2022 Waterfowl thread

[medvedqc]

Well, opening day has passed in southern Ontario. Turned out to be a solo hunt and I was able to shoot a handful of birds. It was a lot busier this year then in recent years. Had people set up 100 yards to my left and right, so there was a lot of gun fire at the spooking birds at the most in opportune times, but thats is life on public waters. Fortunately the groups started to leave at 9:00 and it was then when I was able to get some unimpeded action. A lot of various types of ducks flying around which is nice to see. Left the lake with a couple geese, a couple mallards and a beautiful drake woodie.

My family enjoyed tasty goose sausages for lunch and a nice dish of goose parmigiana for dinner….

look very tasty.

 

[medvedqc]

This opening weekend was extra special as my dog's inaugural goose hunt. He retrieved everything we shot and held respectably steady in his blind (he can whine at times). Looking forward to many more years of hunting with him!

hunting with a dog is so rewarding. thank you for posting.

 

[1963beretta]

holay that looks good!!

look very tasty.

Boy was it ever delicious. Anyone who says goose/duck doesnt taste good needs to try it like this. Goose parmigiana can easily be passed off as veal parmigiana. The trick is to fillet the breast thin. Once breaded, they cook within a minute in oil. I let the oil drain for a bit before throwing them in the oven. I usually use more tomato sauce, but I didn't realize I was down to my last jar. But even still, they didn't dry out in the oven. I use the extra sauce on the pasta that I usually make to serve with the parmigiana

 

[track]

Headed out yesterday, again with my 6 year old grandson. We killed 4 Canada's and 1 Specklebelly. He enjoyed using the duck call over the goose call. Next time he uses the calls I'll make sure he rinses his mouth first, I found bread and turkey meat inside my call, I was wondering why it wasn't working. LOL!!!
https://imgur.com/a/oXAiMNs

 

[AdamRoby]

Went out for my very first hunt on Sunday morning, solo hunt. Basically saw no action... only two small groups flew over me but I noticed them too late. I wonder, is there any rhyme or reason for their direction of flight in the morning? Both times they flew into the sun. The spot I chose made it impossible to see them until last minute, so next time I want to setup across the marsh to get a better view.

I went out with a buddy on Saturday to scope out as many locations as possible. The large lake I really wanted to hunt was a bear to get to. The quads had their work cut out for them, as the trail was very hilly and very muddy. I was surprised to get there at all, and that was with backup and day light. I thought it too risky to go alone with a quad full of equipment and riding in complete darkness, so for now the lake will a "future" adventure. I did find another decent area, but after trying to get in to test the bottom, I realized that it was like underwater quicksand. 1 foot inside the water and you start to sink 1-3'. I needed my buddy to stand on a rock next to me to help pull me out.

So I was trying to think of a way to retrieve any duck that I down in that water. I don't have access to a boat of any kind, and the trail is pretty hairy as is without trying to get any flotation device out there. My bright idea, is to use an old collapsible fishing rod (for easy transport) and a makeshift grappling hook with floaters on it. I am hoping to be able to cast out far enough to cover the entire swap from shore, even if it takes 20 tries. Has anyone ever tried something similar? Any other ideas? I was really hoping those chest waiters would be sufficient, but it is complete muck at the bottom of these swamps in the area.

There is another part to this one that I will try next weekend. It was 0º and I completely froze, wearing all of my hunting gear (long sleeve shirt, sweater, parka). I quit after about 3 hours, and when I got home and started to thaw out, my finger tips had pins and needles, so I know I was really cold out there. Next weekend I plan to add a few more layers... maybe a blanket of some kind... heater... I don't know.

 

[1963beretta]

I got out this past weekend for an awesome hunt. The weather was perfect, the birds were flying, but my shooting was absolutely off. I blame my brand new waders for the bad shooting. Made out with a couple ducks, but it should have really been a limit. Had a couple geese get away when my sling got caught on my gun rest. It just wasn’t my day.

 

[1963beretta]

I went out with a buddy on Saturday to scope out as many locations as possible. The large lake I really wanted to hunt was a bear to get to. The quads had their work cut out for them, as the trail was very hilly and very muddy. I was surprised to get there at all, and that was with backup and day light. I thought it too risky to go alone with a quad full of equipment and riding in complete darkness, so for now the lake will a "future" adventure. I did find another decent area, but after trying to get in to test the bottom, I realized that it was like underwater quicksand. 1 foot inside the water and you start to sink 1-3'. I needed my buddy to stand on a rock next to me to help pull me out.

