Ruddy Boom Boom
01-01-2004, 08:04 AM
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
With water still open in large portions of the upper flyway, reports are still coming in of large concentrations of ducks and geese as far north as WI and MN. Goose hunting in the northern states continues to be excellent where the season remains open. The northern IL quota zone is nearing its quota for the year and dark goose numbers in that part of the state are staggering, while the southern portion of the state is just beginning to see any movement of geese into the area.
Duck numbers for the upper flyway remain higher in western states than areas farther east. IA and OH have seen bird numbers see-saw over the past few weeks as the weather has shifted from winter to spring and back again a handful of times. Warm weather may be on the way out and bird activity should increase as the mercury falls.
Central portions of the flyway have yet to see the last of this year’s migration of ducks and light geese. As recently as Tuesday, huntable numbers of both remain in areas of MO. KY and TN saw a small increase in duck numbers over the Christmas break, as did portions of northern AR.
The southern end of the flyway continues to be spotty as a firehouse mascot. Portions of north LA and central MS appear to have been the victim a flyover, as hunters along the coast are beginning to report a sharp increase in bird numbers. The Northern portions of MS and AL did report new ducks arriving with the latest front, so there is still hope for portions of north LA and the central MS delta. Light goose numbers in the region continue to be staggering. So perhaps a change of plans can shake off some of the slow season blues for hunters in the southern flyway.
Renewed cold weather in the long range forecast has the potential to make the tail end of the season worth the wait, but weather forecasting that far down the line is subject to change. Keep your fingers crossed!
:BZ:
With water still open in large portions of the upper flyway, reports are still coming in of large concentrations of ducks and geese as far north as WI and MN. Goose hunting in the northern states continues to be excellent where the season remains open. The northern IL quota zone is nearing its quota for the year and dark goose numbers in that part of the state are staggering, while the southern portion of the state is just beginning to see any movement of geese into the area.
Duck numbers for the upper flyway remain higher in western states than areas farther east. IA and OH have seen bird numbers see-saw over the past few weeks as the weather has shifted from winter to spring and back again a handful of times. Warm weather may be on the way out and bird activity should increase as the mercury falls.
Central portions of the flyway have yet to see the last of this year’s migration of ducks and light geese. As recently as Tuesday, huntable numbers of both remain in areas of MO. KY and TN saw a small increase in duck numbers over the Christmas break, as did portions of northern AR.
The southern end of the flyway continues to be spotty as a firehouse mascot. Portions of north LA and central MS appear to have been the victim a flyover, as hunters along the coast are beginning to report a sharp increase in bird numbers. The Northern portions of MS and AL did report new ducks arriving with the latest front, so there is still hope for portions of north LA and the central MS delta. Light goose numbers in the region continue to be staggering. So perhaps a change of plans can shake off some of the slow season blues for hunters in the southern flyway.
Renewed cold weather in the long range forecast has the potential to make the tail end of the season worth the wait, but weather forecasting that far down the line is subject to change. Keep your fingers crossed!
:BZ: