Plenty of water, better habitat
General waterfowl hunt starts Oct. 6 in Northern Hunting Zone
If you enjoy hunting ducks in Utah, you might be wondering if there will be enough water to put your duck decoys on this fall.
Despite an extremely hot, dry summer, Blair Stringham has good news for those who enjoy hunting marshes along the eastern shore of Great Salt Lake: wetlands inside state waterfowl management areas, stretching from Salt Creek on the north to Timpie Springs on the south, are looking really good this year. You can see conditions—at waterfowl management areas across Utah—at www.wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl-opener-conditions.html.
“Our managers were able to keep water on the ponds throughout the summer,” says Stringham, migratory game bird coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “Keeping water on the ponds, coupled with work to remove carp from the ponds, has led to great pondweed growth. There’s plenty of food and water for the birds.”
And that’s not all: years of work to control invasive phragmites is paying off, especially in wetlands on the outside edge of many of the WMAs.
Stringham recently flew over the marshes on the eastern shore of the lake. “Years and years of phragmites treatments have opened up new wetlands,” he says, “and the birds are using these areas heavily. The areas looked awesome. From the sky, it looked like a totally different world down there.”
Utah’s general waterfowl hunt opens Oct. 6 in the Northern Hunting Zone and Oct. 13 in the Southern Hunting Zone. Stringham expects duck and Canada goose numbers to be down slightly this fall, but—with between 3 million to 5 million ducks passing through Utah—there will still be plenty of birds to hunt.
He provides more information about wetland conditions and access:
Dry ponds at the Harold Crane WMA
A project to improve water flow and dredge a boat channel in the South Pond at the Harold Crane WMA is still underway. Both the South Pond and the West Pond are completely dry, and the gate to the main parking lot has been closed to keep the area secure while construction work happens. The project should be completed by mid to late October. As soon as it wraps up, managers will fill the ponds with water and open the gates to the parking lot.
More places to hunt at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened 13,000 additional acres at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge to waterfowl and pheasant hunting. You can see all of the areas open to hunting at https://bit.ly/2pdZj9p. More information about water conditions at the refuge are available at www.fws.gov/refuge/bear_river_migratory_bird_refuge.
Dry conditions elsewhere
While wetland conditions are good at the seven state WMAs along the eastern shore of Great Salt Lake, conditions are much drier at WMAs across the rest of Utah. Marshes in both Cache and Rich counties, and in the Uinta Basin, are much drier too.
Sandbars and a changed landscape
If you enjoy hunting the four freshwater areas on the eastern side of Great Salt Lake—Bear River Bay, the Willard Spur, Ogden Bay and Farmington Bay—the water level is much lower this year. “If you have an airboat,” Stringham says, “you should still be able to access these areas and have good hunting. If your boat has a mud motor on it, though, you might have some challenges.”
If you’re able to access these areas, watch for sandbars. Also, be aware that the topography has changed. “Healthy marsh lands are starting to replace areas that were dominated by phragmites,” Stringham says. “Hunting will be awesome in these areas, but it’s important to get out and scout them. In many places, the landscape looks entirely different than it did a year or two ago.”
The state’s WMAs opened to scouting on Sept. 20.
Two areas funded by the Utah Waterfowl Slam
Stringham says two areas, recently created through dollars raised by the Utah Waterfowl Slam, look great this year. He says ducks are using them heavily.
“One area—the Teal Lake unit—is living up to its name,” he says. “Hundreds of cinnamon teal and some green-winged teal are using it right now.”
Teal Lake is part of the Farmington Bay WMA. The unit is directly west of Unit 1.
Stringham says the second area, located at the North Run area on the north side of the Ogden Bay WMA, is also being heavily used by birds right now.
You can learn more about the Utah Waterfowl Slam—and join it—at www.wildlife.utah.gov/utah-waterfowl-slam.html.
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Duck hunting tips
Waterfowl hunt starts Oct. 6 in the Northern Hunting Zone
If you’re new to duck hunting, you might be a bit overwhelmed by the amount of gear some hunters have. While airboats can put you in prime, faraway hunting spots—and retrievers are trusty companions that can find birds in tough cover—a lack of those things doesn’t mean you can’t find success.
Blair Stingham is an avid duck hunter who also serves as the migratory game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. He says being where the birds want to be, staying hidden and using decoys effectively can lead to plenty of good shots.
