February 2010 Updates page 14
25 February
Snow Geese
If you have an interest in hunting Snow Geese feel free to "knock yourself out". We have fields, ponds and lakes all over Missouri, Kansas and Iowa that the geese use and see very little pressure.
Several weeks ago this series of photos were taken but a cold front moved in and scattered the birds.
Squaw Creek and Fountain Grove were frozen solid as of 2-23-10 and Fountain Grove had 12 inches of snow, so it will take a while for those areas to thaw.
Once the fields thaw be prepared to deal with the mud. When the road is wet in Holt County we will not be able to use the gravel road leading to the duck marsh, which has been drained.
USDA
Agriculture Secretary defends proposed federal budget cuts to Farm Bill programs in House hearing
"...The budget [USDA] proposes funding decreases for programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Grasslands Reserve Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program...“In the spirit in which our outdoor traditions were forged,” Franklin concluded, “we urge Congress to maintain funding levels agreed upon at the time of the current Farm Bill’s passage in 2008.."
Fly Rod & Reel Online, Ted Williams, 02/24/2010
24 February
Here is a limit of birds I got on Sunday. The weather was prefect - clear and sunny with a high of around 40 degrees.
Another fine picture from Bryan. Thank you, good memories from a tough season.
Ducks
"Even though it`s only February, wildlife biologists are encouraged by the prospects of a good year for duck habitats. It`s the second year in a row that North Dakota should provide plenty of wetlands for the birds. The wetlands should provide good breeding and nesting habitat, and if the wetlands last for the whole season, ducks who fail at their first attempt at nesting will be able to try again."
Good Duck Nesting Outlook, Retha Colclasure, KFYR TV, Bismark, ND, 2/22/2010
Iowa
NRCS Announces Grassland Reserve Program Signup
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture has nearly $1 million available for Iowa landowners who sign up for the Grassland Reserve Program by March 19.The Grassland Reserve Program is a voluntary program that helps landowners and operators protect working grasslands, including hay land, pastureland, native grasslands and certain other lands using rental contracts or conservation easements.
... Priority will be given to grazing lands likely to be converted to other uses, such as expiring Conservation Reserve Program contracts..."
Farm Progress, Wallaces
The Other Side
"...Senator Dick Dearden, a Democrat from Des Moines, also said the bill would lead to attempts at more regulation. “And next thing you're gonna know, you know, we're gonna have to have a certain size place for your chickens,” Dearden said, “these folks [HSUS], it's not about Fluffy and Spot. These people , they're out to stop hunting. They're gonna change agriculture if they have their way. And you've already seen it in California.”.."
“Puppy mill” bill passes Senate, now on to governor
Dar Danielson, Feb. 22, 2010, Radio Iowa
26 February
Late Season Hunt
Thanks for the excellent feedback Dan. Your assessments were right in line with our observations. A tough season this year. Keep your ideas coming.
