The Watery Hunt

CHANCES ARE you’re never very far from a good waterfowl hunt.

In the United States, ducks and geese migrate north and south along four main flyways, and the Central Flyway takes waterfowl right over most of the state. Each fall, millions of ducks and geese stream from nesting areas up north to feed, rest and overwinter here.

What’s a waterfowl, exactly? Ducks and geese are often lumped into the same “waterfowl” category, though they’re groups of distinct species.

Ducks are separated into categories — diving ducks and puddle ducks — based on how they feed. Divers are relegated to deeper water like lakes and bays, while puddle ducks prefer shallow wetlands and flooded timber.

Puddle ducks include mallards, pintails and teal. Scaups, redheads and canvasbacks are among the deep-feeding diving ducks. With geese, there are fewer species to hunt than ducks: Canada, Ross’s, white-fronted and snow.

Have a good understanding of the types of ducks or geese you plan to hunt to prepare adequately before you head afield. While there may be some overlap, it’s uncommon to see divers, puddle ducks and geese in any appreciable numbers in the exact same spot. Each class of waterfowl prefers its own habitat type.

Each species of waterfowl has its own bag limit based on the regulatory zone in which it is harvested. Additionally, based on the part of the state where you hunt, the seasons can vary by zones. Take note of the latest zones, season dates and daily bag limits in the Texas Outdoor Annual before heading to the fields or water.    

Gearing Up

AS WITH  other hunting disciplines, waterfowl hunting has specific gear to aid hunter success. Special licensing is required as well. Duck or goose hunters use essentially the same equipment for waders, jackets and even firearms. Calls and decoys vary depending on the species you hunt.

Camo and Other Gear

DUCKS AND GEESE have keen eyesight, so camouflage is a must for the “invisible” hunter. Many duck and goose hunters wait for the birds by hiding in a blind. Blinds are great because they conceal movement.

Those who opt for waterside reeds or flooded timber need head-to-toe camouflage. Top camo companies have patterns made specifically for waterfowl hunters to blend into the environs where they tread.

Other gear includes waders and a waterproof jacket for keeping dry in wet environments.

Decoys, while not necessary, help get the ducks and geese where you want them. Another tried-and-true method of luring them in close is by using calls. Your success goes way up if these methods influence where the ducks or geese will land.     

License, permits and regulations

SINCE DUCKS AND GEESE are migratory, bag limits and hunting seasons are set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Nonmigratory animals (such as deer or turkey) are managed by their home state. Daily bag limits and hunting seasons trickle down on a different schedule for each type.

Due to this federal oversight, waterfowl hunters need a Federal Duck Stamp. Obtain an electronic Federal Duck Stamp via the TPWD license system; the actual stamp will be mailed to you.

Waterfowl hunters also must register for the Harvest Information Program. HIP allows state wildlife agencies to collect information about the previous season’s bird hunting activities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses that data to identify the appropriate migratory bird hunters to receive the National Harvest Survey.

A Texas hunting license and a Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement are also required. Hunters can find the best value in the Super Combo, with appropriate state endorsements for all hunting seasons, as well as a general hunting and fishing license.

Don’t forget, if you were born after Sept. 1, 1971, hunter safety training is required.

Staying Safe

ANYTIME a firearm is present, you must adhere to gun safety. Duck and goose hunting requires fast action; mistakes can happen in the heat of the moment.

Always be sure of your target and what lies beyond, as well as what’s beside you. This will help ensure that you don’t swing past your safe zone of fire and inadvertently pepper something or someone with shot.

Know and rehearse your safe zone of fire before it’s even time to shoot. A hunter safety course, whether mandatory for your age or not, is a good idea. Even if you’ve already taken the course, consider a refresher.

Waterfowl hunting is addictive fun that can extend your hunting season beyond the dates of the traditional big game animals. Waterfowl season typically starts in September (teal and Canada geese) and runs all the way through March (snow geese), depending on the species. Spend some time in the wetlands of Texas and you’ll see why so many are fanatic about waterfowl hunting.