Devils Lake Mallards

This week Huntley and Mike return to the Devils Lake region for a 2 part series, mixed-bag waterfowl foray in the drift prairie of Eastern North Dakota. In part one, they try their hand at field hunting with Kyle Blanchfield, owner of Northern Flight Outfitters and Woodland Resort. Then don't miss the next week's show as they finally get the boat in the water to do some freelance hunting for divers.

Devils Lake is growing as the result of a period of increased rain beginning in the 1990s and unprecedented in the history of the state. The lake, which has no natural outlet, has more than tripled in size, swallowing up thousands of acres, hundreds of buildings and at least two towns. The flooding has had a tremendous impact to the landscape and has been both a detriment and benefit to humans and wildlife.

It has been a blessing in disguise for waterfowl hunters and fisherman. The fishery is now one of the best in the country for all of the species that dwell beneath the surface. In the fall, hundreds of thousands of waterfowl migrate through the area and give both local and visiting hunters outstanding hunting opportunities.

North Dakota is part of the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), which tops the list of Ducks Unlimited's 25 most important and threatened waterfowl habitats on the continent. The state is a key breeding area and a significant contributor to continental waterfowl populations. In 2012, there were more than 4.8 million breeding ducks settled across.

As evident by Devils Lake, North Dakota PPR wetlands are dynamic environments, flooding and drying out as wet and dry cycles come and go on the prairie landscape. DU has worked with partners to conserve 374,219 acres and in North Dakota.

Devils Lake derives its name from the Native American name Miniwaukan meaning "Spirit Water." Bolstered by the many legends of drowned warriors and lake monsters early explorers incorrectly translated the word to mean "Bad Spirit." The name evolved into Devils Lake.

In addition to a great hunt each week, you can pick up useful tips on shooting and hunting from expert Wade Bourne while you learn more about waterfowl and waterfowl habitat and conservation. Extend your season each week with DUTV as we celebrate conservation and our rich waterfowling heritage.

DUTV is presented by Browning- Dirty Bird and appears four times each week on the Outdoor Channel, America's leader in outdoor TV. Don't miss an episode! http://www.ducks.org/news-media/du-tv
Friday 2:30 p.m.
Sunday 6:30 a.m.
Sunday 4 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.
All times are EDT.

Watch full DUTV episodes from the 2006-2011 seasons online at: http://www.ducks.org/DUTV

Contact:
Mike Checkett (901) 758-3793 or mcheckett@ducks.org