Darren Digby For better or worse, the first split of the 2018-2019 Louisiana waterfowl season is behind us. While some saw sporadic success, it was pretty disappointing for the bulk of Louisiana hunters, especially in southeast Louisiana marshes. From my vantage point and input from others in my circles, overall numbers of grays and green wing teal were down from recent averages. In the marshes of outer Delacroix, we just did not see the amount of grays or teal of any kind trafficking in numbers we’re accustomed to.
Opening day brought stellar conditions with a stout north wind blowing thanks to a timely frontal passage overnight. We enjoyed a great hunt with limits consisting of mostly grays and a couple other birds. Unfortunately, the very next day in the same location, we took but two, leaving us scratching our heads as this location is typically stronger on the second day.
To add further confusion to the mix, we’ve experienced some fairly potent seasonable weather for these first few weeks of the season. That said, I was disappointed by the lack of observed migration on days following the fronts, the birds just weren’t here. Time and again I was being asked “Where are the ducks?”
From review of feedback from waterfowl managers up and down our flyway, there is an abundance of naturally flooded habitat due to significant rains over the last month or so. This serves to both scatter the birds but also is more likely to put them in places that are unpressured; a leg up for the ducks. Freshly flooded shallows without guns hiding in the bushes are about as ideal as it gets for migrating waterfowl.
As I type this, however, a front has just come through following the closure of the first split. There have been reports of seemingly new birds arriving in the southern portions of the state. Another potent front is on tap for next weekend, and yet another is showing up on early forecasts for opening weekend of the second split. This of course is all great news for hunters itching to pull the trigger rather than become complacent with empty skies, or watching seagulls and pelicans. There is also talk of a snow and ice event to unfold next week to our north, again, more news holding promise.
With all that said, whether the birds show in your favorite area is an entirely different matter. All you can do is just keep going, as each and every day is different. If the weather continues to come through, we should continue to see new arrivals. Here’s hoping you’re in the right place at the right time when those new faces show up. Good or bad, I’ll be out there taking what we’re given and enjoying the camaraderie that goes with it.
As I type this, however, a front has just come through following the closure of the first split. There have been reports of seemingly new birds arriving in the southern portions of the state. Another potent front is on tap for next weekend, and yet another is showing up on early forecasts for opening weekend of the second split. This of course is all great news for hunters itching to pull the trigger rather than become complacent with empty skies, or watching seagulls and pelicans. There is also talk of a snow and ice event to unfold next week to our north, again, more news holding promise.
With all that said, whether the birds show in your favorite area is an entirely different matter. All you can do is just keep going, as each and every day is different. If the weather continues to come through, we should continue to see new arrivals. Here’s hoping you’re in the right place at the right time when those new faces show up. Good or bad, I’ll be out there taking what we’re given and enjoying the camaraderie that goes with it.
