Texas Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report - 11/19/2008
November 19, 2008
Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: The front brought new birds to the region but mild temperatures quickly returned. Outfitters have said temperatures in the 70s have not prompted geese to feed heavily, which has hurt decoying action. Many outfitters have said there are plenty of Canadas and snows to hunt; but, weather has been the ingredient to harvest them. Duck numbers look good on playas and feed lots. More mallards showed with the front. Knox City and Haskell County hunters have taken limits of wigeons, teal, gadwalls and a few mallards. Water conditions look better in the northern region of the Panhandle compared to the southern. Sandhill cranes numbers are strong and a few good hunts have been posted. Again, mild conditions and high skies have limited hunters. Prospects are good.
North Zone Duck: More ducks showed with the front. Gadwalls, teal and woodies continue to be most consistent in bags, but more mallards showed this week. Lots of woodies have been seen early in the river bottoms. Locales say they are seeing many more wood ducks than a year ago, probably due to better water conditions. Area lakes and reservoirs are holding more divers than normal. Divers like scaup and redheads are late getting to the coastal bayfronts, but many have begun their migration since the front. Lake Wright-Patman has been fair for gadwalls, teal and a few divers. Lots of ringed-necks on Caddo Lake. Power plant lakes, where hunting is prohibited, are holding large concentrations of birds. The river bottoms have water but could use another doze of soaking rains. Fields in Brookshire, Winnie, Nome, Sealy and Katy received rain that recharged duck ponds. Second-cropped rice fields have been best for teal, gadwalls, shovelers and mottled ducks. Many hunters have reported seeing more mottled ducks on inland fields on the east side of Houston, probably due to deteriorating marsh conditions brought about by Hurricane Ike. The first split of duck season runs through Nov. 30. Prospects are fair to good.
South Zone Duck: Duck hunters have seen consistent action on prairie ponds, especially since three to seven inches of rain fell last week. The recent front deposited new birds to the region, including more green-winged teal. Lots of bluewings still hanging around, especially in the marsh near Collegeport. Wharton, Garwood, Eagle Lake, East Bernard and El Campo ponds have been steady, with the odd specklebelly being taken out of duck blinds. Action on local wildlife management areas had been slim, but action picked up with the front and new water to fill freshwater compartments. Port O’Connor and Rockport hunters saw an influx of redheads, scaup and pintails. The hard north wind associated with the front blew some of the pintails from the prairie to the marsh. A stiff southerly wind should send them back, quickly. Goose numbers continue to build. The front pushed many more snow geese to the coast which hit fresh cut second-cropped rice fields. Good hunts were posted with a little fog and south winds that blew before the front. A good ration of young to old birds has helped decoying action—the same can be said for specklebellies. No reports of Canada geese, yet. The first split of duck season runs through Nov. 30. Prospects are good.
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What’s Open For Hunting in Arkansas - 11/19/2008
November 19, 2008
Current and approaching seasons in Arkansas:
Deer:
Archery - All zones:Â Oct. 1, 2008 to Feb. 28, 2009.
Modern Gun - Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11: Nov. 8-30.
Zone 5:Â Nov. 15-16.
Zone 4A, 5A, 13, 14 and 15:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 7.
Zones 4B and 5B:Â Nov. 8-16.
Zones 9 and 12:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 14.
Zone 16, 16A and 17:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 25.
Muzzleloader- Zones 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15: Dec. 13-15.
Zones 9, 12, 16, 16A and 17: Dec. 29-31.
Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B:Â Closed.
The statewide Christmas holiday modern gun deer hunt will be Dec. 26-28.
Duck:
Nov. 22-Dec. 1,
Dec. 6-Dec. 24
Dec. 26-Jan. 25.
The youth waterfowl hunt will be Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
Statewide Canada goose season:
Jan. 10-Feb. 1 (bag limit two).
White-fronted goose season:
Nov. 15-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of two.
Snow, blue and Ross’ goose season:
Nov. 8-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of 20.
Snow goose Conservation Order:
Feb. 2-April 25 with no bag limit.
Dove:
Dec. 13, 2008-Jan. 2, 2009
Virginia and Sora Rail:
Sept. 13-Nov. 21
Spotted Skunk, Weasel Hunting:
Closed
Fall Turkey:
Archery: All Zones:Â Oct. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009.
