As Old Man Winter stakes a claim on Texas, his chilly winds don’t deter migratory game bird hunters who seem to relish the outdoors even in the challenging cold and wet. Just a few weeks of winter hunting season remain.

Despite the weather, gun safety should remain uppermost in the minds of those hunkered down in blinds looking for ducks and geese and a variety of other migratory game birds.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has “safety rules hunters can live by” whether they are after a variety of ducks, geese, coot, woodcock or doves. Safety is safety, regardless of the target. So when you’re out with guns, remember these 10 Commandments of Shooting Safety:

• Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
• Treat every firearm or bow with the same respect you would show a loaded gun or nocked arrow.
• Be sure of your target and what is in front of and beyond your target.
• Unload firearms and unstring conventional bows when not in use.
• Handle firearms, arrows and ammunition carefully.
• Know your safe zone-of-fire and stick to it.
• Control your emotions when it comes to safety.
• Wear hearing and eye protection.
• Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs before or while handling firearms or bow and arrows.
• Be aware of additional circumstances which require added caution or safety awareness.

Migratory game bird hunting goes through Jan. 28 in most zones of Texas. But to make certain about the dates where you want to hunt, check the TPWD site for particulars and maps before you go.

Another TPWD Web site states general rules regarding the hunting of migratory birds.

Remember a new law: In Texas a migratory game bird stamp is required to hunt any migratory game bird, including mourning doves.

Reportedly abundant this year in the Aransas Pass Flats are pintail, redheads, scaup, teal, bufflehead, widgeons and gadwall.

A flock of migratory birds near Bay City.