MAGIC VALLEY, Idaho (KMVT-TV) - The mild winter is affecting the migration patterns of birds, likes ducks and geese, which is impacting waterfowl hunting.

Waterfowl season is well underway in the Magic Valley, but unfortunately things aren't going well.

"This has probably been one of the slowest seasons I've seen in quite some time," said Ryan Horsley.

Horsley, who manages Red's Trading Post in Twin Falls, has seen a lot of frustrated hunters lately.

"They don't really want to take a chance to go out and spend the money on ammo and gas and taking the day off to take a chance of not getting anything," said Horsley.

The majority of the ducks in the Magic Valley right now are local birds, many of which were hatched here in Hagerman, which is unusual for this time of year.

"Because of the lack of snow in the northern plains up in Canada, even as far north as Alaska, we've had a limited amount of northern birds migrate into the Magic Valley this year," said Kelton Hatch, Idaho Fish and Game.

Unless the north gets hit with severe weather soon, waterfowl season could be a bust.

"I've seen migrations come after our seasons have closed that is why here we have a later season than anywhere else in the state," said Hatch.

It’s a disappointing forecast for Magic Valley bird hunters, but, the lack of snow isn't all bad.

"This is also helping our mule deer because we're having a limited amount of snow in the mountains so then we're having better over winter mule deer survival," said Hatch.

This is good news for next season's big game hunters.

Waterfowl season ends on January 27th in the Magic Valley.