Molt Migrators

[PorkChop]

Every year beginning at the end of May and a good portion of June the Canada geese come through migrating north. These birds are usually referred to as molt migrators. From what I understand they are the non-breeders whether they are too young or they are too old. It is always nice to see them because we have our big spring migration of birds that come through and then we don’t see very many birds until the molts start passing through. They are usually in groups of 10 to maybe 30 birds but this year I have spotted groups with as many as 70 birds. Always V’d up and typically only about 80 yards off the ground. Then in the fall about mid September, they come back through heading south. Seems like more and more of the early goose season hunters target these birds as many of them seem to be banded. Mostly from Indiana, but Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota bands aren’t uncommon.

I’ve just started noticing the past few years ducks doing the same thing in the spring time. I guess really never noticed them before as they fly much higher. Usually in the 200 yard range. The ducks are also in much smaller groups. Usually six to maybe 15 birds. Not sure if these birds are also molt migrators or non-breeders but it seems like they are a bit behind schedule if they are going up north to breed. Anyway, this year there seems to be triple the amount of ducks as normal. Started seeing them about two weeks ago.

Maybe Rick is smarter on this subject.

[Rick]

Nope, I'd probably just think them late migrating ducks with no thought, let alone knowledge, of their breeding status.

[PorkChop]

I know for the Geese that is what is going on. I’ll have to shoot Chris Nicolai a message and see his thoughts on the ducks. I’m sure the ducks have always been flying by and just never really noticed them.

Raises the question, What kind of duck hunter doesn’t notice ducks flying by?

[5 stand]

Raises the question, What kind of duck hunter doesn’t notice ducks flying by?

I don't walk around looking up, hurts my neck...

[SpinnerMan]

Then in the fall about mid September, they come back through heading south.

September 16 to be precise is when the molt migrators head back. Our early goose season ends September 15.

It's usually feast or famine for 3 reasons. One is the molt migrators. If we get a cold snap and they return, yahtzee. Two is that the parents seem to take their fledglings to big water once they can fly so many leave the immediate vicinity of where I hunt. But like the molt migrators typically return around the same time. Double yahtzee when they young of the year are around in force. Third is it can just be hot as hell and they mostly sit all day.

When all three go the right way, lots of young and dumb ones that make everyone look like a rock star.

When all three go the wrong way, not a bird in the sky while you sweat your balls off.

Really ticks you off when you hunt the 15th and not a bird in the sky. Temperatures drop on the 16th. You go fishing on the 17th and the damn things are practically landing in your boat.

I've had that happen and the fish weren't even biting

[PorkChop]

September 16 to be precise is when the molt migrators head back. Our early goose season ends September 15.