Teal hunting season begins September 14

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that Teal hunting season will begin on Sept. 14, featuring above average habitat conditions.

TPWD said with wet conditions having prevailed in most areas of the state, hunters could look forward to opportunities to harvest the bird.

According to the TPWD, habitat conditions across much of the state are currently above average to excellent.

The TPWD said blue-winged teal are the second most abundant duck in North America and by far the most prevalent duck found in Texas during the special early teal season. They primarily breed in the Prairie Pothole Regions of North Dakota, South Dakota, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“Unfortunately, the final blue-winged teal breeding population estimates are now at a two decade long low,” said Kevin Kraai, Waterfowl Program Leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “The population estimate this past May was 4.55 million birds and is down 15 percent from last year’s estimate.”

The TPWD said an above average summer rainfall across much of the breeding grounds is expected to have a positive impact on duckling production and survival for 2024.

The 2024 early teal season in Texas will run Sept. 14 through 29. The daily bag limit on teal is six, with a possession limit of 18.

As for conditions and prospects for teal season around the state, TPWD waterfowl biologists report:

• Water restrictions, due to the continued drought in Central Texas, will play a significant role in the availability of waterfowl habitat this fall and winter. Most of the rice prairies will not have access to canal water and will have to rely on rainfall to fill wetlands and fallow rice fields.
• Landowners and managers that have access to irrigation water/groundwater will have a distinct advantage. Birds will concentrate heavily in these areas and reports indicate birds are arriving daily at these locations. These areas should expect an excellent teal season.

More information and resources about licenses can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.

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