and What’s Included
Finding the right corporate retreat in Texas is not always easy. Hotels, golf clubs, and standard event venues can work, but they often feel too common. For companies that want something more private, memorable, and relationship-focused, a South Texas hunting ranch can be a strong choice. Corporate hunting trips in Texas give teams and clients […]
How Much Does a Guided Dove Hunt in Texas Cost? A Breakdown of What You’re Paying For.
Key Takeaways The cost of a guided dove hunt in Texas depends on the package type, location, lodging, meals, group size, and what level of support is included. A basic day hunt may only include field access and guide support, while an all-inclusive dove hunt in Texas may include lodging, meals, guides, transportation, and ranch […]
Texas Dove Hunting License Requirements 2026: HIP Certification, Bag Limits, and Shotgun Rules
Key takeaways To hunt dove legally in Texas in 2026, hunters need a valid Texas hunting license, Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, and HIP certification. Hunters must follow current Texas dove hunting regulations, including season dates, legal shooting hours, shotgun rules, and the Texas dove bag limit. Shotguns used for dove hunting must follow migratory bird […]
2026 South Texas Dove Season: Dates, Rules & Private Ranch Hunt Planning
[Last updated: August 2026] Quick answer: The 2026 South Texas dove season (South Zone) opens September 1, 2026 and runs through October 25, then reopens December 18, 2026 through January 21, 2027. The daily bag limit is 15 doves, shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset, and for the first time ever the […]
A Guide to the Best Hunting Dogs for Upland Birds
The best hunting dogs for upland birds are breeds developed to locate, point, or flush birds, and recover them after the shot. Popular choices include Pointers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Brittanys, setters, spaniels, and retrievers. The right dog depends on your terrain, preferred hunting style, training commitment, climate, and life outside the field. Ask five bird […]
A Complete Guide to Getting the Best Experience from Your Dove Hunt
The best dove hunts come down to a few things: hunting the right field at the right time of day, staying hidden near food and water, and being ready to shoot fast. In South Texas, that means early-season mornings, plenty of shells, and knowing where the birds want to fly. There’s a specific sound to […]
South Texas Quail Hunting Tips: How to Prepare for a Better Hunt
To prepare for a South Texas quail hunt, build enough walking stamina for brush country, break in your boots, pattern your shotgun, and practice a smooth mount on crossing clays. In the field, stay with your guide, let the dogs work, choose one bird from the covey, and pass on any shot that doesn’t feel […]