Hunters who access www.waterfowler.com can choose from six different maps and read the specifics of each report. The map averages the input from all participants and updates every 15 minutes. The map is purged of data at midnight each night. Sawyer said he highly recommends www.waterfowler.com as a comprehensive clearinghouse of information.

Lawrence agreed but was a bit more reserved in his recommendation.

"Some of their information is more current than what we are doing but you still need to interpret it with some caution," said Lawrence. He said hunters should keep in mind the information posted is done by individuals and not agencies that have more accountability. "It is still a very useful tool, just as long as you remember that those who are doing very well probably aren't going to post it right away," he added.

One of the problems with both of those Web sites is they tell you what happened, not what is going to happen. Careful observers can interpret what's going to happen, but the best tools are found at www.weather.com or at www.weather.gov. Watching the weather for wind direction and movements of fronts are keys to duck hunting.

Sawyer said mallards will stay as long as they can drink, and that a really deep snow actually hurts more than super-cold conditions. "In the northeastern portion you can hunt warm-water sloughs no matter how cold it is because the greenheads have enough food and water," he said.

STAY ETHICAL & LEGAL
Shooting a banded duck is quite a privilege, but it requires some follow-up work by the hunter, including calling 1-800-327-BAND or going online to www.pwrc.usgs.goc/bbl. An operator will ask for the band number, how, when and where the bird was recovered. In return, not only do you get to keep the band, you will receive a Certificate of Appreciation with information about the bird. Doing so also helps duck managers because they can determine harvest rates, populations, and health and migration patterns.

Resident waterfowl hunters over age 16 must have a valid Minnesota Waterfowl Stamp signed across the face, a valid federal Migratory Bird Hunting Conservation Stamp signed in ink across the face, proof of Minnesota HIP registration and an eligible license such as a small-game license. Check the regulations for prices and information on HIP certification.

Some of the more common violations include having more than three shells in the shotgun at one time, possessing toxic shot, having an overlimit of an individual species, improper licensing and wanton waste. To avoid the last one, waterfowlers need to make sure their shotgun has been properly patterned, that they are taking shots within range, and that they make an effort to retrieve all downed waterfowl. One of the ways to help protect the population of ducks is to avoid wanton waste. Studies with trained observers reveal that hunters wound and lose as much as 30 percent of the birds they shoot at. Translate that to the number of hunters on the continent and you end up losing 3 million ducks each year.

A good hunter always reads the regulations each season, and this is especially true for duck hunters who have some of the most rapidly changing regulations out there. Be sure to pick up or download a copy of the DNR's 2005 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations booklet.

Happy hunting!