Out of the two phrases, 'Moist Soil Management' and 'Migratory Birds', only one of them sounded like something in which I would be interested. But, I learned this weekend from Jamie Feddersen, a waterfowl biologist at the T.M. Goodwin Management area, that these two phrases are brother and sister when it comes to managing a 6,270 acre facility. This facility focuses on creating habitat for migratory game birds, and opens the door for duck hunters and snipe hunters alike.

We already mentioned that T.M. Goodwins primary focus is to maintain high quality wetland habitat for wintering, migrating, and resident waterfowl, and other wetland wildlife, while providing recreational opportunities to the public. Well, there are a couple of things ducks need. First, they need cover and open water. The percentage of each is about 60% and 40% respectively. Second, like any other animal or human on this planet, ducks need food. Creating a food source is where the 'Moist Soil Management' comes in. In order for all the edible grasses and plants to germinate, the soil has to get wet, and in some cases, flooded. It then must dry up. This cycle repeats itself annually, and is how a natural wetland works without intervention.

Goodwin and Broadmoor were historically floodplain marsh in the upper basin of the St. Johns river. Sometime during the 1950's Goodwin and Broadmoor were diked and drained and converted into pasture and row crop production respectively.
Biologists took time, and with careful planning have constructed a wetland of their own. The only real difference is that this marsh is controlled by many different control stations that are made up of pumps and canals. These enable the biologists to manipulate the water levels within the marsh, mimicking the cycle of a natural wetland.

When the biologists flood the management area, it creates a prime habitat for ducks to live and feed. When the season is over they draw the water down to have the plant life re-germinate, thus creating a prime habitat for snipe. And so I learned that without 'Moist Soil Management', T.M. Goodwin would be just another cow pasture.

There is a lot more to creating habitat for ducks and other migratory game birds. For more info on how these eco systems work check this out www.wildflorida.org/duck

Now, I know you all want to hear about the specifics when it comes to Hunting the Goodwin and Broadmoore Marsh

Finally, this has become a popular spot, and getting reservations for a duck hunt seems to be very difficult. I tried this year and every person I talked to has had a very hard time getting in. There is a reason for this. There are a ton of ducks there every year. We encourage you to check it out. So, get your redial finger ready and prepare to hit it for at least a couple hours if you want to hunt T.M. Goodwin next year. It will be worth every finger cramp you get!