Things are looking good let's hope there numbers are right.
:D

Preliminary report shows increase in breeding ducks for 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 11, 2006 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) today released its preliminary report on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. Overall, duck populations increased 14 percent since last year with an estimated 41.2 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. As a result of winter snowfall and good precipitation, habitat conditions are similar or slightly improved compared to conditions in 2006.

2007 Breeding Ducks By Species (in millions)
Species 2006 2007 % Changefrom 2006 Change fromLong-term Avg.
Mallard 7.277 8.032 +10 +7
Gadwall 2.825 3.355 +19 +96
American wigeon 2.171 2.803 +29 +7
Green-winged teal 2.587 2.911 +13 +55
Blue-winged teal 5.860 6.694 +14 +48
Northern shoveler 3.680 4.553 +24 +106
Northern pintail 3.386 3.335 -2 -19
Redhead 0.916 1.009 +10 +60
Canvasback 0.691 0.865 +25 +53
Scaup 3.247 3.452 +6 -33

someone said taht we have the third most teal count scince 1950 sommething so it should be a good teal season

actully this is what i read right here


State Waterfowl biologist Ray Marshalla said the U.S FIsh And Wildlife estimate of blue-winged teal is 6.7 million the third highest estimate since 1955. That means Illinois (pending a couple more formalities) will have a 16 day teal season. Sept 8-23. Only 2000 and 1999, had higher estimates.

Yeah I read the same thing. Only 55 days and they will be in trouble.:D

Looks like good #'s, hope I see that reflection this season...

here is some more info you waterfowlers might like


http://www.ducks.org/news/1305/Ducknumbersupslightl.html

OK thats what I call exciting! I see that there is alot of public access around Crab Orchard area, would this be a good place to start?

That would be a good place, but part of the lake runs thru a draw every morning.Grassy bay, most of the south side banks going west from the refuge, cambria arms and all of the west end of the lake is free lance.Grassy bay on the south side of the lake is alittle better than others since the refuge runs thru the middle of the bay(lots of comp. in that area though).Stop by the check station/tourism center on I believe is hwy 148 south from hwy 13 by the airport, they'll have maps and all the info. you'll need to get started.I'm sure more of the guys on here that live around that area will give you some tips on the area also.If you want to pay though the blinds on the lake can be good also.