Im gonna open this can of worms one more time

[dos gris]

WNE Diver:

FYI - That 36 million birds you refer to is a breeding population index, I believe. Fall flight indexes are probably closer to 90 million birds. That is, if their indices are correct. [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

This feeding BS is totaly out of control. I can't go anywhere without reading or hearing about it...its riduculous! Plain and simple it ain't happening on any large scale effort to hold ducks from migrating south. IT WAS JUST A BAD YEAR FOR THE DUCKS. NO CONSPIRACY HERE!

I will say this though. Waterfowl migration to traditional wintering areas like LA and MS CAN CHANGE. I would not be surprised if we see this happen on some level over the next few decades. In fact, I think we have already been experiencing this in some areas...just my opinion. A prime example of this is the snow goose population, which traditionally wintered within 5 miles of the Gulf of Mexico. Now they winter in large numbers in ag lands from SW LA to the MS Delta and on northward. As landscapes and landuse change so too are waterfowl subject to change. Just some food for thought...all IMHO.

[ January 29, 2002: Message edited by: dos gris ]

[MSDuckmen]

dos gris,
That was well said, Yes it can change and it most likely will.
But that is fine with me cause it will weed out those that really don't love the sport.

IMHO

[dos gris]

you said it.

BTW, you ever get those papers I sent you?

[MSDuckmen]

Yes I did Dos,

Forgive me for not thanking you earlier, I will be using those and others that I have aquired to create a info page on my web server. I'll just have to wait till the Feds give their 2001-2002 report.

Those guys better not tell me we killed 300,000 birds this year or I will call them all a bunch of blow hards. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Thanks again.

[WNE Driver]

Dos -

Very well said indeed and I agree with the points you made.

The best local example of migration change is Canada geese. 30 years ago, taking a Canada was not that common in Central Illinois. Now, we have our own quota zone and many hunters that once drove from Chicago to Southern Illinois now hunt here. This is do to many changes including a resident population and "no-till" ag practices both of which have grown since the '70's.

Like you, I have heard about this short stopping all over. In seasons past I have even heard Southern Illinois hunters say we are short stopping "their" geese here in Central Illinois. Unfortunately, some people just won't take the word of a fellow hunter that it isn't happening. That is why I boil it down to terms that folks can relate to, like a 70 mile long convoy of grain haulers.

As to the spring census number I used, I did that intentionally with good reason. That reason being the 85 - 90 million count for the fall forecast was too controversial. If someone chose to question it it would only muddy the water of the question at hand. No matter what anyone believes the true number to be for the fall flight, all it does is make the aforementioned convoy longer and these rumors more ridiculous.

[NOHERE]

You know the people that go to Florida for the winter, they call'em snow birds...they didnt even go south this year!!!!! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

[SoftCall]

WNE - I don't recall questioning your "fact"'s. I am however tired of the pompous, patronizing, and condescending tone of 90% of your posts. I call THAT B.S. You are entitled to your opinions and most of them make sense to me. If you are trying to get people to see your point...you might try changing your presentation. After all, I have never seen ducks come into the spread on a high ball.

No-I don't think that the Fed's are short stopping the ducks. No - I am not questioning the sources of your data. It's plain and simple, the ducks didn't come because there was no snow in the midwest to push them down.

I guess it's the same on this forum as in any club or lease - there is always a woods boss that rubs someone the wrong way.

Take that for what you will...

[WNE Driver]

Soft Call -

I apologize.

I would blame it on only one cup of coffee, but excuses are like...

I confused a post prior to yours yours that mentioned "crap" I "conjured" with your "BS" comment. I see now that I was mistaken in addressing you as you were not questioning my post, only saying that I am a bull $#!+. [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] I have since edited my post to address the proper party.

Considering that rumors like these tend to smell a bit, I am hope you can understand my confusion.

My intention was not to sound condescending. I only hoped that if I could show how foolish these rumors are, some people wouldn't be so quick take to them. My only intention is to get people to open their eyes and not take every rumor as God's honest truth. Seems like most rumors though, the "better" they are, the tougher they are to die. It's my experience that with a rumor such as this (and I have experience with some dandys) you have to show how insane they truely are before some folks believe ya. The only way I know how to do this is with irrefutable facts

Again, I hope you accept the apology of this "DAMN YANKEE".

BTW - What the hell is a "woods boss"?

[damnyankee]

I wouldn't have apologized.

[SoftCall]

WNE - I am going to start another string. I would like to get your opinions on a couple of other things that I am sure you will have a good perspective on. I appreciate your explanation on the previous. Hang out here long enough and you'll find out what a woods boss is.