2008 waterfowl hunt opener conditions

Howard Slough Waterfowl Management Area

Marsh conditions: Conditions are excellent, and greatly improved. Water in the main impoundments is at full pool/spilling levels. New, extensive marshes have developed west and south of the main impoundments. Seasonal, small ponds on the Hooper Hot Springs Unit are filling. 350 acres of phragmites have been herbicide-treated, burned and re-treated on the east side of the main impoundment. Approximately 100 acres of new area near the popular shotgun alley location have also been treated.

Bird numbers: Numbers are good in the main impoundments and west of the new marsh areas along lakefront.

Hunting forecast: The overall forecast is good.

Access: Good to excellent.