2009 Duck & Goose Migration Report

we can’t ignore the western movement either
Several years ago, when the flyway seemed to me to be shifting west, I made the comment that if things keep going in that direction, Minnesota will be a goose hunting state instead of waterfowl hunting.
I did not want those words to come true, but it sure seems to be happening.
Although the Dakotas did not have typical seasons either, they consistantly saw and shot a heck of a lot more ducks than MN or WI hunters.
I don’t know what to think
Its seems that all of those guys that go on a week long trip to No. Dak or Canada and call it a season, may know what they’re doing.
cheers

I agree w/ the birds moving West…and a trip to South or North Dakota is well worth the money and time but I still think there are plenty of birds to be had here in MN.

Nothing near the cities. I think you have a better chance of getting shot hunting near the cities than actually shooting birds…!?

The Dakotas have had so much rain this year and last it’s no wonder the ducks love it over there. My last few trips that direction I’d see flooded corn fields with tons of green heads swimming around the corn stalks picking up corn. It’s like having the refrigerator and microwave next to the couch and TV, no need to go anywhere else.

Can’t wait for the 40 MPH NW winds on wed. and thurs. oh wait the MN season is over, never even broke ice out of any launch this year…..bummer

Southern MN missed out on 3-4 days this year. Southern WI hit it perfect AGAIN! We should be just about froze out by Sunday pm.

MN needs split zones.

Jake:

Hope you get ’em!!!

Mark

i agree with the mn split! maybe it will keep some of them stupid mud ducks from coming over here and stealing my spots!

I am in full agreement with the west shift. I think this occurs shortly before if not on opening weekend of waterfowl hunting in MN. The habitat is too poor in MN to keep a large amount of ducks under any kind of hunting pressure. Geese don’t have this problem as they can graze for food off the waters.

We’ve either drained the good (abundant with fall food source) wetlands or filled them up with fingerlings and minnows without ensuring their yearly winterkill.

Have you ever wondered why the average adult Mallard weights in the Dakotas are much larger than in MN? They are the exact same species, mind you. I believe it has everything to do with hunting pressure over inadequate food sources.

We either need to create more refuges or quit ruining our shallow basins. Probably need to do a mix of both.

Mn should just close one week like wisc. does! Wich is traditionaly the worst duck hunting week of the year anyway! then if you have a mild fall bang you got the xtra week. If the water freezes up go goose huntin or deer huntin or fishen ect……..

how about this? Start season on 1st sat. of oct. Close 2nd sat. then reopen on the 3rd sat.

Usualy “not always” but usualy the 2nd weekend of duck season is slow. local birds have been shot up real bad!! New birds usually are not here yet. The guys that like the early season start get it and the guys that like the late season get one more week

It’s a win win.

Wow i copy & pasted this from a discussion we had on this same site in 12/03/06

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how about this? Start season on 1st sat. of oct. Close 2nd sat. then reopen on the 3rd sat.
Usualy “not always” but usualy the 2nd weekend of duck season is slow. local birds have been shot up real bad!! New birds usually are not here yet. The guys that like the early season start get it and the guys that like the late season get one more week
It’s a win win.

Wow i copy & pasted this from a discussion we had on this same site in 12/03/06

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The MN DNR will never be receptive to doing this. it would mean they have to “do something for us, not for them, or votes”. Our DNR is so inept when it comes to managing habitat, wildlife, and seasons/regulations, that I would not hold my breath waiting on a change for the better.

This year the 2nd week of October was better than most of November. Although it was a strange year, and I agree your stucture is better than current MN regs.

For a river hunter, WI’s southern zone is set up about perfect right now.

and if Iowa has a two zones, you can get one more week in S. Iowa after S. WI closes!!!

Mark

Quote:

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Our DNR is so inept when it comes to managing habitat, wildlife, and seasons/regulations….

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I used to be an ardent supporter of the MN DNR. After learning how they pulled the stops in the mid-80’s in disproportionate support of fisheries over waterfowl and upland game, I removed my support.

I now agree with the charge of ineptitude and pure political calculation in the setting of policy and regulation.

agreed! we absolutly waxed them all thoughout october untill about the 1st part of nov. it slowed down throughout middle november, and absolutly died towards the end. im hoping to salvage ONE good hunt in these last 4 days.

The diver guys will be crying until next season, at least…

I’m blaming Chriss, he used his voodoo on us while he is out of the state

Good luck

cheers

What will out DNR do about waterfowling, if anything?

“This year is a prime example – it’s hard to kill geese when they are sitting up in Manitoba,” he said. “We are going to have to really re-evaluate our season timing and do whatever we can to push it all into November, and some into December.” Dave Trauba, the DNR manager at LqP

Many, many new geese in the area. Hunted a field to the west of Rochester yesterday and 3 of us shot our 6 honkers easily. Landed birds in the dekes and was picked-up and back at the trucks in an hour.