After four or five dry springs in the Prairie Pothole Region, things are looking up for duck production. A bountiful melt-off of winter snows coupled with some late spring rain in the duck factory hopefully leads to a badly needed bump in the fall flight population.
We won’t know for sure until the United States Fish and Wildlife Service releases its annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, but indicators are trending in the right direction. Big thanks to Mother Nature for playing along.
Based on that outlook, building excitement and anticipation for the season hasn’t been a problem. Working on this magazine helps fight the offseason blues and provides momentum for the work to be done before the season kicks off in November.
The 2023 edition of Greenhead features an updated version of “Mythbusters,” introduced last year, in which waterfowl science experts weigh in on the fact or fiction of certain topics. “If I Could Change One Thing” allows longtime waterfowlers to share their thoughts on the sport and how to improve it.
Managing editor Todd Traub takes a look at Arkansas’ declining habitat and what can be done to save it. Sporting dog veterinarian Jonathan Bradshaw offers insight on dog ownership, health management and training while wildlife photographer and wild game cook Kody Van Pelt details a delicious recipe for duck confit.
The photo essay features the work of nationally renowned architectural photographer and Arkansan Tim Hursley, who has developed a fascination with the duck blinds at some of Arkansas’ notable hunting clubs.
Addison Freeman looks into the endowed professorship of waterfowl biologist Doug Osborne and his work at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Freeman also digs into a topic that affects all waterfowlers — shotgun ballistics and shot shell technology.
Three-time World Duck Calling Champ Brad Allen shares his journey from competition to starting his own brand, Elite Duck Calls. We also profile artist Glenn Pollard and his work that has been featured on numerous Arkansas Ducks Unlimited sponsor prints.
I was able to travel to Washington, D.C. with some fellow Arkansas waterfowlers and land owners to discuss the importance of conservation-related programs in the Farm Bill. The experience was an eye-opening education on where funding for conservation programs comes from and who the influential supporters are.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission director Austin Booth details plans for citizen-led advisory councils to improve communication with the public. I was honored when Booth asked me to head the Hunting Council and look forward to getting started.
We hope Greenhead lifts you from the dog days of summer to daydreams about mallards backpedaling into your decoys this winter. Your support is greatly appreciated, and we will soon be thanking you with expanded coverage at the revamped greenhead.net.
Best of luck this season and try your best to lay off those hens.
BRENT BIRCH
Editor
