As the grip of winter holds tight in northern states, the number of snow geese in South Dakota holds near record numbers. Recent snow has added to the difficulties of previous winter runoff, flooding and mud. Hunters in western Iowa are reporting the return of some birds in various areas and it appears that some will get an encore performance of great hunting in the days to come.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
Despite the continued wintery conditions, the instinctive fire that drives light geese back to the nesting grounds is burning brightly. With the hard push of migration activity to the edge of the snowline and slightly beyond, it would appear as if mid-continental light geese are willing the warm gulf winds to follow them north.
A study of the current snow depth map reveals a snow-free area in central North Dakota and significant snow pack running along the U.S. and Canadian border. When scouting birds will discover this donut-shaped phenomenon is anyone’s bet, but when they do it could trigger a jump to this northern most snow-free area.
Spring snow goose hunters are consistently reporting large flights of ducks moving behind the line of snow geese as Delta Waterfowl and Ducks Unlimited continue to release reports praising the habitat conditions for the coming nesting season. In short, the spring migration is providing excellent shooting on light geese and hope for one of the best nesting seasons in decades.
Just how long light geese will remain in the lower forty-eight will be decided when Old Man Winter and Mother Nature settle their differences. Rest assured, when they do the best hunting of the season will arrive to the Canadian Prairies. Light-goose hunters seeking to extend there season even further should still have time to coordinate a spring adventure for light goose hunting. A number of guide services are reporting that they still have dates available and there will clearly be astounding numbers of birds to chase.
As we approach the coming nesting and survey season, Waterfowler.com would like to remind our readers to visit and bookmark Flyways.us again this year. Each season the ground and aerial survey teams post real-time reports of their findings and habitat conditions for the waterfowl community. Considering the current state of habitat predictions, the reports should provide a hope and uplifting news during the coming months.
Members are reminded to take advantage of WFC’s Classifieds and National-Trade-A-Hunt during the off-season. Taking time to post an ad or trade is a great way to expand your hunting opportunity or find a bargain on great gear.
Until out next report, plan that spring hunt in Canada today.
