Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.
North Zone Dove: The North Zone season closes at sunset Oct. 23. The season has been fair at best, probably due to lack of traditional watering holes due to the drought. Best flights occurred around the Panhandle in sunflowers and milo around Amarillo, though wet playas are limited. Doves have been using feed lots ponds for waters. Good shoots were posted around Paris and fields north of Dallas. The cold front his week should push new mourners to Texas, though, traditionally, few hunters participate this late in the season. Prospects are fair to good.
Central Zone Dove: An influx of birds hit this region of the state last week on the heels of the cold front, but few hunters noticed due to lack of participation. Dove hunting priorities have shifted to preparations for the upcoming deer season. Hankamer and Winnie, along the Central and South zone borders, have enjoyed steady flights. Sealy and Columbus hunters have seen good numbers of whitewings. Good afternoon shoots were had around Uvalde and Hondo. Milo and sunflowers have held birds throughout the region. Clear, cool weather is forecasted for the week, which should encourage a steady flight. The season closes at sunset Oct. 23. Prospects are fair to good.
South Dove Dove: An influx of birds was noticed across the region with last week’s cool front; and, this week’s stronger blast of north winds should redeposit birds. Limit shoots were posted across the Rio Grande Valley. Port Mansfield, Raymondville, Devine, Three Rivers and George West hunters saw steady flights as well. Bay City, El Campo and Port Lavaca shoots have been best in the afternoon around goatweed and sunflowers. Palacios fields have steadily held birds throughout the season. The season runs through Oct. 30. Prospects are fair to good.
Waterfowl Migration: A noticeable number of new ducks showed up along the coast last week with the cool front and full moon. Pintails, shovelers, redheads and teal were seen on the bays. High ground hunters on the coastal prairies with ponds with water are holding impressive concentrations of puddle ducks and specklebellies. East Texas reservoirs are holding teal, gadwalls and wigeons in shallow coves and creeks, but many access points, including public boat ramps, have been closed due to low water. Duck and goose season opens Nov. 5.
