With Green-winged Teal at 79% above the long-term average and Blue-winged Teal at 60%, the stage is set for a very promising early Teal season in many states during the month of September. With those seasons opening just over a month from now, now is the time to make last minute plans to kick your season off on the right foot.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
September is fast approaching and there is still time to plan a last minute, low-budget trip to a state that offers an early Teal Season. While the best public access is often available to those with a good duck boat, there are literally millions of acres that provide walk-in access in states that offer early seasons.
Often times during September, canoe and boat rental vendors remain open along public waterways and offer additional access alternatives for the dedicated, traveling waterfowl hunter.
In addition to early teal hunting, many states offer a special Resident Giant Canada Goose season that often runs when early teal season is open – providing an excellent mixed-bag opportunity.
While the steel-gray skies and cold temperatures of autumn provide the ingredients waterfowl dreams are made of, the fast and furious action of a short-sleeved, mosquito swatting, early teal season can fuel fever of any waterfowl hunting addict.
MIGRATION & BREEDING UPDATE
According to field sources, duck production has seemingly kept pace with the breeding population increase. Brood size, health and mortality rates are simply impressive. During June 2009, conditions across the equatorial Pacific Ocean transitioned from ENSO-neutral to El Niño conditions. According to WFC archives, the migration and weather patterns experienced during El Niño seasons differ greatly from normal migration patterns.
If the El Niño conditions persist, hunters can expect a generally flat jet stream (that runs along the US and Canadian border) that results in a trickle migration during the months of September and October. Depending on the severity of the El Niño conditions, the big push is expected to occur later than normal when the delayed arctic winds arrive.
It should be noted that during El Niño years the flat jet stream often drives an abundance of waterfowl to the east coast. Teal populations seem peak in the New England States during El Niño years. If WFC’s historical data proves accurate and the El Niño weather system continues with the current waterfowl population, hunters should expect a full season of waterfowl activity.
The molt is passed for local populations of Giant Canada Geese and their calls fill the sky each day during early morning and late evening flights. The young of the year are growing larger and stronger each day and becoming experienced fliers. With resident seasons just over a month away in many areas, the burgeon local populations will provide ample early season action.
Until our next report, begin planning an early teal hunting trip today.