“Mastering a few things can put plenty of birds in your bag,” Stringham says. Utah’s general waterfowl hunt starts Oct. 6 in the Northern Hunting Zone and Oct. 13 in the Southern Hunting Zone. The following are Stringham’s major tips for success:
Tip 1 - Scout
Knowing where the birds are is the first step to finding success. To learn the birds’ flight patterns, and to see the areas they’re using, Stringham encourages you to get into the field and scout.
“It’s important to watch what the birds are doing,” he says. “You’ll start to notice patterns, both in the time of day birds are flying and the areas they’re using. Once you learn those, you’ll know where to be, and you’ll be on the road to success.”
The state’s waterfowl management areas opened to scouting on Sept. 20. On Utah’s three federal refuges, please remember that you can’t enter the marshes until the hunt starts.
Tip 2 - Weather reports
You can find success even on bluebird days, when the sun is shining and there’s little wind. But the best hunts typically happen on windy, stormy days.
“Storm fronts push birds out of Utah,” Stringham says, “but they also bring birds in, so trying to be in the marsh as a storm front approaches—and the day after a storm front leaves—is a great idea.”
When a front arrives, many of the ducks that are already in the area will fly to the interior parts of the marsh to ride the storm out. They’ll often remain there until hunting pressure drives them out. “Hunting during a storm front can be one of the best times to hunt the state waterfowl management areas and federal refuges,” Stringham says.
The day after a front passes can also be a great time to hunt. “The day after a front leaves, birds will start migrating into the state,” he says. “Those days can provide excellent hunting for new birds.”
More information about using storm fronts to your advantage is available at www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-hunting-tips/waterfowlings-perfect-storm.
Tip 3 - Use decoys
Hunting over duck decoys is one of the best ways to bring birds in for a good shot. And, despite what many hunters think, a duck call usually isn’t needed. “If you spread your decoys about 20 to 30 yards from you,” he says, “and then hide well, plenty of birds will come into your spread, whether you use a call or not. In fact, poor calling can actually scare birds away.”
Tip 4 - Make sure the birds can’t see you
Make sure you blend into your surroundings. And try not to move as birds work your decoys or fly overhead. “If you wear camouflage and don’t move much,” he says, “the birds won’t even know you’re there.”
Tip 5 - Bring waders and mosquito repellent
Invest in a good pair of chest waders. “Don’t rely on hip boots to keep you dry,” Stringham says. “Wear chest waders instead. With chest waders, you can also retrieve birds that fall into water that’s over your waist.”
Using insect repellent is also important. “There are lots of mosquitoes in the marsh,” he says, “especially during the early part of the season. Make sure you use plenty of mosquito spray.”
In addition to hunting tips, Stringham also provides reminders for those heading afield this fall:
Reminder 1 – Get your HIP number and a duck stamp
Before you head into the marsh, make sure you have a Migratory Game Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) number for this season. It only takes about 10 minutes to register in the program, but you must have a hunting license to register.
You can obtain your HIP number at www.wildlife.utah.gov/uthip. In addition to your computer, you can also obtain your HIP number on your smartphone or tablet. To obtain your HIP number on a mobile device, visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/uthip, and answer a few basic questions. After you do, your HIP number will appear on your screen. See page 10 of the 2018 – 2019 waterfowl guidebook for more information.
In addition to your license and HIP number, if you’re 16 years of age or older, you must buy a federal duck stamp. You can get a duck stamp at your local post office. You can also obtain a stamp by calling 1-800-782-6724.
Reminder 2 – Waterfowl Slam
If you'd like to add some fun and challenge to your hunt, consider earning some colorful leg bands in the state’s Waterfowl Slam. You can learn more about the slam at www.wildlife.utah.gov/utah-waterfowl-slam.
More information
To learn more about hunting waterfowl in Utah, see the free 2018 – 2019 Utah Waterfowl Guidebook at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks.
If you have questions about hunting waterfowl in Utah, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.
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Fewer chukars this year
Chukar and gray partridge hunt opens Sept. 29
Biologists with the Division of Wildlife Resources have been able to fly only one chukar partridge survey this fall, but results of that survey—coupled with observations they’ve made in the field—indicate the number of chukars is down this year.
That doesn’t surprise Jason Robinson, upland game coordinator for the DWR. He says chukars in the West follow a population cycle that lasts about nine to 10 years. The population remains relatively stable for about eight years. Then, for a single year, numbers skyrocket. The year after the spike, numbers return to average. The population will typically stay at that level until the next spike happens about eight years later.
Robinson says the last spike in Utah actually lasted for two years, 2015 and 2016. “We’ve never seen that before,” he says, “and we’re not exactly sure why it happened. Chukar hunters, myself included, were definitely happy to have two years of extremely high numbers, though.”
