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Manager's update

Week in review

Week of Sept. 15 - Sept. 21

Weather

We received 9/10 of an inch of rain last week (a welcome reprieve), but above-average temperatures still dominated the weather pattern with very little wind all week.

Waterfowl abundance

Bird numbers have begun to pick up in the area. A few teal are still present. Wood duck numbers are rising in local marshes, and a few more mallards are showing up in various places. Goose numbers are climbing, and we are starting to see molt migration into the area.

Hunting conditions

Despite recent rain, there is not enough water in the drains to support more than one pump. At this time, we are prioritizing our south end wetlands, which act as our primary roosts and best areas to attract and hold ducks. No crops have been harvested yet.

Hunter numbers

Few hunters are using the area. Single-digit hunter numbers or no hunters on some days.

Waterfowl harvest

A few geese have been harvested on the farm unit in the last week. Early goose season will continue through the rest of the month.

What to expect this week

Temperatures will be persistently above average, but we should receive more needed rain. We will likely begin flooding zone 7 and possibly zone 5 by week’s end, pending decoy areas are mowed in time.

Upcoming events

Early season goose remains open through September with self-registration. Regular duck season kicks off with a draw on both Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18–19.

Other comments

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