Bear:
Archery: Zone 1: Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Zone 2: Sept. 15-Nov. 30
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed
Modern Gun: Zones 1 and 2: Nov 3-30
Zone 5: Dec 6-14
Zone 5A: Nov 29-Dec 14
Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7: closed
Furbearers:
Trapping (other than coyote, beaver, muskrat, nutria): sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 22.
Coyote trapping: sunrise, Aug. 1-sunset, March 31.
Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, March 31.
Gray fox, mink, opossum, red fox, striped skunk hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, Feb 28.
Raccoon day or night hunting: sunrise, Sept 1-sunset, March 31.
Raccoon night hunting: sunset, July 1-sunrise, Aug. 31.
Bobcat hunting: sunrise, Oct. 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 8.
Coyote hunting: sunrise, July 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 14.
River otter hunting: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 28.
Muskrat, nutria, beaver hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, March 31.
Badger, spotted skunk and weasel hunting: Closed.
Elk:
Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, A and B: Dec. 8-12.
Quail:
Statewide: Nov. 1-Feb. 8.
Rabbit
Statewide: Sept. 1-Feb. 28.
Squirrel
Statewide: Sept. 6, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009 and May 16-June 14, 2009.
Crow
Statewide: Sept. 6-Feb. 23.
Projected opening dates for the 2009-2010 deer hunting season.
Archery:
Oct. 1, 2009
Muzzleloader:
Oct. 17, 2009
Modern Gun:
Nov. 14, 2009
Related posts
Texas Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report - 11/12/2008
November 12, 2008
Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Outfitters say playa lakes look good and are holding lots of ducks and geese. Most of the birds are scattered throughout the region with the abundance of water. Colder weather should congregate the flocks. Pintails, teal, gadwalls, wigeons and a few mallards have been taken. The brunt of the population has not arrived, yet. Hunting has been fair at best recently with the milder than normal temperatures. Calm days coupled with blue skies have not helped decoying action. Sandhill crane hunting was fair during opening weekend. Those with a little wind saw better results. Goose numbers are building daily with the bright moon and a forecasted cold front that is expected to move through the region. Prospects are good.
North Zone: Duck hunting was fair at best on Northeast Texas lakes and reservoirs. Ponds near Dallas and north of the city saw mixed bags of gadwalls, teal and mallards. Mild temperatures have been the culprit in so few birds seen. Lake Wright-Patman was good for half-limits at best. Toledo Bend, Caddo Lake and Lake O’the Pines held divers and gadwalls. Water levels on lakes and reservoirs remain adequate for hunting. The southern portion of the north zone was fair at best as well. Fields near Brookshire, China, Devers, Nome, Sealy and Winnie held scattered flocks of specklebellies to go with a smattering of ducks. Conditions remain dry on rice and prairie ponds north of IH-10. Expect new birds to show with the full moon, despite no significant cold front forecasted. Prospects are fair.
South Zone: Duck hunting has been fair at best throughout the region, though prairie ponds holding adequate water has seen steady hunting. Best hunts have been in Wharton County, where blue-winged teal, gadwalls, pintails, wigeons and shovelers have filled straps. Fields near Garwood have been steady as well, with most ducks hunters taking the odd specklebelly, too. The Justin Hurst WMA near Freeport, Mad Island WMA near Bay City and Guadalupe Delta WMA near Port Lavaca has seen poor to fair hunting. Most of the freshwater compartments and moist soil units are dry. Duck hunting near Port O’Connor has been fair to good for those willing to put in the time to scout. The brunt of the diver population has not arrived, and the same goes for pintails, gadwalls and wigeons. Rockport has seen fair hunting at best. Large rafts of ducks have not arrived, yet. Goose hunting has been fair to good, with most hunters taking their limit of specklebellies. Snow geese have cooperated when the wind blows. A good hatch of young birds has aided in decoying action. Expect new geese to arrive with the forthcoming full moon. The region received needed rainfall early this week, as much as five inches in some parts, which should recharge parched ponds. Prospects are fair to good.
Related posts
What’s Open For Hunting in Arkansas - 11/12/2008
November 12, 2008
Current and approaching seasons in Arkansas:
Deer:
Archery - All zones:Â Oct. 1, 2008 to Feb. 28, 2009.
