Waterfowl & Wetlands - Summer 2014 by South Carolina Waterfowl

W W W. S C WA . O R G

FEATURES:

- 2014 FALL ALL F LIGHT LIGHT F ORECAST ORECAST - CAMP AMP L EOPOLD EOPOLD P ROGRAM ROGRAM E XPLODES XPLODES

summer issue DEPARTMENTS 5

the Director’s Desk Are We Harvesting Too Many Wood Ducks

proDuct & outFitter revieWs Lifetime Decoy Rigs

chapter neWs Summer - No Time To Stop Working

WooD Duck nesting program Wood duck Nest Box Project Update

19 corporate sponsors

WilDliFe eDucation center neWs:

22 camp WooDie: RECORD ATTENDANCE 24 camp leopolD: CAMP LEOPOLD PROGRAM EXPLODES 30 Dog training - TRICK OR TREAT

32 the sporting cheF - EDIBLE DUCK LEGS…WANTON WASTE?

by Doug Gardner.com

in the neWs

28 Drought monitors - North America & Canada 2014/15 Duck stamp released scDnr early season approval

Features

2013-2014 WaterFoWl harvest summary 2014 Fall Flight Forecast

on the cover:

t his image oF a Drake p intail Was taken by WilDliFe photographer D oug g arDner in g eorgetoWn , sc.

SOUTH CAROLINA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION Board of Directors President James H. Walker Senior Vice President Philip L. Horn, Jr. Secretary/Treasurer John W. Williamson, III

Gary W. Dietrich Delbert E. Eggert Marshall J. Collins, Jr Stan Luthi Lou Tocci Buford S. Mabry, Jr.

Charles C. Rountree III Allen Bell John Stroud John N. McCarter E. Guy Hendrix

Executive Director / Head Biologist David J. Wielicki Chapter Development Mac Bagnal

Fundraising/Membership Specialist Thomasyne Hipp Office Manager Jennifer McNeely Camp Director Ed Paul

Waterfowl & Wetlands Magazine is the official quarterly publication of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. SCWA is a state-wide, non-profit, waterfowl and wetland conservation organization based in Rimini, SC. All money raised by SCWA is spent within South Carolina on waterfowl and wetland education, management and research programs, and legislative education. All donations to SCWA beyond the retail value of the merchandise acquired are fully tax deductible under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Direct all SCWA and magazine inquiries to: 9833 Old River Road Pinewood, S.C. 29125 (803) 452-6001 Fax: (803) 452-6032 www.scwa.org

by DougGardner.com

WATERFOWL 4

WETLANDS

Queries for story and photo submissions should be sent directly to the editor. Photos must be released by the photographer prior to publication. SCWA assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Are We Harvesting Too Many Wood Ducks

THE DIRECTORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DESK

BY DAVID J. WIELICKI, SCWA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

or the past two hunting seasons I have noticed a substantial decrease in the number of wood ducks wintering in the Lake Marion area. Other hunters across South Carolina have also noticed a general decline in the number of wood ducks wintering on private impoundments and public wetland areas across the state despite excellent wetland conditions. The decrease in wintering wood duck numbers has some biologists and hunters wondering if a 3 bird wood duck bag limit may be too high to maintain in years of low wood duck production. Low precipitation across the Southeast and the Atlantic coast two years ago resulted in poor wetland conditions during the wood duck breeding season. This had a negative impact on wood duck nesting success and recruitment of young into the population. Last year wetland conditions improved across the area. Nest success in SCWA nest box projects also improved dramatically. However, myself and many other hunters did not see a noticeable increase in wintering wood duck populations. During the 2014 breeding season wetland conditions have been good to excellent in some areas and should result in a good wood duck hatch with increased wintering populations. Although low wintering wood duck numbers over the past two years could be a local phenomenon, low numbers this winter would add to my concern over wood duck populations. Despite my concern, as a waterfowl biologist I know that local observations have limited value in making waterfowl management decisions. In order to determine if we are harvesting too many wood ducks during waterfowl season increased banding of young wood ducks is needed across the Southeastern and Atlantic states. A strong annual banding effort is the only way to provide the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with the data needed to determine if annual survival rates are too low to support a 3

WATERFOWL 5

bird wood duck limit. I have expressed my concerns with USFWS Atlantic Flyway Biologist, Paul Padding, who assured me the USFWS plans to closely monitor the effect of harvest on wood duck populations. The wood duck is the number one duck harvested in South Carolina. Last year's estimated harvest was 72,050 wood ducks which is down from the previous year's estimated harvest of 116,308 birds. For the past 27 years, SCWA has built, distributed and installed over 22,500 wood duck nest boxes that have hatched over 900,000 wood ducks. Your Association will continue to work diligently to increase wood duck populations and to support sound harvest management decisions that will conserve our wood duck populations for future generations. I look forward to keeping every SCWA member informed on this important waterfowl management issue.

In Memory Of Ronnie B. Hutto

November 19, 1948 - June 2, 2014

SCWA would like to offer its condolences to the family of Ronnie B. Hutto who passed away on June 2, 2014. Ronnie was a dedicated waterfowl conservationist and one of the founding committee members of the SCWA Georgetown chapter. He will be missed by the entire SCWA family. The following individuals have made gifts in memory of Ronnie to support the SCWA Camp Woodie program: Carol L. Mabe Pamela Saverance Julius & Charla Tindall Linda Harper

WETLANDS

WATERFOWL 6 WETLANDS

Now Hiring!

SCWA would like to start a few new chapters around the state. If you would like to start a chapter in your area please call me. We currently have 25 active chapters and we could use a few more to help with our conservation efforts. We are currently recruiting new volunteers for our local chapter committees to serve in various positions including the following: Chapter Chairman Banquet Chairman Sponsor Chairman Ticket/Membership Chairman Wood Duck Chairman Youth Chairman If you are interested in participating on your local SCWA committee please contact the local chairman or me. If you would like to start a new chapter, please feel free to contact me as well. Mac Bagnal 803-452-6001 803-938-3145 mbagnal@scwa.org

You are a member of SCWA, but how about some of your buddies? You know SCWA is a quality organization, your recommendation is the best advertising we have. So, pass this membership application to a buddy and help grow SCWA along with perpetuating our waterfowl heritage. Just fill out the membership form below and mail it to: SCWA, 9833 Old River Rd. Pinewood, SC 29125

it’s easy to join!

Please sign me up as a member!

$10 Woodie Membership (up to 16 years of age) Pin & decal

________________________________________________________________ Name

________________________________________________________________ Address

$25 Regular Membership SCWA magazine & decal

________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip

$50 Contributing Membership SCWA magazine, decal & hat pin.

