I question the actual numbers of migratory cormorants on Marion, Moultrie, as well as other lakes in the state.
What real studies were done, and by whom?
Common sense tells me that this season was a quick reaction to complaining fisherman.
I'm not saying that something didn't need to be done, I'm just saying I question whether science was delt a hand in this game.
How many birds (migratory) actually winter on the Santee Cooper lakes.
From someone who averages 3-4 days a week out there during the winter....I say less than 20k system wide.
If there's one thing scducks has taught us, it's that most folks can't count birds.
We need facts. Real numbers.
How many birds were killed this season?
We also have to take into account the idea that we are driving birds on to other lakes. Is this true or is it just folks talking?
I'm sure folks are seeing decent numbers of cormorants on other rivers and lakes. That doesn't mean those numbers are increasing because of hunting Marion and moultrie.
It's my opinion that the pressures birds of our area go to the rediversion, bar pits, and Cooper river...all of which should've been huntable areas to begin with.
Common sense should've told DNR that.
I'm not saying it's impossible, but I do doubt that large groups of birds are leaving Santee and going up to Lake Wylie. Why would they?
There's far more bountiful and unhunted waters within a 15 minute flight.
The fact that cormorants are native residents and winter migrants and (although impossible) that a total eradication stance is not our approach.
We are mowing the lawn, not dousing it in round-up.
I shot cormorants a few times, and I think it was needed, but I fully believe at least some minimal study should be done before we just turn the bigmoneygrip's loose on every lake in the state, just because a couple hundred cormorants have been seen flying over.
Take it as you will.
Last edited by BOGSTER; 03-07-2014 at 12:57 PM.
Be proactive about improving public waterfowl habitat in South Carolina. It's not going to happen by itself, and our help is needed. We have the potential to winter thousands of waterfowl on public grounds if we fight for it.
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