Migration Alert: Empire State Hunters Taking Advantage of Winter Weather

By all accounts, this has been one of the better waterfowl seasons in recent memory for hunters in the Empire State. From incredible numbers of wood ducks during the first season to plenty of mallards, black ducks, and divers in the late season, it’ll be a year to remember. Though temperatures are set to fluctuate for the remainder of the month, there’s enough ice to keep things interesting until the close. 

Ice is becoming the dominant factor across Lake Erie and the Niagara River system for hunters in New York’s Western Zone, which still has some time left. According to Nick Petrou of Natural Outfitters, ice is increasing, but ducks are still around. “Lake Erie and the Niagara River are quickly locking up with ice,” he says. “The birds are still there, with thousands of redheads, bluebills, canvasbacks, goldeneyes, and longtails flooding the area.” 

Though the ice has been challenging in some places, longtails, goldeneyes, and bluebills have been abundant on western Lake Ontario, and where ice allows access, the diver hunting is great. Recent hunts have produced limits of goldeneyes, longtails, and even a few white-winged scoters.

The Finger Lakes region has seen a surge of birds and hunters. Petrou explains, “The Finger Lakes has been flooded with hunters as the redheads have invaded the lakes. Species diversity remains high, however, with a great mix of puddlers and divers. There are more black ducks than mallards, which is great to see.” Looking ahead, Petrou sums it up simply, “If you can get out and avoid the ice, you'll at least get your divers.”

Western Long Island has experienced one of its strongest late-season migrations in recent years. Ryan Chelius, senior editor at Field & Stream reports, “Cold weather in late December locked up most of the inland ponds, and that helped push the birds out into the salt water. Bird numbers have been, honestly, good to excellent—much better than years past.”

Black ducks have been the headline species. “There have been hundreds of black ducks,” Chelius says, along with “good numbers of mallards, shovelers, wigeon, and pintails.” Tides have played a critical role, with Chelius noting that, “mid-tide on both the falling and incoming has been good.”

Chelius isn’t the only hunter on Long Island enjoying an excellent season. Lawrence Seaman, third generation bayman, reports that “heavy snows and brutal cold has brought high numbers of Canada geese and even some snow geese just before Christmas.”

Species diversity has been exceptional, with noticeably high numbers of wigeon mixed in with mallards and black ducks. Diver hunting is gaining momentum as well, with bluebills, buffleheads, and mergansers being the top three. 

Sea duck hunters are having exceptional success. Seaman states, “Those targeting sea ducks are having no problem filling limits, with plenty of longtails and all three scoter species in abundance.” With conditions holding, Seaman believes “all signs point to a strong finish for what might be the best season we have seen in the last five years.”

Further east, consistent cold has continued to drive strong bird movements. “We’ve had good action towards the eastern end of Long Island, specifically on sea ducks, eiders, and divers, consisting mostly of broadbills,” says Anthony Babich of Elite Outfitters. “Both layout and tender-boat hunts have remained productive. The colder temperatures have definitely helped push a larger migration than we’ve seen in quite some time.”

Geese have also been a bright spot. “Increasing numbers of migratory geese are landing us quick limits,” Babich reports. Expectations remain high heading into the final weeks, with Babich adding, “We expect continued success in these final few weeks and are excited to pursue some trophy mature birds.”

Across New York State, excitement is high, with ice and cold weather producing some of the best hunting in years. Divers remain the most consistent opportunity, black ducks are abundant, and a wide variety of species are making their presence known. With a short time left in the season, hunters should take advantage of these opportunities.