Waterfowl season opens today

You know summer is gone when people begin exchanging rods and tackle boxes for shotguns and decoys.
Since today marks the official opening of the waterfowl season in Northern Ontario, and with grouse season opening on Monday (Sept. 15), here’s a look at the prospects for this season.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, grouse hunters can look forward to a better season this year than the past two in the Fort Frances area, thanks to a relatively dry spring.
But heavy rains during the two previous springs apparently took a large toll on nestlings and low numbers still may be reflected.
As well, grouse populations are cyclic and, according to the MNR, are currently near the low end of the cycle. But things should improve from this season on.
Although much of Rainy River District is not located on a major flyway, there should be ample opportunities for a good waterfowl harvest on localized bodies of water which attract and hold local populations as well as attract migrant populations for short periods.
Low water levels in wetlands and beaver ponds produced only fair breeding conditions this year, but the abundance of waterfowl still appears high and should lead to some good early-season hunting prospects for ducks and geese in the Fort Frances area.
Across Northwestern Ontario, the number of breeding pairs is down slightly from last year, but that likely is a reflection of improved habitat conditions on the adjacent Prairies.
The MNR reports there’s a significant resident Canada goose population in the Thunder Bay region, which is continuing to expand towards Fort Frances.
The prospects look good for these big honkers in this region, due in part to a bumper crop of wild rice, which should hold more migrants this fall.
Meanwhile, duck numbers—especially mallards and wood ducks—are anticipated to be similar to 2002. Waterfowl brood survival rates appear to be good despite low water levels and reduced breeding habitat.
Wetland conditions have improved slightly over the summer with some recent rain.
Results from the Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey suggest duck breeding populations in western Ontario are down about 21 percent from 2002, but not different from the long-term average (LTA).
For the more popular hunted species:
•Mallards—no change from 2002, but five percent below LTA;
•Blue-winged teal—down 41 percent from 2002 and 33 percent below LTA;
•Scaup—down six percent from 2002 and 41 percent below LTA;
•Black duck—not surveyed, but down 13 percent in 2002 and six percent above LTA in the east region; and
•Wood duck—not surveyed
Snowshoe hares seem to be near the top of their cycle and hunters can look forward to a good harvest this fall.
The same cannot be said for woodcock and sharp-tailed grouse since numbers of both species appear to be low and, in the case of woodcock, possibly decreasing.
The MNR also is predicting a good deer harvest in the north, particularly in the areas west of Thunder Bay. Recent winters have been favourable for deer and mortality rates have been low.
According to the ministry, there have been six-consecutive winters of less than normal severity since the two severe ones of 1995/96 and 1996/97, which have contributed to the growing deer population.
The moose population continues to flourish in the northwest, thanks again to mild winters, although certain areas have seen confirmed and suspected cases of brainworm where deer and moose habitat overlap.
Hunters are advised to become familiar with bag and possession limits prior to opening day.