Waterfowl & Wetlands - Fall 2012

SOUTH CAROLINA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION

w w w. s c wa . o r g

FEATURES:

- FALL ALL F LIGHT LIGHT F ORECAST ORECAST - CAMP AMP L EOPOLD EOPOLD L EADS EADS T HE HE WAY AY

FALL 2012/ ISSUE 96

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fall issue

DePartMents 4

SOUTH CAROLINA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION

the DireCtor’s Desk My Favorite Time Of Year

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Chapter neWs New Chapter Creates Excitemetn in Goose Creek

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Camp leopolD upDate

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FALL 2012/ ISSUE 96

WaterfoWl upDate 2012 FALL FLIGHT FORECAST

WooD DuCk nesting program unDerWay

19 Corporate sponsors

22 Camp WooDie 2012 a huge suCCess 26

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proDuCt & outfitter revieWs Remington 870 Tactical Black Cloud Ammo Agridrain - Connect A Dock Duck Commander Floating Gun Case

by Doug Gardner.com

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2012 - 2013 migratory BirD regulations

in the neWs

30 Drought Monitors - north america & canada

fws Partners for fish & wildlife Program celebrates 25th anniversary

31 farm Bill stalls

32 new research suggests outdoor cats Kill More wildlife than Previously thought

US Army Corps of Engineers Issues Managed Tidal Impoundment General Permit happy 75th to the wildlife restoration Program

36 Dog training - senIor Dogs In the fIelD

38 the sporting Chef - If You Must - stew It on the Cover:

W ilDlife photographer D oug g arDner shot this image of C anvasBaCks in the settng sun along the Carolina Coast.

by Pam Kadlec

Departments

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Camp Leopold

“Camp Leopold Excitement”

SOUTH CAROLINA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION Board of Directors

The South Carolina Waterfowl Association’s Camp Leopold 20122013 school year is just a few weeks away from kicking off, with the 5th graders of Covenant Classical Christian School from Columbia, SC who will be joining us October 11th for a Camp Leopold adventure. Beaufort Academy will follow them up in the same week bringing their 3rd and 4th graders.

Buist Academy out of Charleston who attended our pilot camp will also be coming back for a 2.5 day trip. With the fun and adventures just around the corner we are excited to share the joy and beauty of our ecosystem with students all across the state! A new addition to our classes and activities within our curriculum will be a dynamic team-building exercise, a “Low Ropes Course”. The focus of this low ropes team challenge course will be to help build group dynamics and teamwork to reach exciting new goals. Students will learn to work together and how to help each other reach new heights.

Following this class, teachers will find their students well prepared to work together with their classmates for the remainder of their Camp Leopold session and school year.

Camp Leopold will host around 2,000 students from all across South Carolina who will attend two and one half day and one day education programs. Our well trained naturalists and waterfowl and wetland biologists will work with students, parents and teachers to help them gain a better understanding of the land and the wise use of our natural resources.

Everything takes place at the SCWA 410 acre Wildlife Education Center. This beautiful outdoor campus is home to countless wildlife and natural wonders.

Our educator packets have recently been added to our website www.wildlifeedcenter.org. These packets will provide you with all of the information needed to book your school for a two and one half day or one day session at Camp Leopold. Any educator who has questions about our program or if you are seeking a new adventure outside of the classroom for your students please contact me at any time! If you are an educator that has an interest, and wants to set up a presentation for faculty and staff, I will be glad to come and share all that we have to offer!

Ed Paul Director, Camp Leopold "School Year Program" Office: 803-452-6001 ext 106 Cell: 803-600-8977 Email: epaul@scwa.org

President James H. Walker Senior Vice President Philip L. Horn, Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Philip H. Horn Jr.

Gary W. Dietrich Delbert E. Eggert Marshall J. Collins, Jr Stan Luthi John N. McCarter

Charles C. Rountree III John Stroud

John W. Williamson, III

Executive Director / Head Biologist David J. Wielicki Chapter Development Mac Bagnal Book Keeper Laura Alsbrook

Data Entry Thomasyne Hipp

Fundraising & Communications Coordinator Jennifer McNeely Camp Director Ed Paul

SOUTH CAROLINA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION

FALL 2012/ ISSUE 96

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

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.

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F

My Favorite Time Of Year

the DIrector’s DesK

BY DaVID J. wIelIcKI, scwa eXecutIVe DIrector

all is in the air and early migrating wood ducks and blue winged teal are arriving in South Carolina. Cool mornings and low humidity from recent cold fronts have given myself and our 8 year old Labrador, The Moon Pup, an even more optimistic outlook on the future. Meanwhile my wife is bemoaning the fact that summer is over and that darn cold weather is on its way. Dust off the heating blanket baby because my favorite time of year is upon us.

This fall and winter there is much to be excited about for South Carolina waterfowl hunters. Despite below average wood duck production in the Southern and Eastern states this past Spring, Prairie nesting ducks hit an all time survey high of 48.6 million (see page 6). Breeding duck numbers in the Eastern Canadian and US were also at average levels with good production coming from most areas. All of this adds up to a good fall flight of ducks and geese for this hunting season. Abundant waterfowl populations resulted in the US Fish and Wildlife Service approval of a liberal waterfowl season length and bag limit package (see page 35 for regulations). Scaup limits have been increased to 4 and we will once again enjoy a 3 bird wood duck limit. Despite lower wood duck production South Carolina should hold more wood ducks this winter due to improved wetland conditions in the Palmetto state over last winter.

Unlike much of the drought stricken United States, South Carolina has received abundant summer rainfall. Here at the SCWA Wildlife Education Center we had 25 inches of rain from July 1 through September 20. With a normal Fall rainfall pattern wetland conditions and wintering waterfowl habitat across most of South Carolina should be in excellent condition. Ducks and Geese need water and South Carolina will have an abundance this season while much of the country will remain in drought. This should help to increase the number of waterfowl that winter in South Carolina this season. As always weather will play a major factor in migration patterns.

Here at the SCWA Wildlife Education Center we are looking forward to a great waterfowl season with an abundance of quality outdoor fellowship. The highlight of the season is hosting over 140 youth on waterfowl hunts at the SCWA Wildlife Education Center. Each year we invite the level 2 Camp Woodie campers on a duck hunt with their parent or guardian.

Every camper has earned their hunter safety certificate and is a veteran of the Camp Woodie program. Prior to each hunt, SCWA Director of Education programs, Ed

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Paul, conducts the hunter safety and ethics talk.

Volunteer guides then take the hunters to the blind for an exciting waterfowl hunt.

After each youth hunt it is incredibly fulfilling to see the smiles on parents and children's faces and to listen to them recount the days hunt. Whether they get a limit or no ducks, there is always a smile on every Camper and their parents because they understand that hunting is not only about the harvest. Camp Woodie campers and their parents know that hunting is about enjoying fellowship in the outdoors with family and friends. They also know that hunting is about putting back more than you take by helping to improve waterfowl and wildlife habitat to ensure the future of healthy wildlife populations.

This year I wish each and every SCWA member a safe and enjoyable hunting season. I hope you will join with us in passing on the legacy of our waterfowl and wildlife heritage to the next generation by taking a child hunting and by continuing to support SCWA waterfowl conservation and education programs.

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2012 Fall Flight Forecast Waterfowl Update

T

he waterfowl nesting season is over and the US Fish and Wildlife Service has completed its breeding waterfowl surveys and fall flight forecast for the 2012/2013 waterfowl season. The total duck nesting population estimate for the traditional survey area was 48.6 million ducks. This is the highest count on record since the survey began in 1955. The eastern survey area waterfowl breeding population estimates were similar to the long term average.

The increase in duck breeding populations was due to an excellent hatch during the 2011 breeding season. Breeding duck habitat conditions across most of North America were not as favorable for the 2012 breeding season. The total prairie pothole count for the US and Canada declined by 32% from 2011 estimates to an estimated number of 5.5 million potholes.

However, this figure is still 9% above the long term average of 5.1 million potholes. This resulted in good

by Doug Gardner.com

waterfowl 6 6

but not excellent waterfowl production across most of the prairie pothole region. Habitat conditions in the eastern survey area were not excellent but good overall. Wood duck production in the South and eastern states will be less than last year due to dry conditions during nesting season throughout much of the nesting area. Overall we should expect an abundant fall flight of ducks due to high breeding populations and average breeding habitat conditions.

