2023 Waterfowl Thread

Went again today. Still working on the tailgate photo worthy bag limit

Got two mallards, and a widgeon.

The good:

I figured out I can wade all the way across the slough. Unfortunately I passed on a few flights before trying this.

I followed spanks advice and tried to focus on the bird and the bead. I absolutely folded the widgeon, it was beautiful

My shot per duck ratio has decreased a ton, and all birds were hit from a sitting position. Still missed some really good opportunities

Large migratory flocks of mallards appear to have arrived.

The not as good:

I wounded a few ducks and they flew off. I thought one came back and was having trouble flying and shot it. It was a brownish/white belly juvenile coot. I have skinned it and breasted it out. Apparently Cajuns like them. If I enjoy it, I will have ample opportunity to shoot more lol.

I only recovered 70% of my empty shells. This really upsets me. I wish you could getpaper shells with biodegradable wads.
 
Conor, its so great to see someone worried about picking up their spend shells. I cant tell you how much I appreciate this effort. Where I hunt, all the jack offs leave their garbage behind. What the hell does it take to pick up after yourself? There was one hunt that I took my nephew on where we filled 3 shopping bags of garbage and spent shells from other peoples blinds. Its just atrocious.

The only thing that bugs me more then not finding my spend shells is not recovering an injured bird. Unfortunately this happens. I usually add an unrecovered bird to my daily limit. Makes me feel better.
 
Yes, I have wounded big game and not recovered it. While seeing feathers and not seeing a falling duck, or having it land on private property across the slough and not finding it (presumably ran for cover) do not elicit the same heart sinking feeling, it still certainly doesn't feel good. Unfortunately I am guessing it is a loooot more common (I have lost one big game animal in 10 years of hunting in areas with generous open seasons on many animals).
 
conor_90 said:
Yes, I have wounded big game and not recovered it. While seeing feathers and not seeing a falling duck, or having it land on private property across the slough and not finding it (presumably ran for cover) do not elicit the same heart sinking feeling, it still certainly doesn't feel good. Unfortunately I am guessing it is a loooot more common (I have lost one big game animal in 10 years of hunting in areas with generous open seasons on many animals).
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You have a conscience which is great. Shows respect for the animals we hunt. Kudos for being clean. Could never figure out why garbage and empties aren’t carried out and disposed of properly. It’s a lot lighter carry out than in. Landowners also will respect you more and grant permission easier. Have fun
 
Awesome bag with great variety! Congrats and great shooting. Lots of good eating in that bag. The woodies are a treat for sure. Cheers and bacon on the smoker YEAH
 
With luck on my side and a handful of extra strength Tylenol, I was able to get out today for my first duck hunt of the year. Weather was nice, but birds weren’t cooperating very well. My new Browning Silver knocked down the only two birds that came within 40 yards, a mallard and a goose. And in usual fashion, when I was out in the boat retrieving the duck, I had a couple geese and a mallard come land in my decoys.

It wasn’t a big bag, but I’m thankful to have been able to get out as I was anticipating a lost season after my surgery.
 
1963beretta said:
With luck on my side and a handful of extra strength Tylenol, I was able to get out today for my first duck hunt of the year. Weather was nice, but birds weren’t cooperating very well. My new Browning Silver knocked down the only two birds that came within 40 yards, a mallard and a goose. And in usual fashion, when I was out in the boat retrieving the duck, I had a couple geese and a mallard come land in my decoys.

It wasn’t a big bag, but I’m thankful to have been able to get out as I was anticipating a lost season after my surgery.
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The main thing is, "you got out". It's most typical that birds will start flying when there is a departure from the blind. In the old days when I smoked and wanted action, I would just light-up a smoke.
 
track said:
The main thing is, "you got out". It's most typical that birds will start flying when there is a departure from the blind. In the old days when I smoked and wanted action, I would just light-up a smoke.
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Just like when you are quitting for the day. One more flock always shows up when you are picking up the decoys.

Our duck season and the second goose opening starts next Saturday.
Looking forward to actually shooting the geese instead of just chasing them out of our cover crop.
 
1963beretta said:
With luck on my side and a handful of extra strength Tylenol, I was able to get out today for my first duck hunt of the year. Weather was nice, but birds weren’t cooperating very well. My new Browning Silver knocked down the only two birds that came within 40 yards, a mallard and a goose. And in usual fashion, when I was out in the boat retrieving the duck, I had a couple geese and a mallard come land in my decoys.

It wasn’t a big bag, but I’m thankful to have been able to get out as I was anticipating a lost season after my surgery.
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very good news.

track said:
The main thing is, "you got out". It's most typical that birds will start flying when there is a departure from the blind. In the old days when I smoked and wanted action, I would just light-up a smoke.
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this.
 
medvedqc said:
very good news.
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Yes it is! I’m paying the price for it today, but if its at all possible, I may head out again tomorrow.

I’m getting an earful from everyone today about being in pain. They just don’t get it. Nothing worse than missing the season opener, but missing a full moon a week later has to be near the top.
 
Well, I got out again today and it was an absolutely beautiful day. A lot of birds flying but only four birds got close enough for a shot. Those four birds came home with me. A mixed bag of ducks; a couple mallards, a woodie and a blue wing teal. I’m really liking my new Browning Silver as I shoot it very well. It certainly lessens the sting from the Maxus that I sold not long ago. I really should have kept that gun.

On another note, my old boat sprung a leak in the keel. Now I have the pleasure of testing my aluminum soldering skills this week. Fun times.
 
conor_90 said:
What are everyone's opinions on hunting in the evening? Does choice of spots change dramatically?
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Unless i know i will not be hunting the next morning i will possibly be up for an evening shoot otherwise i use that time to scout for the next day as i find it to be more productive that too and i hate picking up decoys in the dark and cleaning birds by lantern light.
As far as choice in spots did you scout in the morning or just going off of a hail mary in hopes that the birds were there
 
Hunted my usual New Brunswick opener in Zone 2 near Hampstead Monday and Tuesday.

New spot in the marsh, usually held by one of the more senior guys who stayed home.

I barely shot my 12 gauge last year and hadn't touched it since at least December. Shot shockingly poorly. Our boat blind was also crap, which irritates me to no end, as I've pointed this out for years and people don't believe me that better blinds means better chances.

Anyway. If I knew a good wingshooting coaching program in NB, I'd take it.
 
kevinc. said:
Unless i know i will not be hunting the next morning i will possibly be up for an evening shoot otherwise i use that time to scout for the next day as i find it to be more productive that too and i hate picking up decoys in the dark and cleaning birds by lantern light.
As far as choice in spots did you scout in the morning or just going off of a hail mary in hopes that the birds were there
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To touch on conors question as well, if you know a spot has birds in the morning, how do you get in there without spooking them? Or are you looking for the spots that has no birds first thing, but then mid morning they show up, so you can be set up prior to their arrival?

Seems like evening would make more sense so you can be there in the afternoon set up before they come in for the night?

Only have one water hunt under my belt so I am curious about it, waterfowl experience has always been field hunting geese.
 
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