In 2017, the number of chukar partridge returned to normal levels. This fall, they’ve declined a bit from last year.
“There are still birds out there, though,” Robinson says on the eve of Utah’s annual chukar hunt. “You’ll just have to walk farther, between coveys. You can still have a good hunt, but you’ll have to put in more effort to find the birds.”
Utah’s general chukar hunt opens Sept. 29. Before the hunt opens, DWR biologists will release chukars in some areas in the state. You can see which areas on the web at https://bit.ly/2PFWUzx.
Helicopter survey results
On Aug. 28, DWR biologists climbed into a helicopter and flew over chukar habitat in central Box Elder County. They counted eight chukars per square mile. That’s down from 12 per square mile in 2017. “It was the second lowest count in the county since surveys started there in 2009,” Robinson says.
Biologists typically fly a survey over north-central Tooele County too. The helicopter that was used to fly the survey in Box Elder County has been pulled away to help monitor wildfires in Utah.
“We hope to fly the Tooele County survey in September,” he says, “just before the hunt starts. Even if we can’t fly the Tooele County survey this year, results from the Box Elder County survey, observations myself and other biologists have made in the field—and the fact that chukar populations follow reliable population patterns—are enough to indicate that numbers are down this year.”
Gray partridge doing well
In addition to the chukar hunt, Utah’s gray partridge hunt also opens on Sept. 29. Gray partridge, often called Huns, are found almost entirely in Box Elder County. In the eastern part of the county, the birds are found mostly in grain fields. In the western part, they live mostly in sagebrush habitat. Riparian corridors are especially attractive to gray partridge that live in areas covered with sagebrush.
“Another thing to remember is that gray partridge are especially attracted to edges, places where one habitat type transitions into a different type of habitat,” Robinson says. “For example, the edge of a grain field, or where sagebrush transitions into grass, can be especially good places to hunt.”
Robinson says gray partridge numbers are up this year, and he expects a good hunt.
Utah’s general chukar and gray partridge hunt opens Sept. 29. If you're not currently hunting upland game in Utah, Robinson provides five reasons to consider giving it a try. You can read his list at www.wildlife.utah.gov/blog/2015/top-5-reasons-to-hunt-upland-game-in-utah.
Upland Game Slam
If you'd like to add some fun to your hunt, consider participating in Utah's Upland Game Slam. One of the slams—the Blister Slam—will reward you for taking a five chukar limit in a single day. You can learn more about the Upland Game Slam at www.wildlife.utah.gov/upland-game-slam.html.
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PHOTOS - 19 photos to accompany this story are available at https://udwrnewsphotos.zenfolio.com/p74659908 .
Contact: Mark Hadley, DWR Relations with the Public Specialist, 801-538-4737
Chukar partridge hunting tips
Chukar hunt opens Sept. 29
If you’re in good physical shape, and you’re looking for a hunt that will put you in quiet places in pursuit of a unique, tasty bird, chukar partridge hunting might be the ticket.
A native of India and Afghanistan, chukar partridge live in some of Utah’s most rugged terrain. “Chukar partridge thrive in rocky, dry areas that are difficult to access,” says Jason Robinson, upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “When you look at them from a distance, the areas where chukars live don’t look like much. But I think you’ll be blown away by the beauty and solitude you’ll find when you start hiking them.”
Utah’s general chukar partridge hunt starts Sept. 29. Robinson provides tips to help you locate chukars and take some birds this fall:
Finding chukars
Finding chukars is the first step to bagging some birds. Here are some tips:
Tip 1 - See the distribution map on page 36 of the 2018 – 2019 Utah Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook. The map will show you where chukar habitat is found in Utah. The free guidebook is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks.
Robinson says Tooele, Juab and Millard counties have the highest concentration of birds in the state. "The state's best chukar habitat is found in the rocky, desert areas west of Interstate 15," he says.
Other areas in Utah do hold plenty of birds, though. Robinson says the Book Cliffs in eastern Utah, and rocky river corridors in southern Utah, are some of the best. "And every year,” he says, “hunters do take birds in the rocky foothills along the Wasatch Front."
Tip 2 - After arriving in an area that might have chukars in it, focus your efforts on steep, rocky slopes that have cheatgrass, bunch grass or sagebrush on them. These rugged, cheatgrass-covered slopes provide ideal habitat for the birds.
Tip 3 - Because chukars are very vocal, early morning is the perfect time to hunt them. "The birds feed mostly in the early morning," Robinson says. "If you listen closely, they'll often tip you off to their location."
