Warm Weather Adds to Slow Start for New York Waterfowlers

New York’s waterfowl season is off to a mixed start as warm weather impacts the migration across the state. While ducks appear to have already pushed through some areas, others are still waiting for a substantial push of ducks. Canada geese remain abundant in many areas, and diving ducks are beginning to appear on larger lakes and coastal waters.

“We started strong, though not as strong as we have in many previous years,” says Nick McNamara of Basswood Lodge in northern New York. “We still have plenty of geese around, although we definitely lost a lot last week.”

Despite the early departure of some local waterfowl, ducks remain in fair numbers, and the first scaup and other divers are showing up on the smaller local lakes.

“I’d say we’ve lost a good portion of our ducks in western New York, but there are still some wood ducks and teal around,” reports Nick Petrou of Natural Outfitters. “Hunters may need to put in some extra legwork scouting. We haven’t really gotten a big push of puddlers yet, but that should come soon. Things are starting to stir.”

Petrou notes a large influx of Canada geese moving through his area. In addition to the honkers, divers are beginning to make a more noticeable appearance as well. 

“We’re starting to see bluebills, redheads, and other diving duck species on the Finger Lakes and in the bays of the big lake,” Petrou says. 

Farther south and east, hunters are still waiting for waterfowl to arrive. 

“October has been unusually slow,” explains Jordan Davenport of Twin Valley Outfitters outside of Albany. He says that waterfowl activity in his area has been extremely limited, and the migration appears to be significantly behind schedule.

Aside from a few local birds, Davenport hasn’t seen much in the way of black ducks yet. He blames the warm weather for the lack of movement. Things should pick up, though, according to the guide.

Down on Long Island, hunters are anxiously awaiting opening day, which is still a few weeks away. But that hasn’t stopped early birds from showing up.

“Long Island is loaded with brant right now, with substantial numbers in the area,” says Capt. Steve Molnar of Black Bank Outfitters on Long Island’s western South Shore. “We also have a fair number of black ducks. Their numbers aren’t anything out of the ordinary, but they are definitely present.”

Though it’s still early, there have been some dabblers hitting the salt already. Molnar reports that northern shovelers and gadwalls have been seen mixed in with the black ducks. Canada goose numbers have been particularly impressive, with an abundance of birds in the area.

“As of now, we haven’t seen any divers showing up,” Molnar says.