Spring Issue Highlights Ring-necked Duck Research, Snow Goose Hunting
Ring-necked ducks are the most commonly bagged diving species in the United States, and yet very little is known about them. Where do they breed? What are their migration routes? Why are they increasing in numbers when other divers are not — and how might unlocking these mysteries help us benefit other species, like bluebills and canvasbacks? In the Spring Issue of Delta Waterfowl magazine, discover a groundbreaking study in which Delta scientists are using radio implants to track ringnecks through their annual cycles.
Turn the page and you’ll head to Florida, where ringnecks winter by the thousands and provide sporty shooting over lily-padded lakes. You’ll soon understand why the members of Delta’s Tallahassee Chapter consider them the “coolest ducks on the planet.”
With snow-goose conservation seasons in full swing, you’ll celebrate boom times in an action-packed story by Brad Fenson. Learn the reasons he dubbed last season, “Year of the Snow Goose,” and how you too can capitalize on thriving populations of light geese. Spoiler alert: It includes vivid depictions of snow-goose frenzies.
For duck hunters, spring means it’s time to give nesting birds a boost and prepare for next season. Don Grussing explains the interesting surprises you may find while checking wood duck boxes — and why you should hold tight to the ladder, even if a squirrel jumps on you. David Hart details how a patient approach to introducing children to duck hunting can have lasting rewards. Gary Kramer’s stunning photo essay of black-bellied and fulvous whistling ducks will have you ready to plan a hunt on the gulf coast. And Ron Peach reveals when small, simple spreads can produce big results for ducks and geese.
As always, the Spring Issue carries a full slate of informative and entertaining columns such as Duck Dogs, Shotgunning, Strategies and Duckology 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 www.deltawaterfowl.org/memberships.
Ring necks are definitely the most underrated ducks. They’re absolutely beautiful when you shoot one in full plumage. They’re almost as fun as hunting snow geese.
I live and hunt in New Mexico and there aren’t many places to hunt divers unless you drive a long ways. There is a WMA fairly close with several ponds that attracts ring-necks and a few red heads and cans. We are one of the few who set up for divers.The ring-necks decoy well, fly fast and are very good to eat. I love them. They’ll come in 500 yards up and drop like a rock and you can hear their wings screaming as they go by. I think they are fun to hunt. I’m glad they are increasing and that Delta is going to study them.