Winter storm triggers waterfowl exodus

by Lowell Washburn    

Even by Northern Plains standards, the season’s first winter storm was one for the record books.  The massive weather system -- officially dubbed Winter Storm Astro -- roared onto the mid-western scene on Tuesday, Nov. 11, delivering subzero wind chills and dumping more than a foot of snow on portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin.  In Minnesota, the combination of high winds and icy roadways put more than 500 vehicles in the ditch.  Forecasters predicted that before it was over, all 50 states would see freezing temperatures.

In Northern Iowa, temperatures continued to plunge steadily as northwest winds gusted to 40 mph.  For area waterfowl hunters, Winter Storm Astro was a call to arms.  Any ducks that still remained on northern Minnesota lakes were certain to stage a mass departure for the south.

By mid-morning, the migration had reached Iowa’s northern border as thousands upon thousands of southbound web-foots -- redheads, scaup, ring-necks, canvasbacks, buffleheads, goldeneyes and others --  began streaming into the state.   For many hunters it was a dream come true as hundreds of ducks descended to the decoys.  But it was also obvious that the dream wouldn’t last.  This year’s November migration would be short and sweet.  With nighttime temperatures barely hanging in the lower double digits, those area lakes and marshes still containing open water were sure to freeze over as soon as the winds slacked off.

Of all the hunters hoping to enjoy the spectacular migration, it is likely that few had traveled farther than Nashville, Tennessee’s Ben Anderson.  A pastor at Christ Life Community Church, Anderson is also an avid waterfowl enthusiast who journeys to Northern Iowa each November for a few days of duck hunting.  We get together for at least two or three of those hunts, and the outings are becoming a North - Read More Via e-Edition