Migratory Bird Hunting for Freelancers – Exploring the Waterfowl Migration Flyways

Waterfowl hunting is a different experience in every North American flyway zone, and many bird hunters choose where to go based on proximity and convenience. But for hunters who are ready to try new locations, exploring a new flyway can be an exhilarating experience.
For those who are considering journeying into a new flyway this season, we have you covered when it comes to the equipment you’ll need to make your trip a success: hunting blinds, boats and everything else that can make or break a waterfowler’s dream hunt. If you’re still in the preparation stages, here is some basic information on destinations for each waterfowl migration zone and some of the key species to look for in each one.

The Central Flyway
The Central Flyway is the waterfowl migration route that runs along the Great Plains of the U.S. and Canada, with endpoints at central Canada and the land surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately, it is a well-populated route with a high volume of bird species. This is thought to be due to two reasons: 1) the narrower route in the Platte River and Missouri River valleys over parts of Nebraska, and 2) the tendency for birds to use it when migrating from the Arctic Ocean to Patagonia

The Central Flyway Council is made up of representatives from migratory bird management agencies in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and the area known as the “prairie pothole”: North Dakota, Alberta (check out the hunting in Peace River County, Alberta!) and Saskatchewan. In addition to what’s already been listed, some of the standout hunting destinations in the Central Flyway include:

° Russell, Kansas

° St. Louis, Missouri

° Eastern North Dakota (although the entire state is known as the “prairie duck factory” for the massive congregations of species that touch down there)

° The Texas panhandle, which is an incredible source of Canada geese and even the Sandill crane

There are numerous duck species that may be found in the Central Flyway, but some of the standouts to look for include the blue-winged teal, gadwall, green-winged teal and mottled duck – of course, in addition to the trusty mallard. If you’re heading to the Central Flyway, be sure to check out our selection of hunting blinds, boats and other supplies before you go.

Mississippi Flyway
The Mississippi Flyway is aptly named as the waterfowl migration route that follows the Mississippi River, in addition to the Missouri and Lower Ohio Rivers – then, crossing the Great Lakes into Canada by way of the Mackenzie River and Hudson Bay.

The narrowing of the Mississippi Flyway happens in the lower Mississippi River valley in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana – again, resulting in a diverse species population that’s great for hunters looking for new challenges. Minnesota is also on the Mississippi Flyway route, where thousands of ring-necked ducks congregate every autumn. And if you’re planning an extended trip into the Pacific Flyway, there’s a good chance you’ll begin finding fronted geese once you’re west of the Mississippi.

Birds like the Mississippi Flyway because there are no mountains or ridges of hills to block the path; in fact, approximately 40% of all North American migratory birds use this route.

When visiting new hunting destinations in the Mississippi Flyway, here are some places to consider trying out:

° Stuttgart, Arkansas (nicknamed “the duck and rice capital of the world”)

° Southern Louisiana (check out the hunting in Venice, Louisiana)

° Southwest Louisiana, specifically the Sabine and Lacassine national wildlife refuges in  Cameron Parish and Chenier Plain

° The upper Mississippi wetlands (be sure to visit the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge)

° The Mississippi Delta and the Delta National Forest (Magnolia state waterfowl is some of the most enticing in North America)

° The St. Clair Flats of Michigan

° The Missouri Confluence area, where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet

° St. Charles and Lincoln counties, both in Missouri

Of course, some of the best hunting in the Mississippi Flyway happens on the Canadian side. Prairie Canada is teeming with Canada geese, lesser snow geese, Aleutian cackling geese (formerly known as Aleutian Canada geese), white-fronted geese and other light geese. If you’re planning to stop in Ontario, be sure to try out Thousand Islands and Long Point.

Atlantic Flyway
Although often associated with the American South, the Atlantic Flyway starts in the country of Greenland, then follows the Atlantic coast of Canada before winding south down the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. to the tropical areas of South America and the Caribbean. Naturally, the warmer southern portion of the route is a home to northern birds in the winter months. In summer, the South American birds travel north through the Atlantic Flyway, and many of the birds cross the Appalachians to join the flyway as well. You’ll find black ducks, wood ducks, redheads and mottled ducks – and of course, Atlantic Canada geese. Some of the best hunting destinations in the Atlantic Flyway are:

° Charleston, South Carolina

° Ace Basin, South Carolina

° Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers

° The Palmetto state's low country

° Chesapeake Bay, Maryland and Maryland's Eastern Shore

Restocking for Waterfowl Migration Season
No matter which flyway zone you plan to visit this season, be sure to check out our wide selection of equipment. We serve customers throughout North America, including members of these wild bird conservation organizations who are committed to preserving the noble sporting traditions of waterfowl hunters:

° Boone and Crockett Club

° Delta Waterfowl Foundation

° National Wild Turkey Federation chapters

° Ruffed Grouse Society chapters

° Waterfowl U.S.A. Mississippi Flyway Chapter

° Waterfowl U.S.A. Northwest Indiana Chapter

° Waterfowl Southwestern Lake Erie Chapter

° Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

We offer superior service and competitive pricing to major retailers like Redneck Blinds, Cabelas, Rogers Sporting Goods, Knutson Decoys and Last Pass Outfitters.

Contact Us for High Quality Hunting Blinds, on Sale at Excellent Prices!

For hunting migratory birds, you need blinds, boats and other equipment. Order your hunting supplies from us today! Call 1-951-662-3472 to place an order. We offer fast, same day free shipping to your door!