Quail were once a staple of Texas hunting, with surveys in the late 1970s showing coveys across much of the state and populations in the tens of millions. Since then, numbers have dropped by as much as 85 percent. Parasites, fire ants, weather extremes, and shrinking habitat all play a role. Yet the story isn’t over. In good years with rain and cover, quail still rebound—proof that with the right conditions, the covey call can return.

Access has always been the biggest hurdle for Texas hunters, but that’s changing fast. For 2025–26, TPWD added over 10,000 acres to the Public Hunting Program, pushing statewide access past 1 million acres. With 52 parks now offering hunts—up from 45 just five years ago—new ground like Dinosaur Valley, Ray Roberts Lake, and Enchanted Rock opens the gate for more opportunity, more hunts, and more chances to pass on the tradition.

Texas dove season opens Monday, Sept. 1, and hunters have plenty to be excited about. Mourning doves are estimated at nearly 36 million statewide, up from last year and well above the long-term average. White-wings slipped slightly from 2024’s record but remain strong, especially in South Texas. After a milder summer that boosted production in many regions, hunters can expect steady flights and a season that’s set up for success.

From mild annoyances to total disasters—some things make a hunt harder, others end it before it starts. Where does your worst mistake fall?

Here are a few pro tips that will help you focus your time and energy on finding more sheds.

Holiday hunts blend family, friends, and tradition. From Thanksgiving deer hunts to Christmas Eve duck blinds, memories are made in the fiel

Hunting gear loyalty runs deeper than camo. From identity to the science of brand attachment, we break down why hunters stick to their gear.

Buck fever and its positive effects on dopamine and long-term health.

Brixen's first deer was more than a hunt. It was a memory of bonding, patience, and passing on a love for the outdoors.

Why do people care more about hunting wild cats like leopards than wild dogs like coyotes? It’s a question with no simple answer.

Discover the science behind the whitetail rut—what triggers it, when it peaks, and why it’s more complex than you might think.

The 2024-2025 Texas Duck Report covers everything from population trends to migration patterns across the state of Texas.