The snow cover line has retreated to the northern portion of ND, and the spring migration back to the breeding grounds is in full swing.
Hello folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
Conditions on the breeding grounds are widely varied. Heavy rainfall over the past week in much of ND and SD should improve soil moisture levels and hold drought at bay for the time being. Spring precipitation, be it snow or rain, will be crucial in setting the stage for this year’s breeding season. Even in areas that received better than average snowfall, low soil moisture can mean dusty potholes as the ground simply absorbs runoff from snow melt. On the bright side, most of the breeding ground in both the US and Canada is in better shape than at the same time last year. So, keep your fingers crossed.
Chances are spring cleaning has also begun to kick into high gear. While you’re stowing away gear and putting a spit shine on the old homestead, be sure to stop by the ProShop and check out some of the newest additions that will help you spruce up your nest. Limited edition prints from renowned wildlife artist Paul Turnbaugh are now available in the Gifts and Art section at discounted prices for WFC members. In the next few weeks we will also begin offering discounts on a wide selection of both decorative and gunning decoys from Fowlers Point Decoys. So stop by the WFC OnLine ProShop today and lend a hand in decorating your nest this spring.
And now, on to the Migration Report.
With the snow line pushing up towards the Canadian border the bulk of the light goose migration has moved well into North Dakota. Smaller numbers of light geese, primarily juveniles and Rosses, are still to be found from CO across to IA, but their numbers are quickly dwindling as spring takes hold.
Northern portions of SD have begun to see a shift from adult snows to juvies, a sign the tail end of the migration has moved into their area. This last wave can still provide ample hunting opportunity for the next week or more.
With temperatures forecast to remain slightly above average for most of the Midwest, look for the heaviest concentration of snows to move up to and above I-94 this week with the front edge of the migration perhaps reaching as far north as the US-Canadian border.
Recent heavy rains will make the hunting tough in much of ND. Washed out roads and muddy fields will test the mettle of hunters chasing the white wave over the next few days. Drier weather looks to be in store for the next week or so and the soil should make short work of soaking up the recent rains.
The combination of rainfall and melting snow is causing flooding in portions of the Dakotas, and although we like to see the potholes filling, it is never easy to watch our fellow man suffer from such events. What a mixed blessing the weather can be.
