🦆 Duck · Hunting gear
Texas Duck Hunting Gear Guide for the Coast and Prairie (2026-27)
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Texas is one of the top waterfowl states in the country. From the rice prairies west of Houston to the coastal marshes of Galveston, Matagorda and the Laguna Madre, most hunts mean cold water, mud and early mornings, so dependable waders and the legal paperwork come first.
2026-27 Texas duck season dates
| Zone | Youth / Veterans & Active Military | Regular season |
|---|---|---|
| High Plains Mallard Mgmt. Unit | Oct. 17–18, 2026 | Oct. 24–25, 2026 & Oct. 30, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
| North Zone | Nov. 7–8, 2026 | Nov. 14–29, 2026 & Dec. 5, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
| South Zone | Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 2026 | Nov. 7–29, 2026 & Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
Daily bag: 6 ducks in the aggregate (includes mergansers) with no more than 5 mallards (only 2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 3 pintail, 2 redheads, 2 canvasback, 1 scaup and 1 "dusky" duck. Dusky ducks (mottled, Mexican, black duck) are closed the first five days of each zone's season. September teal season: Sept. 19–27, 2026 statewide.
Source: TPWD 2026-27 season dates and county listings. In Harris County the zone line is IH-10 (North of IH-10 = North Zone). Check your county.
Legal must-haves
- Texas hunting license with a Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, HIP certification and a Federal Duck Stamp.
- Non-toxic shot only. You may not possess lead shot while hunting waterfowl anywhere in Texas. Steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron and other USFWS-approved shot are legal.
- Shotgun only, no larger than 10-gauge, fired from the shoulder, and holding no more than three shells. A magazine must be plugged with a one-piece filler.
- Shooting hours: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Motors must be off and all motion from the motor must have stopped before you shoot from a boat.
The gear checklist
1. Waders
Neoprene waders are warmer for January mornings. Breathable waders are more comfortable on warm coastal hunts and long walks. Insulated boots and a wading belt matter more than brand.
2. Non-toxic shotshells
Steel loads in sizes 2 through 4 are a common choice for ducks over decoys. Pattern your gun with the exact load and choke you will hunt with, since steel patterns differently than lead.
3. Decoys
Match what is in your area. Teal, pintail, gadwall and redhead decoys are common on the Texas coast, while mallard spreads fit the High Plains. A dozen or two well-placed decoys often beats a huge spread on public water.
4. Calls
A single-reed duck call is easier to learn. A whistle for pintail and wigeon is very useful on the Texas coast.
5. Blind bag and dry storage
A waterproof blind bag keeps shells, license, phone, headlamp and snacks dry. Add a dry bag for anything you can't afford to soak.
6. Layered, waterproof camo
Coastal fronts bring wind and rain. A waterproof shell over a warm mid-layer, plus waterproof gloves, keeps you hunting when the birds fly best.
7. Headlamp and marsh light
You will set decoys in the dark. A headlamp and a handheld light also help you avoid ruts and soft mud.
8. Dog gear (if you hunt with a retriever)
A dog vest or neoprene jacket and a stand or platform keep a retriever warm and out of the water between flights.
TPWD migratory game bird regulations
Regulation details checked against the TPWD 2026-27 Outdoor Annual on October 23, 2026. Regulations can change mid-year. Confirm at tpwd.texas.gov before you go.
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