Migratory birds
Ducks
Six a day, with species caps inside that.
Federal rules set the outside limits; Texas picks its dates inside that frame.
Where
Statewide, in three units: High Plains Mallard Management Unit, North Zone, and South Zone.
Daily / season limit
6 ducks per day total, with species caps inside that: no more than 5 mallards (only 2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, plus tighter caps on pintail, scaup, and 'dusky' ducks. Dusky ducks are closed the first 5 days of each zone. Mergansers count in your 6. Coots: 15 per day. These species caps change yearly — check the official page.
Season(s) (2026-2027)
- High Plains Oct. 24-25, 2026 and Oct. 30, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027
- North Zone Nov. 14-29, 2026 and Dec. 5, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027
- South Zone Nov. 7-29, 2026 and Dec. 12, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027
- Youth / Veterans days The weekend before each zone opens
License & add-ons
Hunting license + Migratory Game Bird Endorsement + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp (age 16+).
- Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
- HIP certification
- Federal Duck Stamp (16+)
Quirks & things to watch
- Duck species sub-limits shift almost every year. Confirm them on the official page each season before you hunt.
Source to confirm: TPWD Duck / Migratory Bird Regulations
More migratory birds
Others like this
Migratory birds
Dove
Texas's biggest opening-day tradition, split into three zones.
Where: Statewide, in three zones (North, Central, South).
Seasons, limits & official link ->Migratory birds
Geese
Split into East and West goose zones, with limits set yearly.
Where: Statewide, split into East and West goose zones.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Migratory birds
Teal (early September season)
A statewide early teal season before the regular duck season opens.
Where: Statewide.
Seasons, limits & official link ->Migratory birds
Sandhill crane
Hunted in three zones, and you need a separate (free) federal permit.
Where: Statewide, in three zones (A, B, C).
Seasons, limits & official link ->Official sources
Hunting rules for ducks come from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Confirm the season, limits, and your county's rules before you hunt.
- Data vintage:
- Built on the 2026-2027 season
- Last reviewed:
- June 15, 2026
- TPWD Duck / Migratory Bird Regulations - Official TPWD page for this animal
- TPWD Outdoor Annual
- TPWD Seasons by County - County-specific dates and limits
Caution: Seasons, limits, and open counties change every year. The official TPWD pages are the final word.