Beef Beliefs #13 | Beef + Birds
We will always believe beef belongs at the center of the plate, but sometimes you need another protein at the table. This month, Beef Beliefs turns to bird hunting, a longstanding part of ranch life and the fall season in West Texas.
Bird Season in West Texas
Dove season opens each September and gives hunters an early opportunity to return to the field. Mourning doves are found throughout Texas, while white-winged doves, once concentrated primarily in South Texas, have continued to expand across the state.
Bobwhite and scaled quail, often called blue quail, are also part of the West Texas landscape. Bobwhites generally favor grasslands and brushy cover, while scaled quail are well suited to the drier, more open country found across much of West Texas.
Unlike dove hunting, which often takes place from a stationary position near food, water or a flight path, quail hunting typically involves walking through suitable cover with trained bird dogs. The dogs locate and point coveys, allowing hunters to approach before the birds flush. It is a method that requires patience, teamwork and respect for both the dogs and the land.
The Hunting Party
Bird hunting is as much a social tradition as it is an outdoor pursuit. Family and friends share the field, help prepare the harvest and gather for a feast afterward. It is another expression of the ranching values we know well: using what the land provides, handling it with care and sharing it around the table.
Wild game has always had a place in ranch cooking. Quail is tender and delicate with a mild, subtly sweet flavor, while dove is darker and richer with a more robust, earthy character. Both require little fuss to be memorable. Just thoughtful seasoning, a hot skillet and a little care.
This month, we are sharing two recipes that honor that tradition: Bacon Wrapped Dove Breast and Country-Fried Quail Legs. Both are crisp, comforting and made for passing around a table filled with family and friends.
Beef will always be our first love, but sometimes you need another meat at the table, and another good reason to gather around it.
*At Perini Ranch, we support legal, ethical and responsible hunting. Respect for wildlife, the land and fellow hunters helps protect bird populations and preserve these traditions for future generations. Buffalo Gap is located in the Central Dove Zone. The 2026 season runs September 1 through October 25, then returns December 11 through January 14, 2027. The 2026–2027 Texas quail season runs statewide from November 1 through February 28.
