Roma, TX (KRGV) — Dove hunting season in Starr County is in full swing.

But the sound of rifles firing can sometimes be mistaken for gunshots tied to other incidents, especially with a military presence in the area.

It's why Escobares Interim Police Chief Jesse Alvarez Jr. says dove hunters near city limits should let police know before they start hunting as the season continues in Starr County.

Alvarez said no one can fire a gun within city limits. He took Channel 5 News to nearby ranches and pointed out where the city limits end.

READ MORE: Military presence surges along Roma border following Garceño shooting investigation

“It's just always preferred that you let us know that you are out there so we can have a general idea of their response time,” Escobares Interim Police Chief Jesse Alvarez Jr. said.

Alvarez said military personnel would be able to tell the difference between dove hunting and other gunfire.

“There's no way you could've gotten that type of confusion. It's just very different from the type of gunfire that was exchanged,” Alvarez said.

Ranch owner Freddy Escobar showed Channel 5 News how he hunts doves on property along the Rio Grande. From a pier on the edge of the property, Channel 5 News saw military personnel in the distance and Mexico across the river.

As Channel 5 News has reported, more than 1,000 military personnel on both sides of the border have been stationed on the river this month. Escobar said they have been there since last year.

The increased military presence followed a reported exchange of gunfire near Garceno on Sept. 26, 2026. The U.S. Coast Guard said gunfire came from the Mexican side of the border and they returned fire.

No injuries or damage were reported.

Watch the video above for the full story.