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Migration Update March 20, 2015

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The spring snow goose migration is moving along at a rapid pass as spring weather spreads to the Central and Mississippi Flyways. In the past 30-days, snow goose numbers at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge have soared from zero, to 643,000 on 3/11 and back down to 210,758 on 3/18.   Habit conditions have also varied greatly as the refuge was 95% frozen just three weeks ago. Hello, folks, and as always, Welcome to Waterfowler.com. Timing the spring snow goose season is risky business. Each spring mid-continental light geese push to the edge of the snow line and run the gauntlet north to their breeding grounds.   This year, limited amounts of snow cover and a quick spring thaw have opened a fast-track migration deep into the northern prairies. Continue reading

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A Benelli First: The 828U Over-and-Under

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Bucking convention while honoring classic design has always been the Benelli stock in trade, and the advent of their new 828U over-and-under shotgun promises to exceed that expectation nicely. For the double-gun purist, Benelli’s newest offering delivers the mandatory point-ability, custom comb and drop adjustments and the kind of ergonomic feel and balance inherent to all fine shotguns. And the Benelli faithful who are familiar with the brand’s iconic semi-auto’s will instantly see the trademark Benelli performance design aesthetic. The 828U is at once both contemporary and beautifully practical, from the smooth body and exquisite checkering to the wide, low-profile rib bridge, no side rib and monoblock treatment. Continue reading

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President Requests $1.6 Billion U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The President’s Fiscal Year 2016 discretionary budget request supports $1.6 billion in programs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an increase of $135.7 million over the 2015 enacted level to fund the agency’s high-priority needs. The budget also contains an additional $1.4 billion available under permanent appropriations, most of which will be provided directly to states for fish and wildlife restoration and conservation. “Investing in the conservation of our wildlife and habitat resources results in myriad health and economic benefits to U.S. communities,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “Investing in the next American generation is also critical, so we are creating new ways to engage young audiences in outdoor experiences, both on wildlife refuges and partner lands. With 80 percent of the U.S. population currently residing in urban communities, helping urban dwellers to rediscover the outdoors is a priority for the Service.” Continue reading

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Kaumeyer Named Delta Waterfowl Board Chairman

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BISMARCK, N.D. — Larry Kaumeyer has been named chairman of the board for Delta Waterfowl. Kaumeyer, 52, a life-long waterfowl hunter from Edmonton, Alberta, has served on Delta’s Board of Directors since 2007. Kaumeyer credits his father, Gerry, for igniting his passion for waterfowling as a young man. “I absolutely love hunting ducks,” he said. “If I have a choice of doing anything in the outdoors, I will hunt ducks. I enjoy every aspect of being out there.” The chief executive officer of Infracon Energy Services said he joined the board because he respected Delta’s long history of excellent waterfowl research and involvement in protecting hunters’ rights. Continue reading

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Migration Update – Jan 31, 2015 – Snow Goose Report

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Special Youth waterfowl seasons in the south wrapped up this weekend and marked the official end 2014-2015 General Waterfowl season. While the fat lady has sung on duck hunting across the nation, the song of the light goose can be heard in portions of the Central, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. Light goose hunting under the Conservation Order is underway and another season of epic population control is already underway. Since the passing of the Arctic Tundra Habitat Emergency Conservation Act in 1999, the waterfowl hunting community has done their best to reduce the population of mid-continental light geese and protect fragile nesting areas on the tundra. Despite the extend hunting season and significant increase in the total annual harvest, the Conservation Order has only slowed population growth — not reduced it. Light geese, being a very adaptable species, have expanded their breeding range inland, away from damaged coastal regions, and… Continue reading

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Eliminate Decoy Line Tangles

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Any duck hunter who has been at this great pursuit for any length of time has experienced the exasperation of dealing with hopelessly tangled decoys. Duck hunting is hard work, no doubt about it. Just getting to a duck hole is often a rigorous adventure, whether it’s a dark-of-night boat ride or a long trudge in waders pulling mud through chest-deep water. Then it’s time to set the decoy spread. All that time spent in the garage the night before the hunt, carefully wrapping decoy lines, securing anchors and bagging the dekes… a waste of time. With shooting light approaching and the sound of wings overhead, you’re still trying to untangle decoys. Decoy Buddy, by Game Smart, is a weighted 8-ounce reel that hooks onto your floating decoy. Simply pull out the amount of line needed for the depth of water you are hunting, and toss out the decoy. No wasted time unwinding… Continue reading

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New FLX Series of Electronic Game Calls

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The need for high quality, great-sounding Electronic Game Calls has never been higher. The exhilarating experience of hunting with electronic calls is attracting many newcomers to the world of electronic calls for the first time. Others are introduced to electronic calls out of necessity. Vermin like coyotes are taking too big a bite out of wildlife populations in many areas, and those sportsmen realize something needs to be done. In either case, the new FLX Series of Electronic Game Calls from Flextone Game Calls has you covered. Flextone Game Calls is proud to announce the FLX Series of Electronic Game Calls, new for 2015. The FLX Series includes four models ranging from the easy-to-handle FLX 50, a lightweight remote caller, on up to the FLX 1000. Continue reading

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Defy the Elements with STORMR Waterfowl

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If you are passionate about waterfowl hunting, the most important tool you can bring to the duck camp this time of year is superior clothing like the products offered by STORMR. The best hunting is usually brought on by the worst possible weather. Brutal cold, north winds, rain, sleet and snow is what brings new ducks into an area. Waterfowl hunters simply can’t wait on milder weather. Waterfowlers face harsh environments that command superior gear. STORMR’s outerwear provides maximum comfort and maneuverability, as well as huge thermal benefits in a thin, soft, flexible, windproof and waterproof shell. There’s simply nothing else like it on the market today. The old days of bulky layers on top of layers of clothing made it nearly impossible to shoot. STORMR products have combined comfort and protection from dangerous weather conditions with the ability for a hunter to move freely. Continue reading