Duck hunting in Port O’Connor is big time popular and one of the major wintering spots for thousands of ducks like red heads, pintails, scaup and widgeon. However, without ducks there is no duck hunting, which was the case for most hunters during the first split of the season. But as cold fronts move through we’re seeing more birds every day. Typically the second half of the season here in Port O’Connor is outstanding.
Field reports from waterfowl biologists indicated that for the first time in several years Texas duck hunters should see record numbers of wintering waterfowl.
Most species of ducks important to Texas waterfowlers are well above long term averages, with mallards and green-winged teal reaching new all-time highs.
One of the prized ducks along the Texas coast is a drake pintail, a.k.a. bull sprig. Once again the limit on pintails this season is two, ditto that for redheads. There is nothing quite like having about a dozen “pinner’s” circle your blind, then float in on cupped wings.
Last season I had three hunters out and we limited on pintails while hunting one of my blinds in West Matagorda Bay. We had limits of redheads during the first 30 minutes of the hunt. Shortly after that I looked up and we had 15 pintails circling in over the decoys. It was one those classic moments that you never forget. We got six drakes out of that flight, and finished off our limits when another huge group of pintails came in and actually landed in the decoys.
Things that make a good duck hunt
Three things that make a successful duck hunt include a good blind location, a good spread of decoys and well camouflaged hunters. It’s always a good idea to brush up your blind on each hunt. When it comes to decoys, here in Port O’Connor, I like a mix of redheads and pintails.
Blind poachers are SCUM BAGS
The only problem with duck hunting on public water is that there are always lowlife blind poachers looking to steal the use of a blind they didn’t build. That is definitely a problem in POC. Remember this – if you’re a blind poacher you are a SCUM BAG. Sure it’s legal, but even game wardens say it’s unethical.
The 2015-16 duck seasons:
• South Zone: Oct. 31 – Nov. 29 and Dec. 12 — Jan. 24.
• North Zone: Nov. 7-29 and Dec. 12 — Jan. 31.
Bag Limit: 6 per day to include no more than 3 wood ducks, 3 scaup, 5 mallards, of which only 2 may be hens, 2 redheads, 2 pintail , 2 canvasback, 1 “dusky duck” (mottled, black or Mexican-like) after the first 5 days. Mergansers: 5 per day with no more than 2 hooded merganser. Coots: 15 per day. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
Guided duck hunts with Capt. Robert Sloan – Call 409-782-6796 or email – sloan288@aol.com.
There are two options. One is a fully guided morning or afternoon hunt with up to three hunters. Cost is $375. Or, I can take you to one of my blinds drop you off and pick you up for $150.
Jim Rankin with a big bull red caught at the jetties on a live shrimp fished in 27 feet of water, while fishing with Capt. Robert Sloan.
