This digest is a summary of rules adopted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission under authority of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Chapter 64, Subchapter C for the taking of migratory game birds. Federal regulations related to migratory game birds are located in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 20. For more information on federal regulations, contact Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), P.O. Box 329, Albuquerque, NM 87103, (505) 2487889.

Consult the 2007-2008 Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual for additional information on hunting in Texas. The Texas Waterfowl Digest is published annually by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744.

THE HUNTER’S CHOICE BAG LIMIT

The USFWS has granted approval for the Central Flyway to conduct a multi-year trial of the Hunter’s Choice bag limit that began with the 2006-2007 season. The purpose of the Hunter’s Choice Bag Limit is to limit or reduce harvest on those species needing additional protection while maintaining full hunting opportunity (season length and bag limit) on more abundant species or stocks of ducks (e.g., drake mallards). With Hunter’s Choice, individuals will be allowed to choose one bird from a list of species that have a combined aggregate bag of one, but their total daily bag limit does not have to include one of these aggregate bag limit birds. For example, a hunter could harvest five drake mallards instead of taking four drake mallards plus a single duck from the aggregate list.

The Hunter’s Choice Bag Limit in the Central Flyway for the 2007 season will be:

• The daily bag limit shall be five ducks with the following species and sex restrictions — scaup, redhead, wood duck — two, only one from the following aggregate bag: one hen mallard, or one pintail, or one canvasback, or one “dusky duck” (mottled duck, Mexican-like duck, black duck and their hybrids), all other ducks not listed five.
• For species included in the aggregate bag, the harvest of one will “buffer” the harvest of the others, thus reducing the harvest of all species needing additional protection.

Objectives of the Hunter’s Choice Bag Limit:

• Limit harvest on species needing special harvest management consideration.
• Maintain hunting opportunity on abundant species, especially drake mallards.
• Minimize season closures and provide an alternative to seasons-within-seasons.
• Reduce complexity of regulations and bag limit changes.
• High compliance and enforceability of regulations.
• Limit inadvertent or unintentional violations.
• Compatible with either experienced or novice and new hunters.
• Encourage hunter participation (recruitment and retention).
• Ability to evaluate effects on directing harvest to various species or stocks of ducks.
• Influence hunter behavior, including duck ID skills, species selection and ethical behavior.
• Encourage hunter’s knowledge, support and ownership in duck harvest management and multiple species management objectives.

Download The Texas Waterfowl Digest, 2007-2008

PDF format, 1.13MB, 22Pages.

Texas Hunting Regulations For Ducks, Mergansers, Coots,Geese and Cranes

Copyright © 2007 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

AVIAN FLU GUIDE

What is avian flu?

Avian influenza is caused by a virus that infects domestic poultry and wild birds (primarily geese, ducks and shorebirds). Each year, there is a bird flu season just as there is for humans.

Is avian flu a threat to me?

Avian flu has not been found in North America, and surveillance is ongoing across the U.S. and Canada. Texas and the entire country will be part of an early detection and surveillance program. Even if the virus is found, it does not signal the beginning of a human pandemic.

Common-sense safety and hygiene practices are essential when bird watching or handling wild bird feeders or equipment

• Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife, do not rub eyes, eat, drink or smoke before washing hands with soap and water.
• Use disposable or washable gloves when cleaning or handling backyard feeders, bird baths or other equipment. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Contact your state, county, tribal or local natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found.

Is it safe to hunt?

It is perfectly safe to hunt waterfowl. There are no confirmed cases of wild birds transmitting the virus to humans. However, hunters should avoid risk. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center has issued guidance to follow routine precautions when handling wild birds. The Center recommends these steps:

• Do not handle obviously sick birds or birds found dead.
• Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game. Wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products), and thoroughly clean knives and surfaces that come in contact with game.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling or cleaning birds.
• Cook all game meat thoroughly (155 to 165 degrees) to kill disease organisms and parasites.

Is it safe to feed and/or observe wild birds?

There is no reason to believe that backyard birds are a threat to public health. The risk of humans contracting avian influenza from feeding wild birds or visiting wetlands is very low. As a general rule, people should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects both the people and the animal.

Additional Information

For more information on avian influenza, visit the following Web sites:

<www.usda.gov/birdflu>

<www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/avian_influenza/index.jsp>

<www.pandemicflu.gov/>

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