$100 Donor Membership SCWA magazine, donor decal, hat & hat pin $250 Sponsor Membership SCWA sponsor gift, hat, hat pin, magazine, sponsor decal, local chapter banquets couples ticket, & invitation to local sponsor events.

________________________________________________________________ County Telephone (Home) (Work)

For more information call us at (803)

$10 Woodie Membership $100 Donor Membership $25 Regular Membership $250 Sponsor Membership $50 Contributing Membership Amount Enclosed: $__________________ __Visa __ MasterCard __American Express__Discover

452-6001 or check out our website at www.scwa.org.

WATERFOWL

(#____________________________________) Expiration Date____

WETLANDS

SCWA Chapter News CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT

BY DIRECTOR MAC BAGNAL

Summer - No Time To Stop Working!

e’re having a great summer at Camp Woodie. Our chapter volunteers are once again helping to make this summer the best summer possible. They have accomplished this in several different ways. Most chapters sell cups at their events and use that money to send local youth to Camp Woodie. Our Four Holes Chapter raised enough to send five local kids this summer. We have several chapters doing golf tournaments and using the proceeds to send kids to camp. Our Georgetown chapter is sending 15 kids to Camp Woodie this summer from the money raised at their annual Marlowe Golf Tournament. Just because our Fundraising season is over doesn’t mean that our chapters just sit idle. They are hosting sponsor events, youth days, skeet shoots, planning

03/14/14 04/12/14 05/08/14 08/08/14 08/09/14 08/16/14 09/19/14 09/25/14 09/26/14 10/11/14 10/18/14 10/23/14 10/25/14 11/07/14 12/13/14 01/24/15 01/30/15 02/13/15 02/14/15 TBD

events, lining up caterers and working on business plans to make their local event be the best it can be. As in the past, this year we are going to need everyone’s help to make the 2014 banquet season the best it can be starting in August with the Midlands event in Columbia on August 8th. If you are in the area for any of our events please feel free to come and attend. Please try to get involved in your local chapter and help us perpetuate our waterfowl heritage. If you are interested, please call me at 803-452-6001. Thanks again for all of the hard work of our committee members, sponsors, donors and everyone who helps us here at SCWA. Thanks, Mac Bagnal SCWA Industry Sponsors

Chapter Events 2014/15

Greater Wateree Cons. Dinner – Marlboro Comm. Center Four Holes Conservation Dinner – Utopia Club Greater Wateree Cons. Dinner – Camden Shrine Club Midlands Conservation Dinner – Seawell’s Banquet Center Tri-County Conservation Dinner – Ladson Fairgrounds Clarendon Conservation Dinner - The Cypress Center Greenville Cons. Dinner - St. George Greek Orthodox Greater Piedmont Cons. Dinner – Events at Manchester Anderson Conservation Dinner – Civic Center Kingstree Conservation Dinner - Recreational Department Berkeley Conservation Dinner - Shrine Club Laurens Conservation Dinner – The Clinton House Low Country Cons. Dinner – The Shed at Port Royal Horry Cons. Dinner – The Boathouse on the Waterway Barnwell Conservation Dinner - National Guard Armory Orangeburg Conservation Dinner - The Garden Room Newberry Conservation Dinner – The Shrine Club Sportsman’s Ball – Omar Shrine Center in Mount Pleasant Duck Shuck - Omar Shrine Center in Mount Pleasant Black Creek Charleston CSRA Francis Marion Georgetown Greenwood Lancaster Spartanburg Sumter Walterboro “Fowl” 1st Season Kick Off Dinner & Auction - SCWA Wildlife Ed. Center “Fowl” 2nd Season Kick Off Dinner & Auction - SCWA Wildlife Ed. Center

Agridrain Cypress Knee Chufa Proline Remington Shady Grove Kennels Sportsman’s Warehouse Hevi-Shot Columbia Sportswear Federal Premium Pungo Machine

www.agridrain.com www.cypruskneechufa.com www.prolineboots.com www.remington.com www.shadygrovekennels.com www.sportmanswarehouse.com www.hevishot.com www.columbia.com www.federalpremium.com www.pungomachine.com

Chapter Chair List 2014-2015

Chapter (Area) Name Phone Anderson Chad Myers Barnwell Carlton Wall Berkeley Chay Cannington Black Creek (Hartsville) Call Headquarters Charleston Will Freeman Clarendon Pete Surette CSRA Austin Taylor Four Holes Kevin Weatherford Four Holes Tripp Mitchum Francis Marion Brad Marlowe Georgetown Patrick Sports Greater Piedmont (Rock Hill) Byron Hill Greater Wateree (Camden) Jason Hackworth Greenville Jenny Woods Greenwood John Alewine Horry Phillip Richardson Kingstree Kevin Mouzon Lancaster Kevin Stillwell Laurens Jim Watson Lowcountry Clay Stanley Midlands (Columbia) David Stanley Newberry Blair Long Orangeburg George Wells PeeDee/Marlboro (Bennetsville) Jimmy Jones Spartanburg James Owens Sumter Call Headquarters TriCounty (Goose Creek) Robbie Wright Walterboro Allen Bell Walterboro Jim Minor

800-232-4742 252-539-4434 800-334-4612 336-548-8560 803-892-5797 803-731-3000 541- 367-3522 800-729-6313

Number 864-226-7355 803-259-6351 843-830-4059 803-452-6001 843-270-5454 803-518-1405 803-556-9626 803-492-8280 803-664-4768 843-566-3622 843-543-4497 803-371-0141 803-427-3771 864-275-6342 864-554-1475 843-241-3851 843-319-1937 704-254-2062 864-543-3717 843-258-4198 803-781-8766 803-321-6276 843-810-2453 843-454-4005 864-809-7911 803-452-6001 843-729-0630 843-893-2230 843-846-6346

For further information, please call Mac Bagnal, Chapter Developement Director at WATERFOWL 1 8

