Long live the sawbill derby!!!

[The_Duck_Master]

Duckboy's passion (or is it disdain?) for the sawbill is becoming quite legendary. It is not something that I've ever personally shared. However, there must've been something in the air yesterday. For after nearly 30 years of hunting fowl of all kinds I finally dropped the hammer on what I believe to be my first merg. Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of opportunities in the past. I just never wanted to "waste" a shell or one of my limit on a slimey fish duck.

While it gives me satisfaction to know I've done my part to save a few salmon I have to admit if the situation were any different I'd likely still be a mergagin (or is it sawbillgin?). You see, yesterday the sawbill gods aligned the stars just right and as I was sitting in a grass field surrounded by goose decoys with little or no chance of shooting a limit (if any) of ducks, a lone, solitary mergie approached at lightning speed. He was on a rope for parts unknown (probably someplace at least NEAR water) and passed in perfect range (well, maybe... too close) directly overhead. It was one of those moments where time stands still and visions of all things ducky flash before your eyes. To shoot or not to shoot?

Being loaded for geese (3.5" BBBs) did make me pause, if only momentarily, before the infamous sawbill derby arose from the recesses of my mind. The decision was made. In a flash the deed was done.

As far as I can recall, this was a first for me and being the sentimental sort I'd normally record the results on film. However, the payload did it's job and suffice it to say, I have no pictures to share. He did however make a fine addition to the jerky pile.

Long live the sawbill derby!

[lor]

Your post has convinced me to step out of the closet or shadows of sawbill shame. I have shot a pair of sawbills this year.

In both cases the birds flew about 20 yrds above me, it was a first flight situation just after shooting light and I really thought I was dropping a teal. The first one I took home.
The second one, because me and another guy both shot it, I decided not to argue whose bird it was and let him claim his trophy.

I'll currently looking for a minister, judge, or justice of the peace to perform a SawBillAnnulment so I can remain a Sawbillgin.

I also failed to capture the moment on film/SD card.
Long Live those who participant in the SawBill Derby.

[Steelie Ben]

I got my first Sawbill this season too, thought it was a mallard and shot! Well maybe I didn't think it was a mallard but it was a slow day and I figured I would do my part to save a few fishies!! Unlike the above two posters I got it on film, well SD!! I will post it and gladly accept the ridicule and ribbing I well deserve. Oh, my buddy shot at it too but I know I hit it but decided to give it to him! It was the first "Duck" he had hit in three trips!!!

[duckboy]

Great Sawbills there!

I am glad to see you guys kick into gear on the derby, I will be doing my best to get as many as I can. Skin em out, cut off the fat and start the pepperoni machine!

There are more sawbills down where I hunt than I am used to seeing at this time of the year, as the Zenith of Sawbills on the river is usually the last part of January when the smelt start to run.

Perhaps we will have an early smelt run, and an early springer season too?

I think it is important that we have the nomenclature down with Sawbills.
Now, Sawbills are also known as Mergies, and Fishducks, and some folks call em "Lawndarts". I always like'd the name "Sawbill" That is what Duckbrother Zachariah calls em, and that is where i took to it.

Now, around here, there are a couple of different kinds. The Common, and the Hooded, and the Red Breasted.

The Commons have a drakes with a dark Green head and Bright red bill (these are called "Croakers" by folks I have hunted with. Because they Croak as a vocalization, and I guess most of the ones we have seen fly by are Croaked in the process.


Here is a really old photo of a Croaker I shot in Oregon and retreived in Idaho. A 2 state bird! Alex Swam all the way across the river, and I had to drive over and get him on the other side, because he got washed out downstream. Looks like I got washed downstream too, I think I was living in my truck at the time.



Back when we were allowed 4 Bluebills. Ginger even likes to put the squeeze on em.


The hens look like this




In Sawbilling circles, they are known as “Redheads”

Hoodies are not too common out where I go, but they seem to like the area around S.I. and anywhere there are wood ducks, you probably will find a hoodie too.


The other Sawbill is the Red Breasted. I have never seen one down here, but I got into these ones in Puget Sound last season with Mike and Cheis (QH’s Paw and Quackhead).



Kind of cool looking, have the green head of a Common Croaker, but the fluffy stuff that a Redhead Sawbill has on its head its “crest”.

Not quite as big as a common Croaker, but still a good sized bird.

