Spend time scouting for duck hunting success

Spend time scouting for duck hunting success

Duck season is once again here. The season dates for the north zone in Texas are Nov. 4 to 26 for the first split. The second split of the season begins Dec. 9 and runs through Jan. 28.This long season gives hunters plenty of opportunity to take to the marshes in quest of a full strap of ducks. The limit this year is a very generous five ducks, but it's important to be aware of "which" ducks and how many may be harvested.A "hunters choice" is in effect, allowing hunters to take only ONE duck per day from the list of mallard hen, canvasback, pintail and dusky duck. The five-duck limit may also include two wood ducks, two redheads or two scaup.The daily limit may consist entirely of mallard drakes, gadwalls, widgeon, shovelers or teal. This new "hunters choice" regulation will eliminate the "season within a season" we had last year for species like canvasbacks and pintails; allowing the harvest on only one mallard hen will also give the species a break.With low water levels on most area lakes, duck hunters will have to scout harder than ever to find ducks.

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