The first major winter storm blanketed areas of the north last week, finally pushing late-migrating birds further south. While the snow arrived too late for many waterfowl hunters, hunter success has improved dramatically in states that remain open through the end of the month.
Hello folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
Winter has finally arrived in areas of the north, albeit late and meaningless for a number of states in the mid-south where the duck season has already closed. Despite the record number of waterfowl migrating this season, waterfowl hunters have been harshly reminded that hunter success is dependant on weather – which is unpredictable at best.
Of course, a mild weather season usually results in the waterfowl community questioning the convenience, validity and opportunity provided by their season dates. In fact, it is the hottest topic on many of WFC’s state forums. Before you jump on the band wagon for a later season, keep in mind that during the 2010-2011 season, record early snow fall had many states in the Central and Mississippi Flyways frozen and blanketed in snow by mid-November last year – leaving most hunters froze-out and birdless a few weeks before the season ended.
Season dates are set based long-term trends. Without a doubt, weather and habitat conditions will vary from season to season. The extreme drought conditions and unseasonably mild weather experienced this season are both unfortunate and abnormal. While building a case to extend your state’s season may seem like the right thing to do, what appear to be obvious solutions now may not be correct solution from season to season.
This past season the state of Minnesota set the earliest season opener on record. While the seasoned closed just as many of the prairie mallards arrived, Minnesota will likely record their highest harvest rates in the past decade, as a result of early opportunity on teal, wood ducks and other early migrating ducks. The decision, based on long-term data, will likely prove to be the most significant, positive impact on harvest rates in Minnesota in the past decade.
As hunters rush to our nation’s wetlands in the reaming few weeks of the general waterfowl season, Waterfowler.com will turn our focus towards the arrival of spring snow goose hunting under the conservation order. If haven’t had an opportunity to participate in this adventure, now is the time to take advantage of an exclusive WFC discount at snowgooseguides.com – where you can book any weekday hunt and save 25% on the daily rate. Or, book three hunters and the fourth hunts free. This offer ends on January 25th, so visit their site today and confirm your booking.
The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show is underway in Las Vegas, NV this week. Hundreds of outdoor manufacturers will exhibit their latest creations to approximately 60,000 visitors over the next few days, with the hope of bringing their most innovative products to market for the 2012 hunting season. Waterfowler.com will feature coverage of our latest findings in the new product news section over the next few weeks, so be sure to direct your mouse to those links when you visit.
The Spring Snow Goose report page and reverse migration updates will begin on February 1, 2012. If you haven’t made plans for your spring adventure, do so today. Spring snow goose hunting provides some of the best harvest and gunning action in the sport today – and a high harvest is paramount to protect fragile nesting areas on the tundra.
Until our next report, invite a fellow hunter to visit Waterfowler.com and participate in our expanded public access forums today.
