By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Teal hunting season is open in the state, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reports there will be plenty of birds to hunt.

Wet conditions were consistent throughout many areas of the state, leading to above average to excellent habitat conditions.

Although there is an abundance of teal this season, portions of their breeding grounds have suffered from drought, leading to low breeding population estimates.

“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 TPWD. “The population estimate this past May was 4.55 million birds and is down 15% from last year’s estimate.”

The birds primarily breed in North Dakota, South Dakota, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Consecutive years of drought conditions in those areas have hindered population growth, but there was above average rainfall this summer. TPWD expects that to have a positive impact on duckling production and survival for 2024. “Despite the decade-long decline in the breeding population, production of blue-winged teal is expected to be strong,” Kraai said. “Overall, I anticipate an above-average teal season this September across much of Texas due to the wet conditions.”

Blue-winged teal are the most common duck in Texas.

The abundant rainfall in East Texas created tens of thousands of acres of flooded shorelines rich in food for teal, TPWD said. The Gulf Coast also had ample moisture this summer, which significantly improved habitat conditions compared to last year. Water restrictions in Central Texas will limit the availability of waterfowl habitat this fall and winter.

The early season runs from Sept. 14-29. There is a daily bag limit of six teal and a possession limit of 18.

The 2025 early season will be restricted to nine days.

Hunters can find teal season dates, regulations, bag limits and more on this year’s Outdoor Annual.

Hunters can also access digital copies of their licenses via the Outdoor Annual and Texas Hunt & Fish apps.

The Annual Public Hunting Permit is required for individuals hunting on Texas public hunting lands.

Hunting and fishing regulations for the 2024-25 season are available online at outdoorannual.com or the Outdoor Annual mobile app.