By Louie Stout

If anecdotal observations are a true indication, waterfowl hunters should see a good number of ducks and geese this fall.

We say anecdotal because the annual waterfowl surveys conducted nationally since 1955 were cancelled this year due to the corona virus. States conduct some of their own surveys, but the ones done in northern regions offer the best account for ducks moving southward in the fall.

Indiana waterfowl biologist Adam Phelps believes waterfowl habitat was pretty good last spring up north for birds that filter through Michiana.

Wet springs and early summers give waterfowl more breeding grounds. The better the habitat and conditions, the more ducks hunters see the next fall.

“We weren’t able to do most of our state surveys and the feds weren’t about to do theirs, but the reports I’m getting from people making general observations is that conditions were pretty good in the prairies,” Phelps said. “We’re told duck production in North Dakota, where some of our ducks come from, was near record highs.”

Although a lion’s share of the ducks shot by Michiana hunters come from local birds, waterfowl produced in the Dakotas, Ontario and Michigan account for the migratory ducks and geese.

Michigan waterfowl specialist Barb Avers told Michigan Outdoor News that conditions appeared pretty good in her state as well.

“The limited banding (due to the virus) we did this spring was way down compared to most years, but Canada geese, wood ducks and mallards all looked pretty good,” she said. “All in all, I think it will be a good season, maybe a little above average.”

Of course, weather plays as big of role in waterfowl hunting success as duck production. Lengthy and unseasonably warm falls delays the waterfowl migration from northern regions. Conversely, early freezing of Michiana lakes and potholes sends waterfowl farther south.

There weren’t any major changes in bag limits this year except only one scaup duck may be taken daily before Nov. 14 in the north zone and only two may be taken daily after Nov. 14. That was regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Indiana’s north zone duck season opens with teal Sept. 12 through 17th. The regular duck season is split, from Oct. 24-Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-Jan. 3, 2021.

The Hoosier goose season runs Sept. 12-20, Oct. 24-Nov. 1 and Nov. 21-Feb. 14.

Michigan’s season opens with teal Sept. 1-16 and geese Sept. 1-Dec. 16. The general duck season runs from Oct. 3-Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-13.

For season and bag limit details, Hoosiers should visit www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3569.htm while Michiganders can find details at www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/waterfowl_hunting_digest_530152_7.pdf.