migration 26

[snowkiller]

Some cranes in NW ND

 

[ale]

It’s been slow so far!

 

[Kurtr]

Nothing in north central Sodak. Usally have some calendar specks about now

 

[870XPRS]

Have witnessed a few flocks of lessers, 3 snows, and 3 specks in SE ND....not much to speak of.

 

[SDMF]

I haven’t seen anything big enough to consider “migrating flocks” in ND/SD yet.

If the combines, carts, and Semi’s keep up their current pace you might only see waterfowl concentrated on big water with feeding flocks spreading out all over.

 

[measure-it]

This late summer-like weather we're having is going to make a fast flight through ND&SD.

 

[1lessdog]

The kids and I would always go up to Moffit over Teacher Conversations for Cranes. It seems like that was the best time. As we always got into them. And the Upland hunting was great up there with lots of School and PLOTS land. This year it's the 15th and 16th of October.

 

[Duckslayer100]

We need some migrators. This opener marked the fewest amount of local birds I've ever personally seen in 20 plus years. Late rains helped shore up some ponds, but you can tell a lot of ducks flew right over ND this spring and likely nested in Canada. Friends who have hunted there this fall confirm: Crazy amount of birds are piling up north of the border. If we can get some good cool weather and strong pushes, it could make for dynamite hunting in the weeks to come.

 

[NDbowman]

The last few years have been terrible. Even the local Canadas and ducks seem to be hiding. I remember when I hunted while in HS in the late 90s, it seemed even the snow geese were already here for the opener. I don't know if they're raising different crops in Canada or just milder weather is keeping them north longer. Or is the migration moving further west? I've heard that many times over the years but always thought it to be BS, it might be true.

 

[zoops]

Certainly seemed like 20 years ago you could shoot a limit of ducks on opener just about with your eyes closed. Still very doable, but seems to take more scouting. Plenty of data out there that the duck population is not good. I think a big part of it is also that in a lot of areas you have about one wheat field per township anymore and it gets banged on starting in mid-August for early goose so the ducks get bumped around and change their habits.

 

[Kurtr]

20 years ago the ppr was wet and crp was at its peak. When ethanol hit and then it got real dry in Canada the numbers corresponded with the conditions

 

[Jiffy]

Drain

 

[Jiffy]

Tile

 

[Jiffy]

The almighty dollar boys….the ALMIGHTY $!

 

[Kurtr]

Ya that’s a factor but Canada being in a twenty year drought and then no were to nest with all the crp gone was the nail I. The coffin

 

[NDSportsman]

Habitat loss, farming practices like switching from small grains to corn and beans, weather patterns, hunting pressure, etc. have all contributed to changes in migration patterns. It's not a single issue thing IMO.

I no longer waterfowl hunt but I remember my hay days were back in the 90's when there was lots of water and a lot of small grains still being farmed. The migration started shifting west as corn and beans started replacing wheat and barley. I'm sure the loss of CRP and drought the last few years hasn't helped either.

 

[Jiffy]

I’d argue habitat loss in general! It’s an ongoing theme for wildlife across the board.

What drives this? $$$$$$$