Craig Nyhus picks up his first duck of the season as the sun rises over the rolling hills near Italy Texas. Photo by David J. Sams

Craig Nyhus, editor of Lone Star Outdoor News, was in his Avery Finisher layout blind across the lake. The first duck to decoy was a greenhead mallard, which swam contently feeding among the teal decoys. Minutes later, Nyhus swung hard on green-winged teal and dropped his first bird.

The cool winds continued as the sun peeked over the hills. Another flight warmed up Dallas hunter, David Carroum. “I was freezing, I did not expect it to be this cool,” he said. Carroum was decked out in flats, booties and shorts.

Greenhead Gear teal decoys work the water near Italy Texas. Photo by David J. Sams

Phillip Monier takes photos of a retrieve. Photo by David J. Sams

Dan Rhodes carries the day’s teal to the ATV. Photo by David J. Sams

David Carroum, sporting shorts, winds up his Greenhead Gear decoys after the hunt. Photo by David J. Sams

Teal Season dates for Texas
(Blue-winged, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal):
High Plains Mallard Management Unit:
September 15-23
Rest of state:
September 15-30
Limit four teal

Shooting hours: one half hour before sunrise to sunset.