Goose populations remain at abundant levels with population indexes increasing significantly for 17 goose populations and declining for 9 goose populations. The snow melt timing in the arctic goose nesting grounds was average or earlier than average in most of the important goose nesting areas. Early snow melt improves nesting conditions and productivity of arctic nesting geese.

Mallard Mallard breeding populations in the traditional survey area reached 10.6 million birds which is 15% above last year's estimate and 40% above the long term average. The fall flight of mallards from the traditional survey area is estimated to be 12.7 million ducks.

Eastern mallard breeding populations were stable at 400,000 which is similar to last year's estimate and the long term average. Mallard harvest last season was estimated at 24,754 ducks while mallard harvest during the much colder 2010 season was estimated at 33,590.

Although South Carolina does not winter the abundance of mallards it did in the 60's and 70's, a cold winter still improves wintering numbers and the resulting mallard harvest.

Black Duck Breeding black duck populations increased by wetlanDs

by Doug Gardner.com

11% to 603,000 in the eastern survey area.

Black duck populations remain stable and we should expect a good fall flight of these prized ducks. Black duck harvest during last year's mild weather duck season was only 688. The much colder hunting season of 2010 resulted in an estimated harvest of 2,365 black ducks.

Northern pintail Breeding pintail populations were 22% below last year at 3.5 million. Dryer conditions on the prairies caused many pintails to nest farther north in Alaska and northern Canada where they are harder to survey. Pintail production will be decreased this year due to dryer conditions. Pintail harvest last season was 2,980 by Doug Gardner.com while harvest during the 2010 season was 4,021.

American widgeon Widgeon breeding populations were estimated recent wet cycle on the prairies and excellent nesting at 2.1 million which was similar to last year's estimate cover provided by the Conservation Reserve Program and 17% below the long term average. Waterfowl biol- (CRP). Gadwall can be found in fresh and brackish ogists are working to figure out why widgeon popula- water habitats across South Carolina. Gadwall harvest tions have not increased during the recent long term last season in South Carolina totaled 16,961. South wet cycle on the prairies. Most widgeon wintering in Carolina gadwall harvest during the colder 2010 season South Carolina are found in the coastal brackish and was 12,537. Unlike mallards, black ducks and pintails fresh water historic rice fields. Widgeon harvest during colder winters do not always result in increased gadthe 2011 waterfowl season was estimated at 7,564 wall and widgeon harvest. ducks. Widgeon harvest during the colder 2010 season Blue-winged teal The breeding population of blue-winged teal hit was 3,312. a record high of 9.2 million which is 94% above the Gadwall Gadwall breeding populations were estimated long term average. Blue-winged teal have benefited at 3.6 million which is similar to last year and 96% from the prairie wet cycle and excellent nesting cover above the long term average. Gadwall are late nesters provided by the US CRP program. Harvest of blueand have benefited greatly from excellent habitat con- winged teal in South Carolina reached 20,628 ducks in ditions in the US prairie pothole region caused the Continued on page 17.... waterfowl 7 6

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Now Recruiting!

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 27 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)

$10 Woodie Membership $100 Donor Membership $25 Regular Membership $250 Sponsor Membership $50 Contributing Membership Amount Enclosed: $__________________

for more information call us at (803)

__Visa __ MasterCard __American Express__Discover

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

waterfowl

(#____________________________________) Expiration Date____

9

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SCWA Chapter News CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT

BY DIRECTOR MAC BAGNAL

New Chapter Creates Excitement in Goose Creek

I

received a phone call in early March from Robbie Wright. Robbie wanted to know what it would take to start a new chapter in the Goose Creek area. We both worked together to come up with a plan of action to have a successful fundraising event in Goose Creek. Robbie quickly formed a committee with over 15 men and women and started having meetings to discuss the details of putting on a conservation dinner.

The dinner was held on August 25th with over 230 people attending and the chapter had 25 sponsors. In their first year the chapter had a net income of over $8,100 to help fund SCWA waterfowl and wetland conservation and education programs. I cannot thank the committee enough for the effort they put forth to get this annual event started. The committee worked hard and also had a great time working together on behalf of SCWA conservation programs. They are currently looking for a larger venue to accommodate the growth that they are expecting.

2012 – 2013 Chapter Events

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

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

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

As of Sept. 11, 2012

08/10/12 Midlands Conservation Dinner – Seawell’s Banquet Center 08/25/12 Berkeley Poker Run 08/25/12 Goose Creek Conservation Dinner – Immaculate Conception Church 08/25/12 Summerville Conservation Dinner – Dorchester Senior Center 09/20/12 Greater Piedmont Conservation Dinner - Baxter Hood Center 09/21/12 Anderson Conservation Dinner – Anderson Civic Center 10/05/12 Spartanburg Conservation Dinner – CCC Family Room 10/12/12 Francis Marion Conservation Dinner - SiMT Building 10/13/12 Clarendon Conservation Dinner - The Cypress Center 10/13/12 Kingstree Conservation Dinner – Williamsburg Country Recreational Dept.

10/20/12 Berkeley Conservation Dinner - Shrine Club 10/25/12 Laurens Conservation Dinner - Lakeside Country Club 11/01/12 Georgetown Conservation Dinner - National Guard Armory 11/16/12 “Fowl” 1st Season Kick Off Dinner & Auction - SCWA Wildlife Ed. Center 11/29/12 Greenville Conservation Dinner - St. George Greek Orthodox 11/30/12 Horry Conservation Dinner – The Boathouse 12/05/12 Charleston Conservation Dinner – Alhambra Hall 12/07/12 “Fowl” 2nd Season Kick Off Dinner & Auction - SCWA Wildlife Ed Center 12/08/12 Barnwell Conservation Dinner - National Guard Armory 01/18/13 Sumter Conservation Dinner - The American Legion 01/19/13 Walterboro Conservation Dinner - National Guard Armory 01/25/13 Black Creek Conservation Dinner - Prestwood Country Club 01/26/13 Orangeburg Conservation Dinner - The Garden Room 02/01/13 Newberry Conservation Dinner - Newberry Shrine Club 02/15-16 Sportsman’s Ball - Duck Shuck - Omar Shrine Center in Mt Pleasant 03/01/13 Pee Dee / Marlboro Conservation Dinner - Community Center TBD Beaufort Conservation Dinner Greenwood Conservation Dinner Four Holes Conservation Dinner CSRA Conservation Dinner Greater Wateree Conservation Dinner

For further information, please call Mac Bagnal, Chapter Developement Director at (803) 452-6001 ext.108 or Jennifer McNeely, Coordina tor ex t.109 o r visit our web site at www.scwa.org waterfowl 10 1 wetlanDs

2012 Banquets

CHAPTER EVENTS

Anderson Committee

Goose Creek Committee

Summerville Committee

Midlands Committee

SCWA Welcomes Robbie Wright

My love of the outdoors started at about 6 or 7 when my dad started taking me deer hunting. We dog hunted so there was always a lot of interaction with other people; Uncles, cousins and lots of old timers as I call them. I look at dog hunting a little like team sports, where everyone one is working as a team to accomplish a goal. Back then I was just hunting going thru the motions of the day and the hunts. Today looking back those experiences and influences helped build me as a person. I can ride thru those areas today and the memories start pouring in. I loved everything about it, from our meeting spot in the morning where we planned the first drive to the late nights riding around looking for dogs. There is something special about being outside and watching the world wake up and being part of it. I didn't get into duck hunting until my early twenty's. It was then that a good friend took me for the first time to stump hole landing. In a way it's a lot like dog hunting, the meet, set up and the hunt. We watched those birds flying around and only and one small group of mallards come in but watching them lock up and remembering me missing all three shots is something I won't forget. After that we made trips to Arkansas every year and that is an experience all it self. I got involved with SCWA as a favor back in 1999 on the Summerville committee and found it to be a lot of fun and for a good cause. There have been a lot of opinions over the years about SCWA but nobody can say anything bad about the job that is done at camp woodie. I think the camp is a great way to build a young person's self esteem and learn the ways of the outdoors. Hopefully those of those kids will take away memories and friendships made and keep them for a life time. I agree whole heartedly with SCWA and the mallard release program. South Carolina doesn't have the ducks that Arkansas and some other states have and it gives the everyday hunter something to look forward to. But even better it helps give the "new" duck hunter the chance to experience the hunt and memories to never forget. I kind of got away from all hunting for a while when my father passed but when I married my wife it started coming back little by little. She herself loves the outdoors and I enjoy being with her as she experiences different wildlife to hunt. Some good friends love the outdoors as well and have never gotten a chance to hunt much but I hope to help them go some as well. Maybe to them I can be that "old timer" and build memories together.

