Snow and ice continue to build in the north as a small clipper system moves across the Great Lakes and towards the northeastern seaboard. As a second storm moves in, freezing temperatures will slide into the deep south this weekend bringing much needed rain and additional flights of ducks.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
The migration continues to move at a rapid pace as the snow and freeze line slides further south. Weather systems in the Pacific, Central and Mississippi Flyways this past week ignited migration activity, and fueled an increase in hunter success in many areas.
While hunters in the Central and Mississippi Flyway have been justifiably distracted by the task of hunting ducks, wildlife officials have continued to monitor clean up efforts in the Gulf coast, as migrating birds arrive in the areas affected by the spill. With a lack of water and drought conditions persistent across most of the south, coastal areas are expected to see an increased amount of waterfowl this season.
While the efforts of Ducks Unlimited to flood and bait areas north of the coast to shortstop waterfowl is in place, the waterfowl activity in these emergency use areas will more likely be used by waterfowl seeking refuge from the drought, than oil tainted waters. Any positive activity in these areas is likely to be a false positive, as desirable waterfowl habit remains limited with ongoing drought conditions.
As the bulk of the migration pushes towards the areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, concerns over the conditions and safety of migrating waterfowl are prevalent amongst the hunting community.
According to the latest bird recovery reports, over 8,000 oiled-birds have been collected in spill area to date, with only a small percentage being ducks. While a tremendous amount of clean up work continues, areas used by migrating ducks and geese appear to be in good condition.
“Dr Frank Rohwer (the Scientific Director at Delta Waterfowl Foundation) is coordinating a large research project to quantify the mortality attributable to the spill-only problem. “ stated John Devney, Senior Vice President of Delta Waterfowl foundation. “The oil is basically gone from the deepwater diving duck habitat and the fresh and brackish water was spared. While it is important to document the results, very, very few migrating ducks are expected to die from oil related problems.”
While one could say, “Oils is well, that ends well,” the fact remains that luck played a significant roll in certain habitat being spared and the work is not complete. Many recreational areas remain closed and special hunting regulations are in effect in many of the costal areas. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is advising duck hunters to remain aware of ongoing activities in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
During the season, hunters may encounter clean-up crews and Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) teams gathering samples for testing. Clean-up activities continue in the marshes, bays and on beaches of coastal southeast Louisiana. In addition, NRDA data collection activities involving aerial and boat surveys, fish trapping, and submerged aquatic vegetation sampling may be seen in some areas. Hunters are required to stay at least 65 feet from any existing clean-up operation or equipment and are asked to be tolerant and respectful of this important work.
As freezing temperatures dip into the south this weekend and the mid-continental population of mallards slides closer to the coast, it seems duck hunters can breath a sigh of relief, as mortality rates will be subject to hunter success and selective harvest, not a man-made disaster that kills indiscriminately — with no regard to a scientific bag limits.
PACIFIC FLYWAY:
Weather systems in the west continue to provide an increase in hunter success from Washington to the Sacramento Valley in California – where mallard and pintail numbers increased significantly over the past week. Hunting remains fair to good in Utah, Nevada and New Mexico, as duck numbers remain average for this time of year.
CENTRAL FLYWAY:
Here today and gone tomorrow is the tale to tell in north-central portions of the flyway. Hunting in Nebraska has slowed as mallards and geese continue to move south. In Colorado, snow goose numbers remain fair to good at this time. Hunting in Oklahoma and Kansas has improved and goose numbers in Texas are near peak at this time. Duck numbers in the Texas panhandle and gulf coast continue to increase as weather and hunting pressure move birds south.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY:
While the bulk of mallards have settled into eastern Missouri and west-central Illinois, many have traveled further south and are scattered from Arkansas to Louisiana. A good number of hardy ducks still remain in the northern portions of the flyway where rivers remain open in areas of Wisconsin, Michigan and Northern Illinois. As another round of snow and high winds hit the Great Lakes Region this weekend, another migration event is expected as the remaining birds head for warmer climates.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY:
Snow will travel across the Great Lakes and smack New England States in the northeast this week and waterfowl activity is expected to increase from Delaware to the Carolinas. Much needed rain is expected to fall in the southeast and hunters should look to recently inundated areas for the best opportunity in Georgia and Alabama over the next seven days.
