New hunting rules will change dove, turkey seasons in Matagorda County | News

 Dove hunters in Matagorda County also will need to adjust. Because Matagorda is in the South Zone, the first segment of dove season will now run Sept. 1 to Oct. 25, 2026, instead of opening later in September. The commission also eliminated the Special White-winged Dove Days and standardized daily bag limits and shooting hours across all South Zone days. The second segment will run Dec. 18, 2026, through Jan. 21, 2027. Under the current county page, Matagorda’s regular South Zone dove season begins Sept. 14 and includes separate Special White-winged Dove Days with noon-to-sunset shooting hours, so that structure is being replaced. 

 Another change that could affect Matagorda County deer hunters is statewide rather than county-specific. The commission approved a new definition of “muzzleloader” to allow newer muzzleloading technology for taking white-tailed deer. 

 One change that does not directly extend to Matagorda County is the expanded 16-day “doe days” season. The approved list includes several counties in other parts of Texas, but not Matagorda. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife said hunters should watch the Outdoor Annual for the full 2026-27 county-by-county season dates and regulations as they are updated. The agency noted that other information currently shown in the Outdoor Annual still reflects last season’s rules.