As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, the migration, number of hunters in the field and traffic at Waterfowler.com reaches it’s peak activity level across the U.S. While ice has locked up the far reaches of the Central and Mississippi Flyway the past week, ducks and geese have been moving south at a much better pace. With many areas in the south suffering from abnormally dry conditions, the question on every hunter’s mind is, “Where will they go when they get here?”
Hello folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
With Thanksgiving upon us, duck and goose hunters across the U.S. have a lot to be thankful for. The migration pattern thus far this season as been constant with moderate levels of birds. With snow and ice confined to the far northern reaches of the Pacific, Central and Mississippi Flyways, birds are compacting in the middle tier states and expected to provide excellent hunting for the holiday weekend.
A quick glance at temperature, snow cover and drought monitor maps (link at lower right) will unravel many of the great mysteries migration activity thus far this season. Cold and snow has been slowly building in the north and moderate temperatures in the middle tier of the nation have prevented a whizz-bang flyby from occurring. In short, Old Mother Nature has been very cooperative thus far this season. In fact, many hunters are experiencing their best season in the past decade.
Hunting is finally underway in the south and reports were better than expected from most states. Simply put, if you have good water you have ducks. As birds move south over the coming weeks, activity will be best along the river systems and larger water impoundments. Hunting pressure will play a much greater role in hunter success in the south, as larger concentrations of birds will become educated quickly and seek the safe haven of refuge areas that are providing ample water and nearby fields for nocturnal feeding. Managing water and hunting pressure successfully will define the difference between success and failure in the south until the rains come.
Waterfowler.com would like to wish our readers a wonderful holiday weekend. Thanksgiving at its roots is a celebration of the harvest and many families and friends will share their time in pursuit of the Grand Traditions of Waterfowl Hunting this weekend. We wish you all a safe and bountiful hunt and are thankful you have chosen to make Waterfowler.com you information resource of choice for duck hunting news and migration reporting. If you here a distant buzzing and low hum in the duck blind this weekend, that’s the cooling fans on our servers working overtime as we reach the peak of our data transfer over the next week.
If you have not renewed or extended your membership yet this season, simply click on the join button (above and right) and support Waterfowler.com today.
PACIFIC FLYWAY:
Colder temperatures in the Oregon, Washington and Idaho have provided excellent migration activity over the past week. Activity along the Columbia River Basin and Snake Rivers is good to excellent as this time. Light goose activity has increased significantly over the past week and the white-fronted geese in the Sacramento Valley have shifted to the south from recent storm activity. Duck numbers are in a constant state of influx as mallards, widgeon and pintail trickle down the flyway. Teal numbers are holding steady in most areas to the south and good winds are providing great shooting.
CENTRAL FLYWAY:
Ice and snow in North Dakota has pushed the bulk of birds off the prairies. Duck numbers in eastern South Dakota are at peak along the Missouri River corridor and hunting in good to excellent in Nebraska and Kansas at this time. The past weekend provided a profound visual treat for anybody who was willing to look up, as flight birds traveled south on favorable migrating winds. Hunters reported flights of ducks, geese and cranes that traveled as far south as Oklahoma and Texas over the past few days.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY:
Snow and ice in Minnesota and northern Wisconsin along with excellent wind patterns have provided a steady stream of birds to the south. With only a few weeks left to hunt in the far north, hunting is confined to open water along river systems, cooling lakes and big water. Diver numbers remain good to excellent throughout the Great Lakes region, and puddle ducks good. Fight birds were moving most of the weekend and hunting kicked off in a number of southern states. Duck numbers are near or slightly below average across most of the south and the lack of water in many states has limited hunter opportunity. In short, find the water and you will find the birds. In all likelihood, many ducks will flyby drought stricken areas of the south to costal waters.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY:
Snow in Ontario and Quebec has finally pushed birds into the northern tier of the Atlantic Flyway. Duck and Goose numbers are good to excellent in the New England States at this time, with goose numbers increasing and near average for this time of year. Hunting is fair to good in Delaware and New Jersey with diver activity and numbers average for this time of year. Hunter success in the Carolinas has increased over the past week as the trickle migration continues to build numbers in the south. Drought conditions in Georgia, Alabama and Florida have birds concentrated in areas with water. Hunter success is best for those willing to scout for the best habitat off the beaten track. Find the water and you will find the ducks.
Until out next report, Happy Thanksgiving, hunt safe and hunt often.
