From my Jan. 2 News Journal column.
Still Many Geese in the Area
Unlike the past several years when Mid-Atlantic winter temperatures seemed to stay above average for extended periods and when the lack of snowfall – locally and into New England – was evident, this year’s late fall and early winter weather patterns have created great opportunities for Delaware duck and goose hunters.
Delaware waterfowl hunters who had their hearts set on bountiful harvests of ducks and geese during the 2012-13 and 2011-12 seasons were mostly disappointed. Most ducks, Canada geese and snow geese found in Delaware during the fall and winter months migrate from locations farther north in search of food as snow cover, frozen ground and frozen bodies of water seal in their usual food sources. However, if mild weather in the northern parts of the Atlantic Flyway keeps food sources available, some waterfowl species slow or cut short their migrations. Most hunters attribute poor duck and goose hunting success over the past year or two to uncharacteristically warm weather in the Atlantic Flyway.
In a reversal of trends, this past November brought below-average temperatures to Delaware, other Mid-Atlantic states and New England. Likewise, freezing temperatures and early snowfalls have seemingly hastened the migrations of ducks and geese, and hunters are seeing more waterfowl in Delaware fields and waterways this year than in years past.
I saw a lot of ducks while hunting in the first half of the season, and I experienced successful harvests in New Castle County freshwater ponds. Although I am still seeing large numbers of ducks in the areas along the Delaware River, I am seeing few, if any, ducks in small ponds that have been partially or completely covered in ice for the past several weeks.
Despite thin layers of ice on some small freshwater ponds, a migration alert issued by Ducks Unlimited on Dec. 25 reported that Delaware is nearing its peak for mallard ducks. Referencing weather, migratory patterns and hunter observations, the alert pointed out that recent warmer weather thawed some freshwater ponds, which may caused some ducks to move inland from open coastal waters.
With many ducks in the area, now is the time for hunters to monitor the ponds. With bitter cold forecast over the next several days, there may only be a few days left to hunt freshwater ponds that are prone to freezing up. However, as soon as smaller bodies of water begin to freeze, look for sources of open water. Consider hunting bigger bodies of moving water, like the Delaware River, and some of the smaller, flowing creeks and streams that ultimately lead to the river. Delaware duck hunters who find open waters during major freeze-ups should be rewarded with good harvests.
Just as greater numbers of ducks are in the area, I am continuing to see significantly more Canada geese this year than over the past couple years. Focusing on fields rather than bodies of water, my hunting partners and I are getting superb hunting action on geese almost every time we go out. Whether hunting in the morning or afternoon, I and other local hunters are experiencing high success rates by calling small flocks, large flocks, pairs of geese, and single geese into our decoys.
With more cold and snow forecast for areas to our north, the next several weeks should continue to provide excellent waterfowl hunting. Delaware duck hunting season is open through Jan. 25, and the Canada goose and regular snow goose hunting seasons are open through Jan. 31.