Goose2023-2024 Seasons & Regulations
Season Dates & County Regulations
Early Canada Geese Season
- East Zone
- Sept. 9 - 24, 2023
Light and Dark Geese
- West Zone
- Nov. 4, 2023 - Feb. 4, 2024
- East Zone
- Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 28, 2024
Light Geese (Conservation Order)
- West Zone
- Feb. 5 - Mar. 10, 2024
- East Zone
- Jan. 29 - Mar. 10, 2024
Goose Hunting Opportunity for Youth
It is legal for youth hunters to take geese during the youth-only waterfowl seasons associated with each of the duck zones. See duck regulations for season dates and zones.
Western Zone Bag Limits
Animal | Daily Bag Limit | Daily Bag Aggregate | Possession Limit |
---|---|---|---|
Dark Geese Limits | 5 birds | No more than 2 white-fronted geese | 3 times daily bag |
Light Geese Limits | 10 birds | In the aggregate | None |
Conservation Order Light Geese Limits | None | None | None |
Eastern Zone Bag Limits
Animal | Daily Bag Limit | Daily Bag Aggregate | Possession Limit |
---|---|---|---|
Early Canada Geese Limits | 5 birds | In the aggregate | 3 times daily bag |
Dark Geese Limits | 5 birds | No more than 2 white-fronted geese | 3 times daily bag |
Light Geese Limits | 10 birds | In the aggregate | None |
Conservation Order Light Geese Limits | None | None | None |
Goose Hunting Zone Map
- Western Zone
- West of a line from the International Toll Bridge at Laredo, north following IH-35 and 35W to Fort Worth, northwest along U.S. Hwy. 81 and 287 to Bowie, north along U.S. Hwy. 81 to the Texas-Oklahoma state line.
- Eastern Zone
- Remainder of the state.
Goose Hunting Regulations
Light Goose Conservation Order
During the Light Goose Conservation Order, the taking of light geese will be permitted by regulations established through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Conservation Order. Under the order, the following rules shall be in effect for the taking of light geese:
- No daily bag or possession limits.
- The use of electronic calls is legal.
- Unplugged shotguns holding more than 3 shells are legal.
- Shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset.
It is unlawful to take any other species of migratory game birds during the Light Goose Conservation Order.
Snow Goose and Ross's Goose Identification
- White with black wingtips.
- Wingspan: 3 to 4 feet.
- Short legs.
- Rapid wingbeat.
- Flocks of 20 to hundreds.
Legal Shooting Hours
From one-half hour before sunrise to sunset except during the Light Goose Conservation Order..
See sunrise and sunset computations.
License Requirements
Hunting License
All migratory game bird hunters must have a valid hunting license.
Texas Migratory Game Bird Stamp Endorsement
A Migratory Game Bird Endorsement is required to hunt any migratory game bird (waterfowl, coot, rail, gallinule, snipe, dove, sandhill crane, and woodcock). A valid Federal Duck Stamp and HIP Certification are also required of waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older.
Harvest Information Program
When you purchase a hunting license, indicate to the license clerk that you intend to hunt migratory game birds and need to be HIP certified by answering a few simple questions.