TPWD Migratory Bird Hunting Update Dec. 17th 2008

Colder weather and rains help to drive more ducks into our area. Dry conditions south of Upshur still a problem.

The numbers of mallards, teal and divers are all on the upswing, and prospects are now fair to good.

Excerpt of the TPWD Report follows:

North Zone Duck: The second split of duck season opened to temperatures resembling early teal season. More mallards arrived in Northeast Texas during the split, and a round of rain during the past week helped recharge shallow sloughs and backwaters. Conditions changed dramatically Monday as a stiff cold front pushed through the region bringing with it rain and sleet. Green-winged teal have been seen on shallow flats on lakes and reservoirs. Mallards have been solid on Lake Wright-Patman, Lake Palestine, Lake Fork, Lake Tawakoni and Cooper Lake. More divers have shown on Toledo Bend, Lake O’the Pines and Lake Fork. Wood ducks have been steady in wooded sloughs. Inland ponds near the coast were fair over the weekend. Mostly teal, gadwalls and shovelers were taken. Water continues to be a problem near Sealy, Brookshire, Nome, China and Winnie. Lack of rain is drying ponds and many landowners are not pumping due to the high costs. Prospects are fair to good.

The full report can be found on the web at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20081217a