Migratory birds
Snipe, woodcock, rails & gallinules
The smaller migratory birds, grouped.
Lesser-known migratory seasons that still need the migratory add-ons.
Where
Statewide.
Daily / season limit
Snipe: 8 per day. Woodcock: 3 per day. Rails, gallinules & moorhens: 15 per day.
Season(s) (2026-2027)
- Snipe (Wilson's) Nov. 7, 2026 - Feb. 21, 2027
- Woodcock Dec. 18, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027
- Rails, gallinules & moorhens Sept. 19-27, 2026 and Nov. 7, 2026 - Jan. 6, 2027
License & add-ons
Hunting license + Migratory Game Bird Endorsement + HIP.
- Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
- HIP certification
Source to confirm: TPWD Migratory Game 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
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 snipe, woodcock, rails & gallinules 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 Migratory Game 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.