As far as the committee goes it is made up of family and friends. Some of them hunt and some don't.

Some of them truly understand and care about what we are doing and some help just because I asked. They all did a fantastic job and showed lots of effort in our first banquet. We have a good time getting together planning and are already looking forward to next years. waterfowl 11 1 wetlanDs

OPERATION GAME THIEF

Rep ort Violators. ..

1-800-922-5431

* OR # OGT

OR DIAL

DO YOUR PART TO PROTECT SOUTH CAROLINA’S NATURAL RESOURCES. waterfowl 12 wetlanDs

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My first hunt with Jim Riley was an elk/mule deer hunt and besides filling my tags, I had a great time and made great friends. Since booking more hunts through Into the Wild I have the utmost confidence that he can help me make the right choice saving time and money by making one phone call to Jim, trusting his vast experience and knowledge.

– Tom C., Kentucky Saw five bucks today over 180″, 2 pushing 200″, two stalks made but got busted.

Unbelievable country and mammoth mule deer, I’m in Heaven!

– John N., Montana ITWA is my go to source for my next hunting adventure! Jim knows the latest hotspots.

I have hunted from Argentina to Africa using his knowledge as my guide!

– Ryan M., Iowa

Wood Duck Nesting Program

2012 Wood Duck Program Underway Joe Gonzalez - Wildlife Biologist

3 inches of cedar chips to provide nesting material and reduce parasitism.

The boxes are fixed to the top of a ten foot 4” x 4” post, with a circular, metal predator guard preventing any unwelcome guests from accessing the entrance of the box. The post is leaned slightly forward at about a 15 degree angle to assist ducklings in exiting the nest box. Each nest box is tagged with a number, allowing nesting data to be annually recorded to assess usage and productivity.

The SCWA Wood Duck Production Project, which has been in place for more than 25 years, is responsible for

by Doug Gardner.com more than 21,000 nest boxes installed throughout the state. SCWA wood icture a brisk November morning, the duck nest boxes have hatched over 850,000 wood sky streaked with shades of yellow and duck ducklings since 1986.

It is essential to properly maintain each orange as the sun begins to peek over from the horizon. Deep in some secluded nest box to ensure maximum productivity

by Doug Gardner.com swamp, the world begins to come year to year. This includes clearing all nesting alive. A chorus of birds greets the daylight, their debris from previous years and restocking cedar reflections playing across the surface of the glassy wood chips (about 3 inches). Maintaining the water as they flit through the trees. A series of predator guard and clearing vegetation from whistles echoes through the cypresses. A flock of around the post and nest box is critical, as overwood ducks emerges over the silhouettes of the hanging branches and tall weeds provide alternatrees and come whistling down into the swamp - tive routes for potential predators. Weathered right into the midst of your decoy spread. Cut damaged boxes should be promptly replaced.

If you have wetland habitat suitable for ‘em boys - or girls. Whether male or female, it’s what every hunter hopes to see on opening day, wood ducks and are interested in having nest and thanks to the South Carolina Waterfowl boxes installed on your property, or if you already Association’s (SCWA) Wood Duck Production have nest boxes on your property that need to be Project, your chances of seeing those early season maintained, please contact the South Carolina Waterfowl Association to schedule an appointwood ducks are higher than ever.

Since the beginning of August, SCWA ment at 803-452-6001.

Biologists Joe Gonzalez and Adam Bedard have So when you’re in the blind on opening day waitinstalled and maintained over 800 nest boxes ing for daylight, and you hear that oh-so-familiar throughout South Carolina. This year SCWA will whistle that still raises the pulse of even the most install and distribute 400 wood duck nest boxes seasoned hunters, remember that it’s a good and maintain over 2,500 nest boxes across South chance that beautiful duck is the product of a Carolina. The nest boxes, which provide impor- nest box program. With that in mind, I wish each tant artificial nesting sites for wood ducks, are and every one of you a safe and successful huntcrafted out of cypress wood and filled with about ing season.

P

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Fall Flight continued.......

2011.

Green-winged teal Green-winged teal breeding populations in the traditional survey area were 3.5 million which is 74% above the long term average. The eastern survey area estimated 259,000 breeding green-winged teal with is 1% above the long term average. Green-winged teal harvest in South Carolina was 17,190 in 2011 and 18,687 in the 2010 season.

Redhead Redhead populations remain healthy with a breeding estimate of 1.3 million which is 89% above the long term average. Redheads have benefited from excellent wetland conditions over the last several nesting seasons. Redhead harvest in South Carolina was 1,419 ducks in the 2010 season.

Canvasback Canvasback populations have also benefited from excellent wetland conditions over the past several years with an estimated breeding population of 800,000 which is 33% above the long term average. Wintering canvasbacks in South Carolina are most commonly seen in coastal areas especially the Winyah and Muddy Bay area near Georgetown. Canvasbacks can also be found wintering with ringnecks on reservoirs and ponds that have hydrilla. Canvasback harvest in 2011 was 1,375.

Ring-necked ducks South Carolina's wintering ring-necked ducks breed primarily in the eastern survey area of Canada.

This year breeding population estimates for ringnecked ducks were 488,000 which is unchanged from last year. Ring-necks nest in stable wetland areas of the boreal forest and their population does not fluctuate as much as many other duck species. Ring-necks prefer freshwater vegetation including hydrilla, water shield and white water lily. They also favor deep flooded corn and chufa fields. The South Carolina harvest of ringnecked ducks for last season was estimated at 3,896 while the harvest for the 2010 season was estimated at 13,483. Improved water conditions in South Carolina should increase the number of wintering ring-necked ducks in the state.

Lesser and Greater Scaup Scaup populations have been on the rise over the last several years due to improved habitat conditions in the prairie pothole region and restricted harvest limits. Scaup breeding population estimates were 5.2 million which is 21% above the 2011 estimate and similar to the long term average. Due to increased population levels scaup limits have been increased from 2 to 4 birds this season. South Carolina harvest of scaup was 8,710 ducks last season.

South Carolina Resident Canada Goose Population South Carolina resident Canada Goose populations are estimated to be in excess of 50,000 geese.

Based on biologist reports from across South Carolina

by Doug Gardner.com

the goose hatch for resident Canada geese was good.

South Carolina Canada goose harvest which is made up primarily of resident geese was estimated at 17,250 last season.

Southern James Bay Canada Goose Population A small number of these geese winter on the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. Breeding pair counts for this population were estimated at 77,550 breeding pairs which is similar to last year's estimate. South Carolina has not been an important wintering area for these geese since the 1970's. Southern James Bay Canada Goose populations are healthy and consideration is being given to opening Canada goose hunting in the closed zones of Clarendon, Orangeburg and Calhoun counties since there is no biological justification to restrict hunting of these geese around the Santee National Wildlife Refuge area.

Atlantic Canada Goose population There are small numbers of Altantic Canada geese that winter along the South Carolina coast. Most of the population winters in the Delmarva peninsula area of the Atlantic flyway. This population of Canada geese has had a tremendous recovery since the early 1990's with a Spring 2012 population estimate of 871,200 geese.

These geese are the mainstay for Chesapeake area goose hunters.

Mid-Continent snow goose population Although the majority of these geese winter in Texas and Louisiana several thousand of these snow and blue geese winter along the South Carolina coast primarily in the Santee Delta region. Winter population surveys of mid-continent Snow goose were at a record high of 4,021,200. Due to poor nesting habitat conditions in their arctic nesting range production is not expected to be good for this year. However, due to their record population levels hunters will still experience a large fall flight of snow and blue geese.

Eastern population of tundra swan The midwinter waterfowl survey estimated a population of 111,700 eastern tundra swans which is 14% higher from the previous year's count. Tundra swan populations remain at high levels. Most of the eastern population winters in eastern North Carolina with several hundred to a thousand swans wintering in South Carolina. Remember is it not legal to harvest a swan in South Carolina.

