When season are abnormal, the effects can be widespread
Comments (...)A wise retailer once told me, “Unseasonable weather is bad for everyone.” At first, I wasn’t sure what he meant, but upon further explanation it was quite clear. Our society relies on seasons being normal.
Think about the repercussions that all of this mild weather has had on the outdoors industry. I’m pretty sure that sporting goods retailers all over the Midwest are having a fit about the ice fishing gear that is sitting on their shelves and not moving. By January of 2011 ice fishing gear was moving like crazy. This year's supply will surely hold them over through next season as well.
There is also the problem with the copious amounts of winter clothing that is just sitting on shelves and not selling. Retailers put a large percentage of their available resources into buying season-appropriate clothing. Everyday that ticks by with mild temperatures means more heavy winter gear will be put on deep discounts come spring.
Mild weather also plays havoc on the sportsmen, just like the retailers. As avid outdoorsmen, we rely on the weather to keep things moving. These warm southerly winds that we have been experiencing keep whitetails from moving like they normally would. If they do move, it’s usually at night when it is cooler.
I like to use this little analogy for those that are not familiar with whitetail habits. Imagine a month or so ago you put on your new winter coat. It is a heavy coat with a thick lining that will help you survive the harshest months ahead. Now imagine wearing that coat when it is fifty degrees outside. You can’t take it off. To stay cool you pretty much lie around and don’t move. That is exactly what the deer have to deal with.
Those that love to pursue waterfowl are also not big fans of warm weather in the wintertime. Waterfowlers rely on the weather to move birds from northern habitats to southerly ones. Those who chase ducks and geese rely on the migration of new birds coming into the area. I have not seen the thousands of geese heading south yet that we normally see this time of year. They have no reason to travel.
I know by the time this story goes to print, we were supposed to have had a little bit of snow. I predict that this new layer of white stuff will kick the wildlife into high gear and things will start happening.
A fresh layer of snow always drives the deer to feed early. The largest buck I have ever taken was shot at 1:30 p.m. after a night of heavy snow. That deer was out in the field feeding two hours before he normally would be there. The need to consume food for energy drives all wildlife this time of year.
A fresh layer of snow will also send the migrating birds south in droves. Waterfowl take to fields and rely on looking for the few scraps of grain that are left behind from harvest. It’s hard enough to find food after the highly efficient combines that farmers use today have cleaned out the landscape. Add the burden of snow on top of that, and most birds will head south to find the first fields that are minus the cumbersome white stuff.
Yes, it is true that the mild weather has been nice on the ice scrapers, easy on the snow shovel, and enjoyable. It does however keep all of nature’s creatures from fulfilling their normal routines in a timely manner. Hopefully, though, this last weekend of deer season will see some white ground cover and it will be a good closing weekend.
Duck season is over for the central zone, but we are able to pursue geese until the end of the month. The last several weeks should be good if some weather finally sets in and pushes those birds further south. I know I will be ready.
As the bulk of the hunting seasons wind down, those of you that like to go after the wily coyote will just be gearing up. Of course, hunting those predators with snow on the ground is much more exciting. It allows you to see them from a greater distance, and also allows your decoy to be seen as well. So for those of you who love to predator hunter — enjoy.
As we transition from mild weather to more winter-like conditions, keep in mind this is the way things normally are this time of year. It is better for the economy, better for retailers and better for outdoorsmen. Even though it is going to be hard to get used to the cold and sloppy snow, we shall try to smile and move forward with a positive outlook.
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