The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters to carefully identify waterfowl before taking a shot as the state moves through its special teal season and prepares for Louisiana’s first special black-bellied whistling duck season.
Louisiana’s special teal season runs Sept. 19-27. During the nine-day season, hunters may harvest only blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal. The daily bag limit is six birds, with a possession limit of 18.
LDWF noted that identifying teal can sometimes be challenging, particularly when birds are in flight. Blue-winged teal have a large light-blue patch on the upper portion of the wing, while green-winged teal are the smallest of the dabbling ducks and have a green speculum. Cinnamon teal, which are extremely rare in Louisiana, are more similar in appearance to blue-winged teal than green-winged teal.
Another special season will follow in October. Louisiana’s first-ever special black-bellied whistling duck season will be held Oct. 3-11.
Only black-bellied whistling ducks may be harvested during the special season. Hunters will have a daily bag limit of four birds and a possession limit of 12. A free special permit is required to participate.
Black-bellied whistling ducks can be identified in flight by a wide white stripe on the upper surface of their wings and feet that extend beyond the tail. Adult birds typically have bright orange bills, pink feet and a chestnut-colored chest that transitions into a black belly. Juvenile birds may be more difficult to identify because they have grayish bills, less prominent pink coloring on their feet and lack the distinctive black belly seen on adults.
LDWF cautioned that other species of waterfowl may occupy the same habitats during both special seasons, making positive identification especially important.
“Know the season. Know the species. Know your target,” the department advised.
Hunters are encouraged to review identification materials and current Louisiana waterfowl regulations before heading into the field.
