This duck season started off with a good number of teal in September and only improved once the 60 day season started. Snow came early this year and so did the migration of the big ducks. Many public areas and private clubs up and down the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers have harvested banner numbers of ducks this year. The aerial surveys reported populations well above the 10 year average for the first half of the season.
Personally, this was the best season I have experienced in my 14 years of duck hunting. I was able to harvest a great range of species in all types of scenarios from teal, mallards, pintails, black ducks to blue bills. I was also fortunate enough to hunt some private ground this season that has been meticulously managed for waterfowl for about 10 years. I am not writing to brag. I am writing to share and show you what you can create. The farm I spent some time at this year was a production ag field just off the river only 12 years ago. A majority of the property was enrolled in CREP and a waterways program that developed with some hard work, water controls and proper food source management. Since then it has held thousands of ducks throughout the migration year after year. In just a few short years this 80 acres has been imprinted on the birds as routine stop on the grand passage south.
These results are from intense management but prove the best places aren’t all gone. As always, the location of the property is key to your ultimate goal, but I encourage you to keep searching for the next place that could be yours. With the right tools and proper management, anything is possible. In a few short years you can make your land a legacy.
Dan Gannaway | Land Specialist
Cell: 309.369.6832 | dan@landco.com
