Rails, Gallinules and Moorhens2023-2024 Seasons & Regulations

Season Dates & County Regulations

Regular Season

Statewide
Sept. 9 - 24, 2023
Nov. 4 - Dec. 27, 2023

Falconry

Statewide
Jan. 29 - Feb. 12, 2024

Bag Limits

AnimalHunt TypeDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
King and Clapper Rails Regular 15 birds
in the aggregate
45 birds
in the aggregate
Falconry 3 birds
in the aggregate
9 birds
in the aggregate
Sora and Virginia Rails Regular 25 birds
in the aggregate
75 birds
in the aggregate
Falconry 3 birds
in the aggregate
9 birds
in the aggregate
Moorhens (Common Gallinules) and Purple Gallinules Regular 15 birds
in the aggregate
45 birds
in the aggregate
Falconry 3 birds
in the aggregate
9 birds
in the aggregate

Hunting Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

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).

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.