So it is good to see you other Sawbillers getting on board for the derby.

My goal is to eventually see a separate bag limit for Sawbills, aside from the other ducks.

[Hunt'nFish]

Originally Posted by lor

Your post has convinced me to step out of the closet or shadows of sawbill shame. I have shot a pair of sawbills this year.

I think of them as flying coyotes.....I'll whack every one that flies by me.
They get chunked up in gravy for Chance. Hey, the dog deserves his treat too.

I just have one question:......why are comerants protected??? Sure would like to thin a few of them out too.
Hunt'nFish

[Wreckless]

A SEPERATE LIMIT FOR SAWBILLS!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!

I'm not sure why it ever changed. It only makes sense to let sport hunters put a dent in the population

Add Cormorants while you're at it!!!!


On a serious note, is there a better decoy for Merganshnitzers or do you just shoot at the "drive by's"? My neighbor wants to try duckhunting and I can't think of a better way than to get into some sawbills.

[duckboy]

Originally Posted by Wreckless

On a serious note, is there a better decoy for Merganshnitzers or do you just shoot at the "drive by's"? My neighbor wants to try duckhunting and I can't think of a better way than to get into some sawbills.

Yep, use drake Canvasback deeks about 8 feet out from the shore...

[Chesapeake]

We used to shoot them things up at the lake. The thought was that they poop in the water and the trout eat the poo and get the ring worms. The trout in Merril lake have the ring worms real bad.

Of course this is just redneck science and has no backing in proven truth, but it is yet another reason to thin them birds out a little.

I've never eaten one and havent realy wanted to so I havent shot any in alot of years. Maybe I will have to drop one and see if the jerky brine can make it eatable.

[The_Duck_Master]

Originally Posted by Wreckless

My neighbor wants to try duckhunting and I can't think of a better way than to get into some sawbills.

Don't you like your neighbor?

[Wreckless]

I won't tell him what they are!!!!!

In fact I'll call them "red heads"!

BTW - Will Bluebill blocks work for the elusive MERGENSHNITZER?

[duckboy]

Originally Posted by Wreckless

BTW - Will Bluebill blocks work for the elusive MERGENSHNITZER?

not nearly as well... they look for all of the white, and a red head (i think.)

[TonTo]

I guess I should fess up,I put three sawbills in the pepperoni stash so far this year.Two "redheads" and a "croaker",but I swore off em after that.Sunday I passed up an easy limit of em,the dog just kept looking at me as if to ask why not.I tried to explain it to him but I'm not sure if he understood,ended up only taking one shot that day and came home with one lone goldeneye hen,and a dissapointed dog.
Next time I might just have to let the dog get his way.

[Teton]

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

. . . redneck science . . .

Hmmm, 'rural legends', as compared to 'urban legends', I like it.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), where I grew up (which was rural), anything other than a mallard or teal was characterized as a "mud duck".

Now, back to the regularly-scheduled mergy discussion.

[jnicholson]

What is the rules on mergansers and cormorants in Washington?

[duckboy]

Originally Posted by jnicholson

What is the rules on mergansers and cormorants in Washington?

No cormorants on the west coast (excluding alaska) Heck, they have a snowy owl season there.


You can shoot up to 7 sawbills a day here in Or and Wa. They are "ducks" just like a greenhead mallard as far as the rules go.

[hunter97051]

I got my first one last saturday... I guess there is a first time for everything. Other than saving the fish I hope its the last!!!!!

[Timber]

Originally Posted by Wreckless

A SEPERATE LIMIT FOR SAWBILLS!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!

I'm not sure why it ever changed. It only makes sense to let sport hunters put a dent in the population

Add Cormorants while you're at it!!!!


On a serious note, is there a better decoy for Merganshnitzers or do you just shoot at the "drive by's"? My neighbor wants to try duckhunting and I can't think of a better way than to get into some sawbills.

That would be awsome! I had to enter myself with a passing shot from over the back at mach 3 passing shot yesterday while in the driftboat. The splash was spectacular. The hen will not reproduce again.

[ogrejager]

I've lost count.

Before the season, they were using my pond and hunting my trout. I'd sic the dog on 'em.

Now that season is open...well, the family/flock that like my pond....doesn't so much.

Doesn't so much as do ANYTHING, anymore.....