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$10,000 - $20,999 SCANA Blanchard Machinery Co. C. N. Brown Plastics & Chemicals, Inc. Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Super Sod $5,000 - $9,999 North Shore at Lake Marion Remington Arms Company, Inc. Sportsman’s Warehouse $2,500 - $4,999 Adam Jackson Dick’s Sporting Goods Enterprise Holdings Nucor Steel – Darlington Numzaan Safaris Shi-Awela Safaris Tideland Utilities, Inc. Waste Management, Inc.

$1,000 - $2,499 Billy’s Lawn and Garden Boone Hall Plantation Buck’s Building Supply, LLC Carolina Fresh Farms – Mount Pleasant Carolina Fresh Farms – Rock Hill Carrol Josey CMA Financial Services Coastal Pond Solutions D & S Heating & Cooling Dilmar Oil Co., Inc. Dorchester Logistics, Inc. Duraclean Systems, Inc. Eat More Tees Exit Realty First Citizens Bank - Summerton George O. Brittle Greg Myers Guns-N-Things J. C. Witherspoon, Jr., Inc. J. M. Lawhon L & S Farms Linda Bush Martin Marietta Mattress Express McLain & Lee, LLC Port Royal Gun & Pawn Principal Financial Group Prothro Chevrolet

Real Art - Helen Bone Rhodia, Inc. Shady Grove Kennels Steelwater Gun Safes The Wm. Powell Co./Starflo Corp.

Todd Muckenfuss Trash Gurl Tyler Brothers Window World of the Upstate

$500 - $999 A & S Auto Sales Alveron Cookers American Forest Management Anderson Brothers Bank Atlantic Game & Tackle ATP Gun Shop B & B Body Shop Black River Hunt Club Bobby Martin Brent and Carson Cogdill Carlton Wall Carolina Orthopedic Specialists Carolina Paint & Body Carolina Pole, Inc. Charles Crocker Charles McFadden Charleston Rubber & Gasket Circle M Farms Coastal Electric Cooperative Complete Lawn Service Conway Auto Parts Crossroads Archery Darrell J. McAuly David Harrelson David Stanley Dirty South Ducks Guide Service Doc's Gun Exchange Dorchester Tractor Douglas Development Eastern Electric Eastern Sales Co. Estes Specialized Fantastic Floors Farmers & Merchants Bank of S.C. Frank Feltham Franklin Gandy General Shale Brick Glasscock Co, Inc. Glenn A. Durant Goose Creek Heating & Air Grice Hunt H & D Supply Haier America Refrigerators Co., LTD Hemingway Wood Forest Products waterfowl 19

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Hill Plumbing & Electric Co., Inc. Holcim, Inc. Jason Dandridge Jennifer Mixon Jeremy Wall Jesse & Jennifer Weeks Jim Hudson Lexus Judy’s Electric, LLC KELPRO Kent Porth Nature Photography King Feed LLC LAD Corporation of West Columbia Lamar Kennedy Larry Avins Libby Williams Manning IGA Mark Ward McCutcheon's Welding Metal Technician, Inc. Michael Knight Micky Finn’s Mid Carolina Pipe & Maintenance Mitch Johnson Construction Co., Inc. Nicanor M. Aguilar Norman Wilcox Ol’ Rev’s Shooting Preserve Palmetto Rural Telephone Co-op, Inc R & R Golf Carts Rance Boozer Renn Tech Graphics Republic Services Riverbend Sportsman’s Resort Robert Bowers Russell Hightower Ryan Martin Schmoyer & Co., LLC, CPA’s Silver Lakes Plantation Southern Welders Supply Sparrow & Kennedy Tractor Steven C. Gamble Stevie Thompson The Alpine Restaurant The Tobacco Market Thomas Auto & Towing Triangle Construction Co. Truck Toyz Unlimited Electric Co. Waste-Pro

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

$21,000 - $30,000 Defender Services, Inc.

Corporate Sponsors

Corporate Sponsors as of 9/24/12

South Carolina Waterfowl Association Would Like to Thank Our Official Truck Sponsors Across the State Charleston Chapter Palmetto Ford - Lincoln 1625 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC 29407 843-571-3673 www.palmettoford.com

Clarendon Chapter Prothro Chevrolet Co., Inc. 452 North Brooks Street Manning, SC 29102 803-433-2535 www.prothrochevy.com

Midlands Chapter Dick Dyer Toyota 240 Killian Commons Pkwy.

Columbia, SC 29203 803-786-4111 www.dickdyertoyota.com

Sumter Chapter Jones Chevrolet Co., Inc. 1230 Broad Street Sumter, SC 29150 803-469-2515 www.joneschevy.com

Francis Marion Chapter Raceway Automotive Group 701 South Hwy 52 By-Pass Darlington, SC 29540 843-393-5000 www.racewayautomotive.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 2012 A H UGE S UCCESS !

ED PAUL - CAMP DIRECTOR

CAMP WOODIE

Well, another great summer has come and gone! The staff of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA) and Camp Woodie would like to send out a special thank you to the parents and campers who attended Camp Woodie this past summer. We would also like to thank our volunteers, SCWA members and sponsors who have made the Camp Woodie program possible. Thanks to your support and the hard work of dedicated camp counselors and volunteers Camp Woodie grew from 288 summer campers in 2011 to 425 campers in 2012!

As we look forward to the summer of 2013, we are working hard to develop new activities and facilities that will continue to improve the quality of the nation's leading youth wildlife conservation camp. Since Camp Woodie was established in 1995 over 5,500 youth have participated in the Camp Woodie program. Thanks to you, SCWA's Camp Woodie program is achieving its mission of passing on the legacy of our wildlife heritage. Our only regret this past summer, was having to turn away over 60 campers due to fully booked weeks. This year we will be adding an extra week of camp. If you are interested in signing up your child for Camp Woodie, sign up early to make sure you get the dates you want for your young camper. You can sign up by visiting the SCWA Wildlife Education Center website at www.wildlifeedcenter.org. When you visit the web site you can also check out our new Camp Leopold school year natural resource conservation camp program that will be starting this fall. Again, Thank you all so much for your involvement and support.

I hope to see you soon!

Sincerely, Ed Paul SCWA Director of Education Programs

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

MC

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

CAMP DATES 2013

Week 1 - June 2 - June 6 Week 2 - June 9 - June 13 Week 3 - June 16 - June 20 Week 4 - June 23 - June 27 Week 5 - June 30 - July 4 Week 6 - July 7 - July 11 Week 7 - July 14 - July 18 Week 8 - July 21 - July 25 Week 9 - July 28 - August 1 Week 10 - August 4 -August 8 Level 1 - $420 - Level 2 - $575 - All H OME V ISIT S PECIAL

The program works like this: a person or family serves as a host to their friends and their kids that are interested in learning more about Camp Woodie. I will come to the host house to explain the activities and goals behind Camp Woodie. All questions will be answered and a slide show will be presented.

Contact Camp Woodie.

803-452-6001

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Level 1 - Coed Level 1 - Coed Level 2 - Coed Level 1 - Coed Level 1 - Coed Level 2 - Coed Level 1 - Coed Level 1 - Coed Level 2 - Coed Level 1 - Coed Weeks are Co-ed!

I

Favorite Duck Spreads

by Richard Foley

n order to have an effective decoy spread one must know three things. First one must now where the wind is coming from. Wind plays the biggest role in a decoy spread because ducks have to land into the wind. Ducks are like planes in the sense that they will be landing into the wind every time. Once one has established the wind direction then the weather becomes a factor. In setting a decoy spread weather plays a key role. It does this by the way the ducks will position themselves. For instance, in colder weather ducks are more tightly packed together due to the fact they are huddle/congregating more closely together so they will stay warm. In reversal is warmer weather. In warmer weather situations ducks and geese tend to be more spread out. They do this because there is no need to huddle or congregate for warmth. The last aspect that is key in setting up an effective decoy spread lies in your scouting of the birds. Scouting plays a key role because one sees how the birds position themselves in a natural and unbiased scenario. This is effective because no matter what the wind or weather is like one knows where the birds are and exactly where to put your decoys.

In optimizing the three main aspects of decoy placement, a simple yet effective spread called the “Modified X” can be used. This decoy spread utilizes the wind direction and bird placement. What makes this spread effective are the multiple landing zones. First complete a base fork-like layout. The fork-like layout offers multiple landing zones.

