TexasParksandwildlifelogoWeekly migratory bird hunting reports released by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

North Zone Dove: An abundance of playa lakes have mourning doves scattered around watering sources in the High Plains. Corn, milo and sunflowers continue to produce near Amarillo and Dumas. Abilene and Lubbock hunters have seen the same results around sunflowers and milo. Treelines and soybeans have held the bulk of the flights near the Red River. Many hunters reported the recent front deposited new birds to the area, but few hunters are taking advantage. The season runs through Oct. 24. Prospects are fair to good.

Central Zone Dove: Sunny, dry weather allowed doves to resume their flight pattern. Whitewings continue to find corn and milo fields in and around San Antonio. The cool down brought new birds to the area. New birds showed last week around Katy, Brookshire, Columbus and Brenham. Beaumont and Dayton fields saw an influx of mourning doves. Stephenville, Brownwood and Waco fields have been good for near-limits around goatweed and croton. Uvalde and Del Rio hunters have scored in scouted fields. Many doves have been bouncing back and forth from Central and South zone fields because of hunting pressure. The season runs through Oct. 24. Prospects are fair to good.

South Zone Dove: Dry, sunny weather last week allowed doves to resume traditional flight patterns. Rio Grande Valley hunters have shot limits of whitewings in sunflowers and milo. The Valley has endured lots of flooding during the past three months, so ponds and tanks are full and afternoon shoots have not been as steady as in past seasons.  El Campo, Bay City and Port Lavaca have seen steady flights and an influx of birds since the front, but few hunters are pressuring the birds. Sunflowers and croton have attracted most concentrations.  Good hunts were posted near George West and Pearsal. Hunters near San Antonio have had good results by rotating Central and South zone fields. The season runs through Oct. 31. Prospects are good.

Waterfowl Migration: More specklebellies showed with the recent cool front. Cut rice fields are holding the majority of the birds around Wharton, El Campo, Garwood and Eagle Lake. Pintails, teal, shovelers, gadwalls and wigeons are beginning to fill marsh and prairie ponds. More bluewings showed with the front. Though the past week was a dry one along the coast, there still remains lots of water for birds to use. Wood ducks, gadwalls and wigeons are beginning to show on East Texas lakes and reservoirs. Duck and goose season opens Oct. 30.