So I was trying to think of a way to retrieve any duck that I down in that water. I don't have access to a boat of any kind, and the trail is pretty hairy as is without trying to get any flotation device out there. My bright idea, is to use an old collapsible fishing rod (for easy transport) and a makeshift grappling hook with floaters on it. I am hoping to be able to cast out far enough to cover the entire swap from shore, even if it takes 20 tries. Has anyone ever tried something similar? Any other ideas? I was really hoping those chest waiters would be sufficient, but it is complete muck at the bottom of these swamps in the area.

Its very important to assume the worse before you walk into something you are not familiar with. Some of those ponds and swamps can have 10-15 ft of mud. You go in and wont come out. Never worth it for a duck.

Your fishing rod idea is a good one. I did it for many years. A couple larger treble hooks works well

Another tip is to have a change of cloths in your blind bag. Hyperthermia can set in quick if you get submerged. I’ve never had a need myself, but a guy I once hunted with did. He fell in the water setting out his decoys in mid November. Luckily I had a full set of clothing for him

 

[TheCoachZed]

Spent opening day in NB's Zone 2 with my father-in-law in a boat blind. He's a terrible shot and a terrible hunter, but he bagged one teal on a nice hit, and that made him pretty pleased. I downed six and retrieved four; the other two got away because father-in-law didn't finish them off when he was supposed to (I couldn't hit them from my side of the blind... sigh).

Had a new O/U out and was very happy with its performance. Also very happy that my father in law seems to finally get that you need proper concealment and some wingshooting practice, after 12 years up there. The boat blinds he hunts from are terrible, but he doesn't know any better, because he only goes out on opening day. Hard days blasting black ducks on the coast certainly taught me the importance of staying hidden....

Anyway. He saw another boat blind setup and was immediately converted to that idea.

Zone 1 opens up here on the 15th. I was planning a big shoot party for Musquash marsh, but 2 of 4 guys backed out and the third isn't looking likely. So maybe I'll go alone, or maybe I'll find some new shootists...

 

[Runningfool]

So I was trying to think of a way to retrieve any duck that I down in that water. I don't have access to a boat of any kind, and the trail is pretty hairy as is without trying to get any flotation device out there. My bright idea, is to use an old collapsible fishing rod (for easy transport) and a makeshift grappling hook with floaters on it. I am hoping to be able to cast out far enough to cover the entire swap from shore, even if it takes 20 tries. Has anyone ever tried something similar? Any other ideas? .

I've tried that. Once. I'm no expert caster, but it's much harder to cast and retrieve than you might think. Took me an hour to retrieve two geese that way....cast, miss, cast, miss, clean treble hook, repeat ad nauseum. Another idea is making a dog. If I was to do it again, I'd invest the time in making a dog.

 

[Runningfool]

Also very happy that my father in law seems to finally get that you need proper concealment and some wingshooting practice, after 12 years up there. The boat blinds he hunts from are terrible, but he doesn't know any better, because he only goes out on opening day. Hard days blasting black ducks on the coast certainly taught me the importance of staying hidden....

What is it about hunting buddies that don't understand concealment is king! It's not always easy to have this conversation, even when your hunting partners express their bewilderment that every flock flared for some strange reason . Nice that your fil saw for himself what good concealment looks like and got the message.

 

[AdamRoby]

I practiced today in the pool. It is 32' long, and I tried standing back as far as I could up to about 50' about. I cut up some pool noodles to act as a stand in duck. I made some grappling hook type things out of thick aluminum wire. It has some bite, but mostly just to hook into stuff, and if really stuck, it will bend, that I can reel it back in to reshape it then cast it back out. Of course these are ideal conditions, but after a few casts I was hitting them pretty consistently and dragging them back to me.

 

[madtrapper143]

I watched a fellow from Labrador haul in several geese he had shot over a large pond. His tool (something like yours) was a wooden block with screw nails partially screwed in and the heads cut off. Angled to the man throwing. The block floated and allowed for precise guidance to the bird. He spun it over head and threw it like a lifeline. It looked like a well thought out rig for minimal cost. Some medium strength bank line would work for the line.

Darryl

 

[Runningfool]

I watched a fellow from Labrador haul in several geese he had shot over a large pond. His tool (something like yours) was a wooden block with screw nails partially screwed in and the heads cut off. Angled to the man throwing. The block floated and allowed for precise guidance to the bird. He spun it over head and threw it like a lifeline. It looked like a well thought out rig for minimal cost. Some medium strength bank line would work for the line.

