South Zone Waterfowl Hunting Report

ANAHUAC, December 28, 2005 - Duck hunting has slowed during the last 10 days across the coastal prairie and marsh. This is a typical occurrence as food supplies are consumed until gone and ducks scatter to find sustainable nourishment.

The brunt of the duck population seems to be along the coastline on the grassy shorelines of the bay. Good numbers of ducks, including scaup, teal, gadwalls and pintails are feeding on the vegetation of the north shoreline of Trinity Bay, though soft, marshy bottoms are not conducive to those with weak cardiovascular systems.

West Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, San Antonio Bay and Aransas Bay is holding pintails, wigeons, gadwalls, scaup and redheads. Shovelers, gadwalls, teal, pintails and mallards are the species showing up on prairie straps. Half-limits have been the norm, recently.

Goose hunting picked up last week as snow geese have moved from rice to fields with green vegetation. More Canada geese have found the prairie and are showing on straps. Sandhill crane season opened Dec. 24 and results were mixed. Those who hunted and were able to find concealment got their birds; however, since the season opened Christmas Eve, few hunters participated.

South Zone dove hunters get another crack at doves Dec. 26–Jan. 15. Prospects are fair to good.

Give us your Feedback about this story!