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The results of the 2009 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey have been published, and the results are nothing short of outstanding and a reason to celebrate. Pond counts within the survey area were up 45% over 2008 and 31% above the long-term average. Waterfowl numbers are up 13% over 2008 and 25% above the long-term average.

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With the exception of Widgeon and Redheads all other species experienced double-digit increases over 2008 survey results – with mallards up 10%, Pintail 23% and Canvasback 35%.

While Redhead numbers are down 1% for 2008, they remain 62% above the long-term average along with the other top contenders, with Gadwall at 73%, Green-winged Teal at 79%, Blue-winged teal at 60% and Northern Shoveler at 92% above the long term average. Continue reading

The spring breeding and habitat surveys are complete and the data will soon be released in the 2009 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey. Early habitat reports from the spring survey teams are good to excellent across the North American waterfowl breeding range – with most habitat conditions improved over 2008 and pond counts in many areas well above the 10-year average.

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The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey that occurs each spring includes data collected from over 2.1 million acres in the United States and Canada. In short, it is one of the most intense and extensive wildlife surveys in existence. The heavy winter precipitation that played a significant role in improving habitat across the waterfowl breeding range continued into late May and early June in the northern most survey areas. Survey flights were often grounded and the crews struggled to complete surveys on time. Continue reading

While the northern breeding grounds capture the headlines and attention of North American waterfowl hunters, the Black-Bellied Whistling ducks have returned to their nesting grounds in the deep south – sporting their breeding plumage for potential mates and the camera of one avid waterfowl hunter.

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The May Pond Counts are underway across the North American waterfowl breeding grounds and pond counts are expected to be up significantly over previous years – due to the abundance of precipitation that accumulated over the winter season. Continue reading

Mid-continental light geese are on the move again and numbers in Squaw Creek dropped from over 500,000 to 40,000 in a matter of days. In the Dakota’s, light goose numbers soared over the past week as hunters in North Dakota face dangerous flooding conditions when heading to the field.

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The great outdoors are filled with moments of irony and light goose hunting is no exception. While the pristine, downy feathers of a snow goose can be pure-white, the spring pursuit is often plagued by an absolute onslaught of mud. While you may not fill your limit of geese on every spring hunt, you can count on getting mud on your boots, gun, clothes, layout blind and decoys. If you haven’t gotten your truck stuck at least once when snow goose hunting, perhaps you’re not hunting hard enough. Yep, spring snow goose hunting is a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. Continue reading

Another round of arctic storms in the Central and Mississippi Flyways pushed geese south again over the past week, as the light goose migration progresses in a two-steps-forward, one-step-back fashion. Light goose numbers that soared to over 1-million birds at Squaw Creek two weeks ago, has dropped to 500,000 according to the current survey.

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Unless you participate in spring snow goose hunting, there is very little reason to rejoice over the recent round of late winter storms. While your average citizen would welcome the spring thaw with open arms, snow goose hunters are dancing in the streets and enjoying the opportunities provided by the recent arctic weather.

It is a rare occasion when snow geese suspend their northerly migration and retreat. Just as hunters in the south central portions of the flyway hung up their hats for the season, the geese returned. Continue reading

Light geese were on the move this past week from the Texas Panhandle to Missouri. Snow goose numbers at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge have topped 600,000 according to the most recent survey and reports from the deep south indicate the spring migration is well underway.

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The brief thaw that spawned the migration event this past week collided with a series of late-winter storms that dumped snow across north-central portions of the Central, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. A quick glance at the snow-depth map (link at right) reveals a welcomed migration barrier that will provide increased hunting opportunities until the next thaw. Continue reading

While the bulk of snow geese remain at their southern most destinations, warmer temperatures have ignited the first signs of a northern migration this past week and snow goose numbers are on the rise in Kansas, southern Illinois and the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri.

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Warmer temperatures and southerly winds provided fuel to the northern migration this week, as a significant amount of snow melted across the lower two-thirds of the nation. A quick review of the snow-depth map (link at right) highlights the dramatic change from the previous week. While snow goose numbers are still very high as far south as Louisiana, the clock is ticking at a fevered pace and these birds could decide to charge north at any moment. Continue reading

With the general waterfowl season now closed, hunters are turning their thoughts towards the 2009 Conservation Action and spring light goose hunting. The heavy snow pack that provided excellent hunting for southern states this season will continue to provide opportunity for light goose hunters as they migrate north to their nesting grounds in the coming months.

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The 2008-2009 General Waterfowl Season is closed and for many hunters it was a very memorable season. Early season cold fronts drove teal, pintail and gadwall into the south in September and October, and heavy snowfall in November and December brought the mallards and geese. While persistent drought conditions did hamper hunting opportunities in California and central Texas, habitat conditions across most of the U.S. were good to excellent this season and harvest totals are expected to be slightly above average for many southern states.

The heavy snow that helped push waterfowl south in grand-fashion, will also provide a welcomed relief to drought conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region this spring, thanks to record snowfalls in the Dakotas the past few months.

If you have yet to experience the extreme hunting action of spring light goose hunting, now is the time to begin your planning. The massive flocks, thunderous wing-beats, and enormous field spreads can only be outdone by the sheer volume of their shrilling calls – which can nearly drown out the sound of shotgun fire. The action is hot, the bag limits are liberal and simply put, it’s an awesome excuse to spend additional days in the field.

Over the next few months, hunters and many outstanding guide services will migrate with the geese as they move north. The pace of the migration will vary with the melting snowline. Expect light geese to drive to the edge as they journey north. Opportunity for light geese can evaporate as quickly as the snow itself, so make sure plans are as mobile as the geese.

The Spring Snow Goose reporting area is active again, and WFC members are encouraged to post general information on this page, as well as detailed information on their state homepages. WFC’s classifeds are now open to commercial guide listings for Commercial Gold Sponsors. Be sure to check this listing when making your plans for the spring season and support those who support the services of Waterfowler.com.

While the duck season has come and gone, the memories live on and WFC members are invited to share their photos of the past season in the Member Photo Gallery. We look forward to seeing your images and will featured the best images on our homepage in the coming months.

MID-CONTINENTAL LIGHT GOOSE REPORT:

Snow geese are active on their wintering grounds in the deep-south. From New Mexico to Louisiana, snow goose numbers are good to excellent at this time and light goose numbers in Texas and Arkansas are above average for this time of year.

Hunters are reminded to check their state regulations for licensing information, as well as season dates, bag limits and equipment restrictions. Successful light goose hunting is dependant on scouting and access to active feeding areas. Be sure to obtain permission for land access and obey trespass laws.

Until our next report, make plans to participate in a light goose hunt this spring.