South Zone Waterfowl Hunting Report

AUSTIN, January 16, 2008 - Duck hunting along the middle coast continues to be the boon of the state, as hunters have been taking an abundance of pintails, wigeons, teal, gadwalls and redheads.

High Island hunters have fared well in the marsh, but as a whole, the upper coast has been fair at best. A few good hunts were had in the Anahuac marsh near East Galveston Bay. The Lower Laguna Madre has been solid for pintails and divers. The coastal prairie has been fair at best for ducks. Rested ponds have produced limits of green-winged teal, shovelers and a few mallards near Eagle Lake, Wharton, Garwood, East Bernard and El Campo. Many ponds on the prairie are flats of mud due to lack of rainfall, and chances are outfitters and landowners will not ante up the money to turn on water pumps this late in the season.

Goose hunting was better this weekend despite high skies. Outfitters say as long as they have wind they have a chance at the older flock of snow.

The season on specklebellies closed Jan. 13 and hunters reported an good year for white-fronts. Goose hunting will be tougher without the more gullible specks; but, Canada geese should fill the void. Many hunters have reported an influx of Canadas and expect more with the forthcoming cold front. Snow geese are beginning to break into smaller groups due to dwindling food supplies; however, large concentrations have been feeding in winter wheat and rye grass. Sandhill crane hunting has been fair. Most hunters are setting up in an established flight path and pass-shooting the large gray birds.

The Light Goose Conservation Order begins Jan. 28; unplugged shotguns, limitless harvest and electronic callers are all legal means of hunting.

Duck season in the South Zone closes Jan. 27. Prospects are fair to good.