Darryl

Sounds similar to the dog made in post #27 https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2192042-DIY-Decoy-Retreiver/page3

 

[CoryTheCowboy]

Recently got back from the yearly trip to Manitoba with my Dad, and as usual, had a great time. There didn't seem to be a pile of birds around compared to previous years (warm and calm weather), but we still got into a few of them. This was the special bird for me this trip. Not a big deal to some, but as freelancers hunting sloughs, it was neat to shoot this bird.

And my little dog has no time for photos during shooting hours, but I liked this one

Cory

 

[madtrapper143]

Sounds similar to the dog made in post #27 https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2192042-DIY-Decoy-Retreiver/page3

It is the very same. I wish I had watched that video instead of skipping over it. Feel kind of foolish posting the same idea. But it is a good idea.

Darryl

 

[squidxm]

I practiced today in the pool. It is 32' long, and I tried standing back as far as I could up to about 50' about. I cut up some pool noodles to act as a stand in duck. I made some grappling hook type things out of thick aluminum wire. It has some bite, but mostly just to hook into stuff, and if really stuck, it will bend, that I can reel it back in to reshape it then cast it back out. Of course these are ideal conditions, but after a few casts I was hitting them pretty consistently and dragging them back to me.

Hopefully you dont encounter cripples who may be moving out of your casting zone. My hunting options were pretty limited when considering hunting over water. This past winter I finally got around to buying a Beavertail hunting kayak. Spent the off season picking up all the things I need to outfit it for hunts. Even mounted some off-roading lights to the front. It was the best purchase I've made in a long time and feel like I expanded my hunting opportunities significantly.

I love how stable it is. So handy to be able to paddle deep in the middle of a marsh and hunt out of a layout boat. Gets you to where most guys dont go.

 

[medvedqc]

Recently got back from the yearly trip to Manitoba with my Dad, and as usual, had a great time. There didn't seem to be a pile of birds around compared to previous years (warm and calm weather), but we still got into a few of them. This was the special bird for me this trip. Not a big deal to some, but as freelancers hunting sloughs, it was neat to shoot this bird.

And my little dog has no time for photos during shooting hours, but I liked this one

Cory

great pics and hunting. thanks a lot.

 

[AdamRoby]

Hopefully you dont encounter cripples who may be moving out of your casting zone. My hunting options were pretty limited when considering hunting over water. This past winter I finally got around to buying a Beavertail hunting kayak...

I wondered the same thing. I am really new (first time) to duck hunting, so I don't really know all the ins and outs. So far I have yet to see any birds, so either there are none in my area, or I am spooking them or not calling them in right. I'm not sure what percentage of birds are only injured compared to killed, especially being a new hunter. I guess if it were injured, I may take another shot. I know it is not considered "sportsman like", but considering it would be injured I guess it would be fair for a follow up shot?!?

That kayak looks pretty sweet. I think I will invest in equipment based on my success as a hunter. Right now I have starter gear, and in 2 seasons of turkey hunting and starting my first duck season, I have yet to bag any game. I was hoping to start off with birds and work my way up to deer... but at this rate I might as well be a vegematarian.

 

[Cintax]

I wondered the same thing. I am really new (first time) to duck hunting, so I don't really know all the ins and outs. So far I have yet to see any birds, so either there are none in my area, or I am spooking them or not calling them in right. I'm not sure what percentage of birds are only injured compared to killed, especially being a new hunter. I guess if it were injured, I may take another shot. I know it is not considered "sportsman like", but considering it would be injured I guess it would be fair for a follow up shot?!?

That kayak looks pretty sweet. I think I will invest in equipment based on my success as a hunter. Right now I have starter gear, and in 2 seasons of turkey hunting and starting my first duck season, I have yet to bag any game. I was hoping to start off with birds and work my way up to deer... but at this rate I might as well be a vegematarian.

Nothing unsportsmanlike about shooting an injured duck or goose on the water.

This is a good time of year to buy a canoe or kayak as the big box stores typically don’t want to carry that inventory over the winter.

My experience is that deer hunting is less gear dependent meaning the barrier of entry can be lower. You already have a shotgun which works just fine for deer. I’m sure you have gear to keep yourself warm in winter. So you just need the game processing, survival equipment and anything specific to your hunting style or locations.

Nothing wrong with coming out of the field empty handed either as long as you had fun and learned something.

 

[gravyboat]

Heading up to James Bay for snow geese and ducks next weekend. Can’t wait, my first time hunting anything other than grouse and turkey.

That sounds like an awesome trip. I've seen the huge flocks of snows in Alberta when I was hunting honkers, but alive never hunted them. I can only imagine how huge, and loud the flocks on James Bay are. Have a good one.