As we all know, the Bottoms are dry. There is a bit of water at the hubs where Kim dug them out, but there is no water anywhere else. The most relevant question is “where are the birds?” I know part of the answer. It’s not pretty.

I never saw a Whooping Crane this year. I know they came through, but I didn’t get a peek. This is the first fall migration I can recall that I didn’t see a Whooper. I also have to admit that I didn’t spend enough time at Quivira. It’s hard to go when it is such a dismal prospect for seeing stuff. My new friend Elizabeth Walker is new to KDWP and works with Mike Rader. They are terrific birders and conservation champions, so I know they will keep us updated on the comings and goings of the migration. She came from San Antonio and is friends with Dodge and Lorna Engleman who are world-class birders and dear friends of Sandra and me. We are honored to have Elizabeth on our team. Meet her if you can — she is awesome!  And — she knows a lot of stuff about lots of things!

The geese are passing through. I hear white fronts and snow geese going over Hoisington when I walk on the track early or late. I also hear Sandhill Cranes.

Jason Wagner (manages the Bottoms) had a birthday and a party in Otis at the Tumbleweed last Saturday. Forty is a serious birthday. I think that is when I started my downhill slide — Jason is a lot tougher than me so he will “don’t let the old man in” (Clint Eastwood theme song by Toby Keith in his honor — he plays golf with Mr. Eastwood) with great success. I spoke to Gene and Kim at Jason’s party, and they have pegged the geese.

Here are the facts. We don’t know where the vast majority are staying or if they just passed on through. There are a couple of thousand or so that are camping out on the sewer pond east of Hoisington. There are White fronts, Snows, and Canadas. I saw several species of ducks — Canvas backs, mallards, wigeons, shovelers, pintails — beautiful ducks on the pond. You can see a ton of feathers on the shore where the waterfowl have camped out and left calling cards. The shore is a mess with that many birds in a small area. There are lots of turtles and Great Blue Herons — everyone is in on the action!

The Prossers and Bullards always lead in the “Huge Deer” category. Their attention to every small detail in hunting big deer is essentially unparalleled in that endeavor. The pure work and concentration that is required to consistently take huge bucks are so much more than we meat hunters can even begin to understand — I salute them for the unparalleled excellence they demonstrate in this endeavor. It is a religious effort by these folks — I stand in awe. Check them out and see what they harvested. It took my breath!  

I see deer making scrapes in the tree rows. I see small bucks chasing big does with no success. Chase while you can — the big boys are in the shadows and about ready to start managing the rut.  

Keep your car lights on bright as much as possible — they seem to be plotting to cross your path. 

I love this time of year and hope everyone enjoys the season. I’m down to about two packages of deer meat so I will start hunting pretty soon. It’s still a bit warm — no rush. KDWP has not responded to my question about these unusual deer tags that seem to be promoting poaching — I guess they have a plan. 

Football playoffs, pheasant and quail season, goose season, Thanksgiving — I cherish this time of year! Celebrate with those you love!

Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast.