Good news from the Arctic!

About this time last year, I warned about the total disaster of a hatch in the Canadian arctic. It all turned about to be true. The juvenile snow goose hatch was the absolute worst I have ever seen.

What a difference a year makes! This year, there is good news coming from Canada. While the official word isn't out yet, all reports are that the hatch was much improved.

The first hurdle was reached this summer. The earliest snow melt in 30 years was reported from the sub arctic. Snow geese nest on bare ground in or above the arctic circle in the marshlands of the tundra. The snow has to be gone within 10 days of June 1, giving them the opportunity to nest. Chances for a successful hatch decreases the longer the snow stays, with geese giving up after about June 15.

So the fact that the snow melted early this year means the geese were able to nest on time and -- barring any crazy weather events -- there would be good success.

What does that mean? Juvenile snow geese are essential for decoying. They are quite gullible, and as I say, they are the ones that get the Merry-Go -Round started. I AM EXCITED.

THE REPORT IS NOW OUT.

The colonies that primarily winter in Arkansas (Baffin Island and South Hampton Island) had, in fact, at least a good to average hatch. Some of the colonies from the central arctic didn't do as well, so with the colonies mixing in the winter grounds of Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, the juvenile-to-adult ratio will be much improved over last year.

The hatch for the greater white front or speckled belly goose was average to above average. There should be some days of exceptional hunting this season.

Time to book your hunt! Call 832-510-GOOSE (4667) or email janell@thirdcoastoutfitters.com.