November 2024 • Nebraskaland 41
four. This year, he plans to hunt all four, with trips scheduled
on both the Loup and in the Sandhills.
Because of Nebraska's waterfowl habitat diversity, hunters
like Mills know they can fi nd a zone with open water and
ducks from start to fi nish during the season. They also know
there are factors across all four fl yways — including total
breeding populations, harvest estimates and the habitat
needs of waterfowl species — that come into play when
determining the future of these zones.
Fortunately this fall, like they can every fi ve years in
Nebraska, waterfowl hunters will have a say regarding the
future of these zones.
But fi rst, some history.
Todd Mills prepares breakfast from his boat blind on the Missouri River
near Santee while his Labrador retriever, Hope, continues to hunt. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
In 1971, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the
High Plains Mallard Management Unit, which roughly
extended west from the 100th Meridian in states
throughout the Central Flyway. MAP BY TIM REIGERT, NEBRASKALAND
Explained