Modern Gun - Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11: Nov. 8-30.
Zone 4:Â Nov. 8-9.
Zone 5:Â Nov. 8-9 and Nov. 15-16.
Zone 4A, 5A, 13, 14 and 15:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 7.
Zones 4B and 5B:Â Nov. 8-16.
Zones 9 and 12:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 14.
Zone 16, 16A and 17:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 25.
Muzzleloader- Zones 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15: Oct. 18-26 and Dec. 13-15.
Zones 9, 12, 16, 16A and 17: Oct. 18-26 and Dec. 29-31.
Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B:Â Closed.
The statewide Christmas holiday modern gun deer hunt will be Dec. 26 to 28 with the special youth modern gun deer hunt in all zones (excludes certain WMAs where a modern gun or muzzleloader permit is required to hunt) scheduled for Nov. 1 to 2.
Duck:
Nov. 22-Dec. 1,
Dec. 6-Dec. 24
Dec. 26-Jan. 25.
The youth waterfowl hunt will be Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
Northwest Canada goose zone season:
Sept. 27-Oct. 6 (bag limit two).
Statewide Canada goose season:
Jan. 10-Feb. 1 (bag limit two).
White-fronted goose season:
Nov. 15-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of two.
Snow, blue and Ross’ goose season:
Nov. 8-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of 20.
Snow goose Conservation Order:
Feb. 2-April 25 with no bag limit.
Dove:
Oct. 4-19
Dec. 13, 2008-Jan. 2, 2009
Virginia and Sora Rail:
Sept. 13-Nov. 21
Spotted Skunk, Weasel Hunting:
Closed
Fall Turkey:
Archery: All Zones:Â Oct. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009.
Firearms: Zones 3, 5B, 6, and 17:Â Oct. 11-17.
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 9A and 10:Â Closed.
Bear:
Archery: Zone 1: Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Zone 2: Sept. 15-Nov. 30
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed
Muzzleloader: Zones 1 and 2: Oct 18-26
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed
Modern Gun: Zones 1 and 2: Nov 3-30
Zone 5: Dec 6-14
Zone 5A: Nov 29-Dec 14
Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7: closed
Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt: Zones 1 and 2 (does not include WMAs requiring a deer permit to harvest a bear): Nov. 1-2
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed
Furbearers:
Trapping (other than coyote, beaver, muskrat, nutria): sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 22.
Coyote trapping: sunrise, Aug. 1-sunset, March 31.
Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, March 31.
Gray fox, mink, opossum, red fox, striped skunk hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, Feb 28.
Raccoon day or night hunting: sunrise, Sept 1-sunset, March 31.
Raccoon night hunting: sunset, July 1-sunrise, Aug. 31.
Bobcat hunting: sunrise, Oct. 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 8.
Coyote hunting: sunrise, July 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 14.
River otter hunting: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 28.
Muskrat, nutria, beaver hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, March 31.
Badger, spotted skunk and weasel hunting: Closed.
Elk:
Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, A and B: Dec. 8-12.
Quail:
Statewide: Nov. 1-Feb. 8.
Rabbit
Statewide: Sept. 1-Feb. 28.
Squirrel
Statewide: Sept. 6, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009 and May 16-June 14, 2009.
Crow
Statewide: Sept. 6-Feb. 23.
Projected opening dates for the 2009-2010 deer hunting season.
Archery:
Oct. 1, 2009
Muzzleloader:
Oct. 17, 2009
Modern Gun:
Nov. 14, 200
Related posts
Big Time Texas Hunts Winners Announced
November 6, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas — Seventeen lucky sportsmen are making special plans for hunting season as winners of this year’s Big Time Texas Hunts. The hunters were selected by random computer drawing from applicants in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program.
All told, hunters bought 79,327 Big Time Texas Hunt entries during this year’s sales period through the Oct. 15 deadline. This generated $776,229 in gross revenue to support wildlife research, habitat management and public hunting.
Stephen Bauer has been entering the Big Time Texas Hunts for years as a way to support TPWD youth hunting and public hunting efforts. Bauer, who owns and operates two feed stores in the Kerrville area, said he puts in for every hunt category and that support paid dividends as he was drawn as this year’s Big Time Bird Hunt package winner.
