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Media Contact for This Release: Steve Lightfoot, (512) 389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.state.tx.us

Jan. 18, 2006

Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report

Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.

High Plains Mallard Management Unit/Panhandle: Decoying action for Canada geese was good over the weekend and better early this week as a stiff cold front blew through the region. Good hunts were posted near Spearman in corn field; most hunters setting dark spreads posted their limit, despite late-season hunting. Fields west of Amarillo walked out with heavy straps of Canadas and snow geese. Many western Canadas from six to seven pounds along with the occasional 10-pound birds have been showing lately. The region received rain ahead of the front, which helped to knock the dust from the roads. Playas near Lubbock and Knox City continue steady for ducks. Water levels remain huntable in the this area of the region. Mallards, pintails, wigeons, gadwalls and teal have made up the brunt of straps. Prospects are good.

North Zone: Those hunters who have access to water have been consistently harvesting mallards and wood ducks in the timber. Mere puddles of water have been roosting ducks. The region did receive rain early this week, but dry, parched dirt soaked up the moisture quickly. Hunters have been resorting to big water on lakes and reservoirs for scaup, ringed-necks and a few canvasbacks. Locals are saying they have never seen rivers and lake levels so low. Closer to the coast along IH-10, duck hunting was fair at best last week. Early week rain did recharge leveed ponds, which should bode well for the last 10 days of the season. Duck season close at sunset Jan. 29. Prospects are fair.

South Zone: Duck hunting slowed across the coastal prairie last week. Mild and dry conditions continue to aid in evaporation of water from ponds, leaving ducks with few sources for fresh water. The region did receive as much as an inch of rain early this week, which should recharge ponds for at least a few days. The duck hot spot seems to be the bays around Port O’Connor and Rockport. Lack of water in freshwater marshes has pushed many birds to the bays. Most hunters are taking their limit of pintails and redheads. Good hunts were posted on the north shoreline of Trinity Bay. Snow geese are beginning to break into smaller groups as food sources deplete. Large concentrations of snows are working winter wheat fields or those rice fields over-seeded with rye grass for cattle. Speckbellies closed Jan. 15; however, snow geese, Canada geese and ducks are legal to harvest until Jan. 29. Prospects are fair to good.

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On the Net:

Avian Influenza: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/birdflu/

BG 2006-01-18

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