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. Hello, folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com. 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. Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com. 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. Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com. 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. Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com. 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… Continue reading

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. Continue reading

Late December storms continue to provide excellent shooting opportunities in the southern portions of the Central and Mississippi Flyways. After struggling through mild winters the past few seasons, waterfowl hunters in the south are rejoicing in increased duck numbers, bag limits and activity. Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com. While hunters in the north may have been disappointed by the early departure of waterfowl, ducks are, as they should be, in the deep-south for the winter and Arkansas once again wears the crown, “Duck Capital of the World.” After nearly a decade of above average duck activity in Missouri, winter finally arrived in the “Show Me State” and waterfowl numbers were up 84% over 2007 through the month of December. Continue reading

Persistent cold weather and a favorable jet stream have moved mallards across the Upper-Midwest, Great Plains and the New England states over the past week. Ice is building in the north and hunters braving the colder temperatures are being rewarded with an increase in harvest. Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterrfowler.com. The first big push of the season provided excellent shooting across most of the northern portions of the Central and Mississippi Flyways. Early migrating species were driven further south and should provide excellent opportunity for southern states that are just opening. Continue reading