“I’m very excited about it,” said Bauer. “This will give me an opportunity to hunt some bird species I haven’t hunted before.”
Bauer, along with as many as three of his hunting buddies, will enjoy a unique package of upland game bird hunts: two days of quail, two days of pheasant hunting in the Panhandle and two afternoons of dove hunting. There will also be a two-day guided spring turkey hunt for two included in the package.
The winner of this year’s Big Time Texas Hunts crown jewel, the Texas Grand Slam hunt package — which includes four separate guided hunts for Texas’ most prized big game animals; desert bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope and mule deer — will be facing a significant logistical challenge. The winner, Matt Portch, lives in Hopewell Junction, New York.
“Luckily I have a lot of frequent flyer miles,” said Portch, who works for a pharmaceutical company in Manhattan. “I lived in Texas for 10 years and have been entering the Big Time Texas Hunts since the first year of the program. I always applied with the hope, but never the intention of winning, so it was a marvelous surprise.”
Portch admits trying to coordinate four major hunting trips to Texas on the calendar is going to be a big challenge. “But, I will make it happen, it’s too important,” he said. “I have not done any hunting in New York, but have been looking for reasons to come back to Texas. Now I have four reasons!”
Following are the winners of this year’s Big Time Texas Hunts.
- Grand Slam — Matt Portch, Hopewell Junction, NY
- Premium Buck Hunt — Leon Pavlock, Guy, TX
- Exotic Safari — James Cavness, Sanger, TX; Joshua Bellman, North Richland Hills, TX
- Whitetail Bonanza — John Knotts, Streetman, TX; Kevin Harris, El Campo, TX; Dixon Presnall, Aledo, TX; Patrick Mitchell, Pine Bluff, AR; Clarence Davis, Groveton, TX; Matthew Zaiontz, San Antonio; Roddy Wade, Dallas; Neil Reichenback, Carrollton, TX; Thomas Patrick, Houston; Kenny Ferguson, Ackerly, TX.
- Big Time Bird Hunt — Stephen Bauer, Harper, TX
- Waterfowl Adventure — John Noland, Houston
- Gator Hunt — Mark Garrison, Houston
Related posts
Texas Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report - 11/5/2008
November 5, 2008
Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.
High Plains Mallard Management Unit: Conditions look good in the Panhandle region near Amarillo, Dumas, Etter and Spearman. Outfitters say playa lakes are full of water and lots of waterfowl are roosting on them. Good duck hunts were posted for gadwalls, wigeons, teal and a few mallards. Lots of bluewings hanging around. Goose numbers look promising. Snow geese hanging around Lake Etter have lots of juveniles in the flock. Canada numbers look good as well. The West Zone goose season opens Nov. 8. Prospects are good.
North Zone Duck: The duck opener saw mixed results across the North Zone; however, compared to the 2007 opener, hunters saw better hunting. Decent hunts were posted on Lake Wright-Patman for gadwalls, wigeons and teal. Few mallards were reported. Caddo Lake hunters enjoyed the results, but most of the ducks were concentrated on big water. The same held true on Lake Fork, Toledo Bend and Lake Tawakoni. Bluebills, teal and a few redheads were taken on Lake O’the Pines. Good hunts were posted in rice and crawfish ponds near the coast on the southern border of the zone. Lots of hunters took their mottled duck along with greenwings and bluewings. Fog and calm winds along the coast this weekend hurt the flight somewhat. A pacific front is expected to drop temperatures later in the week. Prospects are fair to good.
South Zone Duck: Good hunts were posted on the prairie near Wharton and East Bernard. Lots of blue-winged teal were harvested along with gadwalls, shovelers, pintails and wigeons. Eagle Lake and Garwood enjoyed good shoots as well. Divers were taken on the prairie during opening weekend, but don’t expect them to hang around long. The prairie remains abnormally dry with water at a premium. Hunts along the bay were fair to good. The brunt of the duck population has not arrived, yet. Hunting was fair at best in the marsh east of Houston. A tidal surge of saltwater covered the entire marsh during Hurricane Ike and killed much of the duck food. Some of the rice was scorched by saltwater as well as water swelled well inland. Goose numbers look good. Limits of specklebellies were taken over rice, with a smattering of snows. Conditions were not favorable for goose hunting with calm conditions and clear skies. The juvenile population of snow geese looks to be in the 20-30 percent range, which bodes extremely well for decoying action. Prospects are good.