WETLANDS

Low Country Chapter

y name Is Clay Stanley and I am the president of the Low Country Chapter of the SCWA. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors for believing in us and supporting our conservation efforts here in the Low Country. Through your generous financial support the SCWA’s Camp Woodie and Camp Leopold educational programs are stronger than ever. Our goals of fostering education and conservation here in the Low Country are being realized. Again to all of our current and future sponsors our committee says thank you. Growing up I always dreamed of going to a summer camp like I saw on television. I loved camping, fishing and hunting but there was no such camp here in South Carolina. In fact as a young child Camp Woodie didn’t even exist! Yes I admit it I am not a young guy…. So I would wing it. I would camp with my friends deep in the woods behind my parent’s house. We would fish, hunt and shoot and although it was lots of fun it was nothing like Camp Woodie. So when I was asked to be a sponsor about 5 years ago and I learned about SCWA’s mission of conservation and education and about their Camp Woodie program, I jumped at the opportunity. Since that day, I have been committed to this outstanding organization. I am both humbled and proud to be a part of this. I remember asking my father “why” about everything when I was a little boy and often being given the answer “Because I said so.” That usually was not good enough for me… I needed more facts. Now, as a father, I understand his frustration with my constant stream of questioning. I also believe he may not have known all the answers himself. I often find myself in this situation with my own children. The professional instructors at Camp Woodie and Camp Leopold are knowledgeable and patient. There are a lot of things in this world to be curious about some of them are good and some of them are bad. The instructors are there to keep children on the right track and foster that same love of the outdoors that I grew up with. These are just a few of the reasons I started the Low Country Chapter of South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA). I have been blessed with an outstanding group of hardworking and talented committee members. This year, our first year, we hosted 400 Sponsors and Guests at our conservation banquet and have the goal of reaching 600 or more attendees for 2014. Although our committee is still young and fairly small we are active and committed to the cause. In 2013 the committee placed 35 wood duck nesting boxes in the Low Country and in 2014 the committee plans to place an additional 50 nesting boxes. As a committee we also enhanced 2 acres of waterfowl and wildlife habitat, with plans to further extend it. We are currently seeking

WATERFOWL 1 9

CHAPTER EVENTS

additional habitat enhancement opportunities and encouraging others to do the same in effort to preserve our wonderful outdoors for future generations. So again to all of our sponsors, supporters and helpers thank you for a great 2013 season! We look forward to an exciting and productive 2014 conservation season. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, would like to make a donation, or just have a question call me, Clay Stanley, at (843 258 4198)

WETLANDS

Product Review

Lifetime Decoy Rigs

What Our Customers Are Saying...

Last week I was honored to win 2 dozen decoy rigs in a TBH photo contest. After receiving my rigs I finally put ‘em to work today. A little background: I duck hunt…a lot! I hunt with a lot of different people, in different places in all kinds of set ups. I have seen and used every decoy rig known to man and homemade. The system I’ve been using for 5-6 yrs is as close as theirs as possible with a few changes… weight design and cord. I honestly wanted them to be equal to mine and figured “no way they’re better”… Wrong! These are the single most non-tangle, easy pick-up, easy toting rigs made. Zero memory and weights didn’t grab vegetation at all, and we were in heavy veg today. I’ll call an ace an ace anytime, and will say thanks for any gift. But honestly if you’re not using these… you’re just fighting it. Thanks for the awesome product!!!! Kyle Hayes

Folks, these are the best ones out there! I own three sets and am gonna get more soon. The cheap ones at Academy tangle and are bad. These make it twice as fast to set up and pick up after the hunt! Best thing I ever bought for duck hunting! I can’t believe I went so long using the old wrap up the line method. These make it soooo easy to put out and pick up the decoys it’s unreal!!! Might need more for Christmas!! Junior on www.texasbowhunter.com

Chairman of the Allegheny Chapter of Delta Waterfowl I used Lifetime Decoy rigs this past season with great success. I hunt flooded timber holes so we put out and pick up decoys each hunt. You can pick up the decoys without getting your hands all wet when it’s cold. I will be ordering more in the near future. RKENT on www.duckhuntingchat.com

http://www.outdoorhub.com/reviews/2013/08/22/lifetime-decoys-coated-cable-decoy-rigs/

30” Rig 48” Rig

72” Rig

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Wood Duck Nesting Program

Wood Duck Nest Box Project Update Justin Grider - Wildlife Biologist

s summer draws to a close and cold starts to creep its way down into the South, Wood Duck nesting season is nearing an end for the year. This time of year brings much anticipation for the coming months because waterfowl season is now just around the corner. This is the perfect time of year for conservationists and hunters alike to spend renovating their existing nest boxes or adding new ones to areas that contain good brood rearing habitat. It is important for all nest boxes to be maintained year after year in order to achieve maximum success with your Wood Duck Project. Boxes must be cleaned and repaired at the end of each nesting season in order for them to receive attention from Wood Ducks the following year. Wellkept boxes provide increased survival rates for newly hatched Wood Duck ducklings because predation is minimized when predator guards and surrounding vegetation are kept in check. Project owners are provided with a wealth of knowledge about their local Wood Duck population when they take the time to keep records of each nest box’s production. This allows for project owners to highlight areas that are receiving greater attention while also allowing them to locate areas with little activity. Project members are encouraged to focus on their most heavily used areas because these areas most likely do not contain adequate nesting opportunities. If you have questions regarding your Wood Duck Project, please call our office at 803452-6001. Each year we highlight local Wood Duck Projects; this year’s spotlight is cast on a young Boy Scout in pursuit of his Eagle Scout rank. Mr. Scott Spivey is a 14 year old Boy Scout from Eastover, South Carolina. He is a proud member of Troop 8 out of the Incarnation Lutheran Church in Columbia. Scott’s love of nature and passion for conservation drove him to make a difference in his

local community. After consulting with International Paper, he was granted the opportunity to start his own nest box project in Eastover. With help from his father and fellow troop members, Scott is building and installing all his personally built nest boxes in several locations across International Paper’s property. He realizes nest boxes require attention each year so he plans to provide routine maintenance each fall. SCWA would like to extend a big thank you to Scott and his troop for their interest in the great outdoors and their support for waterfowl conservation. We are proud to see the next generation being such great stewards of the land. If you or someone you know is interested in starting a Wood Duck Project in your area, please call our office at 803-4526001 or visit our website, www.scwa.org for more information.

WATERFOWL 12 WETLANDS

by DougGardner.com

SCDNR WMA Regular Season Waterfowl Harvest Summary

The results are in for the 2013/2014 waterfowl season harvest on SCDNR wildlife management areas. Total harvest reached 4,968 birds which was down from the previous season's 5,639. SCDNR staff manage thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat across South Carolina. Many of the management areas are open for waterfowl hunting on a draw basis (Category 1 areas) while others can be hunted on scheduled hunt days (Category 2 areas). For more details visit the SCDNR web site. SCDNR WMA REGULAR SEASON WATERFOWL HARVEST SUMMARY

