Waterfowl migration reports, provided weekly to the Erie Times-News by the Avery Outdoors Pro-Staff:
Western Pennsylvania
Pro-Staff member: David Rearick
Weather: Sunny with very little cloud cover most days.
Water Conditions: Low, water conditions are very poor. We are in much need of rain.
Feeding Conditions: Lots of cut hay, oats, and some wheat fields in the area. Silage corn is just coming down, as well.
Species and Numbers: Resident goose numbers are decent, but no large groups have been located to date using the same field. They are still jumping fields daily as well.
Migrations: None, except for some birds being pushed out of the Northern counties to safer homes in the South.
Season Stage: Early second week of the September season, with most all good things yet to come.
Hunting Report: It is has been fair for those that have been doing their scouting homework and putting the time in. Most fields hold small pockets of birds due to lack of heavy feed on the ground.
Gossip: “September Geese” has been used a lot this year by everyone I have talked to. Many guys are having minimal success with these unpredictable birds.
Hutchinson, Pa. (near Greensburg)
Pro-Staff member: Jason Mears
Weather: Last week’s high temperatures were in the low 90’s with temperatures in the 70’s - 80’s by mid morning. This week is to bring much needed rain and high temperatures in the mid 70’s.
Water Conditions: Rainfall for August was very minimal if any at all in some areas. All water levels are well below normal.
Feeding Conditions: Canada Geese were spotted last week moving early in the morning due to high temperatures and on some days no movement at all. Temperatures have caused birds to stay at roost ponds and feed on grass all day. This week has brought cooler temperatures with increased bird movement.
Species and Numbers: Resident Canada Geese populations are strong providing for good opportunity if available.
Migrations: A few Green Wing Teal have begun their journey south and are moving through the area.
Season Stage: The resident Canada Goose Season has been open since September 1st and ends September 25th.
Hunting Report: Last week, hunters able to hunt water were doing OK. More cut corn fields are becoming available to hunt each day. The early season started slow for many due to the warm temperatures. With daytime temperatures beginning to get cooler and more feed available, hunting action is expected to pick up.
Gossip: Hunters are beginning to see more activity as more fields become available and temperatures become cooler.