The season opened Sept. 1, but hunters must follow strict requirements and firearm regulations before heading into the field

Dove hunting season is underway in North Texas, and hunters heading out in Collin County will need to pay close attention to where firearms can legally be discharged.

The season opened on Sept. 1, bringing hunters into fields and other permitted areas around communities including Frisco, McKinney and Celina. The Frisco Police Department is reminding residents that hunting is permitted in certain areas of the county, but hunters must have the landowner’s permission and follow state and local firearm restrictions.

For hunters planning to use private property, knowing where those boundaries fall is especially important.

Know The Distance Requirements

A 2009 state law placed additional restrictions on where firearms can be discharged in Collin County. Under the law, hunters who obtain permission to hunt on private property must make sure the property is at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals and daycare facilities. Hunting locations must also be at least 600 feet from residential homes and multifamily residential complexes.

Hunters are also responsible for making sure their shots do not create a reasonable expectation that a projectile could cross onto another property tract.

Those restrictions apply alongside any additional rules established by individual cities.

Hunting Inside City Limits

Discharging a firearm is generally prohibited within incorporated city limits, unless the property meets applicable local requirements and the landowner has given permission. The requirements vary by city.

In Celina, for example, a property must contain at least 10 acres for firearm discharge under the applicable provisions. McKinney has additional setback requirements, including a 600-foot distance from residences and a 1,000-foot distance from schools and hospitals.

Because regulations can differ from one municipality to another, hunters should check the rules for the specific property where they plan to hunt before heading into the field.

Frisco Provides Interactive Hunting Map

Frisco’s Geographic Information Services created an interactive map showing areas within the city that fall under the boundaries established by law. View Frisco’s interactive hunting map.

The map outlines areas where hunting may be permitted, although the boundaries are subject to change. Residents and hunters can also access a downloadable PDF map through the city’s GIS resources.

The map can be a useful starting point, but hunters are still responsible for confirming that they have permission to hunt on the property and that all applicable setback and firearm regulations are being followed.

What Residents Should Do

The Frisco Police Department says it will continue working with hunters and property owners to promote safe hunting practices during the season. Residents who believe hunters are not maintaining the required distances or are otherwise creating an unsafe situation are encouraged to contact police.

For hunters and residents in other parts of Collin County, regulations can vary by municipality. Questions about local firearm-discharge rules should be directed to the appropriate city or to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before hunting begins.

With dove season now underway, a little preparation can help keep the tradition of fall hunting compatible with the growing communities surrounding it.

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