CRACKERNECK

ENOREE

222

GRAND TOTAL

CATEGORY 1 TOTAL

CATEGORY 2 TOTAL

SCR TOTAL

POTATO CREEK

SCR MURPHY IS

138

LAKE CUNNINGHAM

SCR CEDAR IS

133

HICKORY TOP GTR

SCR THE CAPE

HATCHERY

SANTEE-DELTA TOTAL

SANTEE-DELTA WEST

SANTEE-DELTA EAST

SANDY BEACH

SAMWORTH

BEAR ISLAND TOTAL

BROAD RIVER

SPRINGFIELD/THE CUT

BEAVERDAM CREEK

BEAR ISLAND WEST

2013-2014

BEAR ISLAND EAST

2013-2014

247

SPECIES Mallard

SPECIES

Dom/Rel Mallard

Black Duck

1 1

Mallard x Black Mottled Duck

Gadwall

154

101

136

391

American Wigeon

Green-winged Teal

104

171

Blue-winged Teal

Northern Shoveler

180

Northern Pintail

Wood Duck Redhead

Scaup

Ring-necked Duck

Canvasback

8 2

1 1

Black Duck

Mallard x Black

119

141

204

404

809

125

372

123

200

106

490

114

243

124

1 1

7 8

Dom/Rel Mallard

119

Mottled Duck

819

Gadwall

125

American Wigeon

425

Green-winged Teal

123

Blue-winged Teal

497

Northern Shoveler

243

Northern Pintail

1383

1584

1617

Redhead

Canvasback

Scaup

107

Ring-necked Duck

137

Golden-eye Ruddy Duck

Mallard

1 5

Bufflehead

2013-2014

Wood Duck

Bufflehead

Ruddy Duck

Golden-eye

Tree ducks

Sea ducks

Canada Goose

Other ducks

117

Mergansers

Snow Goose

Other ducks

Mergansers

TOTAL HARVEST

457

246

427

1130

184

# HUNTERS

119

282

DUCKS/HUNTER

3.8

3.6

4.5

4.0

2.3

2059

1357

1712

5128

845

SHOTS FIRED CRIPPLES LOST % LOSS

258

263

2.5

3.7

3.5

521

1239

1084

521

360

133

483

976

2882

139

1512

1816

4698

TOTAL HARVEST

145

123

133

333

868

294

214

1018

200

1762

2630

# HUNTERS

3.6

2.9

1.7

3.6

2.9

3.3

0.5

0.2

1.1

1.5

0.3

2.0

1.0

1.8

2323

1913

724

2336

4973

13790

999

568

131

10903

765

13413

DUCKS/HUNTER

27203 SHOTS FIRED

211

135

141

257

677

334

443

1120

CRIPPLES LOST

15.1

19.1

14.4

15.7

20.3

27.6

17.6

23.3

20.6

18.9

19.4

22.6

20.8

19.0

21.5

29.3

25.0

18.1

35.5

19.6

19.3

% LOSS

WATERFOWL 13 WETLANDS

2014 Fall Flight Forecast

aterfowl hunters can expect a large Fall flight of ducks and geese for the 2014 -2015 Season. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released its waterfowl population status report for 2014. The data collected for this report is generated from the worlds' largest annual bird survey. The survey is conducted by state, federal and provincial employees and volunteers from the United States and Canada. Airplanes, helicopters and people on the ground are used to count breeding ducks and geese in both the traditional survey area and the eastern survey area. Satellite imagery is also used to analyze goose and swan breeding habitat conditions across the arctic. The traditional survey area is made up of land from the eastern Dakotas northeast through Ontario and west to Alaska and British Columbia. The eastern survey area is made up of those lands east of the Great Lakes all the way to Nova Scotia. Overall habitat conditions in the traditional survey area were improved over last year, while in the eastern survey area breeding habitat conditions were fair to good. Wetland conditions in the Southeast and many of the Atlantic states were fair to good. In the traditional survey area abundant snow fall and ample spring rains resulted in an increase in May ponds from 6.9 million to 7.2 million. This number is 40% above the long term average of 5.1 million ponds. Abundant June rainfall in a large part of the prairie pothole region of North Dakota, Saskatchewan and Manitoba improved wetland abundance and resulted in a strong re-nesting effort among ducks. Total Ducks This year there were approximately 49.2 million total ducks in the traditional survey area. This is the highest count on record since the survey began in 1955. This represents an 8% increase over last year's estimate of 45.6 million and is 43% higher than the long-term average. In the eastern survey area the total population index for the six most abundant duck species totaled 2.6 million which was a decrease from last year's estimate of 2.98 million. Mallard Mallard numbers in the traditional survey area were the second highest on record with approximately 10.9 million counted in the traditional survey area. This is the highest count since the record count of 11.2 million in 1958 and is 42% above the long term average. The predicted fall flight of mallards from the traditional survey area is 13.4 million. The eastern survey area of Canada mallard estimate was 400,000 mallards

which is similar to the long term average. While mallard estimates in the northeastern United States were 635,000 which is 14% below the long term average. Mallards represented 11% of the ducks harvested in South Carolina last season with many of those coming from the eastern Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The eastern Dakotas showed a 28% decrease in breeding mallard numbers while the number of breeding mallards in Michigan showed a 20% decrease. Wisconsin and Minnesota showed a decrease of 12% over last year's breeding mallard estimates. Teal In the traditional survey area, blue-winged teal estimates were 8.5 million birds which is 75% above the long term average while green-winged teal estimates were 3.4 million which is 69% above the long term average. Green-winged teal population estimates in the eastern survey area were 236,000 which is close to the long term average. South Carolina duck hunters should have an excellent early teal season. Depending on the year teal represent 10 to 20% of South Carolina's duck harvest. Abundant teal populations should result in increased hunting opportunity for South Carolina duck hunters. Gadwall Gadwall breeding populations were estimated at 3.8 million which is 102% above the long term average. Last season gadwall represented 6% of South Carolina's annual duck harvest with an estimated 9,659 gadwall harvested by South Carolina hunters last season. Gadwall are late nesters and will benefit from abundant June and July water levels in the prairie pothole region. American Wigeon This year 3.1 million wigeon were reported in the traditional survey area. This number is up 18% from last year and 20% above the long term average. Last year wigeon represented only 1% of the South Carolina duck harvest with an estimated harvest of 1,584 wigeon. In 2012, 7,564 wigeon were harvested in South Carolina. Weather and habitat conditions can make a big difference in the number of ducks harvested each

WATERFOWL 14 WETLANDS

season. Northern Shoveler Shoveler numbers remain strong with a breeding population estimate of 5.3 million which is 114% above the long term average. Last season northern shoveler accounted for 4% of South Carolina's duck harvest with an estimated harvest of 6,334 birds. Northern Pintail Pintail numbers were 3.2 million and were similar to last year but 20% below the long term average of 4 million. Last season pintails represented 1.6% of South Carolina's duck harvest with an estimated harvest of 2,534. Most pintails harvested

