Waterfowl

Waterfowl birds are best described as wild, aquatic, typically freshwater birds including ducks, geese, mergansers and coots. Waterfowl can be hunted anywhere from ponds, lakes, bays, or oceans. The different types of waterfowl call for different hunting seasons, and often times will overlap seasons. The different waterfowl hunting seasons can last anywhere from mid-October to early February. 

Legal shotguns, lawful archery equipment, falconry, dogs, artificial decoys and manual or mouth-operated bird calls are all lawful hunting methods and practices when hunting waterfowl.

In the sport of waterfowl hunting there are three essentials generally used by waterfowl hunters: a shotgun, a hunting blind, and decoys. The blind conceals the hunter, and the decoys are used to lure the birds within range. Once the birds are within range, the hunter rises from the blind to quickly shoot the birds before they are frightened away. Though the hunting blind is useful, it is not always necessary. Bird calls are often simulated to attract birds or convince the birds that there is no danger. Waterfowl hunters also sometimes use hunting dogs to retrieve the birds.

Hunting seasons vary by county so be sure to check the Texas Parks & Wildlife Outdoor Annual for season dates and limits. All waterfowl hunting is federally regulated; please check the federal regulations for the latest season hunting dates.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Links
Definitions for Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl Hunting Methods