TPWD Migratory Bird Hunting Update Jan 7, 2009

Lake O' The Pines duck numbers reportedly up.

Good numbers of canvasbacks, scaup and ringed-necks on Pines has hunters turning out in wet conditions, and Caddo Lake hunting is said to be fair.

North Zone Duck:
Duck hunting has been fair at best for puddle ducks like mallards, gadwalls and teal. Timber hunters have been able to score their two wood ducks. Hunters willing to shoot diving ducks have filled their bag with the five-bird limit. Lots of canvasbacks, scaup and ringed-necks have been taken on Lake O’the Pines. Toledo Bend hunters have shot canvasbacks, scaup and a few mallards. Caddo Lake has been fair for ringed-necks and gadwalls. A few mallards have been taken on Sam Rayburn. Some hunters hunted in freezing rain and snow early in the week. Conditions remain dry along the coast. Good hunts were posted in the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge over the weekend for wood ducks, gadwalls, teal and a few mallards. Prospects are fair to good.

South Zone Duck:
Duck hunting has been hit-or-miss on the coastal prairies. Those able to rest ponds have had good shoots for green-winged teal and pintails. Water continues to be an issue as many ponds have dried up, which has helped concentrate birds on the ponds with water. Marsh hunters have seen half-limits at best. Few food is left in the marsh to hold birds through January. Bluebills and a few teal have been the norm in Trinity Bay. Port O’Connor and Rockport hunters are taking their pintails and redheads, but more coveted ducks like gadwalls and wigeons have been noticeably absent. Redheads, bluebills and pintails have been good in Port Mansfield. Goose hunting has been steady with mild temperatures, southerly winds and foggy conditions. Snows have readily decoyed and some impressive hunts have been posted. Specklebellies have shied away from white spreads and calling. Dark geese have segregated themselves in fields. Canada geese have decoyed and picked up the slack. Geese are hitting green fields of wheat, rye and clover. Prospects are good.

See the full report at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20090107a.