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Manager's update
Weather
Recent frigid cold and snow has taken hold. We have received around 2 feet of snow and temperatures have remained below freezing.
Waterfowl abundance
A large influx of both ducks and geese has brought many new birds into the area. A couple of snow geese were observed and waterfowl numbers doubled at the farm with concentration of birds from the local area as waters freeze.
Hunting conditions
Corn cover on sandy ground (Zone 8) is short and blinds will be highly recommended for the duck opener. Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 all have adequate corn cover for hiding without a blind. Floodings have frozen and will likely not thaw without significant warmup. Creeks and drains are mostly open. Snow is fairly deep, so snow covers on blinds are recommended as well as a snow shovel for digging in a hide or in case you get stuck. Roads and parking lots are plowed and all zones are accessible.
Hunter numbers
Hunter numbers remain relatively low aside from weekends.
Waterfowl harvest
Harvest for ducks has picked up recently across the farm unit. Some double-digit days with single-digit hunter numbers. Goose opens with a youth preference draw Dec. 20.
What to expect this week
This week will start with a slight warmup and some rain and snow mix, followed by more below-freezing temperatures and potential for lake-effect snow. West and northwest winds will prevail aside from Friday, which will have a light south wind.
Upcoming events
Goose season draws start Dec. 20. There are a lot of geese using the area and they seem especially dumb this year. This year’s opener should be amazing if the weather holds as forecasted.