Robinson says chukars live in coveys that typically number between five to 30 birds. "When the covey is feeding," he says, "it always posts a sentry. The sentry sits on a rock that provides it with a good view of the surrounding area. If the bird sees you, it will call out to alert the other birds. There's a flip side to that, though: the sentry's calling will alert you that a covey of chukars is in the area."
Tip 4 - Finding a water source is a good idea, but chukars aren’t completely reliant on water, even early in the season. A good idea, early in the season, is to hunt the steep slopes that are above a water source. "As the season progresses," Robinson says, "water becomes less important to chukars. Hunting near a water source isn't as important later in the season."
Tip 5 - When winter arrives, hunt slopes that face south. "The sun beats on these south-facing slopes in the winter," he says. "That warms the rocks, melts the snow and attracts the chukars."
Hunting chukars
Hunting tip 1 - After finding some birds, remember that chukars almost always run uphill to escape danger. "You can't outrun them," Robinson says, "so don't try to chase the birds up the slope."
Instead, try to cut off the birds' escape route by circling around the birds and getting above them. Then, hunt down the slope towards them. "If you get above the birds," he says, "they'll usually stay where they are until you get close enough to shoot at them."
Hunting tip 2 – When chukars flush, they almost always fly straight out from the slope before hooking to the left or the right. "Get your shots off while the birds are still in range," he says.
After hooking to the left or right, any bird that isn't bagged will typically fly into a group of rocks, into sagebrush or into bunch grasses. If you watch where the birds land, you'll often have a chance for another shot.
Robinson says dogs aren't needed to hunt chukars. "But having a dog is very helpful," he says, "both in finding birds and retrieving the birds you hit."
Reminders
Because of the steep, rough areas where chukars live, it's important to be in good physical shape. When you go afield, make sure you wear sturdy boots that give your ankles plenty of support.
"It's also important to carry plenty of water," Robinson says, "especially during the early part of the season."
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PHOTOS - eight photos to accompany this story are available at https://udwrnewsphotos.zenfolio.com/p229554267 .
Contact: Mark Hadley, DWR Relations with the Public Specialist, 801-538-4737
Learn How to Fly Fish at Free Clinic
Clinic happens Sept. 29
Price -- Are you looking for a new angle on fishing?
If you’re a fly fishing beginner—or you’ve never tried it before—the Division of Wildlife Resources is holding a free clinic you won’t want to miss.
The DWR will offer an introduction to fly fishing clinic on Sept. 29 at the agency’s Southeastern Region office. The office is at 319 N. Carbonville Rd. in Price. The clinic begins at 8:30 a.m.
“Fly fishing is a fun and versatile method of catching fish that often looks harder than it really is,” says Walt Maldonado, DWR regional wildlife recreation specialist. “If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy wildlife, this clinic is for you.”
Maldonado says the clinic will begin with classroom instruction and a practice session. “Then,” he says, “we’ll head to a nearby community fishery where you can try your hand at catching fish. We’ll have plenty of fly fishing rods, reels and tackle on hand for you to use.”
Local experts will teach you the basics of catching fish, in a variety of settings, using flies. The following are among the topics they’ll cover:
· The gear you need
· Choosing flies that work well
· Fly fishing on lakes
· Fly fishing on rivers and streams
· Casting
· Lure presentation
The clinic is free, but if you’re 12 years of age or older, you’ll need a fishing license to participate. You can buy a license at any DWR office or online at wildlife.utah.gov.
The clinic is sponsored by Sportsman’s Corner of Bill’s Home Furnishings in Price. To register online for the free clinic, visit https://goo.gl/yxJRMq. If you have questions about the clinic, call the DWR’s Southeastern Region office at 435-613-3707.
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Fishing reports - available at http://wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots .
See wild sandhill cranes
What: Sandhill cranes are some of the world’s oldest and largest migratory birds. Adults stand about four feet tall and have wingspans that range from six to seven feet across. Their distinctive, rattling cries can be heard from more than two miles away. DWR biologists estimate that right now, there may be about 1,200 cranes in the Uintah Basin. (Those numbers will peak in November as up to 5,000 birds stop over in the area before migration.) Tomorrow, the DWR is working with local partners to host a free sandhill crane viewing event at multiple sites in the Uintah Basin. Reporters and photographers are invited to attend the event, interview DWR personnel and capture great photos and videos of these large, unique birds. For additional details, please visit http://go.usa.gov/xPbcN.
