We already know that there will be more ducks migrating around the United States and Canada this year than ever before. We also know that most of the country is riddled with drought that is the largest, worst natural disaster in U.S. history. But those two things could lead to some great waterfowl hunting this year, especially in the Illinois River Valley wetlands.
According to the PJStar.com, the dry weather has helped managers create ideal waterfowl habitat along the Illinois River, and now hunters can wait for seasons to start and ducks to show up.
“It’s going to be fabulous up and down the Illinois River for moist soil plant production,” said Doug Jallas, site superintendent of the Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area near Chandlerville, Illinois.
The lack of rain has lead to a drawdown of water, which has them at levels that allow soil plants to seed and grow, which provides forage for traveling ducks in the fall. This is the first time since 2005 that managers have been able to do this kind of work.
But, while this drought has allowed for good management now, they still need to make sure the rains returns in the fall.
“All we need is water in the fall and we’ll have the perfect storm come together. I guess time will tell,” said Jallas. –Brian McClintock
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