The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its preliminary report on mid-continent breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May and early June. Total duck populations were estimated at 42 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. This estimate represents a 13 percent increase over last year’s estimate of 37.3 million birds and is 25 percent above the 1955-2008 long-term average.

“The increase in duck numbers in relation to the increase in habitat conditions is consistent with what we would expect to see in U.S. and Canadian breeding grounds this spring,” said Ducks Unlimited’s Executive Vice President Don Young. “History has repeatedly shown that when water returns to the breeding grounds ducks respond with a strong breeding effort.”

While numbers are up, DU Chief Biologist Dale Humburg explains that hunter success will still depend heavily on weather, which will dictate migration patterns.

For further details, see the press release posted on the Ducks Unlimited Web site

Join Global Sporting Safaris on Facebook. Become a Fan today. Check out our photo albums and videos. Go to: http://www.GSS-Facebook.com to signup!

Tips for taking Trophy Game pictures

in the field

8 December 2007

I received pictures on a regular basis from hunters, clients, PH’s and Outfitters.  Usually 40-60% of the pictures I receive are not usable.  Here are some tips to take with you into the field.  Follow these steps and you’ll take pictures everyone will be happy to see.

• Never take a picture of an animal with its tongue hanging out.  Best to stuff it back in or just cut it off.
• Cleanup all excess blood on the animal.  If there is blood on the ground – move the animal to a clean spot.  Remember, we get people other than hunters looking at our online photos.  All unnecessary blood in pictures shows hunters in a negative light.
• Always show the animal in the best possible position – be respectful to both the animal and the hunter.
• Don’t take pictures of game in the back of a pickup truck or 4-wheeler, this is not respectful to the animal and adds a negative connotation to hunting.
• Don’t take pictures of game hanging from a tree or in a skinning shed or garage – this is not respectful to the animal and adds a negative connotation to hunting.
• Cover all large entry or exit wounds with brush, grass or leaves.  Large wounds are best covered. 
• If the hunter is going to lay his/her rifle over the game, make sure the bolt is open and the barrel is clearly pointing away from the hunter.  Double check the camera viewer or display screen before you click the picture.
• When you choose an area to take your trophy picture, make sure the setting looks natural.  Avoid cars, 4-wheelers, blacktop roads, fences and signs in the background.  Choose your spot and background wisely.
• Whether you are taking a picture for a friend or you are having a friend take pictures for you, please keep these tips in mind and you’ll have photos to really be proud of!  Most of all, show respect for your trophy and respect for the sport we all love.