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
Pintail seasons are among the most restrictive in waterfowl hunting due to persistent population concerns. Daily bag limits are typically just one or two birds, and hunters must be extremely careful with species identification. Regulations vary by flyway and can change annually based on population surveys.
Pacific Flyway
- Season: October - January (varies)
- Daily Bag: 1 pintail
- Possession: 2 pintails
- Key States: CA, OR, WA
- Notes: Highest pintail concentrations
Central Flyway
- Season: October - January
- Daily Bag: 1-2 pintails
- Possession: 2-4 pintails
- Key States: TX, OK, KS, NE
- Notes: Split seasons in some states
Mississippi Flyway
- Season: November - January
- Daily Bag: 1-2 pintails
- Possession: 2-4 pintails
- Key States: LA, AR, MS
- Notes: Strong coastal populations
California
- Season: October - January
- Daily Bag: 1 pintail
- Possession: 2 pintails
- Best Areas: Central Valley, Suisun
- Notes: Premium pintail destination
Texas
- Season: October - January
- Daily Bag: 1-2 pintails
- Possession: 2-4 pintails
- Best Areas: Gulf Coast, Panhandle
- Notes: Zone variations apply
Saskatchewan
- Season: September - December
- Daily Bag: 4 pintails
- Possession: 12 pintails
- Best Areas: Southern prairies
- Notes: Early migration opportunity
Critical: Know Your Limits
Pintail bag limits are among the most strictly enforced in waterfowl hunting. Exceeding your limit, even by one bird, carries severe penalties. Always verify current regulations before hunting, as limits can change annually and vary by zone. Practice positive species identification - when in doubt, don't shoot.