Sample issue

Mid-South Hunt Brief — sample

Sample issue. Format for the free Mid-South Hunt Brief. Figures below are from published agency sources and our site gauges as of Nov 9, 2026. This is not a live send.

Sources linked in place. Forecasts are the agencies’ own; interpretation is labeled as ours. A cold front is not proof that new birds have arrived.

Three things to know

  • Tennessee Mid-segment WMA quota applications close Nov 10, 2026 (window Oct 21–Nov 10). Official: TWRA migratory birds · listed on our draw calendar (checked Nov 7, 2026).
  • Mid-South rivers remain low heading into openers. Mississippi River at Memphis read −2.5 ft (observed Nov 9, 7:00 a.m. CT); Cache River at Patterson 2.3 ft (Nov 9, 7:15 a.m. CT); Reelfoot Lake 11.3 ft (Nov 9, 8:00 a.m. CT). Live cards: river levels.
  • As of the Nov 3, 2026 weekly report, no Mid-South state had posted a 2026-27 duck count yet beyond Louisiana’s September teal survey. Full write-up: Mid-South Duck Migration Report: Nov 3, 2026 (sources checked Nov 2, 2026).

Bird movement

From the Nov 3 report (agency sources only; no hunter reports): Arkansas drought persisted, AGFC managed units held water where they could, and the Mississippi kept falling that week. Upstream refuge counts were summarized there with survey dates. Read the Nov 3 report for species notes and links. When a newer Tuesday report publishes, it replaces this sample’s migration section in the emailed brief.

We never present an old survey as current activity. If a state hasn’t posted a count, we say so.

Weather and water outlook

Observed water (not a forecast): Memphis −2.5 ft, Patterson 2.3 ft, Reelfoot 11.3 ft on the mornings of Nov 9, 2026 — see each gauge page for the NWS forecast tables and flood stages.

Interpretation (ours): Low stages continue to concentrate open water. That can bunch birds on the water that remains, but it does not guarantee a hunt. Confirm local access and boat ramps before you trailer. Context: Low Water, Dry Timber (gauge table refreshed Nov 9, 2026).

Before you go

Always re-check the agency page before you drive. Rules change.

One field tip

In a drought opener, scout the water you can still reach and give yourself extra time for shallow ramps and sandbars. Keep the boat light and know a walk-out route. Tip tied to current low-water conditions described above — not a success prediction.

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