The count down to Opening Day is ticking for various northern states, teal have surged south from the passing cold front, and early resident goose hunting has ended on a high note for many hunters.
Hello, folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
The autumn season brings a plethora of options for the avid outdoorsman, offering some of the finest hunting and fishing opportunities of the year – from waterfowl to moose, from salmon to tuna, and every species in between. The most difficult question the passionate outdoorsman has to answer in the coming months is, “what do you want to do today?”
Of course, for Waterfowler.com members the obvious choice is ducks and geese, but combining activities can often provide a memorable, mixed-bag adventure.
Before a major migration event occurs, waterfowl activity slows after the opening day barrage. Now is the time to schedule complimentary events to keep the season exciting, spontaneous and enjoy the mild temperatures and fall foliage before the grips of winter settle in. Yes, time fly’s when your having fun, so don’t let opportunity pass you by.
Activity on WFC follows the pulse of the great outdoors. The number of daily, seasonal visitors is increasing rapidly, and rest assured, WFC’s die-hards have been keeping your seat warm throughout the off-season. As we celebrate the 10th season of Migration Tracking here at WFC, we remind our visitors that WFC is a reader-supported service, and we are counting on your support through membership. So, join or renew your membership today.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
As New England hunters await their season openers, teal numbers are on the rise throughout the northern portion of the flyway. Wood duck numbers are good to excellent again this year, and hunters should expect exceptional wood duck harvests again. Water levels are good from the Canadian border to Virginia; however, drought conditions continue to persist in the southern portion of the flyway. With any luck the late-season tropical storm will provide much needed rain for hunters in Eastern Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
The recent cold front pushed blue-winged teal deep into the south, and teal shooting is on fire in the southern portions of the flyway where seasons remain open. Louisiana hunters are reporting above average success and above average teal populations for this time of year.
The final count down to opening day is underway for many states in the north. As hunters make final preparations on blinds, boats and equipment, field reports have noted that local duck populations are good to excellent across the north portions of the flyway, with wood duck and local mallard numbers good to excellent across the northern portion of the flyway. While a few early Pintail, Gadwall and Widgeon have made an appearance south of the Prairie Pothole region, the numbers are negligible.
In Iowa, duck hunting is underway and teal, woodies and mallards are providing the best early season shooting – with teal filling most of the slots in the daily bag limit. While warmer temperatures have shortened activity periods to the cooler times of the day, Iowa hunters experienced an excellent opening weekend.
Dove shooting has slowed considerably in the northern portion of the flyway; however, salmon fishing in the Great Lakes tributaries is underway and providing sportsman with an excellent cast-and-blast adventure.
To the south, dove fields are active again, as the cold front moved these migratory birds south in force. Teal numbers are good to excellent in Missouri and Arkansas. And excellent to above average in the southern most portions of the flyway.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Water conditions in North Dakota improved slightly with the recent storms; however, conditions remain variable across the state. While this may impact hunter opportunity, waterfowl numbers are good to excellent at this time. Sandhill Crane numbers are above average for this time of year, and hunters are taking advantage of this excellent early-season opportunity.
Teal numbers are good to excellent in Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma. Hunting pressure is light and hunter success is high. Dove shooting continues to provide hunters in the Plains with great afternoon and evening shooting. In Texas, teal shooting is good to excellent south of the Panhandle, where it remains abnormally dry. Dove shooting improved over the last week as new arrivals from the north provided hunters with a lot of opportunity near water sources.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
As hunters prepare for upcoming youth hunts in the Pacific Northwest, local waterfowl populations fluctuate with the water levels, and range from fair to excellent in areas holding adequate water. Resident goose shooting is underway in Oregon and hunter success is good to excellent across most of the state.
As Opening Day approaches for many of the northern states in the flyway, scouting reports show waterfowl populations are average for this time of year. Dove shooting remains good to excellent in the north and central portions of the flyway, and improving in the south.
As we approach the general waterfowl season, hunters are reminded that the future of this sport relies on the recruitment of young, spirited hunters. Make the time to invite a kid hunting this season and take advantage of the special youth hunting day in your state.
Until next week, get out and take a kid hunting.
