Merritt Island Feeding the Ducks???

[Fyrestorm]

Heard some interesting info today. Apparenlty the FWC and MINWR are unloading alot of feed into Blackpoint out at MINWR. They are trapping Pintails for a certain study and are using the feed to lure tham in. I'm sure that feed attracts alot more than just Pinners. Maybe thats why MINWR has been such a bust this year. Anyways............with a week left in the season I don't see why they just can't do this after the season ends. The Pinners will be around for a few months after the season ends. That should be plenty of time to catch what they need.

So.......if your hunting MINWR this week most of the ducks will be fat and happy in Blackpoint. But then again..........what else is new.
:rolleyes:

[uncle D]

Maybe that's why several impounds in area 1 are dry.

Duke

[uncle D]

......also, the effort to trap pintails and place transmitters has been in the works for this past year.

I'm glad to see that some (3) are to be tagged.

Maybe we'll learn more of the specie.

Now if they can figure out why the widgeon have stopped using MI, (at least the hunt areas and for the past few years) then I'll be happy.

Duke

[Kevin Hall]

Now if they can figure out why the widgeon have stopped using MI, (at least the hunt areas and for the past few years) then I'll be happy.

Real simple ... just look at the past history of the Refuge (at least the last 15 years).

Mismanagement of the impoundments = no food = ducks having to look elsewhere for the right habitat = a major change in the wintering habits of our birds = MINWR screwed up for a generation. :mad:

[Alain]

I agree 100% with Kevin...see my extended reply at the UWF private site.

Alain

[RutnNStrutn]

A new hunting/fishing coordinator has been appointed for all NWR's. Perhaps we should contact him to voice our displeasure with the abuse out at MINWR. :mad:
Here's the info:
New Hunting, Fishing Position Created For Refuge System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Long-time National Wildlife Refuge System employee Tom Reed has been appointed as the agency's first hunting and fishing coordinator.

Steve Williams, the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, says he created the position because the hunting and fishing communities are important partners in wildlife conservation.

Reed's job will be to develop and analyze hunting and fishing policies on national refuges. He'll identify needs for visitor services including boat docks and launches, educational kiosks and interpretive signs. He'll also be involved in creating a training course for visitor service staff titled, "The Role of Hunting in Wildlife Conservation and Management."