Delta Waterfowl - News on Ducks and Duck Hunting

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In November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will release its newest national survey, with preliminary estimates available by the end of June. The survey is conducted every five years and is designed to provide data on hunting, fishing and other wildlife-related recreational activities.

"It would be foolish to speculate in detail on the survey before it's released, but I would be surprised if the trends in waterfowl participation have changed all that much," said Devney. "Regardless of the results, Delta will continue to expand the reach of our mentored hunting program by utilizing our members, our volunteers and like-minded groups, as well as work with our chapters on access impediments or any other issue that affects waterfowl hunting and our heritage."

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In an era of declining participation, Canadian waterfowl-hunter numbers have increased to their highest level since 2001, according to the Canadian Wildlife Service. In 2010, 152,678 resident waterfowl permits were sold, the largest number since 2001, when Canadian waterfowlers purchased 158,111 permits.

"It's a sense of relief and pride for me," said Delta Waterfowl President Rob Olson. "The uptick in numbers has been modest, but it's my hope is that we've bottomed out and now start to build."

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A miraculous thing happened the other day in Bismarck—it snowed. A light skiff of snow finally put a white frosting on a brown landscape in the Dakotas. Duck hunters everywhere have been waiting endlessly for a cold front and some snow "Up North" to dislodge the ducks and reenergize the migration. Up here, our sleds haven't left the shed, our winter boots are still in the closet and a brown Christmas was had by nearly all.

I haven't had to spend time on my 4-wheeler plowing the driveway or shoveling, and while that has been a nice reprieve, it certainly ruined my treasured late-season pheasant hunting. In fact, my buddies who chase deer with a bow feel a little cheated too.

What is extraordinary is how quickly weather changes. Just mere months ago, flooding across the prairies made big headlines; crops couldn't be planted due to flooded fields, and everyone was just flat-out soaked. Virtually every nook and cranny of the prairies was wetter than heck and set the table for nesting ducks.

[..Read John Devney's Blog..]

Lem Ward, the younger brother of the most famous duo of duck decoys carvers in North America, wasn't supposed to lead a productive life. In fact, doctors advised his parents that their sickly infant might not even live very long. Born in 1896 with a deformed left arm and a crippled hand with only three fingers, Lem was plagued by chronic bronchitis and fevers.

Remarkably, Lem's health improved as he grew, although it was apparent he would never possess the physical strength necessary be a waterman on Chesapeake Bay like his father, Travis Ward. At that time, most of the men born in Crisfield, Md., became watermen, a term for the hearty crab and oyster fishermen who lived off the bounty of the Bay. Many watermen were also market gunners, shooting train carloads of ducks destined for fine restaurants in large cities along the Atlantic seaboard.

As a relatively young man, Travis Ward gave up his life on the water, returning to town to start a barber business. He would mentor his sons, Steve and Lem, so they could learn a trade and be able to provide for themselves.

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