South Zone Dove: New birds showed up around South Texas since the front, but hunter participation has waned with the opening of duck and whitetail deer season. Some ranches that are primarily deer ranches have frowned on dove hunters shooting while deer hunters are on their stands. Sunflowers and watering holes have been the best bet. The season runs through Nov. 9. Prospects are good.
Related posts
What’s Open For Hunting in Arkansas - 11/5/2008
November 5, 2008
Current and approaching seasons in Arkansas:
Deer:
Archery - All zones:Â Oct. 1, 2008 to Feb. 28, 2009.
Modern Gun - Zones 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11: Nov. 8-30.
Zone 4:Â Nov. 8-9.
Zone 5:Â Nov. 8-9 and Nov. 15-16.
Zone 4A, 5A, 13, 14 and 15:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 7.
Zones 4B and 5B:Â Nov. 8-16.
Zones 9 and 12:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 14.
Zone 16, 16A and 17:Â Nov. 8-Dec. 25.
Muzzleloader- Zones 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15: Oct. 18-26 and Dec. 13-15.
Zones 9, 12, 16, 16A and 17: Oct. 18-26 and Dec. 29-31.
Zones 4, 4B, 5 and 5B:Â Closed.
The statewide Christmas holiday modern gun deer hunt will be Dec. 26 to 28 with the special youth modern gun deer hunt in all zones (excludes certain WMAs where a modern gun or muzzleloader permit is required to hunt) scheduled for Nov. 1 to 2.
Duck:
Nov. 22-Dec. 1,
Dec. 6-Dec. 24
Dec. 26-Jan. 25.
The youth waterfowl hunt will be Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
Northwest Canada goose zone season:
Sept. 27-Oct. 6 (bag limit two).
Statewide Canada goose season:
Jan. 10-Feb. 1 (bag limit two).
White-fronted goose season:
Nov. 15-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of two.
Snow, blue and Ross’ goose season:
Nov. 8-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 30 with a bag limit of 20.
Snow goose Conservation Order:
Feb. 2-April 25 with no bag limit.
Dove:
Oct. 4-19
Dec. 13, 2008-Jan. 2, 2009
Virginia and Sora Rail:
Sept. 13-Nov. 21
Spotted Skunk, Weasel Hunting:
Closed
Fall Turkey:
Archery: All Zones:Â Oct. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009.
Firearms: Zones 3, 5B, 6, and 17:Â Oct. 11-17.
Zones 1, 1A, 2, 4, 4A, 4B, 5, 5A, 7, 7A, 8, 9, 9A and 10:Â Closed.
Bear:
Archery: Zone 1: Oct. 1-Nov. 30
Zone 2: Sept. 15-Nov. 30
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed
Muzzleloader: Zones 1 and 2: Oct 18-26
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed
Modern Gun: Zones 1 and 2: Nov 3-30
Zone 5: Dec 6-14
Zone 5A: Nov 29-Dec 14
Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7: closed
Special Youth Modern Gun Bear Hunt: Zones 1 and 2 (does not include WMAs requiring a deer permit to harvest a bear): Nov. 1-2
Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7: Closed
Furbearers:
Trapping (other than coyote, beaver, muskrat, nutria): sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 22.
Coyote trapping: sunrise, Aug. 1-sunset, March 31.
Beaver, muskrat, nutria trapping: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, March 31.
Gray fox, mink, opossum, red fox, striped skunk hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, Feb 28.
Raccoon day or night hunting: sunrise, Sept 1-sunset, March 31.
Raccoon night hunting: sunset, July 1-sunrise, Aug. 31.
Bobcat hunting: sunrise, Oct. 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 8.
Coyote hunting: sunrise, July 1-sunset, Feb. 28 and from the first day of spring turkey season through June 14.
River otter hunting: sunrise, Nov. 15-sunset, Feb. 28.
Muskrat, nutria, beaver hunting: sunrise, Sept. 1-sunset, March 31.
Badger, spotted skunk and weasel hunting: Closed.
Elk:
Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, A and B: Dec. 8-12.
Quail:
State