AUSTIN – As the 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season approaches, lower bird numbers and fluctuating habitat conditions will require hunters to be flexible and ready to take advantage when habitats evolve throughout the year.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists say duck populations continue to show a long-term decline across nearly all prairie-nesting species as the result of more than a decade of challenging drought conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region. The good news is that improved habitat in multiple breeding areas this year should result in strong juvenile production, and hunters could see more young birds despite lower overall population numbers.
“While production gains help, hunters should approach the season with measured expectations, as the possibility of a reduced migration push and long‑term population trends remain a concern,” said Kevin Kraai, TPWD Waterfowl Program Leader. “That said, improved breeding habitat and strong juvenile production offer positive signs, especially where fall rainfall continues to enhance local wetland conditions. The overarching message is cautious optimism.”
On the weather front, Texas had an up and down summer. Very wet and cool weather early on followed by extreme heat and dry conditions stressed wetland systems across the state. The emergence of El Niño and recent wet weather has rapidly improved habitat conditions in many regions, and since Texas lacks substantial agricultural waste grain, rainfall is a large determining factor in the numbers of ducks that come to Texas.
Ducks must meet their foraging needs in flooded natural habitats rich in seeds, invertebrates and aquatic vegetation. More rainfall means more flooded habitat, more food resources and typically more ducks, even in years when northern states stay ice‑free due to warm winters.
Long‑range forecasts call for cooler and wetter winter conditions in Texas, which results in good numbers. However, expected warmer‑than‑normal conditions to the north could delay migration or limit the number of birds moving south if wetlands remain open.
TPWD biologists provided a breakdown of regional habitat conditions below.
Regional Habitat Conditions:
High Plains – Late‑September rainfall significantly recharged playa wetlands. Many playas that were dry most of the summer are now holding water, creating vastly improved early‑season habitat.
East Texas – Low reservoir levels this summer exposed large expanses of shoreline that produced dense, seed‑bearing moist‑soil vegetation. As fall rains refill reservoirs, these high‑quality food resources will be prime attractants for dabbling ducks.
Gulf Coast – The Gulf Coast remains the region most in need of sustained rainfall for waterfowl. Late summer heat and dryness sharply limited freshwater availability. Much of the freshwater present was from pumping or irrigation canals. A wet cycle is critical for improving habitat conditions and hunter success across the entire coast.
Texas Waterfowl Hunting Season Dates and License Information:
The special youth-only, veteran and active-duty military duck season, occurs Oct. 17-18 in the High Plains Mallard Management Unit. Closely followed by youth-only/active-duty military duck season Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in the South Zone and Nov. 7-8 in the North Zone. Regular duck season opens Oct. 24 in the High Plains Mallard Management Unit, Nov. 7 in the South Zone and Nov. 14 the North Zone.
More information regarding duck seasons and daily bag limits can be found in the Outdoor Annual.
Light and dark goose season starts Nov. 7 in the East Zone and West Zone. More information regarding goose seasons and daily bag limits can be found in the Outdoor Annual.
Kraai reminds migratory bird hunters to make sure they are Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified and confirm questions are answered correctly. HIP surveys allow biologists to get an accurate sample of hunters so the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can deliver harvest surveys to a subsample of hunters during the hunting season.
Hunters should purchase their new 2026-27 Texas hunting license prior to hitting the field. In addition, waterfowl hunters will also need a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, Federal Duck Stamp and HIP Certification. It’s also required by law that hunters have proof of their completion of a hunter education course.
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 modified provisions of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as the Duck Stamp, now allowing an individual 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 – June 30, 2027.
Hunters can find waterfowl season dates, regulations, bag limits and more in this year’s Outdoor Annual. Hunters can also access digital copies of their licenses via the Outdoor Annual and Texas Hunt & Fish apps.
Anyone hunting on Texas public hunting lands must purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit. Texas has more than one million acres of land for public access. More information about these lands and locations can be found on the TPWD website. Hunters using public lands can complete their on-site registration via the Texas Hunt & Fish app.
