What to know ahead of the 2025-26 Texas teal season opener

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that teal season is opening starting Sept. 20, amidst a shortened early season.

According to the TPWD, waterfowl hunters are facing a shortened early season for the first time in 20 years citing a 15% decline–the lowest in two decades said officials.

Breeding issues amidst drought conditions

TPWD officials cited tough conditions in the birds breeding grounds and prolonged drought in areas of Canada and the Dakotas. These conditions have reduced habitat quality and nesting success.

In Texas, habitat conditions are on the drier side following a particularly wet summer. Drought conditions in Central Texas restricted irrigation water for the state’s rice prairies forcing landowners to rely on rain. Officials said hunters can expect teal to concentrate in areas where irrigation or groundwater is available.

Officials said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service conducted a Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey; finding that the blue-winged teal breeding population was at 4.55 million birds as of May 2024. USFWS said it requires a minimum population of 4.7 million birds to authorize a full 16-day season.

As of May 2025, surveys show that the bird population was even lower at about 4.4 million, 13% below the long-term average. Officials said hunters may face a shorter season for 2026-27.

For fall 2025-26, hunters can still anticipate an average teal season.

“While it’s disappointing to see the decreased hunting season, teal remain an important and resilient species,” said Kevin Kraai, Waterfowl Program Leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Hunters can still expect fair opportunity this September, especially where wet conditions earlier in the summer have provided good habitat locally.”

The early teal season begins on Sept. 20 and runs through Sept. 28. The daily bag limit on teal is six and hunters are limited to 18 in their possession.

Officials wanted to remind hunters to make sure they are Harvest Information Program certified and answer HIP questions correctly to allow biologist to get an accurate sample of migratory game bird hunters.

Hunters need to purchase their 2025-26 Texas Hunting License before setting out into the fields. Teal/waterfowl hunters need a migratory game bird endorsement, Federal Duck Stamp and HIP certification. A hunter education course must also be completed.

Digital licenses were made available starting in August for recreational hunters looking for a fully digital option.

Officials said hunters must purchase an Annual Public Hunting Permit to hunt on Texas public land.