Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Goose hunting continues to be the best bet in the Panhandle. Another blast of Arctic air this week should help decoying action for both Canadas and snows. Strong numbers of geese remain on Lake Etter and other watering sources near Spearman. Lubbock hunters have scored good shoots over plowed ground. Sandhill crane hunting has been fair for decoying action. Duck hunting has been fair to good on playas, though hunter participation has waned. Duck season ends at sunset Jan. 23. Goose season runs through Feb. 6. Prospects are fair to good.
North Zone Duck: Duck season closes at sunset Jan. 23. A blast of cold air forecasted for this weekend could ice up shallow ponds and sloughs. More mallards have moved into the region. Good hunts were posted in Central Texas near Franklin, Centerville, Mexia and Waco. Wood ducks have been solid on sloughs and timber ponds. Lots of canvasbacks have been reported on Lake O’Pines, Lake Fork and Caddo Lake. Other divers like scaup and ringed-necks have been found roosting on larger, deeper waters. Mallards are fair to good on the Sulphur River. Shallow coves on reservoirs and lakes have held gadwalls and teal. Many hunters have said late-season birds have been shy of the call. Hunters just north of IH-10 endured rain during the weekend, which hurt the early-morning flight. Hunting has been hit-or-miss on inland ponds, with teal and shovelers making up the brunt of the bag. Prospects are fair to good.
South Zone Duck: Duck season closes at sunset Jan. 23. Most of the coast endured heavy rains for most of the weekend, recharging ponds for the last week of the season. However, the early-morning rains hurt the duck flight. Many prairie hunters reported seeing an influx of pintails and green-winged teal since most puddle ducks head out of the marsh and to the high ground during heavy rains. Many prairie hunters have said they have not seen the green-winged teal in large numbers compared to seasons past. Bay hunters reported excellent decoying action around Port O’Connor and Rockport for redheads. Hunting around Baffin Bay and the Lower Laguna Madre has been solid for redheads and pintails. Goose season ends at sunset Jan. 23. Recent coastal rains have sent many geese to the plowed ground where hunters have had to deal with mud. Green fields continue to produce for Ross’ and Canadas near Wharton, Eagle Lake and Hungerford. The Light Goose Conservation Order begins Jan. 24. Prospects are fair to good.
