Duck hunters in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas could find hunting this fall a little tougher than they've been used to over the last few years, with fewer birds passing through the region.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its 2018 Waterfowl Population Status report on Monday, and it shows lower duck numbers overall compared to last year.
This year's population index of 41.2 million ducks is 13 percent lower than the 47.3 million estimated in 2017, and all species except one saw declines.
It is important to note, however, the survey shows only breeding duck numbers and doesn't include newly-hatched birds of the year, so it's not really possible to accurately predict fall flight numbers yet. Fall and winter weather patterns also play a huge part in duck migration, as any waterfowler knows.
Mallards are, by far, the most popular duck species with hunters, and their population fell 12 percent this year to a total of 9.26 million birds. The good news is the number still is 17 percent above the long-term average, dating back to 1955.
Gadwall numbers saw the most dramatic drop, falling 31 percent to 2.9 million.
Green-winged teal numbers fell 16 percent to 3.04 million, and blue-winged teal fell 18 percent to 6.45 million. Despite the decline, Missouri and Arkansas will continue with a full 16-day teal seasons, running Sept. 8-23 in the Show-Me State and Sept. 15-30 in the Natural State.
Northern shoveler numbers dropped 3 percent this year to 4.2 million, and redhead numbers fell 10 percent to just slightly under one million.
Pintails are popular targets in the region and their population also dropped this year, falling 18 percent to 2.37 million.
Canvasbacks experienced a 6-percent decline to about 0.7 million, and Scaup fell 9 percent to 4 million.
The only species to see an increase in its numbers this year was American wigeon, which rose 2 percent to 2.8 million.
The declines can be attributed to highly variable habitat conditions across the northern plains, where the ducks nest.
Some areas were much drier than normal, while others had normal amounts of rainfall.
The survey also counts ponds in the nesting regions, and this year's May pond count was down 14 percent, showing a strong correlation to the duck decline.
While the declines sound dramatic, all may not be gloomy this fall. My friend, Ducks Unlimited biologist Mike Checkett, said he's been hearing "there are broods everywhere, so maybe a few less breeders made room for more successful reproduction."
Hopefully, his hunch is correct, but time will tell.
Mast Failure?
For what it's worth, I spent a little time last weekend squirrel hunting, though my primary mission was scouting a couple spots for the upcoming archery deer season.
The squirrels didn't really become active until mid-morning, and I only saw a couple. That's probably because I also saw very few hickory nuts, and the ones I did find were just starting to get sampled by the squirrels.
What's worse is I saw pretty much no acorns growing in several areas I checked, whether it was red or white oak species. Hopefully it's not a widespread thing, but where I was, the crop was non-existent.
Still Slow
Fishing locally has remained a mixed bag, with some good catches of crappie and catfish reported here and there, but for the most part, everything is slow.
Bass Circuit
Seventy-six teams fished Saturday's Wappapello Bass Circuit tournament under mostly-sunny skies. Unfortunately, less than half the field brought fish to the weigh-in.
Taking the top spot on the day was Isabell and Scott with 21.93 pounds, and their weight was boosted by the second-largest bass of the event, weighing in at 5.71 pounds.
Second place was earned by Blackburn and Stuever with 18.81 pounds, and they had the day's big fish, which tipped the scales at 6.61 pounds.
Third place went to Dennis and Pyles with 15.49 pounds, while fourth place was grabbed by Manion and Manion with 15.32 pounds.
Hutson and Hutson took fifth place, bringing 14.9 pounds to the weigh-in.
The Wappapello Bass Circuit's next event will be its Classic on Sept. 22-23.
Smallmouth Tourney
The Current River Smallmouth Association will host a tournament on Saturday, based out of Doniphan, Mo.
Launch time from the T.L Wright ramp at Riverfront Park is set for 7 a.m., with a weigh-in at the same location scheduled for 5 p.m.
If you need to get pre-registered or need more information, call Paul Henderson at 573-686-5476.
Take a Kid Fishing
The annual "Take a Kid Fishing" tournament will be held Saturday, based out of Chaonia Landing on Wappapello Lake.
This event is for young anglers ages 6-15 and their adult companion. Competition age groups will be 6-9, 10-12 and 13-15.
The entry fee is $30 per team, and the tournament will have 100-percent payback of the money collected.
Fishing will begin at 6:30 a.m. and will conclude at 1 p.m.
During the weigh-in, hot dogs and drinks will be available.
If you are interested in fishing the event, give tournament director Ken Owens a call at 573-820-3715 or Chaonia Landing at 573-297-3206.
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice circuit will hit the water again when it hosts a tournament Sunday at Wappapello Lake, based out of the Chaonia Landing ramp.
The launch time will be 6 a.m., with the weigh-in following at 3 p.m.
Ken Owens again is the tournament director and he can be reached at 573-820-3715.
NWTF Gun Bash
The Heartland Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold its annual Gun Bash Friday evening in Poplar Bluff.
The doors at the Brown-Mabry American Legion Post 153 off Kanell Boulevard will open at 6 p.m.
Fifteen guns are expected to be given away during the event, which is like an abbreviated banquet, and all the proceeds will go to the organization's Wheelin' Sportsman fund to provide outdoor opportunities for those with mobility impairments.
There also will be a small silent auction, and finger foods will be served.
Tickets cost $50 each, but the chance to win is much greater than during the annual banquet.
Tickets can be purchased from any committee member or by calling Cordell Stewart at 573-222-7182 or Chuck Stewart at 573-421-1257.