October 2025 TRFS Update

BIG NEWS THIS OCTOBER – CHECK OUT OUR LATEST UPDATES...

NEW! Keyes Ranch is a spectacular Hill Country property offering stunning long-range vistas, two lakes, and a landscape ideally suited for recreation, grazing, or equestrian use. With rolling terrain, impressive 360° views, and abundant hardwoods, this property combines natural beauty with superior raw acreage, making it a rare find in a prime location near Austin, San Marcos, and San Antonio.

NEW! Hackberry Road Ranch offers a turnkey opportunity for hunting, recreation, and relaxation—all within a well-managed game ranch. This stunning property combines dramatic topography, Hill Country hardwoods, and prime wildlife habitat with modern comforts. The 1,392± sf cabin was custom-built in 2021 and comes fully furnished, ready for immediate enjoyment. With approximately 100’± of elevation change, the land delivers sweeping views and a diverse landscape, highlighted by the dry East Prong of the Nueces River running through the property.

JUST SOLD! Sage Oaks Estate showcases a spectacular custom-built home on a secluded 6.1± acre property in Comal County’s desirable Sage Oaks Subdivision. This rare Hill Country offering combines serene natural surroundings, refined luxury living, and exceptional outdoor amenities. Privately gated and Ag-exempt, the estate provides the space, privacy, and versatility sought by discerning Buyers, with no HOA and plenty of room for enjoyment of the outdoors.

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 informs farmers that the USDA is issuing a second economic assistance payment. 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.