When a category-three Hurricane develops over the northwestern edge of the Great Lakes region, and the winds spiral out over U.S. and Canadian Prairie Pothole Regions, it’s a pretty safe bet to say that storm will move some ducks and geese. This storm combined with normal calendar movements of various diver species has created excellent hunting opportunity in the northern third of the Central and Mississippi flyways – where temperatures have warmed slightly and birds are holding.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com
As the winds finally calmed down from this record setting low-pressure system (which had meteorologists simply giddy with excitement) the effects on the annual waterfowl migration have become apparent across northern states and Yankee duck hunters are simply whistling Dixie. Mallards along with every other species “are here” and fears of a great fly-by have diminished along with the high winds.
The only depressing thing about this atmospheric depression is that it was denied a proper name because it formed over land instead of in the tropics. Before the weather community decides on a super-duper descriptor for this storm, we’d like to build a case for simply calling it Susie – since it moved so many ducks south. For duck hunters, the name Susie holds a special place in our hearts, and her song is sung by every duck hunter that toots a kazoo – with some notably better than others. While doing so would likely break all the rules for storm nomenclature, if they new Susie, like we new Susie, we’re sure they bend the rules a bit.
As waterfowl hunters flock to the polls today to cast their votes, we turn a watchful eye to dove hunters in California who have rallied behind Proposition 19 and the legalization of marijuana. According to our sources, dude, they don’t really care about the taxes or social implications but they are pretty stoked about the increased hunting opportunity, as one anonymous caller told us on the phone this week, “Dude, did you ever see doves attack a pot field for some of these heinous buds?”
In the worlds of James Madison, democracy is the right of people to choose their own tyrants. If we believe every political ad we’ve seen over the past few months, then Madison’s words could not ring more true, as each and every candidate has been depicted as an evil being that is possibly one step away from stealing for your first born. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, now is the time to get off the fence and let your voice be heard – so get out and vote, or kindly keep quiet until the next election.
PACIFIC FLYWAY:
Hunting continues in the Pacific Northwest and hunter success is good to excellent on mallards, widgeon and gadwall at this time. Canada goose numbers are on the rise in Washington and Idaho, with lesser Canada goose numbers increasing each day. Hunting is underway in California with duck numbers average for this time of year from the basin to the Sacramento Valley, with pintail numbers only fair to good in most areas.
CENTRAL FLYWAY:
Light goose numbers are good to excellent in North Dakota and duck numbers better than expected after the recent storms. While South Dakota received the lion’s share of waterfowl from the recent storm system, puddle duck and diver numbers increased significantly in Colorado, Nebraska and Oklahoma over the past week. As always, quality scouting can spell the difference between success and failure in the northern portion of the flyway. If you are not shooting ducks at this time, pack a bag and hunt where the ducks are.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY:
From Minnesota to western Ohio, duck hunting is good and downright excellent in a number of areas on nearly all species. If there is a year to be a duck hunter in Wisconsin, this is it. The recent record-breaking storm has provided the best shooting for Great Lakes waterfowl hunters in recent years and with the current weather trends, the birds should stay for a while. Hunter success in the coming weeks will be best for those who manage their hunting spots for quality shooting. While the opportunity will present itself to gun an area hard and fast, resting your favorite areas will provide the best long-term success. With excellent numbers on both puddle ducks and divers at this time, there is no reason to burn out a singe area when there is so much good shooting to be found. Hunt smart and reap the harvest.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY:
With various states in season splits hunter reports are spotty from eastern waterfowl hunters. Wood duck numbers remain good from Massachusetts to the Chesapeake Bay, with mallard and black duck numbers building in New York, Connecticut and Marlyland. Teal numbers are declining in the northern third of the flyway and slowly being replaced by lager puddle ducks. Diver numbers are on the rise as far south as New Jersey with dark and light goose numbers average for this time of year throughout the north.
Until next week, hunt safe and hunt often.