Multiple landing zones play to the bird’s discretion. This spread is easily modified to accommodate changes in wind direction. When setting this spread, be sure to place the ducks in strategic positions. I prefer to place pintails on the outer edge of the spread. Pintails tend to be passive ducks that are less aggressive feeders. They normally feed on the outer edge of any flock. Once the pintails are set, work inward towards the blind progressively adding the more

by Richard Foley

dominate feeders. These include gadwall and mallards.

When placing these puddle ducks, remember to begin forming the four landing zones of the fork.

Once the base layout of the fork is completed, go back and add filler decoys. Filler decoys give a realistic illusion by breaking up the fork pattern, which is not a natural rafting pattern. Add fillers in pods ranging from three to five ducks each. The best fillers are teal. Teal are effective fillers because they are very gregarious ducks. Due to their size, teal, do not threaten other ducks. The larger puddle ducks easily dominate them if they threaten their food source.

Essentially, you can put teal decoys anywhere without upsetting the authenticity of the spread.

Once all the fillers are placed and the landing zones are open, I do three last things. First, I put three teal in the front and center-landing zone. These teal serve as the landing target area. Use only three because this attracts the new birds to an easy landing site with little intimidation from other birds. Only three teal communicates to new birds that the target area is a new food source that the other rafting birds have yet to discover. From that point is where you can optimize the use of mojo’s and jerk strings.

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by Doug Gardner.com

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PRODUCT REVIEW

Remington’s New Model 870™ Express® Tactical Line

Madison, NC – New for 2012, Remington Arms Company, LLC, (“Remington”) proudly introduces the Model 870 Express Tactical BLACKHAWK! ® The Remington Model 870 pump-action is the gold standard for tactical and home defense shotguns. An iconic firearm and that delivers unmatched reliability, dependability, and ease of operation, the Model 870 is respected by law enforcement, hunters, and shooters around the world. Different users have different needs, and the Model 870 Express Tactical BLACKHAWK! continues the tradition of excellence.

This durable shotgun starts with the proven, dependable Model 870 action, which features twin-action bars for ultra-reliable feeding, extraction and ejection. A factory-installed, two-round magazine extension raises the overall capacity to seven rounds and the 18 1/2-inch carbon steel, hammer-forged barrel is fast handling. The receiver is milled from a solid block of billet steel and is drilled and tapped for mounting optics.

The Model 870 Express Tactical BLACKHAWK!® shotgun proudly features the new BLACKHAWK!® SpecOps II Adjustable Stock. The well-built stock is constructed of a durable polymer and alloy construction designed for years of rugged use. In addition, the stock's unique design cuts muzzle rise, allowing for faster target reacquisition.

The SpecOps stock includes an adjustable length-of-pull with seven rapid adjustment positions to comfortably fit any shooter. Utilizing the proven Knoxx® dual recoil-compensation systems, this stock reduces felt recoil, making even the heaviest loads easy for all shooters to handle. Other features include an ergonomic pistol grip with interchangeable, rubber OD-green grip inserts; an integrated ambidextrous single-point sling plate and quick-detach sling swivel; and our patented SuperCellTM recoil pad.

The Model 870 Express Tactical BLACKHAWK! is available at a suggested retail price of $638.00.

For additional information on the 870 Express Tactical line of shotguns and other Remington products, please visit our web site at www.remington.com .

Black Cloud® FS Steel®

Black Cloud® has been the hottest ammunition to hit waterfowling in recent memory. The pure innovation of FLITESTOPPER Steel™ and the FLITECONTROL® wad remains unmatched. Black Cloud takes another step forward in 2009 as it becomes available in more offerings. Ten and 20-gauge shooters will get the same consistent patterns, downrange energy and hard hitting performance of the Black Cloud 12-gauge loads. Since its debut, waterfowlers have always asked if they could get it in 10 or 20-gauge, and now they can. These new loads extend the capabilities of this impressive ammunition, and are sure to make another big splash this fall.

Features & Benefits • FLITECONTROL® wad provides controlled release of FS Steel™ pellets • Increases downrange pellet energy • FLITESTOPPER® steel shot design cuts on impact • Increased energy and Knockdown Power® on waterfowl with larger wound channel • Adds 10-15 yards distance to typical waterfowl shots • Now available in 10 and 20 gauge

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Connect-A-Dock Modular Floating Dock Systems

The Connect-A-Dock is the perfect addition to your favorite wetland! Lifetimes of waterfront adventures await you with the family-friendly Connect-A-Dock floating dock system. The modular design and rugged construction allow a simple, quick and reliable way for you to build boat docks, rowing docks, fishing docks, swimming platforms and anything else you can imagine at home, in parks and wetlands. A Connect-A-Dock floating dock system will help you create many family memories of safe and enjoyable fun around the water!

Connect-A-Dock floating dock systems are versatile; the modules can be configured end to end or side to side, as long and wide as you wish and for many different applications or configurations on water or land. The rotationally molded polyethylene construction ensures many years of dependable service. Sections are manufactured in 3 variations, referred to as Series 1000; 30”x45”x10”, 60”x45”x10” and Series 2000; 48”x96”x20”.

There are several different configurations for the Connect-A-Dock systems. They can be configured as a floating dock slip, walkway in marshy wetlands, airplane

docks for fly-in fishing as well as many other configurations. The Connect-A-Dock works well in fluctuating water levels.

Docks have a modular design which makes them very easy to install. They are UV protected, salt water safe, and environmentally friendly with an 8-year product warranty. The Connect-A-Dock floating docks connect easily using only a few bolts and connectors in just a few minutes.

The design of the Connect-A-Dock allows you to plan your own unique configuration. We offer several accessory pieces to go along with any of your desired configurations.

To learn more about the Connect-A-Dock system, or to place your order, contact your local Agri Drain dealer or call Agri Drain Corporation at 1-800-232-4742.

Agri Drain Corporation 1462 340th Street Adair, IA 50002 Ph: 800-232-4742 Fax: 800-282-3353 info@agridrain.com

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PRODUCT REVIEW

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Proud Sponsor of The South Carolina Waterfowl Association

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Drought Monitors

NEWS

U.S. Drought Monitor

Accumulated Precipitation (National) September 1, 2012 to October 1, 2012

L L

September 25, 2012 Valid 7 a.m. EDT

SL SL

SL

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

Copyright © 2012 Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

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.

L SL SL

SL

L L

L

SL

L

L S SL Intensity: D0 Abnormally Dry D1 Drought - Moderate D2 Drought - Severe D3 Drought - Extreme D4 Drought - Exceptional

Drought Impact Types: Delineates dominant impacts S = Short-Term, typically <6 months (e.g. agriculture, grasslands) L = Long-Term, typically >6 months (e.g. hydrology, ecology)

The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions.

Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text summary for forecast statements.

FWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program Celebrates 25th Anniversary

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.

Created: 10/02/12 www.agr.gc.ca/drought

In late August, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Partners for Fish & Wildlife (Partners) program celebrated 25 years of supporting conservation on private lands, reports the Wildlife Management Institute. The voluntary program has focused on developing cooperative, short-term conservation agreements that provide financial and technical assistance to private landowners. Since its beginning in 1987, the program’s staff has worked with 44,000 landowners and more than 3,000 partner organizations to restore and enhance 9,200 miles of stream habitat, 1.26 million acres of wetlands and 3.24 million acres of upland habitat.

The vision behind the Partners for Fish & Wildlife program is based on the recognition that more than two-thirds of the United States is privately owned and that most wildlife species use private lands for all or part of their life cycle requiring a collaborative approach to conservation on these private lands. The Partners program seeks to accomplish this by developing strong relationships with private landowners through one-on-one communication.

In its 25 years, the Partners program has forged partnerships that have affected a broad range of habitat types focused on federal trust species: migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, inter-jurisdictional fish, certain marine mammals, and species of international concern. Projects include wetlands and grassland restoration, invasive species

L

L

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

Released Thursday, September 27, 2012 Author: Anthony Artusa, NOAA/NWS/NCEP/CPC

control, stream restoration and much more depending on regional conservation goals and objectives.

Program accomplishments are quantifiably measured by “acres and miles” of habitat restored, or number of stream barriers removed, but there is an increasing effort to project the anticipated biological outcomes of the various projects.

The Partners program offers shorter-term restoration and enhancement agreements that provide direct financial and technical assistance, yet these efforts often lead to long-term conservation actions by landowners. For example, in the Prairie Pothole Region, strong landowner relationships developed by Partner biologists provide the opportunity to enroll millions of acres of wetland and grassland habitat into perpetual conservation easements.

