With the official kickoff to summer less than a week away, only one season stands between waterfowlers and “The Season.”
Hello folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
There is still very little speculation circulating about the framework for the 2004-2005 waterfowl season. About all anyone is willing to say at this point is that there will be a season. Initial survey data is still a few weeks out, and its anybody’s guess at this point where the AHM model will place its recommendation.
This year will mark the return of the Waterfowler.com Timber Hunt. After a one year hiatus, WFC staff and members will return to Arkansas to see if our luck in intercepting the migration on the Grand Prairie has changed. Final details for The Return of The Timber Hunt will be available next week, but here is what we have so far:
The hunt will take place Januray 14th – 17th at Mallard Retreat in Stuttgart, Arkansas. On top of great duck hunting, accommodations and food, the package will include a snow goose hunt, some Five Stand and a few more surprises. Booking will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Final pricing and details will be announced next week.
A few behind the scenes upgrades are in the works here at WFC. In the next few days, a new zip plus four verification system will be integrated into the Join page and User Profiles. By using this new system, WFC will be able to better ensure correct and prompt delivery of Member kits, premiums and WFC Journal. Once the new system is up and running, we will alert current members so that they can update their profiles through the new system.
And now, on to the Breeding Ground Update.
There just isn’t much to report this week. Everyone is still waiting to see how the May Pond Count numbers stack up and guessing what the breeding bird survey will look like. Current AHM models indicate that this year, anything from a liberal to a conservative season framework is possible. As late as it may seem, it is still too early to tell.
While we wait and wonder, it is a great time to consider our individual roles in the conservation and preservation of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting. By participating in fundraising efforts for local, state and national conservation organizations, we as waterfowlers play a key role in guaranteeing that future generations know the sights and sounds of great fall migrations. But it is also our duty to introduce new hunters, young and old, to this worthy tradition. Between now and opening day give some thought to introducing a new person to waterfowling.
