Sept. 6, 2006

Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report

Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from late August through early February.

North Zone Dove: Hunters saw mixed results in the region. Reports indicate afternoon shoots were better. As forecasted, those hunkered around watering holes had solid shoots. Panhandle hunters took limits of mourners around milo and corn fields. Few playas have water, but those hunting around stock tanks enjoyed steady shooting. Red River and Bowie County fields saw good hunts over soybeans and watering holes. Fields around Denton were fair to good, and better around water. Fields in Rockwall County posted limit hunts around water. Harrison County fields posted solid shoots around goatweed and water. Expect northern birds to begin trickling into Texas with the north breeze and upcoming full moon. Until significant rainfall occurs, hunting around water will continue to be the ticket. Prospects are fair to good.

Central Zone Dove: Hunting around San Antonio was steady for whitewings around the outlying areas where corn and milo is present. Hunters reported better flights in the afternoon. Early morning shoots were fair, but several hunters reported doves were a bit late leaving their San Antonio roosts. Uvalde hunting was good for whitewings, mourners and Eurasion collared doves. Whitewings flew a bit higher, but resident Eurasions flew to the same fields they have been feeding in all summer. Hondo and Sabinal hunters got their birds around water and milo. Waco hunters enjoyed good shoots around water in the afternoon. Fields near Devers and Winnie, just north of I-10, gave up limits for those able to shoot well. Sealy and Columbus fields were solid in the afternoon. Expect new birds to arrive with the full moon. Typically, the first 10 days of dove season sees hunters hunting resident birds. Then, birds from the northern states begin to enter Texas. Hunting around water will continue to be the ticket. Prospects are fair to good.

Special South Texas Whitewing: Cameron and Willacy County fields saw consistent shooting over the weekend in milo and corn fields. Those around water took their limit much quicker. Uvalde area fields were good around milo and water, though higher shots were taken on whitewings. Eurasion collared doves filled the afternoon bag as well. The season will open again and run Sept.16–17 with afternoon-only hunting. Prospects are good.

Teal Season: Teal season opens 30 minutes before sunrise Sept. 9 and runs through Sept. 24. The bag limit is 4 birds per man, per day. Biologist estimate 5.7 million blue-winged teal this year. Strong numbers have been seen on the prairies near El Campo, Garwood, Eagle Lake, Winnie and Collegeport. The coastal marsh is in good shape since heavy rains in June and July. North and Central Texas remain dreadfully dry. Lakes and reservoirs should be the hot spots there since that is the only water available. Good numbers of teal have been reported on Lake Fork, Caddo Lake and Lake O’ the Pines. More teal should arrive daily with north winds and the upcoming full moon. If you have access to water, prospects are great.