Currently, the Partners program has more than 300 staff, including biologists in all 50 states, that focus on the program’s major goals: 1) Conserve Habitat, 2) Broaden and Strengthen Partnerships, 3) Improve Information Sharing and Communication, 4) Enhance our Workforce and 5) Increase Accountability. In most cases, federal funding for Partners projects is leveraged four to one with outside funding sources. As a result, the program has had significant success during its 25-year history making it one of the most effective private lands conservation programs. (jas)

Article contributed by Wildlife Management Institute

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Farm Bill Stalls During August Recess

After substantial advancement in recent weeks, progress on the 2012 Farm Bill has ground to a halt, according to the Wildlife Management Institute. In late June, the Senate passed its version of the bill by a vote of 64 to 35. The House Agriculture Committee quickly followed suit and passed their version of the bill on July 12th. The next step is consideration by the full House of Representatives and, if passed there, on to a conference committee to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The quick action by the Senate and the House Agriculture Committee had many people optimistic that the entire effort could be wrapped up in time to take effect when the current Farm Bill expires on September 30th this year. That is appearing to be less likely as House leadership is balking at bringing the bill to the floor for consideration and timing is becoming even more critical as both the House and Senate left Washington, DC on recess through Labor Day. Some thought that the drought conditions throughout much of the country would push the House to act on the bill since the Senateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version includes measures to address natural disasters, including droughts. Likely realizing the potential for substantial criticism from the agricultural community for their lack of action, the House quickly passed a stand-

alone, emergency drought assistance package just before leaving on recess. Unfortunately, the House opted to underwrite drought assistance in the package in part by diverting funding from conservation programs. If the legislation is implemented as currently written, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program would sustain a $350 million cut and $289 million would be diverted from the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Many in the Senate, however, viewed the House action as a way to further delay consideration of the full Farm Bill and did not act on the emergency legislation before leaving. Pressure will undoubtedly build over recess for Congress to quickly act on drought relief in one form or another upon their return to Washington, but the stalemate between whether action will be taken on a full Farm Bill versus a standalone drought bill is still in question.

In the meantime, a bi-partisan group of rural lawmakers is seeking support for a discharge petition that would force House action on the full Farm Bill that was passed out of the House Agriculture Committee. A simple majority of House members signing the petition would force immediate consideration of the bill. (pmr)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Charleston District, developed and issued a regional general permit for certain types of work necessary to maintain managed tidal impoundments. These impoundments are often located on historic plantations which were formerly used for the rice culture.

The permit is the first of its kind for the District and was developed to authorize certain legitimate emergency response procedures and for the routine and normal maintenance and repair activities of managed rice tidal fields.

The goal of this new permit was to save critical time for the applicant on routine and normal maintenance or emergency repair activity. Previously, either the work had to be done under a nationwide permit or the applicant had to apply for an individual

Department of the Army permit for each activity. This can take even longer to obtain and also requires the applicant to apply to the Office of Coastal Resource Management for their permit. This time savings was imperative because in emergency situations an embankment failure could occur while waiting for the permit as well as expediting routine and normal activities necessary for the continued management of these areas.

The South Carolina Waterfowl Association applauds this effort by the USACE which will help to improve the management of over 70,000 acres of managed tidal historic rice fields in South Carolina. These habitats provide critical wintering waterfowl habitat to hundreds of thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds.

Article provided by Wildlife Management Institute

US Army Corps of Engineers Issues Managed Tidal Impoundment General Permit

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New Research Suggests Outdoor Cats Kill More Wildlife Than Previously Thought NEWS

A study released this month by The Wildlife Society and the American Bird Conservancy suggests that nearly one-third of free-roaming house cats are capturing and killing wildlife, reports the Wildlife Management Institute. Conducted by the University of Georgia, in partnership with the National Geographic Society’s Crittercam program, the study attached “KittyCams” to 60 outdoor house cats near Athens, Georgia. The cameras recorded their outdoor activities during all four seasons with study participants averaging five to six hours outside every day.

“The results were certainly surprising, if not startling,” said Kerrie Anne Loyd of the University of Georgia, who was the lead author of the study. “In Athens-Clarke County, we found that about 30 percent of the sampled cats were successful in capturing and killing prey, and that those cats averaged about one kill for every 17 hours outdoors or 2.1 kills per week. It was also surprising to learn that cats only brought 23 percent of their kills back to a residence. We found that house cats will kill a wide variety of animals, including: lizards, voles, chipmunks, birds, frogs, and small snakes.”

The finding that cats are only bringing back less than one quarter of their kills to their residence counters previous studies that tried to gauge the impacts of domestic cats on wildlife. Those earlier estimates of a billion birds and animals per year were based on mortality counts from animals that the cats brought home with them. The KittyCams showed that nearly half of the time (49 percent) cats would leave the prey at the capture site and 28 percent were eaten and never brought home. The new study does not take into consideration the impacts of the estimated 60 million feral cats that roam the United States. A University of Nebraska study from 2010 states that cats have been responsible for the extinction of 33 bird species worldwide.

“If we extrapolate the results of this study across the country and include feral cats, we find that cats are likely killing more than 4 billion animals per year, including at least 500 million birds. Cat predation is one of the reasons why one in three American bird species are in decline,” said Dr. George Fenwick, President of American Bird Conservancy.

The researchers also found that the cats were engaging in risky activity. The study found that 45 percent of the cats crossed roads and 20 percent each entered crawlspaces and storm drain systems where

they could become trapped. In addition, 25 percent of the study cats interacted with strange cats increasing the potential for fights or disease transmission. Eightyfive percent of the project cats exhibited at least one risk behavior with male cats and younger cats being more likely to take risks.

As a result of the risk behaviors and the higher than anticipated predation, the researchers developed a brochure for cat owners with an overview of the findings and recommendations for cat owners. (jas) Article provided by Wildlife Management Institute

Happy 75th to the Wildlife Restoration Program

On September 2, one of the most important programs for wildlife conservation in America will celebrate its 75th anniversary, reports the Wildlife Management Institute. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program, long known just by the names of its congressional authors as the Pittman-Robertson Act, has dedicated more than $6 billion from excise taxes collected on sporting arms and ammunition to state fish and wildlife agencies for the management of wildlife species.

Followed just thirteen years later by the Sport Fish Restoration program (or Dingell-Johnson Act) the two programs are widely regarded as fundamental to the success of the American system of conservation.

The turn of the last century marked a time when the United States was rapidly growing and tapping into the vast mineral and natural resources of the country. One of the perceived “vast, inexhaustible” resources was wildlife, and the economic prosperity of the nation resulted in the wholesale slaughter of wildlife for commercial use. Wildlife populations across the country plummeted to the point where simply seeing a whitetail was notable since there was less than a half million of them nationwide. Wild turkeys were on the brink of extinction and only 100,000 elk remained.

As President Theodore Roosevelt called attention to the waste of our nation’s resources, a growing movement led largely by sportsmen-conservationists began to develop a core ethic and with it the beginning of the North American

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Model of Wildlife Conservation. In 1930, the American Game Institute, now WMI, brought together a distinguished group of wildlife conservationists led by Aldo Leopold to draft a policy to guide wildlife conservation. The American Game Policy that resulted cited the inadequacy of existing conservation programs and called for a new model of wildlife management to “be recognized as a distinct profession and developed accordingly” that would require a stable funding source.

In September 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, the program that laid the foundation for the American system of conservation funding. In the depths of the Great Depression, sportsmen and the sporting arms industry agreed to dedicate an 11 percent excise tax on guns and ammunition for state-based wildlife conservation efforts. Later, the program added archery equipment to the revenue source.

Due to the success of the wildlife restoration program, a similar law was passed in 1950 to dedicate an excise tax on sport fishing equipment towards fisheries management. Motorboat fuel tax receipts were added to the revenue source through the Wallop-Breaux Boating Trust Fund amendment in 1984.

Combined, the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration programs have invested more than $12 billion dollars in state agency efforts for fish and wildlife. Wildlife Restoration funds can be used for reintroduction of declining species, wildlife population surveys, species research, hunter education, acquisition of wildlife habitat and the development of shooting ranges. Sport Fish Restoration funds can be used for fish research, reintroducing declining sport fish species, restoring aquatic habitat such as coastal wetlands, aquatic education, constructing boat ramps and fishing piers and boating access.

