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Duck hunting is a time-honored tradition in the southern United States, where rich wetlands, coastal floodplains, and river systems create ideal habitats for waterfowl. States like Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida are prime destinations for hunters, each offering unique landscapes, species, and hunting opportunities. Understanding the season dates, regulations, and best practices is crucial for a successful hunt. Here's a comprehensive guide to duck hunting seasons in these four states, updated for the 2024-2025 duck hunting season.

Duck hunters on the first hunt of the season

Texas Duck Season 2024

How people hunt ducks can vary greatly across the state but the same basic rules apply. For a hunter to legally hunt ducks in Texas, they must buy a license if they are 16 or older. Additionally, hunters must purchase a Migratory Bird Endorsement and Federal Duck Stamp. With those few things out of the way here is what you need to know about Texas duck season.

Texas offers a diverse range of hunting opportunities, from coastal marshes to inland lakes and rivers. The state is divided into three zones: High Plains, North Zone, and South Zone, each with specific hunting dates.

High Plains Mallard Management Unit Duck Season Dates for 2024:

  • Early Teal: September 14-29, 2024
  • Regular Season: October 26-27, 2024; November 1, 2024 - January 26, 2025

North Zone Duck Season Dates for 2024:

  • Early Teal: September 14-29, 2024
  • Regular Season: Nov. 9, 2024 - Dec. 1, 2024 & Dec. 7, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025

South Zone Duck Season Dates for 2024:

  • Early Teal: September 14-29, 2024
  • Regular Season: Nov. 2, 2024 - Dec. 1, 2024 & Dec. 14, 2024 - Jan. 26, 2025
Duck Hunting Zone Map Texas

Duck Hunting Zones (Image Credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife)

Texas 2024 Duck Season Bag Limits

The daily bag limit is six ducks, with restrictions on certain species (e.g., mallards, pintails, canvasbacks).

For more information on Texas duck seasons, bag limits, and other regulations, see more information on the TPWD website.

Arkansas Duck Season 2024

Known as the "Duck Hunting Capital of the World," Arkansas boasts the renowned Mississippi Flyway and prime hunting spots like the Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area.

Arkansas Regular Duck Season 2024:

  • Early Teal: Sept. 15-30, 2024
  • Nov. 23-Dec. 2, 2024
  • Dec. 10-23, 2024
  • Dec. 27, 2024-Jan. 31, 2025

Arkansas Youth/Veterans Special Duck Season 2024:

  • February 8-9, 2025

Arkansas 2024 Duck Season Bag Limits

The daily bag limit is six ducks, including restrictions on certain species. Hunters should review the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission guidelines for up-to-date information on bag limits and species-specific rules.

Florida duck hunting season

Louisiana Duck Season 2024

Louisiana's rich wetlands, coastal areas, and river systems make it a paradise for duck hunters. The state is divided into Coastal, East, and West Zones.

Louisiana East Zone Duck Season 2024

  • Louisiana early teal season: September 14-29, 2024
  • Louisiana regular duck season: November 16 - December 1 2024 and December 14 2024 - January 26 2025
  • Louisiana youth and veterans only duck season: November 9 2024 and February 1 2025

Louisiana West Zone Duck Season 2024

  • Louisiana early teal season: September 14-29, 2024
  • Louisiana regular duck season: November 9 - December 8 2024; December 21 2024 - January 5 2025; January 18 - 31 2025
  • Louisiana youth only duck season: November 2-3 2024
  • Louisiana veterans only duck season: February 1-2 2025
Louisiana duck hunting zone map

Duck Hunting Zones (Image Credit: Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries)

Louisiana 2024 Duck Bag Limits:

Louisiana's daily bag limit is six ducks, with specific limits for species like mallards, wood ducks, and scaup. Check the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website for the latest regulations and updates.

Florida Duck Season 2024

Florida offers diverse hunting experiences, from coastal marshes to inland lakes. The state abounds with different habitat for ducks, providing a variety of opportunities to get after em.

Florida Regular Duck Season 2024

  • General Season: Nov. 23 - Dec. 1 2024; Dec. 7 2024 - Jan. 26 2025

Florida Special Duck Seasons 2024

  • Teal & Wood Duck Only: September 21-25 2024
  • Teal Only: September 26-29 2024
  • Youth Waterfowl Days: November 16 2024 & February 8 2025
  • Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Days: February 1-2 2025

Florida 2024 Duck Season Bag Limits

Florida allows six ducks per day, with restrictions on specific species. Hunters should consult the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the most recent updates.