Nov -17-08 - Area Update - Water conditions are full pool, no more flooding for the year. Cover is getting thin in some of the zones and the DNR is asking that when pulling your boat or canoe into the cover, use one of the spots already knocked down.

Current Bird Numbers: The DNR area bird count as of last week was 10,670 ducks and 250 geese.

2008 Hunter Bird Take Stands at:
6151 Ducks and 1040 Geese

Current Area Conditions:
Areas 1 thru 5 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 6 thru 8 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 9 thru 14 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 23 thru 28 - water level is 8 to 24 inches.
Areas 29 -water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 30 thru 38 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 39 thru 48 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 49 thru 52 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 55 thru 60 - water level is 6 to 16 inches.
Areas 61 thru 66 - water level is 6 to 20 inches.
Areas 67 thru 76 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded woods area is flooded and the water ranges from 6 to 36 inches deep.

Nov -10-08 - Area Update - Water conditions are improving. Most cover remains good.

Current Bird Numbers: The DNR area bird count as of last week was 10,100 ducks and 300 geese.

2008 Hunter Bird Take Stands at:
5114 Ducks and 925 Geese

Current Area Conditions:
Areas 1 thru 5 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 6 thru 8 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 9 thru 14 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 23 thru 28 - water level is 8 to 24 inches.
Areas 29 -water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 30 thru 38 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 39 thru 48 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 49 thru 52 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 55 thru 60 - water level is 6 to 16 inches.
Areas 61 thru 66 - water level is 6 to 20 inches.
Areas 67 thru 76 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded woods area is flooded and the water ranges from 6 to 36 inches deep.

Nov -3-08 - Area Update - Water conditions are improving. Most cover remains good.

Current Bird Numbers: The DNR area bird count as of last week was 7000 ducks and 500 geese.

2008 Hunter Bird Take Stands at:
4502 Ducks and 803Geese

Current Area Conditions:
Areas 1 thru 5 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 6 thru 8 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 9 thru 14 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 23 thru 28 - water level is 8 to 24 inches.
Areas 29 -water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 30 thru 38 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 39 thru 48 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 49 thru 52 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 55 thru 60 - water level is 6 to 16 inches.
Areas 61 thru 66 - water level is 6 to 20 inches.
Areas 67 thru 76 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded woods area is flooded and the water ranges from 6 to 36 inches deep.

Oct -27-08 - Area Update - Water conditions are improving. Most cover remains good.

Current Bird Numbers: The DNR area bird count as of last week was 1,500 ducks and 300 geese.

2008 Hunter Bird Take Stands at:
3843 Ducks and 725 Geese

Current Area Conditions:
Areas 1 thru 5 - Dry.
Areas 6 thru 8 - Water level is 0 to 6 inches.
Areas 9 thru 14 - water level is 6 to 12 inches.
Areas 23 thru 28 - water level is 8 to 24 inches.
Areas 29 -water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 30 thru 38 - water level is 0 to 4 inches.
Areas 39 thru 48 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 49 thru 52 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 55 thru 60 - water level is 6 to 16 inches.
Areas 61 thru 66 - water level is 6 to 20 inches.
Areas 67 thru 76 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded woods area is flooded and the water ranges from 6 to 36 inches deep.

Oct -20-08 - Area Update - Water keeps leaking out of area 6-8 and the DNR is filling areas 9-14 and 30-38. Most cover remains good.

Current Bird Numbers: The DNR area bird count as of last week was 1,500 ducks and 300 geese.

2008 Hunter Bird Take Stands at:
2654 Ducks and 432 Geese

Current Area Conditions:
Areas 1 thru 5 - Dry.
Areas 6 thru 8 - Water level is 6 to 12 inches - Dike may have leak.
Areas 9 thru 14 - water level is 0 to 8 inches.
Areas 23 thru 28 - water level is 8 to 24 inches.
Areas 29 -water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 30 thru 38 - water level is 0 to 6 inches.
Areas 39 thru 48 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 49 thru 52 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 55 thru 60 - water level is 4 to 16 inches.
Areas 61 thru 66 - water level is 6 to 20 inches.
Areas 67 thru 76 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded woods area is flooded and the water ranges from 6 to 36 inches deep.

Oct -9-08 - Area Update - Area looks great plenty of water and birds can be seen using the fields. Some areas have not or in the the process of being harvested and may not be open for the opener

Current Conditions: No bird count at this time.


