In the middle of long hot summer...some duck talk...

[Po Monkey Lounger]

Not much going on this time of year to spark much discussion about our favorite obsession.
So, maybe a few comments and updates about some hot spring topics are in order.

First, the DU/Farm Bill flap. The largest $$ Farm Bill in history just recently was signed into law by Bush. Seems the special interest goups (various farm interst groups, conservation groups, etc.) got together and worked out many of the differences of opinion. Was the DU controversy blown out of proportion? For sure.

Support for Delta Waterfowl. With all the anti-DU talk, seems the time would be right for a major expansion of the membership rolls of Delta. As a member of Delta (and DU), who has been trying to get a Delta Chapter started in the NE MS area, I can report to you that progress toward this worthwhile goal has been disappointing so far. As of just a couple of months ago, there were only 53 Delta members in a ten county NE MS area (including Lee, Union, Itawamba, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Alcorn, Monroe, etc.). A little shocking isn't it? Two meetings to generate support to start a chapter have resulted in attendance of no more than four people at each meeting. I have not given up, and will continue with other volunteers to try to build support to launch a NE MS chapter. But, it seems to me that many on this board are not putting their money or time where their mouth is. Way too much anti-this and anti-that, and not enough actual support for any conservation efforts. Such support will be critical to sustaining our great sport if the duck numbers continue to decline beyond this year.

Corps of Engineer Projects: It appears that many projects, including controversial projects in MS, are on hold for futher studies as to cost/benefit analysis, damage to wetlands, etc. It is about time these projects were scrutinized ---hopefully the days of handing the Corps a blank check and and a dredging machine with no environmental ethical compass are over.

Projected season framework: IMO, we will most likely have a 45 day season, with a four duck limit (one hen), starting in early December and ending mid-January. Our season dates will most likely mirror Arkansas and Louisiana, making it more difficult to extend the season by hunting in adjoining states. The breeding reports do not look favorable enough to justify another 60 day season with 6 duck limit and late Jan. closing date. Whatever the decsion, hopefully it will be made as early as possible so that proper planning can be made.

With dove, teal, and football season just around the corner, the end of this long dull summer is in sight.

[Don Miller]

Hey OB, I have been trying to stir interest in Delta Waterfowl in the Greenwood area with little success. I too give to both DU and DW. Believe it or not, most of the old die hard duck hunters in my area that support DU, have never even heard of DW. Let alone know what DW stands for. I guess change is slow, but I sure thought the timing would be right to spark some interest. Sorry to here that things are not going well for you either.