Arkansas doesn't get "tons" of Ducks like they used to.....especially Mallards. Those guys firmly feel that more ducks have shifted to the Central Flyway than ever before. But, there's plenty of rice for them to feed on in Arkansas.....Why did the Birds shift.....only thing left to say is PRESSURE. The Older Birds started making the shift via Mother Nature and the younger Birds followed. Having hunted/shot all species of Ducks.....Mallards and Black Ducks are the most Wary.....same as an Older Goose. A prime example is the overpopulation of Snow Geese-----the Older Birds are tough to fool and they live up to 20 years. The Old Veterans lead the Younger Ones to Safer areas. Most of the Snows killed during the Spring Hunt are juveniles. As far as Ducks shifting and Coming to Alabama seeking less Pressure.....they possibly would IF We had suitable water and the Food. We got PLENTY of Water......but most of it is too Deep for Puddle Ducks. We've got plenty of Wood-Ducks but they walk up on the land and feed on Acorns for the most part.....the others are not Accustomed to doing such. Various Pockets in N. Alabama near the Tenn. River are the only spots for decent "Big Duck" hunting.....been that way for a long time. We don't plant a lot of grain crops in Alabama anymore.....much less on ground that could be flooded....too hilly.A Zillion years ago I was told that the Mobile Delta was a really good area for Gadwalls,Teal,Pintails.....and of course Wood-Ducks. Every Swinging Dick in Mobile and Baldwin County go there now and push the handful that do come.....OUT......again.....PRESSURE.
