Ducks on the Potholes?

glowball · 10-18-2006, 04:02 AM

Might be making my first duck hunting trip over on the potholes weekend after next. Am I gonna need to wait for daylight for the maiden voyage out to one of the islands? Or do you think I'll be able to find my way around well enough with a spotlight? Any other tips you can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks
Kris

MarshBum · 10-18-2006, 07:14 AM

I've been out there once, and the only advise I would offer would be to take a GPS. If you get way pack into the potholes, it can be pretty confusing trying to figure your way back out again.

Other than that... have a good shoot!!!

Geoff

D3smartie · 10-18-2006, 07:26 AM

i would not run back in without having seen it in the light. there are lots of sandbars and shallow spots that shift from year to year. Its dangerous enough for guys that do it a lot, let alone someone making their first trip.

Meister Jaeger · 10-19-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarshBum

I've been out there once, and the only advise I would offer would be to take a GPS. If you get way pack into the potholes, it can be pretty confusing trying to figure your way back out again.

Other than that... have a good shoot!!!

Geoff

GPS is a must, and getting your bearings during daylight hours is highly advisable. I've hunted there many times; once you get in the dunes, pretty much everything begins to look alike...and it can get foggy too. Be safe, and good luck! Be sure to post up when you get back - it'd be nice to hear how it's looking up there this year!

MJ

Teton · 10-19-2006, 01:28 PM

Sage advice. Running the potholes in the daytime in a jet is plenty fun. Even after plotting a course or two on GPS, I'd still worry about a shiftng sandbar.

GREAT habitat though. I've only seen it once (w/Marshbum), but definitely want to return.

clearwaterfun · 10-19-2006, 01:48 PM

GPS is good advice. If you aren't familar with the path to get to where you are going wait until light. The water will be dropping by then so new obsticles will be emerging daily. You would be ok if you stay on the main channels in the dark but if you have any doubt wait until light. There are planty of spots you can walk into for the first morning you are there if you don't want to waste hunting time. No sign of the Northerns yet. Local ducks only and they are already getting call shy.

boone · 10-19-2006, 01:55 PM

The water is actually on the rise already and coming up daily. We were there about a month ago and it came up like 6" in the 2 days we were there. The gas dock would be almost under water in the morning when we got up. Stop in the store at Mar Don's and they will fill you in on what's going on.

clearwaterfun · 10-19-2006, 02:11 PM

Once they turn the canals off they drop the water for winter.

glowball · 10-20-2006, 07:31 PM

My buddy has been calling over there almost daily getting reports and other info. He mentioned riding the quads in through the sand dunes the first morning then taking the boat for a ride during the day to look around and mark some spots. Whatcha think of that idea? I've never been to the dunes over there, but I'm game for anything.

Thanks for the help
Kris