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Opening weekend across Tennessee was a
tough one for the lion's share of duck hunters who battled warm temps
that had a negative impact on duck numbers not only here but across a
four state region.
Season is closed until next Saturday, December 5th when it resumes for a
58-day stretch.
After almost a month of unusually warm weather duck season opened for a
two-day stretch and Saturday temps climbed to 71 degrees in some areas.
Ducks were sluggish to move and overall hunting success was down. Duck
numbers remain low across the state but could improve quickly if cold
fronts get going this week.
Aerial surveys taken last
week (Nov 24th) by USFWS for the second time this fall on the Tennessee
National Wildlife Refuge showed total duck numbers estimated at 58,868.
Geese were estimated at 1,302. Previous counts taken back on November 6
showed 42,522 ducks and 525 geese, so numbers have increased slightly.
When compared to surveys taken last
year at this time ducks are down 16 percent and also down 7 percent from
the 5-year average.
Hunters are hoping cold weather will move in by the weekend and stimulate
the migration of ducks to southern areas. Reports from northern states
indicate a lot of ducks are still hanging around in portions of the
Dakotas, northern Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa.
The boot heel of Missouri, eastern Arkansas, west Kentucky and Tennessee
are still low as to overall numbers of ducks. Cooler weather, however,
is expected this week but a hard freeze needs to take place up north to
move the ducks out of those areas where ample food and open water have
held them.
Ironically, cooler weather is expected the next few days during the
season closure. A cold front is fast approaching with possible snow
flurries by Thursday here in West Tennessee. That should help local
waterfowlers as the second segment approaches.
Hopefully, things will improve soon
for southern duck hunters who are ready to experience some normal winter
weather. |
