spectr17
12-27-2002, 11:08 PM
12/13/2002
CO Division of Wildlife
DUCKS STILL AROUND FOR LATE SEASON; HUNTERS SHOULD USE CAUTION IN COLD WEATHER
The third split of Colorado’s duck hunting season begins Dec. 13, and there still are plenty of ducks remaining for late-season hunters.
The third split of Colorado’s duck hunting season begins Dec. 13, and there still are plenty of ducks remaining for late-season hunters.
The 2002 Colorado duck hunting season began with low expectations, but late-season precipitation and favorable weather patterns saved what looked to be a dismal duck season. The drought had dried up much of existing duck habitat throughout the state, leading many to believe that waterfowl from the north would quickly pass over Colorado during their migration south. Fortunately for waterfowl hunters, however, this season so far has produced some fair harvest rates throughout the state.
“There was a lot of late-developing water that provided some really nice habitat that not only attracted, but held birds,” said Jim Gammonley, waterfowl biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. “We also had good weather conditions that created some good pushes of birds during the season. In many areas throughout the state, these variables added up to create good hunter success.”
Southeast Colorado has much to offer waterfowl hunters during the third split. An aerial survey on Dec. 9 showed fair numbers of ducks and geese using many bodies of water as a late-season stop. There were more than 7,025 ducks counted resting on Nee Grande, Queens and Nee Noshe reservoirs. John Martin Reservoir had 2,750 ducks resting on it. Bonny Reservoir was hosting 5,250 ducks, and Lake Meredith had 1,600 ducks.
Snow goose hunters also will find many of opportunities, with more than 20,000 snows using Nee Noshe and Queens reservoirs and an additional 8,500 snows resting on Lake Meredith.
Hunters will be pleased to know that, for a reason that hasn’t been determined, there was an influx of snow geese migrating through Colorado this fall. The geese also seemed to be flying farther west along the Front Range than in previous years. This may mean additional opportunities for hunter success for snow geese as the birds migrate back north late in the snow goose season.
Gammonley seemed to think that in many areas of the state there are still some good waterfowl hunting opportunities remaining.
“We still have good numbers of geese up north in Montana, and even into Canada,” Gammonley said. “Many of the ducks already have moved through or into Colorado. Hunters can expect goose success to improve.”
Those hunters who venture out during the third split need to remember that it is illegal to shoot canvasbacks in either the Pacific or Central flyways. Pintails can no longer be harvested in the Central flyway and hunters in the Pacific flyway will need to refrain from shooting pintails after Dec. 12.
Late-season hunters need to remember some critical safety issues in the third split as they venture into the field. Low temperatures, thin ice and quick developing winter storms are dangerous variables that can make late-season waterfowl hunting precarious. Safety while boating and preventing hypothermia need to be considered.
While the majority of Colorado’s waterfowl hunters do not use boats, those who do hunt from boats should keep in mind that boating is risky during cold weather. Hunters with boats loaded with gear and lively hunting dogs and who take their craft into cold December waters and quickly changing weather have an even greater need to wear personal flotation devices. Boat hunters also need to be aware that the activity level at reservoirs during late fall and winter drops substantially, making the chances of a quick rescue slim if there was to be an accident.
The risk to those who hunt from shore or hunt river corridors also increases substantially during the late season. Waders can be a dangerous piece of equipment if they are not used with precaution. They can quickly fill with water, weighing a hunter down if he or she slips in a fast-flowing section of river or deep portion of a pond or reservoir while walking in the early morning dark.
Waders also can make it easier for a hunter to get stuck in thick mud at the bottom of a body of water. Struggling to get free can lead to swamping of the waders or other complications that put a hunter at risk of drowning. Swamped waders can quickly lead to hypothermia, as can a boating accident. Attempting to walk on thin ice also is dangerous so it becomes critical to use good judgment if ice enters into a hunting situation.
Late-season duck hunters who hunt from boats and those who hunt from shore should both follow the following safety precautions:
- Cary an extra set of dry clothes in the vehicle you take hunting;
- Pay attention to your location, so if there is an accident you know the quickest way to warmth or help;
- Tell someone where you are hunting and what time he or she can expect you back;
- Pay attention to the weather and dress properly for it;
- If there is an accident and a hunter ends up in the water:
Button, buckle, zip and tighten collars, cuffs, hoods or anything that will keep your body insulated and heat in until you can get to a warm car or dry clothes. Pay special attention to your head. A person loses approximately half of their body heat through their head. Use your energy to get out of the water as quickly as possible. Act before you lose the ability to use your hands.
