The USFWS has just released its 2018 Waterfowl Population Status Report. While dry spring conditions are to blame for recent declines, the majority of population numbers are still above their long-term averages.
We duck hunters are prone to irrational optimism. How else do you explain a group of people who can spend an entire day freezing our butts off in windy, pounding surf for just a duck or two (if we're lucky), only to go home, convince ourselves tomorrow will be better, and do it all over again? All we need is the slightest indication the duck hunting may improve.