Wood Ducks and Boxes

The Wood Duck is one of the most colorful ducks out there and by far my favorite duck to watch and hunt.  Fast agile flyers, bright colors and the unmistakable squealing sound are just a few characteristics that make them special to me.   I remember one overcast and misty morning when my son and I were out bowhunting deer and walking down a old logging trail only to have a dozen plus Wood Ducks explode out of a tree above us.  Since then both of us have been a fan of the Wood Duck.

With almost 50 inches of snow on the ground over the past few weeks and more on the way as well as unbearable single digit temps I need a indoor project so why not make some Wood Duck boxes.  Because Wood Ducks are perching ducks and cavity nesters, this offers up unique opportunities to lend a helping hand to your local populations. 

Courtesy of Ducks Unlimited - ducks.org

Habitat loss has been and continues to be a leading contributor to waterfowl populations and the loss of bottomland hardwood forests was pushing the Wood Duck near extinction.   Female Wood Ducks typically build their nests in tree cavities near wetlands. They carefully inspect the site for a variety of characteristics, including size, shape and security from predators and the elements. In many areas, wood ducks have difficulty finding suitable natural nesting sites. Wood duck boxes provide a man-made alternative, where hens can nest in relative safety from predators. Creating a wood duck box and strategically placing it can draw birds into an area and create a local population. Location and proper maintenance are the keys to successfully assisting wood duck breeding habits in your area.

Photo Credit: Bruce Morrell - Pictures By Bruce

Finding a suitable site to place wood duck boxes can be challenging and you need to be aware of the following.

• Suitable brood habitat must be available close by in order for ducklings to survive once they exit the box.  
• Shallow, fertile wetlands with thick cover and an abundance of invertebrates typically provide the best habitat for broods. 
• Wood Duck boxes should be erected on either wooden posts or metal poles outfitted with predator guards.

You can download wood duck box building instructions and learn much more about maintenance, placement, waterfowl ID, a ducks life cycle and other ways you can help conserve waterfowl and wetlands by visiting Ducks Unlimited Waterfowl Biology Page.

You can also check into your local waterfowl organizations and chapters to see if they have a wood duck box building day like our Connecticut Waterfowlers Association will on March 14th from 10:100 am until 3:00pm at Flaherty Field Trial Area in East Windsor.  you can get more information here:  CWA Wood Duck Box building day.

If you are not a member of Ducks Unlimited and would like to learn how you can help DU with their wetland and waterfowl conservation mission please check out there website at:  www.ducks.org.

Now get your boxes built because I'm sure all this snow won't stick around forever and spring is just around the corner.  Well I hope it is!

CT DU State Sporting Clays shoot & BBQ - Sept 7, 2013

If you are a waterfowler, upland hunter or just love to partake in some sporting clays, oh and some delicious BBQ, then hurry up and registry for the Connecticut Ducks Unlimited fall sporting clays fun shoot and BBQ.

This event is being held at the Fin, Fur & Feather club in Chaplin, CT on Saturday September 7th.  Registration is $65 for adults and $35 for Greenwings (17 & under) and registration includes a delicious BBQ lunch.  Registration also includes a Ducks Unlimited Membership!

Trophies will be given out for the Highest overall score and highest greenwing score as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards for all 4 classes.  Awards were donated by our friends at MR. Trophy in Hartford, CT.

If you don't want to shoot, but still partake in the delicious BBQ and along with some great auctions and raffles, Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for Greenwings.

For more information  please visit the DU website at: http://www.ducks.org/connecticut/events/31920/state-committee-sporting-clay-chaplin

For Range Rules and directions to Fin, Fur & Feather please visit their website at: http://www.finfurfeatherclub.com/

Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Local Events

With winter setting in and most hunting seasons closed and fishing slowing down, everyone is looking for something outdoor related to do so here are a couple of outdoor related things for anyone in the Connecticut area.

Northeast Fishing & hunting Show Feb 15 -17, Hartford, CT

 From the Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show website.

There will be hundreds of booths lining the aisles containing the latest products for both fishing and hunting enthusiasts.  Learn about the newest equipment from some of the top manufacturers and reps, retail vendors, public service exhibits, charter boat captains, plus fishing boats and more!

Attend over 50 hours of seminars from nationally known fishermen and hunting experts.  Seminars will be conducted in three seminar rooms, demonstrations at the fly tying center and the casting pond.
Greg Myerson, sponsored by Eastern Boats, Lane Benoit, Tony Stetzko, Al Gag plus many more.
CHARLIE MOORE THE "MAD FISHERMAN" Saturday, February 16th, 12 noon - 3 PM.  Sponsored by Lunker City

Located at the Big E sight in West Springfield, MA

From the Springfield Sportsmen's Show Website.

The Springfield Sportsmen's Show is undisputedly the largest “pure” sportsmen’s show in the Northeast! This mega sporting event takes place at the Eastern States Exposition, home of the “BIG E,” West Springfield, Massachusetts. The show includes the best of hunting, fishing, boating and adventure recreation that the outdoor world has to offer all bundled together in one great event.

The Springfield Sportsmen’s Show is the place to get the best in hunting and fishing gear!  You’ll find everything you need for your next trip.  We’ve gathered the top vendors of hunting and fishing equipment along with guides, outfitters, and charter captains.  You get the best selection and the best deals of the year all in one shopping location.  That’s why the Springfield Sportsmen’s Show is the Northeast’s strongest fishing, hunting, and outdoor show.

Can't forget about the Upcoming Ducks Unlimited events like the CT State Convention, Putnam Chapter Dinner and the Danbury - Housatonic Game dinner cooking class.  You can check out all the upcoming Connecticut Events at the CT Event Website or check for events in your area.