South Zone Waterfowl Hunting Report

AUSTIN, January 23, 2008 - The region received 5-8 inches of rain over the weekend which recharged roost ponds and scattered waterfowl across the prairie. Marsh ducks headed to the high ground with all the rain and many prairie hunters reported seeing more pintails.

Outfitters reported improved hunting near Eagle Lake, Garwood and El Campo, but still below par compared to past seasons. Green-winged teal continue to be the mainstay in hunters’ bags. The lack of gadwalls on the prairie has puzzled hunters throughout the year.

Good hunts were posted near High Island. Pintails are very good in Rockport and Port O’Connor. Seadrift reported steady hunts for wigeons, redheads, gadwalls and teal. Some canvasbacks have been showing in the freshwater marsh near Copano Bay.

Hunting has slowed to a crawl in Trinity Bay. Snow geese continue to feed on green forbs in fallow fields or winter green fields. Groups of snows are beginning to separate into smaller flocks. Wet, muddy fields have discouraged some goose hunters, but the standing water has been good for bonus pintails in goose spreads.

Snows are building in the marsh near Anahuac and foggy conditions early this week was a boon.

Duck season along with goose season ends at sunset Jan. 27. The Light Goose Conservation Order begins Jan. 28. Prospects are fair to good.