Many of us are in the midst of the post-season malaise, AKA duck depression, or the long off-season. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have the desire and resources, you don’t have to wait until next fall to shoot waterfowl. Here are five ways to keep getting after birds while most other American waterfowl hunters are twiddling their fingers.
1) Coastal Pacific Flyway Canada Geese
Several states on the Pacific Flyway offer goose seasons that extend well into February and even March. One of the most notable ones that comes to mind is in Washington’s Goose Management Area 2, in the Southwest of the state, which holds a late season for one week in February. Meanwhile, several coastal zones in California and Oregon also hold special late Canada goose seasons. Be aware of restrictions on certain types of Canada geese depending on the zone you’re hunting.
2) Snow Goose Conservation Seasons
While some snow goose populations have declined in recent years, snows are still one of the most abundant goose species in the world. Spring conservation seasons, particularly in the Central Flyway, offer waterfowlers the chance to hammer snow geese along their reverse migrations, with liberal limits and unplugged shotguns.
3) California Mute Swans
This year, California opened a unique waterfowl season for invasive mute swans. The species is open year-round with no bag limits. As long as hunters are careful about getting a positive ID—trumpeter and tundra swans are closed—mute swan hunting could offer exciting hunting for a truly massive waterfowl species well into the traditional off-season.
4) Florida Exotics
In the Sunshine State, hunters can target feral and often flightless waterfowl, particularly Muscovy ducks and Egyptian geese. There are no seasons or bag limits on the species, though it’s important to have landowner permission to do so. Many hunters and outfitters take the unusual waterfowl species with air rifles while driving farm roads or canals and hunting iguanas.
5) Fly South
It’s pricey, but if you have the resources, one way to hunt in the winter, spring, and even summer is simply to fly to a different country. Mexico, for example, offers liberal limits and has seasons that stay open through the end of February, including brant. South America, particularly Argentina, also has incredible waterfowl hunting that’s best from May through the end of July.