The 2011 waterfowl migration is in constant motion. Ring-necked ducks are beginning to appear in the northern border-states in greater numbers and each weekend greets another opening day in an addition state – including parts of Illinois, Indiana and Washington this weekend. Green-winged teal activity has also increased across the north along with continued Canada goose numbers in most areas.
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The next cold front is developing expected to push down from Canada early next week. Cooler temperatures in the north this weekend are expected to help in crease waterfowl activity and improve hunter success as a result in the western and central parts of the United States. Soggy conditions in the Mid-Atlantic and New England states will likely result in low hunter success over the weekend in areas with constant rainfall. Rain showers will likely plague hunter success on Sunday in parts of the Mississippi Flyway but the steady precipitation will be welcome by hunters who are struggling with low water conditions.
Throughout the fall months the hardcore duck and goose hunter often become profound weather junkies – sitting in front of the TV or computer waiting for that next blast of arctic air. While cold air will move ducks, where and how far is often determined by the path of the jet stream, as ducks will ride these easy winds to their southern most destinations. Waterfowl weather buffs should pay close attention to the jet stream path and elevation. When that big clipper finally comes, take note of where the jet stream buttonhooks back to the north, as this is often the dumping spot for the bulk of migrating fowl. Last years fabulous migration was fueled by multiple clipper systems where the jet streamed crept slowly to the south with each subsequent storm. With any luck, similar patterns will follow this season for hunters in the northern and central tiers. While duck hunters love harsh weather, in contrast a harsh, mega-clipper can drive ducks from Canada all the way to the Gulf Coast in a single leap, so be careful when you wish for weather this season, as you could wish yourself right into a fat and furious flyby.
PACIFIC FLYWAY:
White-fronted geese are beginning to move in the upper part of the flyway along with teal, widgeon and pintail. Canada goose numbers are on the rise and all species are normal to low for this time of year.
CENTRAL FLYWAY:
Hunter success and bird numbers remain consistent and good to excellent across most of the northern parts of the flyway. Gadwall continue to fill the top slots in the bag limit along with green-winged teal, widgeon and red-heads. Canada goose numbers are still rising in the northern portion of the flyway along with increased numbers of ring-necked ducks.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY:
Ring-necked ducks are beginning to appear in greater numbers in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Canada goose numbers have rising again this past week with a steady influx of new birds throughout northern portions of the flyway. Blue-winged teal numbers decreased again in most areas with wood ducks still present and abundant in all states where hunting is open.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY:
Green-winged teal and Canada goose numbers were up again this week and wood ducks continue to provide the only slot in the bag limit in areas where it’s slow. Rain showers for the coming weekend will like hamper hunter success, but hunters willing to wait for a break in the showers could find excellent shooting during unexpected hours of the day.
