Texas Porch

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

Caution: Seasons, limits, and open counties change every year. The official TPWD pages are the final word.

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