An early cold front is moving out of Canada and bringing fall temperatures to the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region. The teal and dove migrations are expected to increase dramatically over the weekend and early next week, as morning temperatures in the Great Lakes Region dip into the 30s around the first of September.
Hello folks, and, as always, Welcome to Waterfowler.com.
As we count down to the opening day of resident goose seasons and the dove opener, Mother Nature appears to be cooperating in grand fashion by providing favorable migrating winds and temperatures. Blue-winged teal continue to move at a steady pace in the Central, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways.
This early season cold front is expected to provide above average waterfowl and dove activity in the northern third of all flyways. If the temperatures drop as much as predicted, strong flights of rail, snipe and woodcock should accompany the other early season migrating species on their journey south.
In summary, the stage is set for an above average early season. Cooler temperatures are expected to increase the flight activity of resident Giant Canada geese, and those hunting the early seasons should plan accordingly. Look for geese to begin feeding in recently harvested grain fields as well as habitual green forage areas.
Waterfowler.com reminds our readers to review state and federal regulations before hunting this season to insure you are in compliance and aware of any changes in policy. In addition, be sure to register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) early to avoid any last minute delays to your hunt.
Members and readers are reminded to make time to include waterfowl activity for their area on Waterfowler.com’s Migration Mapping System. It takes only a few seconds each day to enter a zip code for your area and select the activity level of ducks and geese for the report. The information you provide is critical for helping track the fall migration and a valuable personal tool for your hunting success.
Waterfowler.com looks forward to reading your hunting reports for the early season and hearing your tales first hand in the Virtual Online Lodge in Second Life (SL). While you can visit the Virtual Lodge anytime day or night, the member gathering in the Lodge is Thursday evenings at 8pm Eastern Standard Time. In addition to real time text and voice chat, WFC Virtual Lodge visitors can compete in various impromptu sporting clay shoots, duck hunts and other games for real prizes. We look forward to seeing you all in the 3D world of Second Life. If you have not stopped by the Lodge yet, instructions on how to access the Lodge can be found in the WFC Online Lodge forum.
Until our next report, hunt safe and hunt often.
