Youth hunts over the past weekend saw many new hunters in the field and a lot of new ducks there to greet them. Special youth hunts in many southern states turned out to be some of the best duck action of the season. Across the nation dedicated waterfowlers did their part to ensure the future of their shared passion by introducing young men and women to the world of waterfowl and waterfowling.
Hello, folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
Special youth hunts continue in the upcoming week in several states and the conservation season for light geese is underway. With these two prospects ahead of them, North American waterfowlers have yet to hang up the boots and call it a season.
The new Snow Goose page is in the works and will be up soon to help with the job of keeping track of the return migration of light geese during the special conservation season. Also, be sure to log your observation of light goose activity on the Migration Mapping System. Through the use of these two features light goose hunters should be better able to do their part toward bringing the light goose population back into balance.
If you are looking for some great post-season deals on the latest in waterfowling gear, be sure to stop by the Waterfowler.com Pro Shop. Through February 14th Members of waterfowler.com will also receive an additional 10% discount on everything in the store. New products are being added regularly and who couldn’t use a few new toys to help us through the “off-season”? If you are not already a member sign up now and get in on the additional savings.
And now, on to the Snow Goose Migration report.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Snow goose hunting continues to be best in the southern reaches of the Central Flyway, though lesser numbers of the light geese can be found as far north as South Dakota.
Coastal Texas is the best bet in the flyway thus far, but the panhandle and southern Oklahoma are running a close second. Last week’s warm-up had some birds thinking of moving back north but the new cold front has changed their minds and recent reports are of birds moving back south ahead of the arctic air.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi appear to be holding the bulk of the snow goose migration in the Mississippi Flyway. Renewed cold weather should keep birds well below the Mason-Dixon line for the upcoming week.
High concentrations of birds have been reported in dry rice fields and areas with good stands of winter wheat. Large decoy spreads and lots calling should offer the best results as the birds group up for their return flight.
The light goose season is getting underway. For many hunters this may be the best bet of the year to bring home a game strap groaning with birds. However, a few states still have their special youth hunts ahead of them and nothing is so rewarding as bringing another waterfowler into the fold. Let’s all do our part to ensure the future of waterfowl and waterfowling by taking a young person out with us in the coming weeks. Whether we are on special youth hunts, conservation goose hunts, or just wrapping up the camps and blinds for the year, taking a kid with you makes the trip worth so much more.
