Texas Porch

Migratory birds

Snipe, woodcock, rails & gallinules

The smaller migratory birds, grouped.

Lesser-known migratory seasons that still need the migratory add-ons.

Where

Statewide.

Daily / season limit

Snipe: 8 per day. Woodcock: 3 per day. Rails, gallinules & moorhens: 15 per day.

Season(s) (2026-2027)

  • Snipe (Wilson's) Nov. 7, 2026 - Feb. 21, 2027
  • Woodcock Dec. 18, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027
  • Rails, gallinules & moorhens Sept. 19-27, 2026 and Nov. 7, 2026 - Jan. 6, 2027

License & add-ons

Hunting license + Migratory Game Bird Endorsement + HIP.

  • Migratory Game Bird Endorsement
  • HIP certification

Source to confirm: TPWD Migratory Game Bird Regulations

More migratory birds

Others like this

Migratory birds

Dove

Texas's biggest opening-day tradition, split into three zones.

Where: Statewide, in three zones (North, Central, South).

Seasons, limits & official link ->

Migratory birds

Ducks

Federal rules set the outside limits; Texas picks its dates inside that frame.

Where: Statewide, in three units: High Plains Mallard Management Unit, North Zone, and South Zone.

Seasons, limits & official link ->

Migratory birds

Geese

Split into East and West goose zones, with limits set yearly.

Where: Statewide, split into East and West goose zones.

Seasons, limits & official link ->

Migratory birds

Teal (early September season)

A statewide early teal season before the regular duck season opens.

Where: Statewide.

Seasons, limits & official link ->

Official sources

Hunting rules for snipe, woodcock, rails & gallinules come from Texas Parks & Wildlife. Confirm the season, limits, and your county's rules before you hunt.

Data vintage:
Built on the 2026-2027 season
Last reviewed:
June 15, 2026

Caution: Seasons, limits, and open counties change every year. The official TPWD pages are the final word.

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