The Dove and early Resident Goose Seasons are underway in various states across the U.S. and opening week harvests are reported to be below average in a number of states. Recent cold fronts, above average precipitation for the month of August, and agricultural harvest delays are contributing factors to the decline.
Hello folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
Hunter participation for seasons beginning on the first of September was down in most states due to a mid-week opener. For many, the weekend will provide the first opportunity to head to the field and kick off the 2009 season. Hunter participation is expected to increase significantly over the weekend and the added pressure is expected to increase harvest and activity for doves, teal and resident Canada geese.
Blue-winged Teal are present from the far north to the far south with numbers building in the far south each day. From the Gulf coast of Texas to Louisiana, blue-winged teal numbers have risen significantly over the past week as the cold fronts that moved across the U.S. early in the week drove the birds towards warmer temperatures in the Central and Mississippi Flyways.
While weather is always a factor in waterfowl migration, delays in the grain harvest this fall are expected to play a vital roll in migration trends and hunter success.
From Saskatchewan and Manitoba to the Corn Belt, the grain harvest is running an average of three weeks behind schedule. The cool wet spring that set the stage for a wonderful year of duck production resulted in delayed spring plantings and subsequently delayed harvests. In addition, above average precipitation for August in many northern states has prevented barley, wheat and sunflower harvests in many areas.
While hunters are waiting for the first frost in many areas, farmers are walking the razors edge as they pace and hope they can get the combines into the field before a freeze.
Until the harvest begins and waterfowl settle into predictable feeding habits, areas with natural vegetation and managed wetlands will provide hunters the best opportunity for success. Flooded backwaters and fields that provide shallow water feeding areas for teal will yield the best results over the next few weeks.
WFC reminds our readers to post their hunting reports and map data as often as possible through the early season. As always, WFC’s flyway-by-flyway reports will begin with the start of the general waterfowl season. We look forward to your participation and migration tracking information.
Until next week, begin planning your youth waterfowl hunting adventures now.
