Way Too Early 2021-2022 Hunt Predictions
Ryan Barnes for SPLIT REED
The 2020-21 hunting season has proved to be the “same shit, different day” type of scenario for some. Warm weather, birds not migrating, and birds short-stopping up in the Northern states where they find open water. For others, it was a great season, with birds migrating constantly through the season and plenty of hunting opportunities. Lots of honkers have been shot and killed seemingly all over the country, along with lots of specks down in the South. The PNW has been covered in ducks all year, and the East Coast has had its steady dose of everything in-between. While most are still shaking off the past hunting season, or others are still grinding it out, here are some way too early 2021 hunting season predictions.
Pacific Flyway
While the Pacific Flyway hasn’t always been known for the greatest waterfowling in the country, it has experienced an upward trend in migration reports according to the USFWS (for most migrating ducks). The Pacific Flyway has proved to hold some great waterfowling opportunities in almost every state. However, as of recently, most ducks and honkers have been finding their way to Montana and bleeding into the Central Flyway. With a sort of “back and forth” pattern as they jump from Montana to Idaho, back to Colorado, then possibly to Utah. The trend over the past few years would lead most people to believe that the ‘21 season is going to be a bit of a down year. The main deciding factor for success in the Pacific Flyway will come down to the weather in Canada and Montana to bring the birds down earlier.
PREDICTION: SLIGHTLY DOWN
Central Flyway
The Dakotas had a great waterfowling year this season, due to multiple factors, a fairly mild winter in most areas, and a lack of hunting pressure in Canada due to border closures. Further down, Wyoming saw more success than usual in ducks and geese. Colorado seemed to be fighting stale birds in and out of the season, as some birds didn’t migrate out until late, and no new birds have come in. On the other side of Colorado, Kansas hunters have been enjoying lots of success with both ducks and geese. Over the past few years, the Central Flyway has been proving to be a mecca in the country for both ducks and geese. However, those in West Texas have been facing some struggles with a lack of cold weather and a lack of geese coming down through the state. For the most part, however, the Central Flyway is looking at another possible great year.
PREDICTION: GOOD TO VERY GOOD
Mississippi Flyway
While the Northern states of the flyway have seen lots of success on honkers, and some of those in Michigan have seen success on the ducks, the states down lower in the flyway have been fighting for ducks and geese to migrate. Lower in the flyway has seen success on the snows and specks, but as for numbers compared to years past, it hasn’t proved to be great. Complaints can be heard and read all over from those who are voicing their frustrations with ducks not migrating, along with other concerns had in certain areas. Unfortunately, there are no trends as of the last 5 years that would lead anyone to believe that there will be any sort of an uptick.
PREDICTION: DOWN
Atlantic Flyway
The Atlantic Flyway has been home to some of the most iconic waterfowling destinations in the entire world, but unfortunately, over the years, the number of ducks and geese migrating areas like the Chesapeake Bay has dropped off the map. However, states like New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina are showing that they have great options for waterfowl. Along the coast, you also have the ability to shoot sea ducks from Maine, all the way down South. While the Atlantic Flyway hasn’t been the greatest flyway to hunt as of recently, with the warm weather that we’ve had recently, and the number of ducks and geese that stay in that area when they head back north, it’s looking like it will be a better year for waterfowlers on the eastside.
PREDICTION: GOOD
Is Ryan out of his mind? Did he hit it on the money as far as you’re concerned? Maybe he’s somewhere in the middle. Either way, feel free to drop your own speculative thoughts on next year’s season in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out more Split Reed Original Content here, and visit our network of Trusted Outfitters here to book your next guided waterfowl hunt!
Click on Ryan to find him on Instagram