|
It’s time to get to the water! Most regular seasons for waterfowl open in early Nov. and Youth-Only seasons are at the end of Oct. and early Nov. Changes were made this year to season dates in North and South Duck Zones and West Goose Zones.
 The forecast is looking good, with goose numbers up from last year and duck numbers sitting at near-record highs for the fifth year in a row. Duck-friendly conditions along the coast have created more places for them to roam, so while there will be a lot of ducks, the birds will not be as concentrated as they have been in the past. Try some early scouting - it can go a long way toward a successful season.
In order to hunt waterfowl, you need:
- Proof of Hunter Education
- Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
- HIP certification
- Hunting license
Hunter Education is a requirement for anyone born after Sept. 2, 1971 and you must carry proof of it when you hunt. If you've misplaced your certification card and need a replacement copy, you can get that online for free.
|
 This year, it’s likely the endangered whooping crane migration through Texas will peak in early to mid-November. This means they will be showing up as the waterfowl and sandhill crane hunting seasons get underway.
It is very important for anyone planning to hunt in November to review the whooping crane I.D. checklist and this video in order to recognize the differences between whoopers and game birds. This is the last flock of wild whooping cranes in the world and they are endangered. If you shoot one, federal and/or state fines and jail times can apply.
|
 Invasive plants like giant salvinia can cover wide expanses of fresh water, as it’s done to the wetlands at Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area (see photo – all that green was once open water). It blocks boat access for hunters and makes the lake unwelcoming to waterfowl, who may no longer stop there to rest and eat.
Holding back the tide of giant salvinia and other invasive species is a team effort, and that team includes you. If you hunt waterfowl, you must be sure to clean, drain and dry ANY gear that has been in the water, like decoys, waders and marsh sleds, before putting it into another body of water. Use the same method on your boat. Save the lakes you love, fight back against giant salvinia.
|
Winner gets 12 prizes including $2,000 in gear, 5 fishing trips, a hunting trip, a shotgun, and more. Enter by Nov. 30.
The Lifetime License Drawing is your chance to win a Lifetime Super Combo License! There are two more chances to win: Nov. 1 and Dec. 1. Winners will be drawn the next business day. Any entries not drawn will be automatically included in the next drawing.
|
