Posted By:
Jay-Robison
Field Editor
10-22-2012 10:17
– – Over 70 Degrees
Just some early information.
Migration Update – October 17, 2012
Another weekend approaches and “Opening Day” slides further south along with the migration. Canada goose numbers continue to build in the upper Mississippi Flyway and Pintail numbers are building from the Klamath Basin to the Sacramento Valley. Increased rainfall has supplied much needed moisture to areas to parts of the eastern Central Flyway and The Great Lakes, though much more is needed to recharge the bulk of shallow wetlands.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
It’s mid-October and folks around the office are still wearing shorts here in northern Illinois. Opening Day is less than seventy-two hours away and the marsh where we normally hold the annual WFC Opening Day hunt is a choked with dried canary grass on bed of cracked, dry soil.
Despite the grim conditions we face at the marsh, geese are thick. Thicker than thieves and during our scouting trips we have noticed changes in habits that are worth mentioning here, as many of you hunting in drought stricken areas are likely to notice the same behavior.
Geese, being creatures of habit often return to the same fields to feed, over and over, until the waste grain disappears. The impact of the drought on the corn crop not only reduced the harvest rate but also impacted the amount of waste grain left in fields and competition for that little grain that remains is high. As a result, geese are changing fields often. Late flying flocks seem to be avoiding the crowds, traveling further and using more fields. In addition, the number of ducks using those fields appears to be above average as well.
That said, opportunity is abound if you are willing to step out of your waders and the safety zone of tradition methods and hunt were the birds are. As you are scouting and seeking land access, be aware that many states require you to carry a signed permission slip from the landowner to hunt. Even in states that do not require a consent form, it is a good idea to have one with you. Use the link below to access a standard form from the Ohio DNR or visit your state’s wildlife management website to download, print and store blank copies for your travels
CENTRAL FLYWAY:
Excellent hunting continues in Saskatchewan and Manitoba with duck numbers slightly below average for this time of year in Dakotas. Low water and dry conditions continue to impact hunter success across the U.S. Prairie Pothole region as ducks continue to migrate south and few birds trickle down from Canada. Duck numbers from Colorado to Nebraska are fair with goose numbers good. Teal and other early migrating birds continue to drift south past dry areas as numbers slowly build in the southern most wintering grounds.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY:
Above average temperatures and drought conditions continue to fuel early season lull for hunting in the northern most portion of the flyway. Hunting pressure has dropped slightly since opening day in far northern states and the relief is good for those trying who are happy to scratch out a few birds during the lull. Goose numbers continue to increase from Minnesota to Northern Illinois in preparation for the next round of season openers. With more rain on the horizon, hunters are hoping for any relief they can get from the coming precipitation.
Posted By:
Jay-Robison
Field Editor
09-25-2012 09:05
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GENEVA, Sept 25 (Reuters) – An El Nino event, usually associated with significant changes in rainfall, is likely to develop this month and next in the Pacific, affecting global climate patterns, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Tuesday.
The phenomenon, characterised by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific, has been linked previously to drier-than-normal conditions in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, northeastern Brazil, southeastern Africa and parts of Asia, the United Nations agency said.
“A weak El Nino may develop in September and October and last until the northern hemisphere winter,” the WMO said in a statement.
El Nino is also associated with wetter-than-normal conditions in Ecuador, northern Peru, southern Brazil to central Argentina and parts of eastern Africa, it said.
El Nino winters tend to be mild over western Canada and parts of the United States and wet over the southern United States, it added.
La Nina, its opposite phenomenon which causes an abnormal cooling of waters, ended in April.
The WMO update is based on many different climate forecast models gathered from centres around the world.
“The majority of these climate forecast models say that there is a ‘moderately high likelihood’ of an El Nino. Having said that, it can’t be ruled out that neutral conditions may continue,” WMO spokeswoman Clare Nullis told a news briefing.
The Geneva-based WMO promotes cooperation among its 189 member states and their national meteorological and hydrological services and is the U.N. system’s voice on weather, climate and water.
Posted By:
DukGuy
Web Member
Near Hoxie 02-21-2012 11:45
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Hunted snows near Hoxie yesterday. Appeared to be a large “exodus” headed north on a strong South breeze. Lots of “stratosphere” flocks going over. We had a few trading locally and managed to kill 4 but should have killed a few more. Gun malfunction during critical part of morning flight didn’t help a bit! Birds extremely wary and flocks slid out at about 60 yards before coming in range. By the time we moved our shooting positions to match… the flights were over.
Posted By:
Tom-Kopecky
Guest
Ozarks foothills, 2miles south of missouri line 02-02-2012 17:54
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Its starting, clouds and vees of snows and blues in the air heading north, kind of early, but look at the temp.
Posted By:
Rudy-Martin
Field Editor
Altheimer – Sherrill Area 02-01-2012 15:19
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Well, our season started well and ended well, with a significant “lull” in the middle. The last week the ducks left our Altheimer fields, but showed up in our Sherrill fields. We even had some mallards in our green timber (on my farm). I’m guessing that was a direct result of my having the timber around the holes thinned. Next year we will thin some more, and plant millet in the holes.
This year will go down as our 3rd best season. It was 63% as good as last year, which was our best year ever.
I have enjoyed communicating with everyone this season. Hopefully I provided information that was helpful. Have a safe time between now and this fall. I’ll see you then!
Shoot ’em in the face!
Posted By:
wbduckman
Web Member
01-29-2012 19:35
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Season ended on a good note for us on friday also.
Decent number of Mallards in the rice fields gave us a good hunt Friday.
But like Brian Moore said,a privilege just to be out there w/family & friends.
Thanks to all the Field Editors that took the extra time to post regularly and kept us updated. (That goes for you too John Donelson on the Missouri page)
Wish the best for all you guys in 2012 and look forward to hearing from you again in 8-9 months.
As for me, I will be getting the Golf Clubs out and begin to get ready for warmer weather. (NOW IS WHEN THE ANGER & AGGREVATION REALLY BEGINS)
God Bless each and every one of you.
WB (Bill) Duckman
Posted By:
Brian-Moore
Field Editor
Humphrey 01-29-2012 18:56
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The season started slow and ended better. Ducks finally in bayou meto the last week of season. Ended last weekend with good friends and good times regardless of the daily bag. Sure hope next year is cold and Nast white up north but will figure a way to take a few and have fun regardless! Have some fun and remember just how lucky we are to have such great hunting areas in our back yard
Posted By:
Tom-Kopecky
Guest
Otwell,AR 01-29-2012 18:27
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
I ended the season on better note, hunted in a flooded rice feild pit blind,South of Jonesboro,Ar, dropped a nice greenhead with my first shot of the year,at 11 am, killed a shovel drake and a teal before noon. best hunt of the year,to bad the season ended, actulay I’m glad its over, but can’t wait till next season. its an horrible affliction.
Posted By:
Jay-Robison
Field Editor
Bayou Meto 01-27-2012 10:58
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I am hearing that there are a few ducks in the woods, hope everyone ends on a good note.
Posted By:
wbduckman
Web Member
01-25-2012 13:10
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Anyone heard anything from Field Editor Mike McFerrin?
Been over 6 weeks since last Field Report.
