Rails, Gallinules and Moorhens2025-2026 Seasons & Regulations

Season Dates & County Regulations

Migratory Game Bird Endorsement & HIP Certification Required

Regular Season

Statewide
Sept. 20 - 28, 2025
Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025

Falconry

Statewide

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.

 

Migratory Game Bird Regulations