Areas 1 thru 5 - Planted to solid corn this year. Expected to be harvested within the next 10 days.
Areas 6 thru 8 - Planted to soybeans and they are harvested, field is flooded. Good corn for cover, partially tilled.
Areas 9 thru 14 - East half planted to soybeans and they are harvested. West half of field was planted to corn and it has not been harvested. Expected to be harvested this week. Zones 10 - 14 will be open for Saturday ( unless they are still harvesting), this will be a dry land hunt.
Areas 30 thru 38 - Field was planted to corn. This field will not be open for Saturday. Expected to be harvested within 10 days.
Areas 39 thru 48 - This field has corn for cover and buckwheat for food, decoy openings have been disked in. Flooding is ongoing and will be flooded for opener.
Areas 55 thru 60 - Planted to soybeans and they have been harvested, field is flooded. Good corn for cover, partially tilled.
Areas 61 thru 66 - This field has corn for cover and buckwheat for food, decoy openings have been disked in. Flooding is ongoing and will be flooded for opener.

Note: all woods and marsh areas have been flooded and are ready for the opener.

North and South Prior Road have corn approximately ¼ of the field with shorter crops in between the rows.

West Miller Road has corn approximately ¼ of the big field with shorter crops in between, while the smaller North West field is entirely planted with corn.

East Miller road is planted entirely with corn.

The North field across from the “Woods” is entirely planted with corn, while the South field is ¼ corn with shorter crops in between.

The moist soil unit directly across from the woods has lots of birds (ducks, coots, egrets, grebes) and looked very rich. It appears that the two triangles are now one unit?

I seen lots of deer and there were a pair of Bald Eagles cruising the river near the “Woods”. I know I’ve probably said this every year but it bears repeating. This is a “Beautiful Sanctuary” for animals and man alike. I am always amazed at the beauty of the unit and the way it has been managed overall. It is a great place to ride a bike or go for a hike. There are lots of “critters” to observe.

Until next time, see you in the marsh,

Ernie

The area ditches are still frozen. About 50% of the rest of the area is also frozen. Where the water is shallow and protected, it is open. That would be about 40% of the area. Most of the activity is around the river and the containment ponds on Prior Rd. There are also fair numbers of birds at the Wahl Rd. marsh.

With this week’s warmer temperatures and rain, larger numbers of birds should be showing up this week. This weekend could be spectacular! I found the trails very walkable and not all that muddy. So if you want to see some birds, get out there this weekend.

click image for a larger view

Nov -26-07 - Area Update - "NOTE" waterfowl hunting in the southern zone ends December 2nd and reopens for ducks Jan 5th and 6th and runs through February 3rd 2008 for geese.

Current Conditions:
The area bird harvest as of today is 8528 ducks and 798 geese.
The DNR area bird count as of this morning is 5,000 ducks and 500 geese. This count does not include the federal refuge bird count.

Areas 1 thru 5 - water level is 4 to 12 inches.
Areas 6 thru 8 - water level is 6 to 12 inches
Areas 9 thru 14 - water level is 8 to 24 inches.
Areas 23 thru 28 - water level is 16 inches.
Areas 29 - water level is 12 inches.
Areas 30 thru 38 - water level is 8 to 30 inches.
Areas 39 thru 48 - water level is 6 to 30 inches.
Areas 49 thru 52 - water level is 18 to 30 inches.
Areas 55 thru 60 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 61 thru 66 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 67 thru 76 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded woods area is flooded and the water ranges from 8 to 36 inches deep.

Oct-22-07 - Crops are off in all areas and the cover remains good.

Current Conditions:
The area bird harvest as of this morning was 3,137 ducks and 412 geese.
The DNR area bird count as of 10-22-07 was 3,500 ducks and 200 geese. This count does not include the federal refuge bird count.

Areas 1 thru 5 - water level is 4 to 12 inches.
Areas 6 thru 8 - dry
Areas 9 thru 14 - water level is 8 to 24 inches.
Areas 23 thru 28 - water level is 16 inches.
Areas 29 - water level is 12 inches.
Areas 30 thru 38 - water level is 8 to 30 inches.
Areas 39 thru 48 - water level is 6 to 30 inches.
Areas 49 thru 52 - water level is 18 to 30 inches.
Areas 55 thru 60 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 61 thru 66 - water level is 6 to 18 inches.
Areas 67 thru 76 - water level is 6 to 24 inches.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded woods area is flooded and the water ranges from 8 to 36 inches deep.

