Texas waterfowl hunters will see a change in tradition this fall as the early teal season is shortened for the first time in nearly two decades. The 2025 season will run just nine days, from September 20–28, due to declining blue-winged teal populations across North America.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Canadian Wildlife Service, the May 2024 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey estimated the blue-winged teal population at 4.55 million birds—a 15% drop and the lowest count in 20 years. A more recent survey showed an even lower estimate of 4.4 million, falling short of the 4.7 million threshold required for a full 16-day season.

Blue-winged teal are the second most abundant duck species in North America and the primary target during Texas’s early teal season. But prolonged drought in key breeding areas across Canada and the Dakotas has impacted nesting success and habitat quality, contributing to the decline.

“While it’s disappointing to see the decreased hunting season, teal remain an important and resilient species,” said Kevin Kraai, Waterfowl Program Leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Hunters can still expect fair opportunity this September, especially where wet conditions earlier in the summer have provided good habitat locally.”

Across Texas, habitat conditions are drier than usual following a wet summer. In Central Texas, drought has limited irrigation water for rice prairies, leaving landowners dependent on rainfall to fill wetlands. Teal are expected to concentrate in areas with available irrigation or groundwater.

Despite the shortened season, Kraai remains optimistic: “Local wet conditions earlier this summer should hold birds in many areas. Hunters who scout ahead and adapt to shifting conditions will likely find success.”

What Hunters Need to Know

• Season Dates: September 20–28, 2025
• Daily Bag Limit: 6 teal
• Possession Limit: 18 teal
• Licensing Requirements:
  • 2025–26 Texas hunting license
  • Migratory game bird endorsement
  • Federal Duck Stamp (electronic or physical)
  • HIP certification
  • Proof of hunter education course completion

Thanks to the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023, hunters may carry an electronic Duck Stamp (E-stamp) throughout the season. A physical stamp will be mailed between March 10–June 30, 2026 to all E-stamp purchasers.

Hunters can find full regulations, bag limits, and season details in the Outdoor Annual and access digital licenses via the Outdoor Annual and Texas Hunt & Fish apps.

Those hunting on Texas public lands must purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit. With over one million acres available for public access, hunters can explore locations and complete on-site registration through the Texas Hunt & Fish app.

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