By Todd Schaller, WWA Vice President & Education Committee Chair
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s August, 2023 Newsletter edition.
In Wisconsin, the August sports coverage is 85% (99% in Green Bay and Fox Valley areas) Green Bay Packers, with continuous training camp updates as the team prepares for the 2023–24 season. However, the Packers aren’t the only athletes preparing for a season. August is also the “waterfowlers training camp” with fast-approaching seasons. Early goose and teal opening in less than 30 days out (September 1).
So, what does a waterfowlers training camp look like?
Scouting
While the USFWS annual survey won’t come out until August, waterfowl breeding population surveys for Wisconsin and the prairie pothole region indicate 2023 should be an above average season based on wetland conditions and spring population estimates.
While population surveys tell part of the story, as a hunter it is important to know what conditions are like where you hunt; water levels, food, local duck numbers and crop rotation.
Don’t forget to get permission if you hunt private property. Permission from the previous year doesn’t equal permission for this season.
Another aspect to consider is that hunter surveys show harvest success is based on scouting (pre and during), which may include identifying new hunting locations and adjusting to the conditions.
Regulation – Season Dates
Photo: Bruce Urben
Remember to review regulations, bag-limits and season dates. The Wisconsin combined regulation pamphlet is available online or can be picked up at most license outlets. A reminder, the WDNR “Hunt Wild WI” app has been discontinued and is no longer supported or updated.
- Early Season
- Early Teal: September 1–9 – Remember, early teal shooting hours are sunrise to sunset, which is different than regular season (30 minutes before sunrise to sunset). Check the regulations for the specific hours in the area you hunt.
- Early Goose: September 1–15
- Duck Season
- Youth Hunt: September 16 & 17
- North Zone: September 23 – Nov. 21
- South Zone: September 30 – October 8 (split) & October 14 – December 3
- Open Water Zone: October 14 – December 12
- (Green Bay and Lake Michigan)
- Goose Season Dates
- North Zone: September 16 – December 16
- South and Mississippi River Zone: September 16 – October 8 (split), October 14 – December 3 (split) December 16 – January 2
Accurate duck identification is important for a waterfowler, so pre-season is a great time to review online videos and identification guides. While out scouting, test your skills afield, which is always a challenge in August with young birds and eclipse plumage. Eclipse plumage is the dull colors as the feathers molt which make it hard to distinguish between drakes and hens.
If not already part of your blind bag consider purchasing a duck ID book. While many options are available Richard LeMasters’s and Delta Waterfowl’s are both great books and available online or at local bookstores.
Photo: Todd Schaller
Gear Check
How did your hunting gear handle the past season and off-season? Waders leak? Decoys need new weights, string or touch of paint? How about your clothing, blind, calls, blind bag and shotgun?
If you hunt from a boat, the gear check list is longer; wheel bearings, engine, life jackets, paddle, light wiring …
While availability of shotgun ammunition has improved, some shot sizes, types and gauges can still be a challenge to locate. I recommend not waiting until the night before season to do your shot shell shopping.
The 2023 Waterfowl Hunters Expo on August 26 in Oshkosh is a great venue to explore the latest in waterfowl gear and equipment. A family and dog friendly event focused on all things waterfowling – vendors, shooting, seminars, dog training and great conversation with hunters also preparing for the season.
License and Stamps
2023 licenses and stamps went on sale in March; take a few minutes to purchase and print your 2023–24 licenses. You can purchase online through Go Wild or at a license vendor. Don’t forget your Federal Waterfowl Stamp, which is also available through WDNR outlets and online.
Dog
If a dog is part of your waterfowl experience, the off-season is the time to sharpen their skills and get them in hunting conditions after break. August heat can require training in early morning, evenings or water drills.
Physical Fitness
Speaking of condition, are you in hunting shape and ready for the season? Just like a football player, staying in shape doesn’t happen without effort and we can lose a step during the off-season. Consider some walking, stretching and light weights during the weeks leading up to the season.
Shooting
Visit a local sporting clay or trap range to get the rust off your wing shooting skills. If your shooting skills need improving, consider taking a wing shooting course or connect with a shooting coach or buddy who can help.
Freezer Check
Something most don’t’ consider – check your freezer to ensure you’re going into the season without 2022 birds still in your freezer as they count against your possession limit. A great reason to try some of the recipes in the past several WWA Newsletters.
While the waterfowlers training camp could appear daunting, I consider it part of the fall fun. Like the Packers, being prepared going into the season can result in success during the season.