September 2025 TRFS Update

SEPTEMBER IS HERE AND SO ARE THESE EXCITING UPDATES...

NEW! Ash Springs Ranch captures everything that makes the Hill Country special—rolling topography, wooded canyons, and ridgelines that open to postcard-worthy vistas. The ranch’s diverse landscape features open grasslands, native hardwoods, and brush cover, providing both scenic beauty and a functional habitat. With its natural spring, limestone cave, and breathtaking ridgetop views, this is more than just land—it’s a rare opportunity to own a Hill Country treasure, whether for a private retreat, a hunting getaway, or the foundation of a family legacy property.

NEW! 221 Pyka Road is a rare find—a peaceful Hill Country property with mature trees, city utilities, and the benefit of R-2 zoning inside Fredericksburg’s expanding city limits. Tucked just minutes from Main Street, this property offers a comfortable home with room to grow, both inside and out. Whether you're looking to enjoy the home as-is or explore additional improvements or development, this site offers immediate appeal and long-term potential.

REDUCED! Lost Creek Ranch is a stunning 372± acre property situated in the heart of the Hill Country. This expansive ranch offers a blend of natural beauty, privacy, and modern comfort, making it an ideal retreat or permanent residence. With impressive elevations, ranging from 1,620'± to 1,920'± above sea level, the property boasts breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding landscape. The ranch features a charming remodeled rock ranch house, abundant native wildlife, and a Cherry Creek tributary with dammed sections.

CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR THE HILL COUNTRY!

Our thoughts and prayers are still with everyone impacted.

RANCH NEWS ARTICLES!

You can see the latest ranch news articles under “Resources” then go down to the “Ranch Articles” tab. The latest article explains that hunters should see a strong dove season this year... Read More. These articles are also featured in our bi-weekly email newsletter.

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Dove Numbers Increase, Point to Positive Hunting Season

Dove numbers are looking good for this year’s hunting season

Dove numbers are looking good for this year’s hunting season. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reports an abundance in both white-winged and mourning doves across the state.

“This year, we’re looking at a very promising forecast, probably a better than average season,” Owen Fitzsimmons, TPWD webless migratory game bird program leader, said. “Dove numbers are up this year compared to what we’ve seen the past few years. We’re looking at numbers overall that are kind of on par with what we saw back in 2014 to 2016, which were some of the better years that we’ve had in the past couple of decades.”

There was a 21% increase in mourning dove numbers statewide and a 4% increase in white-winged dove numbers.

“As long as the weather holds out, I think we’re looking really good this year. Populations are looking really strong,” Fitzsimmons said.

He noted the areas that suffered drought and storms were hit earlier this year, but they have seen a high hatch population.

“The Edwards Plateau and Trans Pecos had some pretty dry areas until some recent rains in July, and so some of those areas might’ve been hit a little bit hard with drought,” Fitzsimmons said. “There were a few localized areas that we heard of where some severe storms came through in the spring, and sometimes those severe storms can knock nests out of trees. But I think in June and July, we’ve seen a lot of hatch year production overall. We’re looking pretty strong just about everywhere.”

There are an estimated 34.3 million mourning doves in Texas this year, which is 24% above the long-term average and the third highest since TPWD began surveying in 2008.

TPWD estimates there are 12.8 million white-winged doves in Texas, which is the highest on record and up 17% from the long-term average.

“This year, there’s a lot of doves, so hunting season is going to be good,” Fitzsimmons said.

Eurasian collared-doves are invasive and can be hunted year-round in Texas and do not have any bag limits.

“The only thing that we advise is if you do shoot collared doves as part of your bag is to keep some kind of identifiable plumage, like a wing or something on those birds, so that the game wardens can tell that those are not part of your bag limit for native doves,” Fitzsimmons said.

There were no regulation changes for dove hunting this year.

The regular season for the north zone is Sept. 1-Nov. 12 and Dec. 15-31.

The regular season for the central zone is Sept. 1-Oct. 29 and Dec. 15-Jan. 14.

The south zone season dates are Sept. 14-Oct. 29 and Dec. 15-Jan. 21.

The special white-winged dove days are Sept. 1-3 and Sept. 8-10.

Hunters in Texas must have a valid Texas hunting license, a state migratory game bird endorsement (stamp) and must be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified.

Hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale.

The bag limit remains 15 doves per day with no more than two white-tipped. The possession limit is three times the daily bag.