AUSTIN — This fall and winter, getting wet and cold may never have looked better, as the Texas waterfowl hunting season is about to heat up.
According to a press release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the combination of abundant waterfowl populations and above-average summer rainfall is boosting the confidence of hunters gearing up for the new season.
Biologists have reported that key duck species for Texas hunters—including teal, gadwall, wigeon, pintails, shovelers, and redheads—are plentiful and have shown population increases this summer.
“Texas hunters can look forward to another strong waterfowl season, though overall success will depend on local water availability and the timing of cold fronts,” said Kevin Kraai, TPWD Waterfowl Program Leader. “Hunters who actively scout and locate fresh shallow water will have the best opportunities this season.”
Additionally, hunters will benefit from a new three-bird daily bag limit for pintails. A recent analysis revealed that pintail numbers are higher than those reported in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s May Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey.
The latest fall flight models also suggest a potential for a greater sustainable harvest compared to previous assessments.
On the weather front, the above-average summer rainfall has resulted in numerous reservoirs and stock ponds holding more water than last year, which has expanded habitats for migrating ducks. However, hot and dry conditions in September began to diminish shallow wetlands, playa lakes, and other surface water.
TPWD indicates that hunters can expect birds to concentrate in areas where rainfall or active management has preserved fresh habitat.
On the coast, irrigation restrictions due to low Highland Lake levels last year have led to fewer flooded rice fields this fall. Rice acreage statewide is slightly lower than last year and continues to lag behind long-term averages. The positive note is that habitats in coastal marshes and large reservoirs remain in good condition.
Most High Plains playas are still retaining water, but new rainfall is needed to prevent them from drying out.
The National Weather Service forecasts a developing La Niña this winter, which typically brings warmer and drier conditions. Nevertheless, individual cold fronts will continue to drive waterfowl migrations into Texas, and hunters should be ready to take advantage of these weather changes as they happen.
In addition to ducks, TPWD biologists have noted promising prospects for goose hunting due to a second consecutive year of improved productivity, which could lead to more juvenile birds migrating south. These factors usually result in better decoy response and higher harvest success for Texas hunters.
The youth-only and active-duty military duck season is open on Saturday and Sunday in the South Zone and on Nov. 1-2 in the North Zone.
The regular duck season in the High Plains Mallard Management Unit began on Oct. 18; the South Zone opens on Nov. 1; and the North Zone opens on Nov. 8.
For more details on duck seasons and daily bag limits, hunters can refer to the Outdoor Annual.
Light and dark goose season starts on Nov. 1 in both the East Zone and West Zone. Additional information regarding goose seasons and daily bag limits can also be found in the Outdoor Annual.
Kraai reminded migratory bird hunters to ensure they are Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified and that they answer the questions correctly. HIP surveys provide biologists with an accurate sample of hunters, allowing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct harvest surveys during the hunting season.
Hunters should purchase their 2025-26 Texas hunting license before heading into the field. Additionally, waterfowl hunters will need a migratory game bird endorsement, a federal duck stamp, and HIP certification.
Texas law requires hunters to have proof of completion of a hunter education course.
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 has updated provisions of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp, allowing individuals to carry an electronic stamp (E-stamp) for the entire waterfowl hunting season. A physical Federal Duck Stamp will be mailed to each E-stamp purchaser after the hunting season, between March 10 and June 30, 2026.
Hunters can find waterfowl season dates, regulations, bag limits, and more in the Outdoor Annual. They can also access digital copies of their licenses via the Outdoor Annual and Texas Hunt & Fish apps.
Anyone hunting on Texas public lands must purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit. Texas boasts over 1 million acres of land available for public access.
For more information about these lands and locations, visit the TPWD website at https://tpwd.texas.gov. Hunters using public lands can complete their on-site registration through the Texas Hunt & Fish app.
Source: https://kdhnews.com/news/region/biologists-predict-favorable-season-for-texas-waterfowl-hunters/article_ce92b5af-4652-575b-a5ab-ac05e96fb932.html