in South Carolina are taken in coastal areas. Redhead Redheads continue to remain at high population levels with an estimated breeding population of 1.3 million ducks which is 85% above the long term average and the second highest count on record. Redheads represent less than 1% of South Carolina's annual waterfowl harvest with an estimated harvest of 950 redheads during last duck season. A large majority of redheads winter along the gulf coast of the US and Mexico. Canvasback Canvasback numbers also remain healthy with a breeding population estimate of 685,300 which is 18% above the long term average. Canvasbacks are trophy ducks for any South Carolina duck hunter with an estimated 158 harvested last duck season. In 2011, an estimated 1,375 canvasbacks were harvested in South Carolina. Scaup (greater and lesser combined) After experiencing declines in populations for many year's scaup breeding population numbers reached 5.23 million in 2012. As a result scaup limits were increased to 4 ducks in the daily bag during the 2012 - 2013 duck season. Last year Scaup breeding population numbers declined to 4.17 million which was 17% below the long term average. This prompted the USFWS to reduce the bag limit on scaup to 2 ducks per day for the 2013/14 waterfowl season. This year scaup breeding populations have increased to 4.6 million. Last season lesser and greater scaup harvest was estimated at 3,800 ducks which was greatly reduced from the previous season harvest estimate of 12,396. Wood Duck Wood ducks are the number one duck harvested in South Carolina. Last year they made up 45% of the duck harvest in our state with a total harvest of 72,050 wood ducks. Adequate rainfall across the Southeast and Atlantic states should result in a good wood duck hatch. SCWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wood duck nest box program is seeing good production from volunteer and staff maintained nest boxes. We expect to see increased numbers of wintering wood ducks in South Carolina this season unless dry conditions reduce the abundance of wintering

Photos by DougGardner.com

wood duck habitat. South Carolina hunters can be proud of the fact our state has done more to increase wood duck populations than any other state through the SCDNR and SCWA wood duck nest box and habitat programs. The limit on wood ducks will remain at three per day. Black Duck Black Ducks are not one of the ducks surveyed in the traditional survey area. They are however surveyed in the eastern survey area as they are the second most abundant duck in the survey on the east coast. This year black duck numbers were estimated at 618,000. Black duck populations are healthy, however, due to short stopping most black ducks and mallards tend to winter farther north than South Carolina. It is estimated that only 792 black ducks were harvested in South Carolina last season. Ring-necked Ducks Ring-necks are also not surveyed in the traditional survey area but they are one of the most abundant ducks here on the east coast. Last season ring-necks ranked as the third most harvested duck in South Carolina with an estimate of 17,102 ring-necks harvested by duck hunters. This year 494,000 ring-necks were counted during the breeding ground survey which is down from 630,000 last year but similar to the long term average. Total Geese and Swans This year across North America, primary goose population indexes for 9 goose populations increased while 11 goose populations decreased. Across North America overall goose and swan populations remain healthy. The eastern and western populations of Tundra swans remain healthy and stable with Eastern population estimates at 105,000. Depending on the year 200 to 1,000 tundra swans winter in South Carolina. It is not legal to harvest a swan in South Carolina, however, you can apply for a permit to harvest a swan in North Carolina where over 90% of the eastern population winters. There are three populations of Canada geese that winter in South Carolina. These include resident giant Canada geese, Atlantic population Canada geese and Southern James Bay population Canada geese. The resident Canada goose population continues to increase and is estimated at up to 100,000 geese across South Carolina. SCWA biologists have observed a good hatch for 2014 which will result in a productive early September and regular goose season. Last year the USFWS estimated a statewide harvest of approximately 17,170 Canada geese with the vast majority of geese harvested being resident Canada geese. The Atlantic Population of Canada geese winter from New England to South Carolina. The survey estimated a population size of 785,600 geese. This population is healthy and is predicted to have an above average production for 2014. The Southern James Bay Canada goose population spring survey

WATERFOWL 15 6 WETLANDS

Fall Flight Forecast...continued

estimate increased to 78,200 breeding birds. However, poor weather conditions during the breeding season will result in a below average hatch. Due to short stopping only 1,000 to 2,000 of these geese winter in South Carolina with most of the geese wintering on the Santee National Wildlife Refuge near Santee. Southern James Bay and Atlantic population Canada geese are an insignificant part of South Carolina's annual goose harvest. A very limited number of mid-continent lesser snow and blue geese winter in South Carolina. In some years up to 2,000 of these geese will winter in South Carolina's coastal marshes. Most of these geese winter in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. The midcontinent population of snow geese was estimated at 3.8 million geese. Early snow melt on the tundra breeding grounds resulted in an excellent hatch which will produce an above average fall flight of snow geese. The Bottom Line This year's waterfowl season is shaping up to be a good one. Record duck numbers, healthy goose

populations and quality wintering waterfowl habitat in South Carolina should result in an exciting waterfowl season. As always weather will play a big factor in the number of waterfowl wintering in South Carolina and the resulting quality of waterfowl hunting.

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Photos by DougGardner.com

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Carolina WaterFowler Guide Service

Duck Hunt Central North Carolina

Ronoake Rapids Lake Morning and Afternoon Hunts Mon., -Wed., -Thurs. Sharon Harris Lake Morning and Afternoon Hunts Tues.,-Fri.,-Sat.

$150 Per Person –

( Min. Four People, Max. Ten People) Breakfast served in the Blind

Call Darrell McAuly Office-910-423-8853 Home-910-486-0241 Mobile-910-263-3499

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ACTION! Where The Central & Mississippi Flyways End, and the Gulf of Mexico Begins! $300

Experience the Best Duck Hunting in Louisiana, ”Private Marsh Hunting, No Pressure, 2 per Blind”. Fees include Lodging, 3 Meals a day (You Know how Good That Cajun Food is), Guided Boat Transportation to and from the Blinds, Decoys, Pirogues. Caring of Game, Gun Cleaning Equipment, Rods and Reels for PM Fishing and fully Equipped Dog Kennels!

per Person, per Day! 3 Day Hunt

Milton “Pete” J. Pitre, Jr. 4349 Bayouside Drive, Houma,LA 70363

Cell: 985.637.2404, Eves: 985.594.7476, Day: 985.594.9936, Lodge: 985.594.2681 WATERFOWL 18

WETLANDS

$20,999 - $10,000 Defender Services, Inc. Ferguson Enterprises Frost Waterfowl Trust O'Dell Corporation RoHoHo Inc. SC Electric & Gas Company Super Sod $9,999 - $5,000 Duke Energy Robert E. Mead Waste Management

$4,999 - $2,500 Anglers Sporting Goods C. F. Evans & Company Enterprise Holdings Nucor Steel - Darlington Robert M. Stuck

$2,499 - $1,000 AAA Well Drilling, Inc. Blanchard Machinery Co. Carolina Paint & Body CMA Financial Services Coastal Sprinkler Company, Inc. D & S Heating & Cooling Deuxcheneaux Plantation Dorchester Logistics, Inc. First Citizens of Summerton Geico General Shale Brick George O. Brittle Greg Myers Hughes Supply, Inc. Jeffrey R. Smalley John Snow John Winthrop Kent Porth Nature Photography Luthi's Outfitters Martin Marietta Principal Financial Group Raceway Automotive Group Real Art – Helen Bone Rhodia, Inc. Shooter Auctions Sportsman's Warehouse Sunbelt Rentals TD Bank Thomas Jordan Tideland Utilities, Inc.

