Texas hunters should expect a promising number of dove in flight as the 2020 hunting season kicks off, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Mourning dove. Texas’ breeding population of 25 million mourning doves swells during the annual migration that coincides with hunting season. John Tomacek, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Thrall, said hunting appears to be an activity that is trending upward due to COVID-19. Dove season, which begins Sept. 1, will be most hunters’ first foray into the field this hunting season. “At least among state residents, hunting license sales are up, and we’re expecting good participation this ...