High winds and high tides mark the opening of waterfowl hunting season in parts of Alaska on Friday, but some duck hunters say they’ll sit this day out, due to the howling weather in the Southcentral region.
It’s the kind of weather and tide combination that can swamp tents, cabins, and can leave skiffs stranded far from the receding tide. Anchorage will see a 33-foot tide Friday morning, with winds up to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. It’s the kind of weather that can push water far inland, make it hard to hang onto your duck decoys, and can flip airplanes. It’s tent-swamping, boat-bailing, and wader-testing kind of weather.
But at least it’s a warm wind for those who get stranded. The temperature today will reach around 60 degrees.
There have already been a lot of search and rescues of hunters so far this season, according to the Department of Public Safety. Alaskans might expect search and rescue teams to be called out this weekend to save a few lives.
The 2024-24 waterfowl regulations from the Department of Fish and Game can be found a this link.
