2018 Teal Season Forecast:
AUSTIN – Conditions are shaping up for what could be an excellent early teal hunting season opener this Saturday. Waterfowl biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say early migrations of birds into the state mixed with forecasts for more rain have set the table.
The 16-day statewide early teal and Eastern Zone Canada goose season in Texas will run Saturday, Sept. 15 through Sunday, Sept. 30. The daily bag on teal is six, with a possession limit of 18. Bag limit for Canada geese will be three and a possession limit of six in the Eastern Zone only.
While hunting prospects heading into the season continue to improve with rain, TPWD waterfowl program leader Kevin Kraai remains cautious in his optimism.
“Despite the recent rains, it is quite dry in most places of Texas,” he noted. “The shallow water rich in aquatic invertebrates and plant seeds is not as abundant as we would like to see less than a week away from the teal opener. Although high chances of rain is fore-casted across much of the state, much can change in a very short period of time.”
One thing is for certain, success this season won’t be for a lack of birds. The waterfowl breeding grounds in Canada and the northern states have seen temperatures well below normal in late August and early September, triggering an early migration of teal into Texas. More information about waterfowl population trends is available online.
Hunters are reminded to purchase their 2018-19 hunting license before heading afield, available at more than 1,700 license retailers, online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/buy, or by phone at (800) 895-4248. The online transaction system is available 24/7. Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a required $5 administrative fee for each phone or online transaction, but unlimited items can be purchased during a single transaction for this $5 fee. All of these license sales outlets offer the opportunity to make a donation to help veterans and/or families in need of food.
In addition, check the current Outdoor Annual for all hunting season regulations, including that everyone born after Sept. 1, 1971 must carry proof of Hunter Education while hunting. If you misplace your card, you can print a replacement at no cost.
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