The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released the proposed frameworks for the coming season this past week, with breeding numbers allowing for a Liberal Season in all four flyways. Included in this year’s proposed daily bag limits are two pintail and one canvasback nationwide. Of course, state’s can opt for variations within the framework and hunters are encouraged to monitor their state agencies for final season announcements.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
With early teal and goose seasons less than a month away in various states, the countdown has begun to the early openers. Now is the time to unpack the decoys from storage, take inventory and prepare them for the coming season.
Ground blinds for the early goose season should be assembled, tested and emptied of old donut wrappers and spent shell casings. If needed, old raffia grass should be replaced or added this season. For the bargain basement, goose-hunting shopper, excellent deals on raffia grass can be found at local craft and party stores in the form of “hula skirts” – that are usually priced for end-of-season sales.
The early waterfowl and dove hunting seasons are often accompanied by extreme heat. Hydration is extremely important for you and your canine companion. Be sure to take multiple containers of fresh, chilled water and a portable dog bowl on each hunt. Monitor your dog for signs of heat stress and heat stroke. Exaggerated panting, the sudden stop of panting, dark red gums, vomiting, whining or agitation can all be symptoms of heat stroke. If your dog is showing signs of heat stroke, be prepared to move them to a cooler area immediately and call your vet for emergency treatment and care.
As always, WFC encourages our members to always know the location of medical facilities for both you and your animals in the areas you hunt. Storing these phone numbers in your cell phone or on an emergency contact card in your hunting pack or vehicle is extremely important.
As the off season winds to a long awaited end, WFC invites you to celebrate the end of summer at our virtual Online Lodge in Second Life (link below) on Thursday evenings. Second Life has released an upgrade to their previous viewer. You can download the latest version for free at the download(s) link below.
If you would like to review the published details of the Waterfowl Status Report or Flyway recommendations, visit FLYWAYS.US for all of the latest news and information.
Until our next report, we hope to see you in the Online Lodge for shooting games and real-time voice or text chats.
