Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists said improved habitat conditions should produce a strong crop of young ducks in the 2026-27 waterfowl hunting season, even as long-term population declines continue across the region.
Duck populations have declined steadily over more than a decade due to drought conditions in the northern Prairie Pothole Region, the primary breeding ground. However, better habitat in multiple breeding areas this year is expected to offset some of those losses with strong juvenile production.
"While production gains help, hunters should approach the season with measured expectations, as the possibility of a reduced migration push and long-term population trends remain a concern," said Kevin Kraai, TPWD Waterfowl Program Leader. "That said, improved breeding habitat and strong juvenile production offer positive signs, especially where fall rainfall continues to enhance local wetland conditions. The overarching message is cautious optimism."
Texas weather this year followed an unpredictable pattern. Early wet and cool conditions gave way to extreme heat and dryness that stressed wetland systems, but the emergence of El Niño and recent rainfall have rapidly improved habitat across multiple regions. Long-range forecasts predict cooler and wetter winter conditions, which typically result in good duck numbers.
Regional conditions vary. Late-September rainfall in the High Plains significantly recharged playa wetlands that had been dry most of the summer. In East Texas, low reservoir levels exposed shoreline that produced seed-bearing vegetation attractive to ducks as fall rains begin refilling the lakes. The Gulf Coast remains the region most in need of sustained rainfall.
The special youth-only and active-duty military duck season begins October 17-18 in the High Plains Mallard Management Unit, followed by youth-only and active-duty seasons October 31-November 1 in the South Zone and November 7-8 in the North Zone. Regular duck season opens October 24 in the High Plains, November 7 in the South Zone and November 14 in the North Zone. Light and dark goose season starts November 7 in the East and West Zones.
Hunters must purchase a new 2026-27 Texas hunting license, obtain a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, Federal Duck Stamp and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification, and provide proof of completion of a hunter education course. Under the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023, hunters can carry an electronic duck stamp for the entire waterfowl hunting season, with a physical stamp to be mailed after the season ends.