An influx of migrant ducks in parts of Minnesota has boosted duck hunter success, and forecasted cooler weather could bring more waterfowl.
"Quite a few divers have started showing up," said Curt Vacek, Department of Natural Resources area wildlife manager in the Appleton area. "We've had pretty good duck hunting in Big Stone County. The opener was good, and we've had a pulse of new birds — green-winged teal and some divers and mallards."
Hunters had to break ice on some small ponds as temperatures dipped below freezing at night.
Meanwhile, Canada goose numbers on the Lac qui Parle refuge remain low, probably less than 1,000 birds, but more are expected to arrive soon.
Ruffed grouse woes
Forests in northern Minnesota have lost many of their leaves, helping ruffed grouse hunter success.
But results remain mixed, based on conservation officer reports. Hunters are having success in the International Falls and Hibbing areas.
But in the Arrowhead Region, hunters are wondering what happened to the ruffie population.
"Now that the leaves are gone, it is safe to say this grouse season will not be near as good as last year," reported conservation officer Darin Fagerman of Grand Marais.