Restricted Limits
One or two bird daily limit due to population concerns - know your regulations
Pacific & Central Flyways
Primary concentrations in California, Texas, and Prairie Pothole region
October - January
Peak hunting during fall and early winter migration
The northern pintail is often called the "greyhound of the skies" for its sleek profile and graceful flight. This elegant dabbling duck is among the most prized waterfowl in North America, distinguished by its long neck, slender build, and the drake's distinctive elongated tail feathers. Once one of the most abundant ducks on the continent, pintail populations have declined significantly, leading to restrictive bag limits that make each bird harvested truly special.
Drake Identification
- Chocolate brown head with white stripe
- Long, pointed black tail feathers (4-6 inches)
- Gray body with white breast
- Bronze-green speculum with white trailing edge
- Weight: 1.5-3 lbs; length: 20-30 inches
Hen Identification
- Mottled brown overall plumage
- Slender build compared to other hens
- Pointed tail (shorter than drake)
- Long neck distinctive in flight
- Gray bill with dark culmen
Habitat & Range
- Breed in Prairie Pothole region and Alaska
- Winter in California's Central Valley
- Texas Gulf Coast marshes and rice fields
- Louisiana coastal marshes
- Mexico wetlands for southernmost wintering
Population Concerns
- Population down from 10 million to ~3 million
- Prairie habitat loss major factor
- Restrictive bag limits (1-2 birds)
- Season closures possible in bad years
- Conservation efforts ongoing