MDWFP - Weekly Waterfowl Reports

January 23, 2013 Edition

The following report is a compilation of WMA reports and habitat assessments during the week ending January 20, 2013.

Jackson, MS - Things appear to be looking up for many waterfowl hunters in the Delta this week. Hunting reports are still mixed on both public and private lands, however many hunters are reporting increased success, especially in the north Delta. There have been many reports of greater mallard abundance in the region than in previous weeks.

The mid-winter aerial waterfowl survey was conducted January 7-11 before the onset of harsh winter weather the week of January 14. Results of the survey indicated reduced numbers of birds in comparison to recent years for the same time period. Most mallards were observed using newly flooded agriculture and moist-soil habitats. Most ducks using large flooded fields were observed in the shallow "leading" edges of water or in the centers of fields. This is likely due to ducks exploiting newly flooded food resources at proper depths, while also avoiding levees and tree lines where hunters can easily hide. However, it appears that winter weather events since the survey have pushed new birds into the state. These birds are likely using these newly flooded habitats as well. Many hunters over the weekend reported having success hunting in these areas.

Hunting success on Delta WMAs increased over the weekend with Northern shoveler and green-winged teal being the most harvested species on WMAs. Mallard numbers have increased on many WMAs in the region.

MDWFP Waterfowl Program biologists are currently conducting the late January aerial waterfowl survey. A report from MDWFP's survey will be posted on the Waterfowl Program website soon after completion.

Although the conclusion of duck season is rapidly approaching, there is still time to get out and enjoy some waterfowl hunting. Hunters are reminded to consider scouting recently flooded habitats as well as forested wetlands. These areas are very important to mallards in late winter. These newly flooded habitats often contain the greatest abundances of food resources, and forested wetlands are essential for thermal cover and pair formation.

Aerial waterfowl survey reports with waterfowl distribution maps, along with updates on waterfowl migration, harvest reports, and a variety of other waterfowl-related information can be found on www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl.

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