Migratory birds
Sandhill crane
A big-bird hunt with a free federal permit.
Hunted in three zones, and you need a separate (free) federal permit.
Where
Statewide, in three zones (A, B, C).
Daily / season limit
3 per day in Zones A and B; 2 per day in Zone C.
Season(s) (2026-2027)
- Zone A Oct. 31, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027
- Zone B Nov. 27, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027
- Zone C Dec. 12, 2026 - Jan. 17, 2027
License & add-ons
Hunting license + Migratory Game Bird Endorsement + HIP + a free Federal Sandhill Crane Permit.
- Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
- HIP certification
- Federal Sandhill Crane Permit (free)
Source to confirm: TPWD Sandhill Crane
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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
Ducks
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.
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 ->Official sources
Hunting rules for sandhill crane 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 Sandhill Crane - 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.