View of the Duck Season from a Favorable August Perspective
As all of you duck hunters are now aware, the 2012 spring duck population is the highest ever recorded. Populations of mallards, green-winged teal and northern shovelers have all increased. Locally, I have witnessed more ducklings. Each summer the number of ducks that choose to remain rather than migrate increases. Included in the local ducks are mallards, green-winged teal, northern shovelers and wood ducks. Other than wood ducks most of these species have not been very prolific in their MS Delta hatch numbers. It appears that they have begun to adapt to the spring and summer conditions in the Delta ponds and wetlands and adjusted their nesting and breeding habits to more successful patterns.
We all know that even great population numbers don't always translate into even a good wintering population in a particular area. Last year a near-historic spring and summer flood left large quantities of water in the wintering grounds to our north. Combined with a historically warm northern winter weather pattern, the conditions didn't push a major migratory wave south. On August 1 of this year, the worst drought conditions in the Midwest since 1956 has dropped the Mississippi River's summer level in Memphis to over 14 feet below normal. By August 22 it is forecast to be more than 55 feet lower than the highest reading taken during last year's flood. The level will almost match the record low level set in 1988.
When the waterfowl begin the migration, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missori, Iowa and Illinois will be experiencing lower winter water levels. Currently our local brakes and wetlands are at huntable levels on August 1. With a favorable cold northern winter, our conditions are better for holding ducks than in many years. Great duck numbers, dry northern wintering grounds and good MS Delta water levels could translate into a memorable 2012 - 2013 duck season. We're getting prepared by planting millet and building blinds.
Reserve your group a spot in the MS Delta Ducks Season Hunt Program and come hunt with us!
