The Atlantic Flyway is one of four such bird migration routes that, together, span the entire width of the United States. The Pacific Flyway covers the west coast straight up through Alaska; the Central Flyway comes straight up through Mexico and continues north; the Mississippi Flyway travels north along the Mississippi River and through the Great Lakes; and here on the east coast, the Atlantic Flyway goes from Florida up through Maine. These migratory patterns are an essential part of waterfowl hunting, and the nomenclature is useful for identifying particular regions of a national and international phenomenon.
Now that the 2023–2024 season is coming to an end, it’s time to look back at the past several months. There’s been plenty of waterfowl activity across the entire Atlantic Flyway this year, and we’re here to provide a quick recap of the season as seen from the North Carolina coasts and inland waters. Read on for more details!
The season began back in early September. The Canada Goose was officially available for hunt on the 1st of the month, and the September Teal saw a brief open season in the latter half of the month as well. It was a slow start with very few geese reported in and around Hyde County. General duck season commenced much later in October, beginning the 19th for inland ducks and the 27th for coastal ducks.
Early November saw reports of low but quickly-increasing numbers as migrations came through. Some of the most common and plentiful species spotted included Gadwalls, Redheads, Pintails, and Widgeons. By late November and into early December, hunters were reporting peak numbers of game in Hyde County and around Pamlico Sound. Some had reached their bag limits by midmorning, and many hunting parties were achieving multi-person bag limits due to sheer population density.
Open season on most ducks and geese across most regions ended on January 31st, though hunting for Light Geese continues through March 31st by permit only. Numbers continued to be relatively strong through a cold snap in mid-January, finally declining near the end of the month as the season came to a close. Hunters seemed pleased by the overall results of the past few months, with some even claiming it as the best season in recent history. For more up-to-date info and historical tidbits, follow the Mattamuskeet Goose Club blog. With a successful lodge kick-off behind us, Mattamuskeet Goose Club is ready to step into the future. Are you ready to join us? Become a member of the Founder’s Club today to be a part of the legacy!
