Duck hunters can anticipate improved conditions for the September early teal season as abundant rains have filled lakes and marshes, flooded rice fields and managed moist soil impoundments for the first time in several years. With record numbers of teal expected to make their way into Texas during the upcoming months, prospects should be good.
A 16-day statewide early teal and Eastern Zone Canada goose season will run Saturday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 27. The daily bag on teal remains six, with a possession limit of 18.
Blue wings have been arriving since mid-August. Typically blue wing teal numbers in Texas begin to build to mid September. Adult males are the first to head south and are most commonly taken during teal season. Adult female blue wing teal make the move south later
The blue wing teal population is estimated at 8.5 million birds, 73 percent above the long-term average. In recent years it’s estimated that Texas hunters have taken 165,000 blue wing teal during the 16 day season.
Only a small percentage, 10-15 percent of the 165,000 teal taken make up the harvest of green wing teal
“Blue-winged teal numbers are way above the minimum of 4.7 million needed for a 16-day season,” said Kevin Kraai, TPWD waterfowl program leader. Conditions for teal across the state are excellent and hunters are urged to have their fingers crossed for a timely migration in the middle of September.”
All of the hunting and fishing regulations for the new season can be found in the 2015-2016 Outdoor Annual, available at license retailers, online at www.txoutdoorannual.com and via the free Outdoor Annual mobile app available for Apple and Android devices.
Don’t forget that in addition to a hunting license, anyone born after Sept. 1, 1971, must successfully complete a hunter education training course or purchase a one-time deferral good for one license year in order to hunt legally in Texas. The certification is valid for life and is honored in all other states and provinces. More information on hunter education certification is available online at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/outdoor-learning/hunter-education.
A Migratory Game Bird endorsement and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification are also required to hunt teal in September. HIP certification involves a brief survey of previous year’s migratory bird hunting success and is conducted at the time licenses are purchased. Teal hunters also need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp.
Photo: Palmetto Guide Service - Dave Cox