Todd Muckenfuss Trash Gurl Window World of the Upstate WM Powell Co./Starflo Corp.

$999 - $500 A & S Auto Sales Absolute Home Services Ace Golf Carts Action Abatement Adam Jackson ADSI Moving AgSouth Aim Right Guns Alex Johnston Allen & Susan Bell Allen Ray Alpha Center AMCO Electric Anderson Brothers Bank Anderson Oil Andrews Fabricators of Kingstree Argos Cement, LLC B W Mitchum Traveling Co. BBI Landscaping Beaufort Surveying, Inc. Beth Marlowe Billy's Lawn and Garden Brian White Calvert Huffines Carlton Wall Carolina Air, Inc Carolina Arms & Ammo Carolina Contracting Solutions Carolina Eastern-Aiken Carolina Orthopedic Specialists Circle M Farms City of Fountain Inn Clarendon Auto Parts Coastal Electric Cooperative Cooper Motor Company Craig S. Heath Crosby Enterprises, Inc. Curtis English Darrell J. McAuly David Harrelson David Stanley Dilmar Oil Co., Inc. Dwight Stewart & Associates Eastern Electric Eddie Yarborough Evergreen Clearing, Inc. Executive Auto Brokers Farmers & Merchants Bank of S.C. First Care Medical Transport First National Bank of S.C. Flowers Farm Fripp & Folly Goose Creek Heating & Air WATERFOWL 19

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Grayco Building Center Gulfstream Construction Haier American Refrigerators Co., LTD Hemingway Wood Forest Products Hill Tire Co. Holcim, Inc. Howard’s Liquor Jason Britt Jason Stapleton Jeff Barnes Jeremy Wall Jim Hudson Lexus Jordan Scrap Metal Judy's Electric LLC Justin Wall Kevin Wall Kirk Parker L & S Farms – Chris Cogdill L & S Farms – Kenny Cogdill Land, Parker & Welch Law Consulting Services Mace Brown McCutchen's Welding Michael Knight Mid Carolina Pipe & Maintenance Milwaukie Tools Mitch Johnson Construction Co., Inc. Nicanor M. Aguilar Norman Wilcox Palmetto Putt A Round Palmetto Rural Telephone Company Pure Gold Chokes, Inc. Reel Gun & Pawn Rex Thompson Homes of Charleston Rick Merrithew Robert Rodelsperger Robertson Kibler Ross & Witmer Rusty Jackson Ryan Martin Seamon, Whiteside, & Associates Surveying, LLC Shaun Lather Shawn Newsome Silver Lakes Plantation Southern Utility State Farm Companies Foundation Steven C. Gamble Steven Seruya Sunshine Pressure Washing Triple H Specialties Truck Toyz Tyler Brothers Vaden of Beaufort Wade and Vicki Marlowe Walter Woodard Wimberly Cleaners

W W W. D o u g g a r D n e r . c o m

$50,000 - $21,000 CN Brown Plastics & Chemicals, Inc. Crop Production Services Orton Foundation Parkdale Mills Wells Fargo

Corporate Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors as of

7/01/14

South Carolina Waterfowl Association Would Like to Thank Our Official Truck Sponsor Clarendon Chapter Prothro Chevrolet Co., Inc. 452 North Brooks Street Manning, SC 29102 803-433-2535 www.prothrochevy.com

Please See These Dealers For All of Your Truck Needs! WATERFOWL 20 2 WETLANDS

For over 30 years, Doug and Mary Sonnier have been helping hunters enjoy some of the nation’s finest waterfowling. From this experience has grown Doug’s Hunting Lodge, a full-service camp that’s sure to satisfy even the most seasoned hunter. Spanning thousands of acres of prime habitat, Doug’s prairies and marshflats are strategically spread throughout the heart of America’s greatest wintering grounds. When the birds move, Doug’s hunters move with them, led by the best guide staff in the State of Louisiana. Whether it’s a fun hunt with family and friends or a corporate excursion with big business on the line, Doug’s Hunting Lodge can make your next outing your most exciting and memorable. Hundreds of serious wingshooters throughout the nation make their annual pilgrimages here to experience some of the world’s best hunting and hospitality. We hope you’ll join us.

337-536-7902 or 1-800-888-0960 email: dougs@net-connect.net website: www.dougshuntinglodge.com

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C AMP W OODIE U PDATE

SCWA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER

R ECORD A TTENDANCE !

n addition to some picture perfect South Carolina weather, the summer of 2014 was the most productive season yet for Camp Woodie. Camp Woodie set a record with 738 campers. This is an increase from the 2013 summer record attendance of 596 campers. Thanks to support from SCWA donors our 410 acre facility was in prime condition to ensure an enjoyable experience for kids of all ages. Our top notch staff for 2014 included a team of 18 counselors/shooting instructors, three assistant directors, and Director Ed Paul. Each staff member is 4H Shotgun Instructor certified, meaning that all staff were in possession of the appropriate tools to ensure that each child had a safe yet successful experience with a firearm. Using the 4H model, we ensure that 98% of first time shooters successfully break targets the first time they pull the trigger. Increases in campers have resulted in many new and engaging opportunities, such as our Incoming and Away skeet ranges, which are a perfect introduction to wingshooting as well as great confidence builders. Level 1 campers enjoyed our new pellet rifle range, and Level II campers now have two Archery courses to choose from. Our Level III program campers have the opportu-

nity to shoot from a layout blind, and two challenging Walk-Thru Sporting Clays courses to fine tune their skills. Level III campers will also enjoy coming back this fall for an exciting dove or duck hunt. Construction on our new Cypress Lodge, which many of you saw during your 2013 visit, is now complete. This building can house up to 56 additional campers throughout 4 separate bunkstyle rooms. There’s a lot going on at Camp Woodie, and we encourage you to sign your child up for a week they will never forget! Its not to early to sign up your child for the 2015 camp season. Slots will fill up fast, so make sure you don’t miss out!

For more information on Camp Woodie call the office at (803) 452-6001 or visit our website at www.scwa.org.

South Carolina Waterfowl Association please reserve space at Camp Woodie for:

Camper’s name __________________________________male_____female_____ age Week of Choice ___________________________________ Parent’s Name Address

State/zip

Payment type (circle one):

Check

Visa

Amex

Phone

Discover

Birth date

City

EMail________________________________________

expiration date Name on Card________________________________credit card # Mail this form to: SCWA Camp Woodie, 9833 Old River Road, Pinewood, SC 29125 Fax: (803) 452-6032 PH: (803) 452-6001 web site: www.scwa.org WATERFOWL 22 WETLANDS

Thank You For A Great Summer! We Hope To See You Next Year At Camp Woodie.

