5.0(1 Reviews)1 Day Guided Dove Hunting In Rockport
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Morning or evening dove hunts in Refugio fieldsLarge pond and open fields with tree line coverPrivate ranch hunting with waiver and licensing required
Looking for a solid dove hunt near the Texas coast? This guided hunting trip in Refugio puts you right in the heart of some serious dove action. Whether you're an early riser who loves the morning flight or prefer the evening migration, Captain Dustin's got you covered with prime hunting grounds that consistently produce limits. The 80-acre private lease sits just outside Refugio and features everything doves love - water, food sources, and natural flight patterns that'll keep you busy from the moment you set up.
This hunt centers around a large pond and two open fields where doves naturally funnel through during their daily feeding and watering routines. The tree lines provide perfect cover for hunters while offering natural shooting lanes as birds work their way to and from the water. You'll be hunting solo with your guide, which means personalized attention and the flexibility to move spots if the action slows down. The setup is straightforward but effective - bring a comfortable chair or bucket, set up along the tree line, and get ready for fast-paced wing shooting as doves commit to the water source. Morning hunts typically see birds coming off their roost to feed, while evening sessions catch them heading to water before settling in for the night. Both timeframes can be productive, but your guide will help you choose based on recent bird movement and weather conditions.
The terrain here is classic South Texas dove country - open fields bordered by mesquite and oak trees that create natural funnels. Doves use these corridors as highways between feeding and watering areas, making shot selection more predictable than random field hunting. Your guide will position you based on wind direction and recent flight patterns, but expect shots ranging from 20 to 40 yards as birds commit to the pond or work the field edges. The key to success is reading the birds' approach - doves rarely fly straight lines, so lead accordingly and don't rush your shots. Snake boots are required gear here since this is rattlesnake country, especially around water sources during warmer months. Bug spray is essential too, as the pond attracts mosquitoes and other insects. The private lease means you won't be competing with other hunting parties, and the guide can adjust tactics throughout the hunt based on bird behavior and weather changes.
"Great Morning hunt w/ some coworkers. Capt Dustin met us in town before heading out to the private 80 acres. Lots of birds & limits within 2 hours. Will definitely be coming back." - Sharae
Mourning doves are the bread and butter of Texas dove hunting, and this property delivers consistent action on these fast-flying birds. Mourning doves typically measure 9-13 inches with pointed wings that create their characteristic whistling sound in flight. They're creatures of habit, using the same flight routes between roosting, feeding, and watering areas daily. Peak activity happens during the first and last two hours of daylight when they're most active. What makes mourning doves challenging and fun is their erratic flight pattern - they'll dive, twist, and change direction without warning, especially when they spot hunters. The pond on this property is a major draw since doves need to drink twice daily, making their approach more predictable than field feeding. Early season birds (September) tend to be more naive and offer easier shots, while later season doves become increasingly wary and provide more challenging wing shooting.
White-winged doves add variety and excitement to the hunt with their larger size and different flight characteristics. These birds are noticeably bigger than mourning doves, reaching up to 12 inches in length with distinctive white wing patches visible during flight. White-wings prefer different habitat than mourning doves, often favoring areas with more brush and cover, which this property provides along the tree lines. They're known for their strong, direct flight patterns and tendency to fly in small groups rather than individually like mourning doves. White-winged doves are more vocal than their mourning cousins, often calling while in flight, which can help hunters track incoming birds. Their season timing differs slightly from mourning doves, with peak numbers typically occurring during specific migration windows. The combination of open fields and brushy cover on this lease creates ideal conditions for both species, giving hunters the chance to experience different shooting scenarios throughout the hunt.
This Refugio dove hunt delivers exactly what South Texas wing shooting should be - consistent bird numbers, quality habitat, and knowledgeable guiding that puts you in the right spot at the right time. The private lease eliminates the pressure and unpredictability of public land hunting, while the variety of terrain keeps things interesting whether you choose morning or evening action. With limits regularly taken within a couple hours and the option to add cast and blast opportunities if you're staying at the RockiN R Cottage, this hunt offers excellent value for both local hunters and those traveling to the area. Captain Dustin knows these birds and this property, which shows in the consistent results his hunters experience. Don't wait until peak season books up - secure your spot now and get ready for some of the best dove shooting the Texas coast has to offer.
Mourning doves are the bread and butter of Texas dove hunting. These sleek, gray-brown birds stretch about 12 inches with pointed tails and make that familiar soft cooing sound. They love our open fields here in Refugio, especially when there's grain scattered around or water nearby. You'll see them flying in pairs or small flocks between feeding areas and roost sites in the tree lines. September through October is prime time when they're most active during morning and evening flights. What makes them special is their erratic flight pattern - they'll dive, twist, and change direction without warning, making every shot a real challenge. The meat is outstanding too, dark and flavorful. My tip: watch the pond edges where they come to drink. Set up about 40 yards back with good cover and wait for those evening flights.
White-winged doves are bigger than their mourning dove cousins, running about 14 inches with distinctive white wing patches that flash when they fly. These birds are strong, fast fliers that prefer the mesquite and oak areas around our property. They're social birds, often traveling in decent-sized flocks, especially during September when migration peaks. You'll find them hitting water sources hard during hot afternoons and feeding heavily in the mornings. What hunters love about white-wings is their size and the challenge they present - they fly straight and fast, requiring good lead and timing. The eating is top-notch, with more meat per bird than mourning doves. Here's what works: position yourself between their roost in the tree lines and the water. They follow the same flight paths daily, so once you figure out their route, you're in business.
5.0 out of 5.0Great Morning hunt w/ some coworkers. Capt Dustin met us in town before heading out to the private 80 acres. Lots of birds & limit...
Rockport, TX