[adobe wall]

Originally Posted by Hunt'nFish

I think of them as flying coyotes.....I'll whack every one that flies by me.
They get chunked up in gravy for Chance. Hey, the dog deserves his treat too.

I just have one question:......why are comerants protected??? Sure would like to thin a few of them out too.
Hunt'nFish

I wonder the same thing. Mergs aren't any more ducks than cormorants are. I sure wish the bonus Merg limit had happened. I've always shot them as I hunted most of my life in a state where they were bonus birds.

I shoot 'em here too, but haven't managed to put 7 in the boat yet. I think a mid week float trip down the Lewis would do nicely- and help the smolts a bit. I guess the pinnacle of sawbill shooting would be a seven hen limit- we're trying to thin them after all.

regards, aw

[Tulelicious]

I shot a hoodie last weekend when jump shooting some ponds. I was suprised at their small size. We were jump shooting the bufflehead sitting on the pond and out popped a hen and drake hoodie. This was my second Merg this year. First one was a common down at kalamath lake. I'll take them on slow days anytime. They will mix in good with the pepperoni batch.

[snazl]

HOW SERIOUS ARE YOU REALLY??

Sea Duck Decoys

STD 94-95 Weighted Keel ScoterSport-Plast has made it self known as the leader in the Sea Duck Market. These Scoter Decoys measure 15" from breast to tail and are packaged 6 drake and 6 hens per dozen decoys.

$17.99 per Pair
$42.99 per 6 Pack
$79.99 per Dozen

Weighted Keel Scoter
$17.99 per PairWeighted Keel Scoter
$42.99 per 6 PackWeighted Keel Scoter
$79.99 per dozen

Model # STDFL-580 BrantThis decoy is one that many sea duck hunters have been looking for, this brant decoy by Sport Plast, a company that has been making decoys in Italy for over 50 years has brought this beautiful decoy to the United States for the first time. This weighted keel decoy measures 21" from tail to beak and is aprox. 8 1/2" wide. 1 head position.

$21.99 each
$89.99 per 6 pak
$169.99 per Dozen

STDFL-580 Brant
$21.99 ea.STDFL-5806PK Brant
$89.99 per 6 pkSTDFL-580D Brant
$169.99 per dozen
**THIS PRODUCT REQUIRES MULTIPLE CARTONS... WE WILL CONTACT YOU WITH SHIPPING QUOTE**

STD 119-120 Standard Weighted Old SquawThese Sport Plast decoys are the perfect decoy for those sea duck hunters who want a quality decoy at an affordable price. The drake Old Squaw Measures 18 1/2" from beak to tail and the hen measures 15" from beak to tail. These decoys are weighted keel. Drakes only are available.

STD 119-120 6 drakes and 6 hens
$13.50 Per Pair
$36.99 Per 6 Pack
$69.99 Per Dozen
STD 119 1 doz. Drakes only
$76.99 Per Dozen

STD119-120P Old Squaw
$13.50 per pairSTD119-120D Old Squaw
$36.99 per 6 PackSTD119-120D Old Squaw
$69.99 per Dozen

STD119 Drake Old Squaw Only
$72.99 per dozen

STD78-79 Eider
These Sport Plast Eider are aprox. 19" long and 8" wide and have a weighted keel. There are very few sea duck choices in the market place and we are glad to have this high quality decoy in our line, we think many coastal hunters will be very happy with these decoys.

$17.99 per pair
$42.99 per 6 PACK
$79.99 per dozen

STD78 Drake Eider only (sold in Dozens only)
$87.99 per dozen

STD78-79P Eider
$17.99 per pairSTD78-79P Eider
$42.99 per 6 PackSTD78-79D Eider
$79.99 per Dozen

STD78 Drake Eiders Only
$87.99 per dozen

STD 96-97 Common Merganser These Merganser Decoys from Sport Plast measure 19" from beak to tail on both of the Drake (Green Head, Red Bill) and the hen (Brown Head with Comb and Red Bill). This hard to find decoy is a plus for any hunter who targets these birds. Drakes only available.

