Texas biologists predict good season for duck populations

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are currently predicting a favorable season for ducks and waterfowl populations this year.

Thanks to abundant rainfall during the summer months, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is indicating that teal, gadwall, wigeon, pintails, shovelers and redhead duck species are all plentiful heading into the waterfowl hunting season.

“Texas hunters can anticipate another strong waterfowl season, though overall success will depend on local water availability and the timing of cold fronts,” TPWD Waterfowl program leader Kevin Kraai said. “Hunters who scout actively and find fresh shallow water will have the best opportunities this season.”

On top of the new three-bird bag limit for pintails, the TPWD said that hunters will also be able to find more birds by hunting at the many bodies of water thanks to higher water levels.

The TPWD added that goose hunting prospects are also higher this year because of a second year of increased productivity that might send more juvenile geese from the north to the south.

To learn more about the TPWD’s bird hunting regulations and when the different bird hunting seasons start, visit the TPWD’s online Outdoor Annual.

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