The 2008 Migration is underway across the continent. Teal are on the move in all four flyways, with areas in the Mississippi Flyway proving some great, early season shooting. Resident Canada goose season’s are also underway, with many states taking advantage of the opportunity for extended hour shooting, electronic calls and more.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
It seems a season rarely passes where we are not sending our prayers and thoughts to our readers in one area of the country or another. The devastation left in the path of hurricane Ike is widespread. From the Gulf Coast to the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, the damage radius of this storm is mind numbing. For our readers in those areas, we hope all is well with you and yours, and hope that the recovery progresses quickly.
As we enter our eleventh season of reporting, as always, seasonal weather conditions play a significant role in how the season unfolds. In short, hurricane Ike has completely repainted the migration canvas. With the upper Mississippi and Ohio Valleys receiving as much as 8-10 inches of rain, hunting and habitat conditions have changed dramatically in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway. In the Southeast and the Dakotas, ongoing drought conditions continue, and waterfowl habitat and hunting locations have been reduced drastically.
Waterfowler.com encourages our members to share their habitat availability and conditions reports before the general season opens, to help keep our traveling waterfowl hunters well informed.
And now, on with this week’s update:
Mississippi Flyway:
The early migration is well underway, and teal are present from northern Wisconsin to Louisiana. Widespread flooding has birds dispersed, and not easily accessible. Pintail and widgeon are arriving along the Mississippi River in both Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Teal hunting, prior to the heavy rains, was good to excellent in the north and north central portions of the flyway. Teal hunting, over the next few weeks, will be difficult at best in traditional hunting areas. As floodwaters recede, look for teal to be foraging in smartweed stands and other newly accessible feeding areas. Success will depend on your ability to be mobile and gain access to new areas. Resident goose hunting is best on active feeding fields, and loafing ponds in the immediate area. Hunters running traffic on geese, in fields surrounding active areas, will struggle at best.
Central Flyway:
Drought conditions continue to plague western North Dakota, with conditions in the eastern part of the state only slightly better. While the drought monitor map shows normal conditions for the eastern part of the state, the precipitation received has not been enough to replenish the wetlands that remain dry. In short, hunting conditions are poor.
Resident goose hunting is good to excellent in Colorado and South Dakota. Teal numbers are fair to poor in the central portion of the flyway, with pintail, widgeon and shovelers low. Prior to Ike, portions of central Texas and New Mexico were exceptionally dry. WFC will report on the changes as activity and information becomes available.
Atlantic Flyway:
Teal have begun to arrive in the northern portion of the flyway and resident goose hunting is underway in the east. A number of states have chosen to take advantage of the relaxed regulations, allowing electronic calls, extended shooting hours past sunset, and increased bag limits. Be sure to check your state regulations before heading into the field. Resident goose hunting is best in active feeding areas and loafing ponds in the immediate vicinity. Hunter success is low in all other areas, as these local birds are extreme birds of habit. If you are not shooting geese, scouting and obtaining access to new areas will be your key to success. The drought continues in much of the southeast, despite recent rains; however, conditions have improved in some areas. Woodduck numbers throughout the flyway are excellent, and those participating in coming early seasons should begin scouting now.
Pacific Flyway:
Resident goose hunting is underway in the northern portions of the flyway, with hunter success good to excellent. Teal are best from the Sacramento Valley north, and preparations for the general waterfowl season have begun for many hunters. Dove shooting is good to excellent in states that offer a season, giving hunters an opportunity to hone their shooting skills on this fast flying quarry. Hunters in the Pacific flyway are encouraged to post their reports as often as possible to help keep fellow hunters informed.
Until next week, lend your support to victims of hurricane Ike by making a donation today.
