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DAY FOR DUCK HUNTERS
Isn’t is supposed to be cold and windy for duck hunters to get enthused
and excited? It is unless it’s the annual drawing day for duck blinds
across Tennessee where thousands of camou-clad sportsmen gather at
various locations beneath shade trees attempting to dodge the dog days
of summer.
With temperatures hovering near the three digit mark hunters---and those
wannabes---will brave the elements and turn out in force in hopes of
hearing his or her name drawn for a blind spot on one of Tennessee
Wildlife Resources Agency’s wildlife management areas.
The first Saturday in August is set aside for drawing day all over the
Volunteer State and next to opening day of duck season it’s about the
most popular morning of the year for the waterfowl world. Drawings begin
at 10 AM, preceded by a three hour registration period from 7-10 AM.
And what are your odds of drawing a blind? It’s about the same as
winning the Tennessee lottery. The odds are pretty slim that your
name will ring out over the loudspeaker but there’s always that chance!
Some groups team together and attempt to draw a blind that way. A block
of hunters band together and if one draws he suddenly has a lot of
buddies hoping to share some sunrises with the guy come hunting season.
Others have been known to toss cash toward a guy if he draws a good
spot, perhaps buying their way into a season and spot despite the
maneuver being illegal according to TWRA.
With a good season looming Tennessee and Reelfoot Lake area duck hunters
have reason for optimism. Thanks to a very wet spring on the breeding
grounds the fall flight forecast is a good one as a record hatch
occurred in the prairie pothole region of the Dakotas and portions of
Canada where ducks raise their broods.
Record high numbers will allow another long season and liberal bag limit
for Tennessee and other states in the Mississippi flyway. Based on
framework sent down from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service states will
again have a 60-day season with a six duck bag limit, which mirrors last
years’ regs.
Tennessee’s proposed season dates a similar to last year. TWRA
biologists are recommending season open for two days in late November,
catching the weekend after Thanksgiving. After a five day closure season
would resume the first Saturday in December and then run 58 days
straight, expiring on January 29, 2012.
Generally speaking Tennessee and most other southern states opts for the
latest date allowed by USFWS and then counts backwards from that date in
order to arrives at season dates. In order to include as many weekends
as possible season is split into two segments.
Although no surprises are expected as to proposed season dates, the TWRA
commission will officially set dates at its meeting in Kingsport on
August 24-25.
Waterfowlers are always optimistic as to the season ahead, just like
football fans are when thinking about their favorite teams. That’s what
keeps the sport alive and well. And, with a good fall flight forecast
duck hunters have reason to smile as most species are well above their
long-term average.
Regardless of how hot it is Saturday you can bet a big crowd will be on
hand at every location. A growing population of hunters continues to
pursue a shrinking opportunity of public hunting spots.
Duck hunting isn’t cheap. Licenses, guns, and ammo are just a portion of
the package as many more expenses are associated with the sport
throughout the season but it pays dividends in the form or ducks at dawn
that keeps legions of hunters coming back for more.
If you plan on participating in the duck blind draw remember to purchase
your proper licenses before you reach the registration location as
licenses and permits are not sold on site.
Here’s hoping you or one of your friends gets a good blind this year. If
you don’t hear your name called but know someone who does, it may be
time to make new friends!
Drawing locations in West Tennessee:
Gooch Unit A (35 blinds) Location for drawing: Obion City Park.
Reelfoot (53 blinds) Location for drawing: Ellington Hall at Reelfoot
State Park Visitors Center. For info call 731-253-7343
Kentucky Lake (Camden Units I & II, Harmon’s Creek, Big Sandy and Gin
Creek) (Camden, 48 blinds; Harmon Creek, 9 blinds; Big Sandy, 18 blinds;
and Gin Creek, 6 blinds) Location for drawing: Little League Ball field
in Big Sandy.
Barkley Unit I (24 blinds) Location for drawing: Dover Elementary
School.
Tigrett (17 blind sites) Location for drawing: Dyersburg Fairgrounds
(First Citizens Pavilion).
West Sandy (40 blinds) Location will be the Livestock Barn at the Henry
County Fairgrounds in Paris.
Information concerning other duck blind drawings throughout the state
can be obtained from the TWRA website at
www.tnwildlife.org
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