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SCWA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER

Camp Leopold Program Explodes

The 2013 – 2014 school year brought a lot of new faces to Camp Leopold, South Carolina Waterfowl Association’s school year education program. Camp Leopold, which focuses on wildlife, wetland, and upland ecology, has seen its attendance more than double since its inaugural year in 2012. Schools from all over the state have enjoyed learning about the various fauna and flora that inhabit our various ecosystems. In addition, a sponsorship from Boeing has allowed many schools up and down the I-95 corridor to partake in our unique curriculum. Classes such as Creatures of the Woods, Cypress Swamp Canoe Trip, and Wetlands or Badlands immerse students in the heart of some of South Carolina’s most beautiful ecosystems, and offer unmatched hands-on experience to help emphasize their importance. Program options include either a 1 day, 2 day, or 2.5 day visit for grades 3-7. Camp Leopold plans to accommodate more than 5000 students throughout the 2014-2015 school year. At this time, there is a 100% rebooking rate for schools that have already attended. If you are an educator, we encourage you to look into the Camp Leopold program. Reasonable pricing, excellent staff, and great accommodations help to make Camp Leopold an enjoyable experience for students and educators alike. Come out and visit us, you’ll be amazed to learn about what’s happening in your own backyard! Assistant Directors: Joe Gonzales Adam Bedard (803)452-6001

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NEWS

U.S. Drought Monitor

Drought Monitors June 24, 2014

(Released Thursday, Jun. 26, 2014) Valid 8 a.m. EDT

Accumulated Precipitation (National) September 1, 2013 to June 29, 2014

L SL

< 25 mm 25 - 50 mm 50 - 75 mm 75 - 100 mm 100 - 150 mm 150 - 200 mm 200 - 300 mm 300 - 400 mm 400 - 500 mm 500 - 600 mm 600 - 700 mm 700 - 800 mm 800 - 900 mm 900 - 1000 mm 1000 - 1250 mm 1250 - 1500 mm 1500 - 2000 mm > 2000 mm Extent of Agricultural Land

L L

SL SL

S S

SL L SL

Author: Eric Luebehusen U.S. Department of Agriculture

Delineates dominant impacts

L = Long-Term, typically greater than 6 months (e.g. hydrology, ecology)

Intensity:

L SL

Drought Impact Types: S = Short-Term, typically less than 6 months (e.g. agriculture, grasslands)

S S

SL SL

D0 Abnormally Dry D1 Moderate Drought D2 Severe Drought D3 Extreme Drought D4 Exceptional Drought The Drought Monitor focuses on broadscale conditions. Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text summary for forecast statements. Copyright © 2014 Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

2014-15 Duck Stamp Went on Sale June 27

Sale of the 2014-2015 federal Duck Stamp begins on June 27. The stamp, celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2014, is a critical revenue stream for conservation of wetland and migratory bird habitat. In those 80 years, funds generated from the sale of duck stamps have been used to protect more than 6 million acres of habitat across the country. The price of the stamp remains at $15, the same price it has had since the last price increase in 1991. Since that time, the cost of land protection has increased dramatically and the buying power of the stamp has never been lower. For example, in Minnesota the cost of an acre of land has increased from $400 to $1,400 since 1998, a 250 percent increase according to Ducks Unlimited. DU has developed an infographic comparing the increased costs of some basic needs during a similar timeframe – a loaf of bread has increased from .70 cents to $1.38, a 97 percent increase and a gallon of gas has increased from $1.24 to $3.27, a more than 163 percent increase. Conservation groups have been working with Congress in the effort to pass a price increase, though legislation has stalled so far. Article contributed by Wildlife Management Institute

Prepared by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s National Agroclimate Information Service (NAIS). Data provided through partnership with Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and many Provincial agencies.

Produced using near real-time data that has undergone initial quality control. The map may not be accurate for all regions due to data availability and data errors. Created: 06/30/14 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

SCDNR NEWS Early Season Approval

Early-season migratory bird seasons approved by S.C. Natural Resources Board The S.C. Natural Resources Board recently approved migratory bird hunting seasons for mourning doves, marsh hens (rails), woodcock, snipe, moorhens, purple gallinules, and early seasons during September for teal and Canada geese. The 2014-2015 seasons must still meet approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and be published in the Federal Register in order to become final. For more information, write to Early-Season Migratory Birds, DNR, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, or call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia, The annual Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations brochure will be available in early September after the regular duck seasons are finalized. The 2014-2015 mourning dove season in South Carolina is Sept. 1-6 (noon until sunset); Sept. 7–Oct. 11; Nov. 15-29; and Dec. 13–Jan. 15. Legal hunting hours for mourning dove season, except for Sept. 1-6, are from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The daily bag limit is 15 birds per day. Dove season traditionally opens on either the first Saturday in September or on Labor Day, whichever comes first. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, seasons for migratory game birds cannot begin before Sept. 1. This season has increased from 70 to 90 days, total. The two-part season for marsh hens—including king, clapper, sora and Virginia rails—and common moorhensPurple gallinule and purple gallinules will be

WATERFOWL 28 6 WETLANDS

from Sept. 8-12 and Oct. 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Dec. 9. The daily bag limit for king and/or clapper rails is 15 birds per hunter and moorhens and/or purple gallinules is 15 birds per hunter. The daily limit for sora and/or Virginia rails is 25 birds per hunter. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The 2014-15 South Carolina season for woodcock will run Dec. 18 to Jan. 31. Three birds per hunter is the daily limit for woodcock. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The 2014-2015 season for common snipe, also called Wilson's snipe, will be Nov. 14â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is eight birds. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. An early season for Canada geese will be Sept. 1-30. This season is statewide. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The daily bag limit for Canada geese during this early season is 15 birds. The South Carolina early season for teal will be Sept. 12-27. The daily bag limit is six birds. Shooting hours are sunrise until sunset (not 30 minutes before sunrise, as with other migratory bird seasons). Category II waterfowl areas will be open for hunting during teal and Canada goose seasons. All possession limits for the coming migratory bird season will be three times the daily bag limit as opposed to

two times the daily bag limit as in the past. South Carolina migratory bird hunters age 16 and older must have a state hunting license and a free migratory bird permit. Additionally, participants in the September Canada Goose season and the early teal season must have the Federal Waterfowl Stamp and SC Waterfowl Permit. Completion of an approved hunter education course is mandatory for resident and nonresident South Carolina hunters born after June 30, 1979, to purchase a license, and voluntary for older and younger hunters. Article Courtesy of SC DNR