Common Merganser 6 drakes and 6 hens per doz.
$17.99 per pair
$42.99 per 6 Pack
$79.99 per dozen

Model STD 96 Common Merganser
12 Drakes per Dozen
$87.99 per dozen

STD96-97P Common Merganser$17.99 per pairSTD96-97D Common Merganser$42.99 per 6 Pk.STD96-97D Common Merganser$79.99 per Dozen

STD96 Common Merganser Drake Only
$87.99 per dozen

• HOT DEALS • Featured Items • DECOYS • Duck Decoys • Goose Decoys • Windsock Decoys • Confidence Decoys • Crane/Swan Decoys •
• Motion Decoys • Misc. Decoys • Closeout Decoys • Rigging Supplies • Decoy Bags • Calls • Blinds • Audio & Video • Contact Us • Home

This site was created by: Up North Outdoors Inc.
Interested in: Advertising with UpNorthOutdoors.com Copyright®

[nobrownline]

I gota order some right away! I need to shoot a sawbill so I can go cut my christmas tree!

[SImudBogger]

killed one out at SRD a few weeks back. he decoyed quite well actually, right into a 3in #3!!

[QH's Paw]

Originally Posted by adobe wall

I wonder the same thing. Mergs aren't any more ducks than cormorants are. I sure wish the bonus Merg limit had happened. I've always shot them as I hunted most of my life in a state where they were bonus birds.

I shoot 'em here too, but haven't managed to put 7 in the boat yet. I think a mid week float trip down the Lewis would do nicely- and help the smolts a bit. I guess the pinnacle of sawbill shooting would be a seven hen limit- we're trying to thin them after all.

regards, aw

Who has the contact info. for ODFW and WDFW on flyway issues to address at next get together? Or, is this a state level issue? Do the feds give hoot? It seems like someone had circulated a contact name this past season but, when I emailed the guy he pretty much said too late to change his agenda, not enough support. Maybe if we all start pounding the guys' email boxes and get the fisheries' guys on board with it we could get it changed.
I was told there are still other states that count them seperate like coots. I also remember someone stating that they are concerned about overharvest on Hoodies. If that is the only valid reason then no hoodies or only one or whatever?

[duckboy]

We ran this up the flagpole with Brad Bales last 2 seasons...

Bradley.D.Bales@state.or.us

He is one of the wish and wildlife guys that sits in the committe that decides our limits each year...


There is another guy in another forum ...Goes by the name of "Meats" I believe... pretty sure that he is in the loop at the top on this too.

Each year I harp on the topic... but it has never come around...

I was hoping that the "Sawbill derby" would bring it to the spotlight.

[Hunt'nFish]

Brad Bales sent out an email soliciting input to change the merg regs to seperate out mergs from the 7 duck daily bag to "bonus ducks (and I recall a thread on here as well), but it was my understanding very few people took the time to give input. Indicating no one really cared. So the change was not pursued.

So next time the subject comes up, take the time to give input.
Hunt'nFish

[The_Duck_Master]

Here's the thread seeking opinions...

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthrea...ight=merganser

Here's a follow up...

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthrea...ight=merganser

I don't see where it would hurt to start the discussion for next year.

[Threemuch]

HEAVENS TO MERGATROID!

Unless it's red hot, I shoot em every chance I get. I got 2 common and 2 hoodies last year. None so far this year.

[Wreckless]

I would write, support a merg seperate limit. As far as Hoodies go, the limit on theme is 7 now, so................................Even if the reg. read something like the Permit zone Goose ,"7 ducks*, plus X number of Mergansers......." It would work.

I've always thought we should head down to the coastal rivers and set up on a pool (AWAY from fisherman) and POUND a few red heads!

[Got Fish?]

I think I got one up on a bunch of ya... Keep in mind I am a newb. We were hunting last week and I shot my first teal. I knew it was because how low, fast, and small it looked. Well a couple of hours later towards then end of the hunt 3 little bids came in low and fast, I swore they were teals, they came wizzing by and at the last second my buddy didn't shoot. I did. After the shot 2 of the birds cartwheeled into the water stone dead. I was pumped 2 for 1 but then my buddy said, those were sawbills at least you didn't waste another shot.

[Timber]

Originally Posted by Wreckless

I would write, support a merg seperate limit. As far as Hoodies go, the limit on theme is 7 now, so................................Even if the reg. read something like the Permit zone Goose ,"7 ducks*, plus X number of Mergansers......." It would work.

I've always thought we should head down to the coastal rivers and set up on a pool (AWAY from fisherman) and POUND a few red heads!

We are over ran with commons and lots of hoodies over here this year as some of the tactics of the past to control them aren't worth it anymore.