Oct-02-07 - Area Update - Hint! Make sure to have your bug spray with you, as I was scouting today the mosquitoes were real bad.

Prior Road - Zones 55 to 60 - Crops have been harvested and cover is very good. The DNR expects to have enough water to float decoys by the 5th of Oct.
Zones 61 to 66 - East section cover is better than the west section, this section may not be huntable - field is flooded with enough water to float decoys.
Miller Road - Zones 1 to 5 - Corn is poor but sorghum will provide good cover, the field is dry but should have water by the 12th.
Zones 6 to 14 - Is still being harvested as of this posting and should be completed by the 5th - most likely will not have huntable water until the 12th.
Zones 15 to 22 - Water levels are very low and will be hard to get to.
Zones 23 to 28 - There is a good growth of smart weed here and the section is flooded
Zone 29 - Fully flooded.
Zones 30 to 38 - The north 200 feet of the corn strips will provide little cover but the rest is about 6 foot tall. Crops are still being harvested and the field should be flooded by the 12th.
Zones 39 to 48 - The corn and sorghum are about 6 to 7 feet tall. This field is flooded and all zones have enough water to float decoys.
Zones 49 to 52 - The unit is flooded but has little cover. Think about a blind or cover if hunting this area.
Zone 67 to 76 - Construction on this unit will delay flooding.
Flooded Woods and the Rookery -
Zones 77 to 150 - both units are fully flooded.

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Sep-03-0 7 - Ernie's Field Report -

Prior Road - Prior Road North unit is solid corn. It is close to excellent condition. South unit has fair corn on the East side. More than half the West side has no cover. This year the rows are shorter in length though the corn looks like it will hide a shooter.

Miller Road - The west field (or from Wahl Road the first field 6-12) is solid corn and is close to excellent condition. The North East field (1-5) has little or no corn. There has been sorghum planted and it will afford good blind cover. It doesn’t look like there are any other crops in that field.

The North big field (30’s?) is planted with strips of corn with beans in between. The corn isn’t as good as Prior or West Miller Road. It does look like it will hide a shooter and there is food.

Good Hunting

Click image for a larger view


Area 55 to 60

Flooded Woods

Oct -16-06 - The DNR is working with the sharecroppers to get the remaining crops off and to have at least sheet water over the entire area by this weekend 10-21-06.

Current Conditions:
The area bird harvest as of 10-12-06 was 2,383 ducks and 320 geese.
The DNR area bird count as of 10-9-06 was 15,015 ducks and 50 geese.

Areas 1 thru 5 - started flooding as of today.
Areas 6 thru 8 - Dry
Areas 9 thru 14 - Flooding
Areas 30 thru 38 - Crops are still in the field and is closed to hunting.
Areas 39 thru 48 - Area is flooded and open.
Areas 55 thru 60 - Area is flooded and now open.
Areas 61 thru 66 - Partialy flooded.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded wood area is flooded.

Oct -13-06 - Ernies Field Report -
Current Field Conditions:
Areas 1 thru 5 - started flooding as of today.
Areas 6 thru 8 - Dry
Areas 9 thru 14 - Still getting crops off should start to flood next week.
Areas 30 thru 38 - Crops are still in the field and is closed to hunting.
Areas 39 thru 48 - Area is flooded.
Areas 55 thru 60 - Partialy flooded.
Areas 61 thru 66 - Partialy flooded.
Areas 77 thru 150 - Flooded wood area is flooded.

Sept-09-06 - Current Field Conditions:
Areas 1 thru 5 - Corn is 3 - 4 foot high and the buckwheat produced about a 50% crop.
Areas 6 thru 8 - Sorghum is about 6 foot high and the buckwheat produced about a 50% crop.
Areas 9 thru 14 - Sorghum is abouth 6 to 8 foot high.
Areas 30 thru 38 - Corn in this field is the best in the area and rages from 6 to 9 foot tall.
Areas 39 thru 48 - The corn in this area ranges from5 to 7 foot tall and buckwheat produced about a 75% crop.
Areas 49 thru 52 - Under construction - when this area reopens there will be good cover and food supply for the waterfowl.
Areas 55 thru 60 - The corn averages about 6 foot high and will be good cover.
Areas 61 thru 66 - The corn averages about 4 foot high.