Ducks and geese are on the move in the Atlantic Flyway as yet another “perfect storm” greets the 2010 waterfowl season. For the first time in over 100 years, areas in the southeast were treated to White Christmas and serving of migration a la mode. Waterfowl activity increased from Delaware to Georgia throughout the weekend with duck hunters in Florida receiving a special holiday treat as ducks head for the Sunshine State.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
After a series of perfect storms in the Central and Mississippi Flyways so far this season, it was hard to imagine the duck season could get any better for so many hunters. When snow began to fall in the southeast over the weekend, duck hunters in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama had a very good reason to do a happy holiday dance. While the storms may have forced the closure of multiple airports, it is clear that air travel for waterfowl would not be hampered or hindered in anyway. As reports roll in from the southeast, ducks and geese continue to scurry down the flyway in force and waterfowl activity is as good as it can get. Waterfowler.com encourages our members in the Atlantic flyway to post their reports as often as possible, to track this epic migration event in the east.
While snow in the southeast capitalized on the weekend headlines, a study of the Snow Cover Map (link at right) reveals the spread of snow cover in the Mississippi Flyway. At this time, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi remain the only snow-free states within the flyway. While hardy birds remain in the lightly covered areas of Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and southern Illinois a number have moved further south seeking warmer temperatures and easily accessible food sources.
Without a doubt, the 2010-2011 waterfowl season continues to provide excitement, weather, and the best migration activity since we began reporting in 1997. Of course, the battle between Old Man Winter and Mother nature will continue this week, as snow will be falling in the southwest and rain will fall in the Mississippi Flyway as far north a Chicago by the week’s end. So hold on to your hats and prepare for change as this roller coaster ride of weather variables click-clacks up the next hill.
With just over a month left to the general waterfowl season, many hunters have al ready begun to plan their spring snow goose adventures. The hunting of light geese under the conservation order will commence in the month of February in a number of states and now is the time to stock up on gear and ammunition for the spring season. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to book your travel plans early and reserve your hunting dates as soon a possible, as availability for prime weekend dates will disappear quickly. Of course, those who go it alone will find the best deals on decoys during end-of-season sales that are going on now, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to save a few dollars while you gear up for light goose hunting.
PACIFIC FLWAY:
With another round of storms in store for the New Year, hunter success is expected to continue from the Sacramento Valley to southern California. Duck hunting in the far north along the Columbia River basin continues to offer consistent hunting and bag limits. Goose numbers in Utah are near peak at this time and activity good to excellent in a number of areas. With snow predicted in the higher elevations into Arizona this weekend, migration activity is expected to remain high, and hunter success good throughout most of the southern portions of the flyway.
CENTRAL FLYWAY:
Hunting is best from Oklahoma to the Texas Gulf Coast. Duck activity and harvest remains good to excellent in most areas with acceptable water levels. As warming winds from the Gulf bring rain across many snow-covered areas of Oklahoma and Kansas by the week’s end, a considerable reverse migration is expected to occur during the next seven days. With any luck, the rain will be significant enough to bring relief to drought stricken areas, and hunters should look to recently flooded areas to and new food sources for the nest activity.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY:
From snow to an abundance of rain, big changes are expected over the next seven days as warm winds from the Gulf will fuel a major thaw in the in north central portions of the flyway. During this time a major reverse migration event is expected to occur as the hardier ducks and geese hug the snow line as it recedes to the north. Goose hunters in parts of the north are expected to see a return of geese by the New Year and the silent skies should again, be filled with the sounds of Canada Geese.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY:
The record snowfall and storms that are moving ducks and geese south at this time will give way to a warming trend and rain by weeks end. Melting snow and additional precipitation will provide much needed relief to areas with lower water and hunting is expected to be good to excellent across most of the southeast. Southerly winds and rains will also trigger and number of reverse migration events towards the end of the week and areas in the central portion of the flyway are expected to see a number of birds return.
Until our next report, hunt safe and hunt often as we celebrate the coming of the New Year and one of the best duck seasons in decades.