To celebrate this unique “user pay, public benefit” conservation funding program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and a number of other partner organizations have joined together during this 75th Anniversary year. Their plan is to raise broad awareness of just how important these programs have been to ensure that this country has stable fish and wildlife populations and sustainable wildlife recreation opportunities. (jas) Article provided by Wildlife Management Institute

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2012 - 2013 Migratory Bird Regulations A Hunters Pledge

Responsible hunting provides unique challenges and rewards. However, the future of the sport depends on each hunter's behavior and ethics. Therefore, as a hunter, I pledge to . . . · Respect the environment and wildlife. · Respect property and landowners. · Show consideration for nonhunters. · Hunt safely. · Know and obey the law. · Support wildlife and habitat conservation. · Pass on an ethical hunting tradition. · Strive to improve my outdoor skills and understanding of wildlife. · Hunt only with ethical hunters.

By following these principles of conduct each time I go afield, I will give my best to the sport, the public, the environment and myself. The responsibility to hunt ethically is mine; the future of hunting depends on me.

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S

Senior Dogs in the Field

DOG TRAINING

pring is a wonderful time of the year, but as seasons go, we all look forward to fall because that means bird hunting season opens up. That’s when we can do what we love to do best - to take our best friend afield. My favorite hunting trips include a welltrained dog, working together as a team; I bring down the birds and my Boykin spaniel fetches them for me. If he doesn’t see them fall he will stop on a single toot of my whistle and take arm cast directions to the fall. He will watch the sky and sometimes spot the birds before I do. He might whine in anticipation when he hears the safety click off as I shoulder the gun and swing with the bird to shoot. He might even bark at me if I miss. Or, we might go to a plantation and turn him loose to quarter and flush quail, his feathered tail going ninety miles an hour when he gets a nose full of scent, busting into the cover and forcing the Bobwhites to head for the hills. The dog sits to the flush and after I raise

BY PAMELA O. KADLEC

my gun to shoot and am lucky enough to bring down a bird or two, the spaniel is released to fetch and bring the bird to hand.

My favorite hunting companion is a ten-year old Boykin spaniel named Mule. Mule has been trained to the highest standards and has titles and accumulated points to show for his lifetime of work. He loves to retrieve so much that he will fetch up bumpers in the yard and if you ignore him he will toss the bumpers at you from his mouth then pounce at them to give you the message to throw it! He doesn’t need training to learn new tricks but he does need retrieves every day to keep him in condition.

Senior dogs are a joy to hunt with because they have a lifetime of training behind them and you have worked through the hunting seasons becoming a great team. If they have bad habits you may have learned to accept them and allow some less than perfect deliveries and a slipped whistle or two. You might even make excuses for the misbehavior, blaming it on failing eyesight or hearing loss. What if it’s not an excuse but a reality? The older our retrievers become the more they are likely to show the effects of years beside the gun, deafness and loss of vision, achy joints and possible arthritis.

On the flip side, senior dogs are a lot like us as we age, we get set in our ways and bad habits become hard, almost impossible to break. Recently I had two old Labrador retrievers come in for a tune for basically the same issue, lack of control. One would not stop and sit to a whistle in the dove field and the other would break on the shot.

Both of these dogs were trained with electronic training collars and both of the owners did not use the waterfowl 36 6 wetlanDs

collars in the field. The owners felt bad about hunting with training collars even though that is one of the best times to use the collar, to keep the dog honest. You are caught up in the hunt, watching the sky for ducks or dove or perhaps anticipating the flush of a covey of quail. Your dog is trained and ‘should’ do what he was trained to do, right? Wrong. Dogs will continue to test you to see what they can get away with. They also get caught up in the excitement of the hunt, the adrenaline pumping, lessons temporarily forgotten. When I worked the dogs with the collars they listened perfectly. It’s much better to put the collar on the dogs and not need it than to leave the collar at home and end up yelling at your dog in the field. Nine times out of ten, the dog is ‘collar-wise’ and will be the best dog ever when wearing the collar, whether you need to use it or not. If you do need to use it, low level corrections are all that are necessary to get the old pup’s attention.

The training collar can be a positive reinforcer, particularly if you are hunting with a deaf dog or one with limited hearing, since the collar becomes a ‘hearing aid’ in the most literal sense. Sometimes the deaf dog cannot hear your voice but can hear the whistle. If he can’t hear the whistle, you may have to work with the dog to condition him to look at you when you nick him with a low level on the collar.

If he has advanced to handling on blind retrieves he will already know the hand signals/casts to get him to go out and find your birds. He may even know the arm movement to come in; arm straight down, palm out extended to the ground. If your dog is not trained on hand signals I would use food treats to get the message across so that the dog doesn’t get worried when you nick him with the collar and he doesn’t hear you to know why. You can use food treats or, if the dog is not food motivated, reward the dog with a toss of a bumper or tennis ball for responding to the collar nick. You want the dog to understand he is not being punished, rather the low level nick is a

good thing when he makes eye contact.

The best solution to the deaf dog is prevention, to be more aware of where your dog is in relation to the gun when hunting. As hunters we are cautioned to use ear protection and have the option whether we heed that advice or not. Since we can’t get our dogs to wear ear plugs we need to be conscience of our canines when we shoot.

More often or not, the dog is sitting a foot or so in front of us, sometimes further away watching remotely outside of the blind. The dog needs to be directly beside us or behind us so that the muzzle blast does not deafen him.

As we all get older it’s not as easy to get out of bed in the morning and over-exertion lets us know how much out of condition we are. It’s the same with our gun dogs. We all move a little slower and need some time to allow the muscles to warm up, the creaky joints to lubricate as we walk around to start the day. Our old hunting buddies may have earned the right to live in the house if they have been kennel dogs for most of their lives but that doesn’t mean they stop working. If they are house dogs, don’t allow them to become couch potatoes in the off season and then expect them to jump up and fetch on opening day. Get in the habit of daily walks and carry a training bumper or two with you for some simple marked retrieves or blind drills. Swimming is the best exercise for us and our senior dogs, much less stress on the joints and a good cardiovascular workout to boot. Use this time to work on blind retrieve drills and whenever possible, train where you will hunt so the dog is confident and comfortable working in the area.

Another issue that comes with age is weight gain and loss of muscle. If your senior dog is gaining weight while his meals have remained constant then a full physical might be called for to rule out hypo-thyroid condition. A lower fat and lower protein high-quality dog food would be called for in addition to a regular exercise regimen, with as much swimming as you can give him. When reading the label on dog food bags, make sure the meat protein is the number one ingre-

dient, whether lamb, chicken or fish. I feed a quality dog food that is grain free which means the dog digests most of his feed and there is not much clean up.

Elevating his food dish will also make eating and digestion easier. I give my old dog one fish oil capsule (or a teaspoon of liquid fish oil) and one pill for his joints which includes glucosamine and chondroitin. There are several good quality joint formulas to choose from and most veterinarians carry them in their practice or you can order some online.

If the supplements for easing joint pain don’t sustain your senior hunting pal during strenuous working sessions then some stronger medications are called for. The prescription meds can cause other serious side-effects so you don’t want to give your dog pain pills on a long term, daily basis. A day or two before your hunt you can start giving the pills and then stop a day or two after the hunting is over. If you need some short term relief without a prescription you can use buffered aspirin. Make sure whichever medications you use that you give them with food to alleviate any stomach problems and don’t give pain medications on a daily, long term basis.

Keeping your hunting buddy in shape is important at all ages and even more so with the senior dogs.

Warming up the muscles before the hunt is also recommended when possible. A good long walk getting to your blind helps to limber up both canine and hunter before sitting in the blind.

During the winter months a snug-fitting neoprene vest is recommended for all ages, but more so for the old dog to help keep body heat in and fend off hypothermia. After the hunt don’t put the dog in a box and forget about him waterfowl 37 6 wetlanDs

where he will just lie down and his muscles stiffen up. Walk him again to make sure he’s dry in the winter and cooled down in the summer. Be a real friend to your oldster and massage his muscles at the end of the day. I know I appreciate a good massage and your dog will be grateful for a rubdown from you after a hard days’ work.

All in all, I would rather hunt with an older, experienced dog than a young pup since all the hard work is behind you and it’s time to reap the benefits of countless hours of training.

You hunt as a team, relaxed and having fun afield, each knowing their job, yours to take down the birds and your sidekick to fetch ‘em up and bring them to hand. Most of the old gun dogs I know would much rather be in the field with you than anywhere else.

