2012 hunting forecast: P.E.I.

Upland birds: Hunting is pretty well restricted to areas with poplar trees, says wildlife biologist Brad Potter. In general, that means the eastern and western parts of the province. There’s not a lot of grouse hunting in the central agricultural areas, he notes. Still, grouse and woodcock can be found in woodland cover throughout P.E.I. Grey (a.k.a. Hungarian) partridge are found province-wide in farmland habitat in limited numbers, except in the extreme eastern and western ends of the island, where seasons remain closed. The ruffed grouse season runs from the last Monday in September to the end of December. The grey partridge has only a three-week season spanning late October and early November, and some restrictions apply. Woodcock season begins the last Monday in September and ends the second Saturday of December.

Waterfowl: Canada geese and black ducks are the most commonly hunted species. Numbers of both have been high for several years and should continue in 2012. The location of Canada goose hunts are often determined by what crops the farmers have planted and where, says Potter. Most goose hunting takes place in grain fields, with some done in potato fields near the end of the season. Most black duck hunts are in marshes or suitable wetland habitat, with some happening in grain stubble fields. Traditional hot spots for waterfowl include areas surrounding Malpeque, New London, Rustico, Covehead, Tracadie, Rollo, Orwell and Pownal Bays, as well as Summerside Harbour. Geese can also be found in Kildaire Cape, Cascumpec and O’Leary in the west.