2026 CIS
18th Annual
Dove Hunt
Two days of dove hunting, 5-stand, fellowship and West Texas hospitality — hosted by CIS in the heart of Shackelford County.
An annual private gathering hosted by CIS Outdoors in the heart of Shackelford County.
Agenda
Everything based out of the Missile Base — CIS HQ & Quonset Hut, 9801 S Highway 283, Albany, TX 76430.
Wednesday · Sept 2
- TBAAgenda coming soon
This year's full agenda and staff itinerary will be posted here shortly.
Thursday · Sept 3
- TBAAgenda coming soon
This year's full agenda and staff itinerary will be posted here shortly.
Don't Forget
- • Texas hunting license + Migratory Game Bird Endorsement + HIP certification — all three are required by TPWD to hunt dove. On sale Aug 15, 2026 at tpwd.texas.gov.
- • Hunter Education completion — required for anyone born on or after Sept 2, 1971. One-time, one-year deferral available at license purchase.
- • Shotgun (12 or 20 ga typical) plugged to hold no more than 3 shells total (2 in magazine + 1 in chamber) per federal migratory bird rule. Non-toxic shot not required for dove on private land.
- • Shells — #7½ or #8 lead loads work great. Extras provided if you run out.
- • Weather-appropriate layers, sturdy boots for mesquite country, sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.
- • Full tank of gas before heading to the afternoon fields — it's a stretch between stations out here.
Texas Rules of the Field
- • Central Zone season — opens Sept 1, 2026 (our hunt falls in the opening week). Check TPWD for full 2026 season dates.
- • Daily bag limit: 15 doves in aggregate (mourning, white-winged, white-tipped). Possession limit: 45 after day three.
- • Legal shooting hours: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. No hunting from vehicles or public roads.
- • Attend the safety meeting Wednesday before the afternoon hunt — mandatory.
- • Stay with your assigned hunt group and guide; identify your target and what's beyond it before you swing.
- • Firearms cased and unloaded in vehicles and at the Missile Base.
- • Signed liability waiver required — complete at RSVP.
Also Happening
• Bird cleaners on-site (if desired) — drop your birds at the cleaning station
• Mike Mize — on-site shotgun shooting instructor, back for his 8th year
• The Clear Fork Boys performing live at the Missile Base
• Visit Blanton-Caldwell on Main Street in downtown Albany
• Stop by Buck Stop / Big Country Outpost — a great spot for any last-second hunting gear or supplies
• Meals, drinks and lodging all provided — plus some cool SWAG
Presented With
Outdoor Lifestyle Partners
From the Field
Opening Week Scouting Reports
Ray and the CIS Outdoors crew have been posting weekly Vimeo scouting videos leading up to opener — bird counts, field conditions, and what to expect when you roll into Albany.
From the Hunt
2026 Hunt Photo Wall
Share your weekend with the whole group. Tap "Add to the wall", choose a photo from your phone — sunset coveys, first birds, hunt-day shenanigans, all fair game — add your name and a short caption, then hit submit. An admin gives every post a quick look before it lands here, so give it a few minutes to appear. Once our text-in number goes live, you'll be able to MMS photos straight to the wall.
Questions or last-minute conflict?
As a courtesy, please email us or call if plans change. Your CIS Outdoors hosts on the ground: