Arizona Waterfowl Outlook:

Hope For Cold, Wet Weather

By Rory K. Aikens

Arizona Game and Fish

   If you want to hunt waterfowl in Arizona, cross your fingers for some cold, wet weather this fall – especially in those states north of us.

      Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists pointed out that in the past several years North America has experienced good waterfowl reproduction overall, but mild winters have kept the birds from visiting here in significant numbers.

      Migratory Waterfowl Biologist Sam Lawry said there are two key ingredients necessary for decent waterfowl hunting here – cold stormy weather north of Arizona to force the birds into the state, and water to hold the birds once they arrive.

      For the past few years, warm winters have short-stopped most of the migrating birds before they made it to Arizona and other states in southern latitudes.

      “So while states just north of us such as Utah and Nevada enjoyed some record waterfowl years, we experienced sporadic shooting at best. Last year, the shooting was mediocre due to uncooperative weather and a very wet October that helped to disperse the available birds,” said Randy Babb, Mesa regional information and education program manager.

      The waterfowl season opens Oct. 12, 2001 and closes Jan. 20, 2002. Regulations have changed slightly this year, with a seven-bird limit. Be sure to check the waterfowl regulations before going afield. There is a special canvasback season from Dec. 14, 2001 through Jan. 20, 2002.

      The white geese (snow, blue and Ross’) and the dark geese (Canada and white-fronted) season opens Oct. 15 and runs through Jan. 20. In Game Management Units 22 and 23, the waterfowl season is from Nov. 15 through Jan. 20. In Game Management Units 1 and 27, the season is Dec. 1 through Jan. 20.

      “Hopefully, this winter will be wet and cold so we can enjoy some good waterfowl hunting,” Babb said, adding that the early part of the season offers the best opportunity for early migrating species such as cinnamon and blue-wing teal.

      But the ardent Arizona waterfowl hunters always look forward to November, because that is when the desert waterfowl hunting typically gets good, especially if the lakes in the northern climes freeze over so the birds are forced south.

      Babb, an experienced Arizona waterfowl hunter, has some tips for others.

·        Mornings after big winter storms are often an excellent time to check desert stock ponds for ducks;

·        Those hunting Arizona lakes and rivers should consider using decoys, and start early so the decoys are set before the sun rises;

·        Look for concentrations of waterfowl on backwaters, slow runs on rivers, and sheltered areas on lakes (especially shallow ones);

·        If you don’t have a dog and want a fun way to retrieve downed birds in the water, bring along a fishing pole with a large topwater lure that has good-sized treble hooks.

·        Ducks have excellent eyesight and color vision, so wearing camouflage is recommended.

“On a typical duck hunt, shooting is over by 10 or 11 a.m. Geese generally fly a little later than ducks. However, ducks tend to move more in inclement weather, providing extended shooting hours,” Babb advised.