DEEP Wildlife Division waterfowl biologists were busy banding mallards and black ducks this winter. Banding waterfowl provides biologists with important information on waterfowl dispersal, lifespan, survival rates, and much more. Biologists are also participating in a regional study of black duck nesting success and habitat use in the Boreal Forest of Canada. By placing lightweight radio transmitters on hen black ducks on the wintering grounds in the Atlantic Flyway, critical information on black duck nest habitat selection, use, and nesting success will be provided. Black duck populations appear stable today but have been on the decline in past years. Better understanding of seasonal survival, behaviors, and movement can all be derived through the use of collected transmitter data and band return information. In turn, this information is used to help manage black duck populations and modify harvest regulations to better align harvest rates with abundance goals within the Atlantic Flyway. For the pilot year, 50 radios are being put out throughout the Flyway, nine in New England split between Maine, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

For many, the start of longer days and warmer temperatures harken thoughts of blooming flowers and the twittering of songbirds as nature welcomes spring back to New England. But for the turkey hunter, our thoughts are consumed with the anticipation of the hunt; hearing thunderous gobbles and the flap of wings in the pre-dawn light; and mornings spent in the fields and woods as we witness fantastic displays and use every bit of knowledge and skill (don’t forget luck!) we possess to lure a gobbler into range of our shotgun or bow. Make no mistake, turkeys are not easy prey. Their keen eyesight makes up for their lack of smell and they can detect even the slightest amount of movement. You are encouraged to learn all you can before hitting the woods to begin your turkey hunting adventures – a safe and successful hunt depends on it.

The mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. For more information visit nwtf.org.

This past winter, the Habitat Program has been planning for many operations to carry out in the coming warmer months of 2021. A 10-Year management plan for Franklin Swamp WMA is in the final stages of approval. When enacted, the plan will focus on creating, enhancing, and maintaining a diversity of upland and wetland wildlife habitats. Efforts will be directed at 188 acres, resulting in the creation of 60 acres of new seedling/sapling habitat. Similarly, a 10-Year plan is also in development for Kollar WMA. Further information when management plans are finalized can be found HERE.

If you or someone you know is aware of land for sale or donation that would benefit the Hunters and Trappers of Connecticut, please visit The Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program page for more information.