Migration Alert: Hot, Dry Conditions Across Much of South Texas Made for a Slow Opener

Despite exceptionally warm, dry weather, many waterfowlers along the Texas Gulf Coast enjoyed fast shooting during the South Zone duck opener last weekend. That trend should continue as more migrants arrive on the new moon coupled with a weak cold front.

“We saw full limits in the marsh,” reports Brian Davenport, a guide for Fin and Fowl Outfitters in Chambers County. “The majority of our birds were teal with a few gadwalls and pintails.”

High tides pushed by stiff southeast winds and low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico swelled marsh ponds and backwaters, giving ducks more aquatic habitat when they really needed it. Texas has been suffering drought conditions since July. Many regions haven’t seen rain since Hurricane Beryl, some 75 days ago. That, along with abnormally high temperatures and a rising barometer, evaporated all that sweet water that dampened Texas just in time to fill ponds and encourage growth of marsh aquatics. That duck food is important to sustaining wintering waterfowl who call Texas home well into early spring.

The good news is most of Texas has received rainfall—as much as four inches in some regions—which settled the dust on roads and at least filled cracks.

“The rain raised water levels in our marsh about five inches,” says Ray Sexton, a guide near Palacios. “Every little bit helps, especially now when birds are just getting here. Our hunts on opening weekend were really solid.”

Coastal prairie ponds, often referred to as the “high ground,” saw mixed results. While the prairie was the hot spot during the September teal season, many outfitters reported lackluster results from traditional waterways.

“We just didn’t see many ducks,” laments Matt Sbrusch, a guide near East Bernard. “We know they are coming, but you like to get on them opening day. But, when was the last time you can remember it being so hot in October and November?”

The absence of snow and white-fronted geese in Texas is another sign that the bulk of the migration remains well to the north. Don’t expect an overnight wave to cross the Red River any time soon. Extended forecasts call for more mild temperatures and afternoon highs in the 80s for the next 10 days.

The first split of the South Zone season will run through Dec. 1, while the North Zone opens Nov. 9 and runs through Dec.1.