The Difficulties of Planting Beaver Swamps for Ducks

Really unfortunate that happened, Mother Nature is sometimes cruel. Lots of hard work as I know but hopefully your season will be a success

I lost all my corn in my impoundments as well. It really stinks.

It can be frustrating sometimes for sure. It is hard having to rely on the weather. Thanks to your video of the DNR video I thought I'd better check the GA DNR site to make sure nothing has changed. I discovered that I was wrong on opening day of dove season. I was thinking 8/31, but it is actually 9/7 in GA and that gives me 7 more days. That is a good thing in some ways especially for the millet, but the Finch birds are tearing up my sunflowers. They haven't got them all, but with three weeks they may have them eaten up before the season. I am seeing a good bit of dove in the field too getting the sunflower seeds that are falling on the ground.

You north of the alligator line in that part of Carolina?

I'm with ya bud. I do the same thing you do, I had 5 acres of jap millet that was growing awesome. Army worms came and ate every bit of it in literally 2 and a half days. So frustrating. Where I live it is now to late to replant. I always knew it could be an issue but for the 6 years I've been managing my properties I never had that problem. I've still got alot of sedeges and smartweed they didn't eat, but all my millet and all the natural grasses,( barnyard, panic ext) is gone. Just part of it I know but it is frustrating

I know it wont help for this coming waterfowl season, but I think having MULTIPLE "inline" water control structures might work well for you. Having at least two different water control structures gives you more capability and options while fighting the beavers and heavy rain events. Use one water control structure at a time. That way, if the beavers stop up one, you have the ability to open up the 2nd one all the way. If you get a heavy rain event, you now have the ability to fully open both water control structures and move twice the amount of water. I know Jody Pagan installs a third "emergency" screw gate water control structure into most of his projects. That is just how important it is to get water off of your impoundment when you need too. Installing inline water control structures can be tough, and would more than likely require that small excavator that you used moths ago, but it would be so worth it. It would would definitely save you from throwing your back out. Check into it for the next off season. It may be able to help you out.

Nice to follow your hard work. Ready to see how it all pays off for you