What this means for waterfowl hunting in Idaho will not be clear until we see what the weather brings us. It could be glorious or it could make us want to load up and head for the Central Flyway.
In recent years, we have seen mild weather stack up flocks on the border for most of the season. Waterfowl had little reason to take wing over the mountains for the Snake River country. When that happens, there is no joy on Mud Lake.
Idaho lies between the main flow of the Central and Pacific Flyways, so northern flight strength depends on big pushes from weather conditions to bring the birds here. What happens in southwest Alberta is crucial to our duck hunting happiness and there is nothing we have less control over.
Idaho Fish and Game is going with a generous limit and maximum hunting days for this season. Now we wait. And hope.
(8/2011)
Copyright Spring Creek Communications 2011