Waterfowl hunting success still a good bet as cooler weather moves into MN

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DNR: Waterfowl hunting success still a good bet as cooler weather moves into Minnesota
(Released October 13, 2011)

Those who have not yet hunted waterfowl this fall shouldn’t fear that the ducks have passed them by, according to Steve Cordts, waterfowl specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The season’s best waterfowl hunting could be on its way, with conditions becoming “ducky” as cooler, wetter weather moves in.

Cordts noted that while clear skies and warm weather have kept some local ducks around, they also have kept migrant ducks hanging farther to the north than usual.

“The warm weather delayed duck migrations early in the season,” Cordts said. “But with the colder weather, hunting should improve as the number of migrating ducks grows. There are some good hunting opportunities now; hunters just need to scout a little more or look in nontraditional areas.”

So far, duck hunting success has been fair across the state, Cordts said. Blue-winged teal, wood ducks, mallards and ring-necked ducks have dominated hunters’ bags, but that will begin to change. Additional migrant ducks are starting to move in, Cordts noted. Green-winged teal, wigeon, gadwall, shoveler, pintail and a few scaup are now present. Most early migrants, such as blue-winged teal and wood ducks, have moved south, but hunters can look for ring-necked duck numbers to peak soon.

Canada goose numbers remain good in many locations. A few snow geese are present in northwestern Minnesota.

HOTSPOTS IDENTIFIED
As for state hotspots, Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area in extreme northwestern Minnesota is always a good bet later in October, especially for diving ducks, according to Cordts. Areas in and around Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near Detroit Lakes can be good in October, especially for ring-necked ducks. Otter Tail County is always a good bet for diving ducks.

Farther south, Big Stone County features a mixed bag of mallards, other puddle ducks and geese. Southwestern and southern Minnesota can provide good late hunting for mallards and Canada geese, especially in fields. Mallard numbers are highest near the North Dakota and South Dakota borders. The Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge in extreme southeastern Minnesota is often a good choice in late November for a mix of diving and puddle ducks. Canvasbacks typically peak in this area during the first week of November.

GOOD OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
With the teachers’ convention weekend approaching, Cordts said hunting opportunities abound.

“There is great opportunity in the mid to latter part of the season for hunters to see good duck numbers,” said Cordts. “I encourage those who haven’t been out yet or have been discouraged with the warm weather to grab the gun, load up the dog and hit the water. Or try some field hunting for ducks and Canada geese. Crop harvest is progressing rapidly and many of these fields are attractive to field-feeding waterfowl.”

The North Duck Zone (north of Highway 210) is open through Nov. 22 for ducks and through Dec. 17 for geese. The South Duck Zone (south of Highway 210) is open through Nov. 27 for ducks and through Dec. 22 for geese. As of Oct. 9, legal shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Hunters should refer to the waterfowl hunting regulations booklet.

Licenses and stamps are available at about 1,500 electronic license agents throughout the state, including sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supply stores, and some discount chains. They can also be purchased online or by phone at 888-665-4236.