South Zone Hunting Report

AUSTIN, December 26, 2007 - Duck hunting was fair at best across the coastal prairies and marshes, though few hunters took advantage over the weekend due to the Christmas holidays.

Good numbers of ducks, including scaup, redheads, wigeons, teal, gadwalls and pintails are feeding on the vegetation on the shorelines near Port O’Connor, Rockport and West Matagorda Bay.

Shovelers, gadwalls, teal, pintails and mallards are the species showing up on prairie straps.

The best hunting has been around Eagle Lake and Wharton, especially on weekends when there is more pressure on more ponds. Those hunting in small groups have been able to get their limit with good shooting.

Snow goose hunting continues to puzzle outfitters. Snows have not decoyed well since the season began, probably due to a juvenile count estimated at less than five percent. More Canada geese have found the prairie and are showing on straps. Sandhill crane season opened Dec. 22 and results were mixed. Those who hunted and were able to find concealment in deep ditches and hedge rows got their birds; however, since the season opened the weekend of Christmas, few hunters participated.

South Zone dove hunters get another crack at doves Dec. 26–Jan. 12. Prospects are fair to good.

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