As long as the dog is kept in condition and you don’t push him past his limits there is no reason not to take him on your next hunt.

Best afield, Pam

If You Must – Stew It THE SPORTING CHEF

BY SCOTT LEYSATH

I just finished shooting an episode of the new Dead Meat TV show in south Texas. While there, I spent some time with a guy who shoots, traps, fishes and cooks anything and everything more than anyone else I’ve met. He’s earned an outstanding reputation as a wild game chef which, as it turns out, is a bit odd since his approach to cooking game is the opposite of the way I prepare mine.

My Texas pal insisted that all game must be cooked well-done in order to be safe. He offered to send me all the facts and figures on how eating “undercooked” ducks, geese and anything with antlers will probably kill you. I strongly disagree. Oh sure, you can find studies to support the notion that just about anything with a face needs to be cooked to at least 145 degrees. That pretty much rules out a medium-rare steak from a steer or deer. The Texan tended to cook everything well-done and then blended it with some form of peppers, cream cheese and mayonnaise. I must admit, it tasted good, but it could have been anything in there. The cream cheese and peppers were the predominant flavors.

I should probably let you know that my favorite foods are not cooked at all – raw oysters, sashimi and homegrown tomatoes. Yes, I know...raw fish is “bait” to many folks. As much as I’d like for everyone to at least give lesser cooked game animals a taste, I still sleep at night knowing that

there are those who will never take 15 seconds out of their lives and at least give a mediumrare slice of duck a try.

The decision to cook more or less is obviously a personal choice and, while I advocate an internal temperature of around 130 degrees, how you cook your goose is your business.

One of the ways that I do prepare more-cooked waterfowl is with a slow-cooked stew.

The meat is first browned and then simmered until the meat is spoon tender. Much like cheap stew beef, you just keep cooking it until it’s tender.

If you check it and it’s still firm, keep cooking. Any meat cooked in liquid will eventually get tender.

Stout Waterfowl Stew Slow-cooked and full of rich, malty flavor, this is a recipe for fork-tender waterfowl. The recipe calls for cubed boneless breast, but it can also be made with quartered bone-in ducks and geese that simmer until they practically fall off the bone.

8 servings

4 cups boneless duck and/or goose breast fillets, cut into 1 to 2-inch pieces 3/4 cup flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups onion, coarsely chopped 1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced into 1 to 2-inch slices 2 cups celery, sliced into 1 to 2-inch slices 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 quart beef broth 12 ounces stout beer 1 15-ounce can tomato puree 2 bay leaves 2 cups small red potatoes, cut into wedges

Toss duck/goose pieces in a bowl with flour, salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large, heavy stock pot over medium heat. Add floured meat and brown evenly on all sides. Add next four ingredients and cook until onions are lightly browned, about 5 – 7 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except potatoes and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours, then remove lid to reduce liquid and thicken sauce. If sauce becomes too thick, add additional beer or broth. Once meat is tender, add potatoes and cook until potatoes are just cooked. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

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.

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Volunteer Hunt Party Weekend

By Jeff Dennis

The South Carolina Waterfowl Association always thanks their chapter leaders by hosting a beginning of season duck hunt at Camp Woodie. This serves to reward hard work underway in every county of the state, and it taps into the excitement of a new waterfowl season. After serving on the Walterboro Committee in 2011, I was invited to attend this hunt for the first time, and found out just how SCWA celebrates.

Arriving early the afternoon before the hunt with Walterboro Chapter co-chairmen Allen Bell and Jim Minor, who are both veterans of hunt party weekend, we were invited to watch the evening flight of ducks. Nothing recharges the battery of a waterfowler like seeing what type of ducks might be in the area. After dark, knowledgeable hunters can also listen to hear, and identify, any ducks that choose to roost on the SCWA ponds.

Figuring that the evening might be over early, I found out the complete opposite to be true with a big meal being prepared and fundraising banquet activities set to happen. Indeed the grill was already fired up, and there was a fitting chill in the air, which was cause enough to build a fire in the kettle and put on a jacket. Not just any jacket though, this was a perfect opportunity to dust off that favorite camo jacket that will see another season of duty in the duck blind.

A hospitality beverage station and appetizers were set up in the main lodge, and Executive Director David Wielicki made it a point to welcome his leaders, and to thank them. A buffet supper was served outside under the shelter that has hosted so many activities each summer during Camp Woodie. The connection between chapter leaders and Camp Woodie is strong, and it is understood among hunters that we must prepare the next generation to be future sportsmen.

A special list of live auction items are prepared for the Hunt Party, and many of these items are one of a kind, and won’t be offered at regular banquets. Chapter leaders interested in growing their bottom line keep a close watch on how the auction proceeds, as this is a perfect time to pick up a special item and flip it to their own chapter’s live auction.

Fundraising is hard work to be sure, and involves plenty of pre-planning.

The Walterboro Chapter’s annual conservation banquet takes place in January each year, so our work was beginning to ramp up. SCWA Chapter Development Director Mac Bagnal would make several trips to Colleton County to help us organize exactly how the event will unfold and what we will offer on the auction. Our chapter is dedicated to raising funds in order to send youths to Camp Woodie in the future, and we plan to send several candidates, so having a successful banquet is important.

Each chapter will have different event dates and some will have higher goals than others. The Hunt Party gathering allows for the all chapters to visit and exchange information at the leadership level, which serves to spread the word on what works well at individual banquets. For instance, an ATV raffle seems to be a big hit for some chapters, however not everyone can find a corporate partner to solicit such a donation.

Good fellowship and a high sense of anticipation seems to sum up the night before the opening day hunt, and after a lengthy safety talk everyone eventually heads to a bed in the bunk house. There is no need to set an alarm for morning in the bunk house, since men will be stirring well before time to meet for coffee. Before long everyone will be in their blinds spread across the SCWA ponds and a sense of camaraderie urges gunners not to flare ducks that may be headed to a nearby blind. Everyone will get a fair chance at a limit of ducks, and skybusting is frowned upon.

At daybreak on the opening day of duck season, each blind hid SCWA volunteers who are making a difference in South Carolina. The shooting was somewhere between average and good this day, but the mission of watching the sun come up while renewing our commitment to waterfowling was fulfilled. We received a visit from SCDNR law enforcement to check for duck stamps towards the end of our morning hunt, and they acted in a professional manner while completing their job to steward our natural resources.

Back at the lodge for a big breakfast, hunters shared what was in their game bags and who was the top gun.

Mallards, shovelers, green-winged teal and ringnecks gave the volunteers plenty of targets to shoot at and test their aim. At then end of the morning everyone packs up their gear and heads back to their home county. The hunt party works great to thank SCWA leaders, and gives other volunteers something to aspire to, heading into another banquet season.

Jeff Dennis is a Lowcountry native. Read his blog at www.LowcountryOutdoors.com waterfowl 40 wetlanDs

A Special Thanks To...

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South Carolina Waterfowl Association

26 Years of Conservation Success Thanks to the dedicated efforts of over 500 volunteers and the financial support of over 4,500 SCWA members and Sponsors, your Association has completed the following conservation achievements over the past 26 years: 1. Installation of over 21,000 wood duck nest boxes 2. Production of more than 850,000 wood ducks.

3. Creation of the 410-acre SCWA Wildlife Education Center (WEC), the home of SCWA's Camp Woodie program, the nation’s leading youth wildlife education summer camp. The WEC is also the home of Camp Leopold, SCWA's new school year natural resource conservation camp for 3rd - 7th graders.

4. Conservation Education has been provided to over 65,000 youth

5. Wetland management assistance to 600 landowners resulting in the creation and enhancement of thousands of acres of managed wetlands 6. Production of over 120,000 songbirds

7. Successful release of 710,000 mallards

8. The addition of 75 to 100 thousand waterfowl to South Carolina’s waterfowl population on an annual basis.

9. SCWA has become the Nation’s second largest state Waterfowl Association

Although these are major accomplishments, SCWA members and supporters know we must expand our commitment to conserve and enhance South Carolina’s waterfowl and wetland resources. We need your help to pass on the legacy of our waterfowl and wildlife heritage to the next generation. To become a member or to learn more about SCWA call 803-452-6001 or visit our web sites, www.scwa.org and www.wildlifeedcenter.org. We greatly appreciate your interest and support. waterfowl 42 wetlanDs

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