For the first time in two decades, waterfowl hunters in Texas are dealing with a shorter early teal season. Officials from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have announced that the season, which starts on September 20, will wrap up after just nine days, ending on September 28. That's a big drop from the usual 16-day run that hunters have come to expect and plan around.
This change means folks heading out to the marshes or fields will have less time to fill their bags. The daily limit stays at six teal per hunter, and the possession limit is set at 18 birds. It's a setup that's familiar, but with the calendar squeezed, every outing counts more than ever. Hunters who look forward to those crisp fall mornings know that teal season is often the kickoff to the bigger waterfowl pursuits, so this adjustment is stirring up plenty of talk in hunting circles.
The decision to trim the season didn't come out of nowhere. It stems from data collected in the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, a joint effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Back in May 2024, they pegged the blue-winged teal population at about 4.55 million birds. That's down 15 percent from previous counts and marks the lowest number seen in 20 years. To greenlight a full 16-day season, the population needs to hit at least 4.7 million, and this fell short.
Things look even tougher based on the latest May survey, which shows the blue-winged teal count dipping to around 4.4 million. That's a solid 13 percent below the long-term average that biologists use as a benchmark. With numbers like these, it's no surprise that next year's season, for 2026-27, is likely to face the same restrictions. Hunters who build their traditions around these early hunts might need to start rethinking their schedules and strategies for the long haul.
Digging into what's behind this population drop, experts point to ongoing drought issues in prime breeding grounds up north. Key spots in Canada and the Dakotas have been hit hard, with dry conditions hurting habitat quality and making it tougher for teal to nest successfully. When wetlands dry up or shrink, fewer birds make it through the breeding cycle, and that ripple effect shows up in the overall counts. It's a reminder of how weather patterns far from Texas can directly impact what's flying over local skies.
Down in Texas itself, the habitat picture is mixed. After a relatively wet summer, things have trended drier across much of the state. In Central Texas, drought has tightened up irrigation supplies, especially for the rice prairies that are hotspots for waterfowl. Landowners in those areas have had to depend more on natural rainfall to flood fields and create those inviting wetlands. Without steady water from irrigation, some spots might not hold birds as well as in wetter years.
That said, teal are adaptable birds, and they're expected to bunch up in places where water is more reliable—think areas with access to irrigation systems or steady groundwater sources. Hunters scouting those zones could still find decent action, even with the shorter window. Department officials, like waterfowl program leader Kevin Kraai, have noted that despite the hurdles, the outlook for this fall's teal hunting remains about average. It's not a banner year, but it's not a bust either, so there's still reason to gear up and get out there.
For anyone planning to chase teal this season, preparation is key to making the most of those nine days. First off, make sure to grab a new 2025-26 Texas hunting license before stepping into the field—it's the foundation for everything else. On top of that, waterfowl hunters need a migratory game bird endorsement to stay legal. Don't forget the Federal Duck Stamp, which supports wetland conservation efforts nationwide. HIP certification, which stands for Harvest Information Program, is another must-have; it's a quick survey that helps track hunting trends.
And by law, every hunter has to carry proof that they've completed a hunter education course. These requirements aren't new, but with the season feeling tighter, skipping any of them could mean missing out on valuable time afield. It's worth double-checking gear too—decoys, calls, and blinds that mimic those concentrated water spots could make the difference between a slow day and a limit.
This shift in the teal season highlights broader challenges in waterfowl management. Droughts aren't just a one-off; they're part of changing patterns that affect everything from migration routes to bird numbers. For hunters who've spent years building skills and stories around these hunts, it's a call to stay informed and adaptable. Supporting habitat restoration through stamps and local efforts can help turn things around over time.
As the opener approaches, many will be out scouting, talking shop at local spots, and adjusting plans. The shortened season might feel like a setback, but it also underscores the thrill of the chase—making every bird and every day count a bit more. Whether it's a family tradition or a solo escape, teal hunting in Texas still offers that rush, even if it's a little briefer this time around.
