Before beginning this week’s migration report, all of us at Waterfowler.com would like to once again express our deepest condolences to the family of Adam Miller, Waterfowler.com member and VFE for the state of Pennsylvania, and to the families of William Nurmi and Michael Jones. The three companions were lost in a boating accident while hunting the Chesapeake Bay. Adam’s fellow Pennsylvania VFE’s have established a memorial fund which will be divided equally amongst the families of all three victims. To contribute to their memorial, please send contributions to:
Duck Hunters Memorial Fund
Sovereign Bank
12 Parkside Ave.
Shillington, PA 19607
Please make checks payable to: Duck Hunters Memorial Fund.
Hello, folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
That’s a wrap! Well, almost. The past weekend marked the end of the regular waterfowl season for hunters across the nation, but with the upcoming youth hunts and conservation season for light geese, waterfowlers still have several weeks left before the much-maligned “off season” gets underway.
For many states the closing weekend of the regular duck season turned out to be the best of the year. The strong Arctic front that dove down out of Canada had the birds on the move, and hunters who could either find or make open water ended a tough season on a brighter note.
But it isn’t over yet! Many states still have their youth hunts to look forward to, and with the birds just making their way into many southern states both the young and the young-at-heart should have some fine shooting. Be sure to get out and take a young person in your area for this special hunt, they are the future of waterfowl and waterfowling.
The big kids also have something to look forward to in the coming weeks as the conservation season for snow geese gets underway in many states. To keep you up to speed on the latest in light goose hunting, Waterfowler.com will be opening a special Snow goose page in the next week. So, be sure to check back to find out the latest on location, tactics and tricks that will make the task of hunting the “white wave” more productive. And be sure to log your reports of light goose activity in the Migration Mapping System as the season comes on. As we all know, keeping up with the birds’ activity and whereabouts is key to success and it is our hope that this new system can be an invaluable tool through the whole Conservation Season.
If you are looking to gear up for the special season be sure to stop by the Waterfowler.com Pro Shop. Now through February 14th, Waterfowler.com members receive an additional 10% off all purchases. If you are not already a member, be sure to sign up now to get the special discount along with your free calls, quarterly magazine and other benefits that will help ease the pains of the long “off season”.
February marks the end of the regular season. With thoughts of next season already on our minds we begin to triage our gear and pack away some of our favorite toys for the long wait for fall’s return. It has been yet another year of strange migrations and odd weather for many of us. But no matter the outcome it has surely been a season full of memories that will last a lifetime. So as you go about your ritual for the end for the season, be sure to remember the truth that we as waterfowlers know: memories and the anticipation of our next day afield are the richest reward for our labors.
Until next week, be safe, rest up, and keep an eye on those snows. We will return to regular Flyway-By-Flyway reports as the Conservation season gets underway.
