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JEFFERSON CITY--Hunters looking forward to teal season Sept. 9 through 24 will be pleased to know that both blue- winged and green-winged teal numbers are at record levels for the second year in a row.
Surveys of breeding birds showed an estimated 7.4 million blue-winged teal in the northern United States and Canada this summer. That^s a 4 percent increase from last year.
Green-winged teal reached a record of nearly 3.2 million breeding birds. That^s a 21 percent increase from 1999 and an astonishing 56 percent increase from 1998.
Although strong teal populations are important to hunters, hunting success during the September teal season also depends heavily on weather and habitat conditions. Cool temperatures in the north-central United States and south-central Canada start these little ducks flying south toward Missouri. Once here, they look for marshy habitat and food. If they find these basic requirements, they stay. Otherwise, they keep migrating southward.
Rains during July and August have replenished Missouri wetlands and have encouraged a good growth of seed-bearing plants that provide food for migrating ducks. With continued normal rainfall, teal should find conditions favorable to an extended stay in the Show-Me State.
- Jim Low -
Uploaded: 9/6/2000
Uploaded: 9/6/2000