- If you are with other people, huddle together for warmth;
- To fend off hypothermia, hold your knees to your chest and wrap your arms around your shins to keep body heat in;
CO Division of Wildlife
DUCKS STILL AROUND FOR LATE SEASON; HUNTERS SHOULD USE CAUTION IN COLD WEATHER
The third split of Colorado’s duck hunting season begins Dec. 13, and there still are plenty of ducks remaining for late-season hunters.
The third split of Colorado’s duck hunting season begins Dec. 13, and there still are plenty of ducks remaining for late-season hunters.
The 2002 Colorado duck hunting season began with low expectations, but late-season precipitation and favorable weather patterns saved what looked to be a dismal duck season. The drought had dried up much of existing duck habitat throughout the state, leading many to believe that waterfowl from the north would quickly pass over Colorado during their migration south. Fortunately for waterfowl hunters, however, this season so far has produced some fair harvest rates throughout the state.
“There was a lot of late-developing water that provided some really nice habitat that not only attracted, but held birds,” said Jim Gammonley, waterfowl biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. “We also had good weather conditions that created some good pushes of birds during the season. In many areas throughout the state, these variables added up to create good hunter success.”
Southeast Colorado has much to offer waterfowl hunters during the third split. An aerial survey on Dec. 9 showed fair numbers of ducks and geese using many bodies of water as a late-season stop. There were more than 7,025 ducks counted resting on Nee Grande, Queens and Nee Noshe reservoirs. John Martin Reservoir had 2,750 ducks resting on it. Bonny Reservoir was hosting 5,250 ducks, and Lake Meredith had 1,600 ducks.
Snow goose hunters also will find many of opportunities, with more than 20,000 snows using Nee Noshe and Queens reservoirs and an additional 8,500 snows resting on Lake Meredith.
Hunters will be pleased to know that, for a reason that hasn’t been determined, there was an influx of snow geese migrating through Colorado this fall. The geese also seemed to be flying farther west along the Front Range than in previous years. This may mean additional opportunities for hunter success for snow geese as the birds migrate back north late in the snow goose season.
Gammonley seemed to think that in many areas of the state there are still some good waterfowl hunting opportunities remaining.
“We still have good numbers of geese up north in Montana, and even into Canada,” Gammonley said. “Many of the ducks already have moved through or into Colorado. Hunters can expect goose success to improve.”
Those hunters who venture out during the third split need to remember that it is illegal to shoot canvasbacks in either the Pacific or Central flyways. Pintails can no longer be harvested in the Central flyway and hunters in the Pacific flyway will need to refrain from shooting pintails after Dec. 12.
Late-season hunters need to remember some critical safety issues in the third split as they venture into the field. Low temperatures, thin ice and quick developing winter storms are dangerous variables that can make late-season waterfowl hunting precarious. Safety while boating and preventing hypothermia need to be considered.
While the majority of Colorado’s waterfowl hunters do not use boats, those who do hunt from boats should keep in mind that boating is risky during cold weather. Hunters with boats loaded with gear and lively hunting dogs and who take their craft into cold December waters and quickly changing weather have an even greater need to wear personal flotation devices. Boat hunters also need to be aware that the activity level at reservoirs during late fall and winter drops substantially, making the chances of a quick rescue slim if there was to be an accident.
The risk to those who hunt from shore or hunt river corridors also increases substantially during the late season. Waders can be a dangerous piece of equipment if they are not used with precaution. They can quickly fill with water, weighing a hunter down if he or she slips in a fast-flowing section of river or deep portion of a pond or reservoir while walking in the early morning dark.
Waders also can make it easier for a hunter to get stuck in thick mud at the bottom of a body of water. Struggling to get free can lead to swamping of the waders or other complications that put a hunter at risk of drowning. Swamped waders can quickly lead to hypothermia, as can a boating accident. Attempting to walk on thin ice also is dangerous so it becomes critical to use good judgment if ice enters into a hunting situation.
Late-season duck hunters who hunt from boats and those who hunt from shore should both follow the following safety precautions:
- Cary an extra set of dry clothes in the vehicle you take hunting;
- Pay attention to your location, so if there is an accident you know the quickest way to warmth or help;
- Tell someone where you are hunting and what time he or she can expect you back;
- Pay attention to the weather and dress properly for it;
- If there is an accident and a hunter ends up in the water:
Button, buckle, zip and tighten collars, cuffs, hoods or anything that will keep your body insulated and heat in until you can get to a warm car or dry clothes. Pay special attention to your head. A person loses approximately half of their body heat through their head. Use your energy to get out of the water as quickly as possible. Act before you lose the ability to use your hands.
- If you are with other people, huddle together for warmth;
- To fend off hypothermia, hold your knees to your chest and wrap your arms around your shins to keep body heat in;