Texas Porch

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

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 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

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

Page feedback

See something wrong or unclear?

Send a note about this page. The page address will be included automatically.

Send a note