This season's waterfowl forecast is favorable across the state. Total duck numbers are down from last year, but remain above average. Goose numbers remain average, as they were last year. 

Even though waterfowl habitat was affected by Hurricane Harvey, it quickly rebounded and habitat conditions are now in fair to very good shape across much of the coast.

In order to hunt waterfowl, you need:

1. Proof of Hunter Education
2. Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
3. HIP certification
4. Hunting license

Review hunting rules and requirements in the 2017-18 Waterfowl Hunting Digest (PDF) before heading afield. Or pick up a printed copy wherever licenses are sold. You can also find migratory game bird regulations online in the Outdoor Annual. 

Whooping cranes migrate into Texas in the fall, then share habitat with geese and sandhill cranes through the winter. They're endangered and federally protected, so if you shoot a whooper, or other non-game birds, fines and jail times can apply. 

Take look at this video in order to recognize the differences between whoopers and game birds. 

Check out these 3 common citations issued to waterfowl hunters and how to avoid them:

1. No proof of Hunter Education – Take the Hunter Ed. class and if you misplace your certification, print a replacement. Keep the proof in your pocket.
2. No migratory bird endorsement – Get this and a HIP certification when you buy your license or add them later.
3. No shotgun plug – A shotgun's total capacity can't exceed 3 shells. If your gun can hold more, it must be plugged with a 1-piece filler which can't be removed without dismantling the gun. 

Invasive species like giant salvinia can quickly grow to cover expanses of fresh water. This not only blocks boat access for hunters, but waterfowl may no longer stop there.

If you hunt by boat you need to clean, drain and dry it. And you may not realize that ANY gear that has been in the water can carry invasives and must also go through the same clean, drain, dry process. This includes decoys, waders and marsh sleds. 

Watch this short video about clean, drain and dry just for hunters. Protect the lakes you love, fight back against giant salvinia – clean,drain and dry your boat and gear each time you travel from lake to lake.