[highpowered]

I understand our numbers were low this year, but it is a funny thing because in my area ( between Theall and Forked Island ) the ducks were there. However, there was approximately 2sq mi of second crop stubble and with the open fields to the N and W of us the birds set up shop and held there most of the season. I saw a congregation of mallards and pintail several weeks ago that was unbelievable. The amount of pintails in that area was unreal this year with mallard numbers considerable as well. I think the ducks just simply change patterns from year to year, congregating higher in different areas that they are instinctively used to going to, its the luck of the draw from year to year...we will never have them figured out.