Spring Issue Examines Looming Crisis: Declining Waterfowl Hunter Numbers
We need more waterfowl hunters — and so do the ducks. A Special Report in the Spring Issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine explores why we’ve lost hundreds of thousands of waterfowl hunters since 1970, the threat this poses for the future of hunting and conservation, and what we can do about it.
One way Delta Waterfowl is combatting the crisis is through First Hunt — the largest waterfowl-hunter recruitment program in North America. In the Spring Issue, the lens of Delta photographer Fred Greenslade will allow you to experience a unique First Hunt event in which college students bagged not only geese, but course credit.
You’ll also enjoy four tales of seemingly impossible retrieves completed by duck dogs with skill, sound training and perhaps a dash of luck.
With the height of snow goose season upon us, the Spring Issue delves into whether sunny and warm, or overcast and cold days are best for targeting light geese. You might be surprised by writer David Draper’s opinion.
For duck hunters, spring means reflecting on the season gone by and looking to the future. In “Duck Decisions Revisited,” Brian Lovett considers his successes and missteps, and how each has made him a better waterfowler.
Finally, you’ll join editor and publisher Paul Wait in eastern Ontario, where the greenhead-drawing golden stubble provided plenty of work for shotguns and black Labs.
As always, the Spring Issue carries a full slate of informative and entertaining columns such as Duck Dogs, Shotgunning, Strategies and Traditions to help you get the most from your waterfowl season.
The only way to receive Delta Waterfowl magazine is to join The Duck Hunters Organization. If you are a member, thank you for your support. The Spring Issue will arrive soon!
To join Delta Waterfowl, call (888) 987-3695 or visit deltawaterfowl.org.
Looking for a chapter near Moncks Corner, SC. Please contact me.
Thanks,
Hi Tim,
Please visit this link to find a chapter near you and let us know if you have any other questions: https://deltawaterfowl.org/find-your-chapter/.
I don’t see how that can be true. We have gained so many wana be hunters in my area it’s horrible. Everyone buys a 2000 dollar gun and some 50 dollar a dozen decoys and it’s all about shooting at anything that passes. If that’s the new age waterfowl hunter. Then let the numbers drop. This sport is about the passion and effort of making birds decoy and ethically killing them. Not sky busting and putting as little effort as possible into it. There’s much more than shooting at it’s roots. So personally if the new age hunter is what I see now a days. In my local area. They can decline because they probably didn’t love the sport anyway. They just watched to much outdoor t.v. and think every time it’s about fancy camo clothes. Shooting as much as they can. Even if birds are at 80 yards. So they can decline all they want. The true passion will stay with the actual waterfowl hunters. Maybe you guys should spotlight traditions and how the sport became what it was. And why it’s so great. And what it means to truly be devoted the sport. And decoys and knowing your birds and how they fly and decoy and what really works. Instead of plastic junk and pass shooting. Most of those new age hunters. (Who have been at it less than 3 years) wouldn’t even try real waterfowl hunting. Sorry. Just really sick of the rise of idiots in my beloved family sport and tradition of diver hunting.
It is difficult for and “outsider” to get started hunting in KY. Sure the equipment is easy to buy, and plenty of “how to’s” online. You have got to know someone to go with, with land to hunt anything. That ends any motivation to hunt waterfowl because I am considered an outsider, not being born in KY and the fraternity apparently extends only to those on the inside.
Fewer waterfowl hunters??? I wish!!
Finding a hunt that’s not already taken, either by an outfitter or a bunch of rambos is really hard anymore!
Pa. hunters are a dying breed as evidenced by the March waterfowl symposium. If the trend continues we will be below 10,000 hunters state wide. Last year duck hunters declined by 27%. At this rate the sport cannot survive….