Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report

Light Goose Conservation Order: The special season began in the Panhandle Feb. 6. Lots of snows remain in the Etter area, but have been reluctant to decoy with traditional hunting methods. Outfitters are hoping liberal tactics will make a different. Good hunts were posted last year in the High Plains through early March. Along the coast, overcast skies have helped put geese in callable range. Good hunts were posted near Palacios, Anahuac and Seadrift in the fog. A few days last week saw sea fog develop along the coast and hunters took advantage with 70, 80 and 100-bird hunts. On the prairie, geese have been scattered. Some outfitters have said they have had to drive over 250 miles a day to find huntable numbers of birds. Southerly winds have helped decoying action, and most outfitters have been happy with 20-bird hunts. With fewer than normal birds on the prairie, blue-bird, north wind days have been tough. Expect fewer birds daily as snows begin their trek north. Typically,å large waves of birds depart plus or minus a few days around Valentine’s Day. Prospects are fair.