THE EARLY WORD
In a July press release, Ducks Unlimited announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released its preliminary report on western breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May. Overall, duck populations increased 14 percent since last year with an estimated 36.2 million breeding ducks on the prairies. Habitat conditions were also slightly better than last year, thanks to a warm winter and good precipitation.

"Overall, this season should be a little more productive than last year," said Dr. Bruce Batt, DU's chief biologist. "The increased populations along with timely precipitation this spring and summer, should help assure good conditions for a strong nesting effort and good wetland conditions for brood rearing."

For Tennessee's Double-Play Ducks, call Steve McCadams at (731) 642-0360 to hunt Kentucky Lake, or email him at stevemc@charter.net. You can also check out his Web site at www.stevemccadams.com

To hunt Reelfoot Lake, call Mike Hayes at Blue Bank Resort at (877) 258-3226.

Find more about Tennessee fishing and hunting at: TennesseeSportsmanMag.com