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DOG TRAINING

Trick Or Treat

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY PAMELA O. KADLEC

f you had your choice of getting yanked by the neck with a choke chain or getting rewarded for good behavior, which would you choose? Silly question that really doesn’t need an answer but most people don’t give it a second thought when it comes to training a dog. They say that food treats are bribery and the dog won’t work if there is no food reward. I say they are wrong and I can show you dogs that are trained with food treats that don’t require food to perform. The key is to use the food and voice commands to condition the dog to respond and once the dog is conditioned to respond the food is gradually decreased until treats are a thing of the past but the behavior remains. It’s not magic, it’s just common sense. It is so much easier to train a dog that is motivated by food because you have the dog’s undivided attention. The best part about positive training is that the dog almost trains himself, while you just dole out the goodies. All you have to do is stay alert. When the pup sits you say, “Good sit” and give him a treat. When pup comes without being called you say, “Good here” and give the pup a treat. After pup is offering a certain behavior regularly then you give it a name. You could teach your dog to come in when you say ‘taco’ if you UN OG HOTOGRAPHY want, pup wouldn’t care. Every time you take pup out he has his check cord AMELA ADLEC on and you have treats in your pocket. He hasn’t been • Dogs in training and dogs being tested at field fed a meal so he’s hungry. Find a treat that is dry and trials and hunt tests. easy to pocket. If your dog is particularly food driven • Private sittings at your place, at a hunt test, or in Edgefield, SC, (Birds provided) you can even use some of his dry food as treats. • Gun dog portraits. Goldfish crackers also work nicely though they don’t • Pet and wildlife photography. last in your pocket as well. • Great gift idea for all gun dog owners. At first you will treat pup every time he comes to you. • Call for your appointment today. You can use the check cord to aid the pup but don’t say • Shipping free on all orders. anything, just gently pull on the rope until he responds. As the word, Here, takes meaning and he comes every time you call him in then you will change over to a random schedule of treating. Treat three times in a row, then not for a couple of responses, then once, then not for a few, then once with several treats at once so pup doesn’t know when or if he will get a treat. This random treating actually builds a stronger bond because it’s like playing the slot machines you never know when you might hit the jackpot! You can gradually stop treating all together because the pup has been conditioned to behave the way you want. He Sits because he really wants to not because he has been Just Ducky Kennel & Spaniel Training Academy forced to do so. Edgefield, SC 29824 Treating your dog for good behavior is not bribery, 803- 637-2007 • cell 803-341-0541 it is conditioning. Try it and you will see how much www.boykinspaniel.com • www.justducky.photoreflect.com fun dog training can be. Best afield, Pam

WATERFOWL 30 6 WETLANDS

P O. K

Edible Duck Legs...Wanton Waste? THE SPORTING CHEF

BY SCOTT LEYSATH

If you put an average group of duck hunters in a room and ask them, “How many of you remove the breasts from your ducks and throw the rest of the birds away?”, I’m guessing that the majority will admit to doing just that. I make that assumption based on the number of hunters I meet who have only ducks breasts in their freezers. No legs, no thighs, no bodies. Unless it is just by coincidence that they all had a big party and cooked up rest of their ducks first, it seems reasonable that they took the easy route by breasting them all out and throwing the legs and carcasses in the garbage. Wanton Waste is defined as “to intentionally waste something negligently or inappropriately.” By law, we, as hunters, are supposed to make a reasonable effort to retrieve the parts of harvested animals that are edible. Although it is not illegal to discard perfectly edible parts of a duck, like the legs and thighs, it certainly is wasteful. I know this sounds crazy, but I know several people who spend a few bucks a bird by having them plucked, dressed and bagged by a processor. When it’s time to slap them on the grill, they remove the breast fillets and chuck the rest of their ducks in the can. I’m hoping that hunters who waste perfectly good duck flesh do so because they don’t know what to do with the parts that require preparation beyond a hot skillet or grill. Breast fillets can be seasoned, grilled over high

heat to medium-rare and eaten, all in about 15 minutes. The sinewy leg and thighs sections require low heat, some liquid and a couple of hours to render tender. There’s no fast way, other than a pressure cooker, to speed up the process. Cooking a whole duck with all parts attached doesn’t make sense. Medium-rare duck breasts are tender and delicious. Legs cooked to the same internal temperature are tough, chewy and, in my opinion, barely edible. Different duck parts require different means of cooking. My friend, John McGannon of Wild Eats Enterprises, best describes this concept by stating, “You don’t cook a whole cow, do you?” Well, I suppose you could, but you would have to cook it very slowly until the toughest parts like ribs and briskets were pot roast tender. Unfortunately, the process of slow cooking would turn the choicer cuts of the animal into baby food. Before you load your ducks into the freezer, cut off the legs and store them separately from the bodies and breasts. If cooking ducks on the bone is your thing, and it’s a good thing, you can still cook them whole or split, but give the legs a head start. They should first be browned before arranging in a covered container with about an inch of liquid – stock, wine, beer, teriyaki sauce – in a 325 degree oven or ‘cue until the meat starts to pull away easily from the bone. They can be served right out of the oven or cooled, slathered with sauce and reheated on a smoky grill while you’re charring a mess of split, legless ducks. Braised Duck Legs (4 to 6 appetizer servings)

24 duck legs, preferably with skin intact Kosher salt and pepper garlic powder dry red wine or beef broth

1. Season legs liberally with Kosher salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours, turning occasionally. 2. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees (or a medium-hot grill). Roast or grill legs on both sides until well-browned. Reduce heat to 325 degrees. Place browned legs in a roasting pan and add enough wine or broth to almost cover them. Leave about 1/4-inch of the legs uncovered with liquid. Cover the pan tightly with a lid or foil and place in the preheated oven. 3. After 2 hours, check for doneness. The meat should pull away from the bone with minimal pressure. Not all of the legs will be done at the same time. As they are tender, transfer the cooked legs to a plate. Return the covered pan to the oven or grill and continue cooking until all legs are done. Plum Chipotle Dipping Sauce Three ingredients make up this simple, yet flavorful dipping sauce. Brush it on the legs just before serving and the sugary plum jam will give them a crisp coating. 1/2 cup plum jam 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon, or to taste, Chipotle Tabasco

Combine all ingredients and whisk well until smooth.

Scott Leysath is The Sporting Chef America’s Premier Wild Game Chef

Scott's TV show, HuntFishCook can be seen on Comcast Sports Southeast(CSS) every Sunday AM and nationwide on The Sportsman Channel. He also appears each week on Ducks Unlimited TV on OLN. Check out his website, SportingChef.com, for more information and great fish and game recipes.

WATERFOWL 32 WETLANDS

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WATERFOWL 34 WETLANDS

Girls With Guns

OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR COMING THIS FALL

World Famous Hunting & Fishing Boots

Pro Line Manufacturing Co. 186 Parish Drive Wayne, NJ 07470 •1-800-334-4612 Fax: 1-973-692-0999 • www.prolineboots.com