HUNTER INFORMATION

Licenses for resident and non-resident hunters

dove

Texas Hunting License. You must hold a resident or non-resident hunting license, which runs from September 1 to August 31. Youth Hunters can buy a low cost Youth Hunting License. First time hunters are allowed ONE Texas Hunter Education Deferral. You can find more information about the deferred option on the TPWD website.

Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement. This state stamp is required for all regular adult hunters pursuing migratory game birds.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification. This free certification requires answering a short survey about your previous migratory bird hunts during checkout.

CRANE

Texas Hunting License. You must hold a resident or non-resident hunting license, which runs from September 1 to August 31. Youth Hunters can buy a low cost Youth Hunting License. First time hunters are allowed ONE Texas Hunter Education Deferral. You can find more information about the deferred option on the TPWD website.

Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement. This state stamp is required for all regular adult hunters pursuing migratory game birds.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification. This free certification requires answering a short survey about your previous migratory bird hunts during checkout.
Federal Sandhill Crane Hunting Permit. A free permit issued by the TPWD.

geese

Texas Hunting License. You must hold a resident or non-resident hunting license, which runs from September 1 to August 31. Youth Hunters can buy a low cost Youth Hunting License. First time hunters are allowed ONE Texas Hunter Education Deferral. You can find more information about the deferred option on the TPWD website.

Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement. This state stamp is required for all regular adult hunters pursuing migratory game birds.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification. This free certification requires answering a short survey about your previous migratory bird hunts during checkout.
Federal Duck Stamp (Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp). Not to be confused with the Texas Migratory Game Bird Endorsement, you will need to show proof of both, if you are checked by law enforcement. Required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Hunter Education Certification.

Anyone born after September 2, 1971, must successfully complete a hunter education course and carry proof of completion. Texas fully recognizes valid hunter education certifications from all other US states and Canadian provinces.

We strongly recommend purchasing the Federal Duck Stamp.

If you plan to pursue sandhill crane, we still recommend you purchase the Federal Duck Stamp due to the abundant population of geese located in the region. We have had instances where geese land in our crane spread. While it makes for an exciting hunt, we want all of our clients to feel secure in knowing that they are abiding by the laws in any situation.

For further details regarding licensing requirements, we encourage looking directly at the TPWD website.

What to bring?

12 or 20 gauge shotguns are recommended.
3” or 3.5” non-toxic shot in sizes 2 or BB.
- We suggest wearing a camo or neutral outer layer to help with concealment.
- Warm base-layers are strongly encouraged during colder months.
- Face coverings and neutral colored hats are recommended.
- PLEASE NO ORANGE OR BRIGHT COLORED CLOTHING/HATS.
We cannot stress enough that these birds have remarkable vision. That being said, we will ask you to remove any orange hats, balaclavas, beanies, or toboggans.
We assign shooting lanes for each hunter on the pursuit and have strategic shot calls. A hunter that fails to follow guide instructions is at risk for removal from the hunt without reimbursement.
Safety is a top priority along with birds working the decoys. We want this to be a successful hunt for every hunter that joins us.
Bring shooting glasses or non-mirrored sunglasses to protect your eyes and help with vision. Ear pro is recommended to prevent hearing loss, while entirely being up to hunter preference.
The OPO team prefers lightweight boots for easier mobility and keeping toes warm. However, we highly recommend snake boots or gaiters during the warmer hunts. Closed-toe shoes required.

HUNT Photography & Videography

We are proud to have a trained in-house photographer and videographer who accompanies nearly every hunt, capturing the moments and memories that make your experience at Open Plains Outdoors unforgettable!

Your hunt images and videos will be delivered on the final day of your hunt or the following day, so you can relive the experience while it’s still fresh.

Our photographer works directly with Open Plains Outdoors and does not require tips, though gratuities are always appreciated for exceptional service.

If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please let our photographer know at the beginning of your hunt so we can respect your wishes throughout the pursuit. We will go over this and ask directly once settled into the blinds.

Feel free to bring your own camera if you wish to do so, but know that we have you covered if not.

INFORMATION BY HUNT

Select your planned hunt and read through carefully as the information covers many of our frequently asked questions. If your question was not answered, please contact (806) 777-8007 for further assistance.