Dry conditions across the state will create some challenges for waterfowl hunters, but the good news is that when there's less water available, birds concentrate in fewer areas, making them easier to find.

Breeding habitats in the Dakotas reportedly improved, and this year's hatch of ducklings was above average. After two years of significant drought and very poor productivity, this means that there should be more young, inexperienced ducks winging their way to Texas this winter.

The latest survey revealed that most duck species saw substantial decreases since 2019. Blue winged-teal and redheads are the only duck populations that have increased since then. For more forecast information, including regional tips, see our press release, Habitat Conditions Could Present Challenges for Waterfowl Hunters this Season.

Bag limits vary by species, so be sure and check the 2022-23 Outdoor Annual for complete waterfowl regulation information. 

To hunt waterfowl, you need:

1. Valid Texas hunting license
2. Proof of Hunter Education
3. HIP certification (free)
4. Federal Duck Stamp
5. Migratory Game Bird Endorsement

Your license can be accessed digitally with the Outdoor Annual (OA) app or the My Texas Hunt Harvest app. A legible, digital photo of your license or your emailed license receipt can also be used for waterfowl hunting.  

Be sure before you shoot. Endangered whooping cranes migrate into Texas every fall, typically peaking in November. This means they'll be coming in while waterfowl season is underway. 

If you're planning to hunt waterfowl or sandhill cranes, it is very important that you review the whooping crane I.D. checklist and our video Be Sure Before You Shoot – Distinguishing Geese and Sandhill Cranes from Whooping Cranes. They will help you recognize the differences between whoopers and game birds.

If you accidently shoot a whooping crane, and it's injured or killed, immediately contact the county's game warden, or immediately contact a game warden through their main hotline: 1-800-792-4263.

Some wild birds are infected with avian influenza. The risk to human health is considered low, but safety precautions are advised when you handle harvested wild birds.

Waterfowl hunters are recommended to:

1. Wear gloves when processing

2. Clean and disinfect processing tools using a 10% bleach solution 

3. Dispose of carcasses properly 

4. Avoid processing or consuming any sick birds

Find out more in our press release, TPWD Recommends Necessary Precautions to Reduce Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 

Invasive plants like giant salvinia can cover wide expanses of fresh water, block boat access for hunters, and make 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 – to find out how, watch our short video Hunters: How to Clean, Drain and Dry Your Boat.

Save the lakes you love, fight back against giant salvinia.