Hunting the Columbia

[HammerinHonkers]

Hey Guys
I want to start hunting the columbia with a buddy of mine that has a boat (raptorschild). We are wondering where is the best place to find out what areas you can or cannot hunt? Anyone have any ideas. We are thinking that there has to be maps of the columbia that show what is public and what is not. We are planning on hunting around the tri cities area. Thanks guys
HH

[HuntNFishAddict]

Originally Posted by HammerinHonkers

Hey Guys
I want to start hunting the columbia with a buddy of mine that has a boat (raptorschild). We are wondering where is the best place to find out what areas you can or cannot hunt? Anyone have any ideas. We are thinking that there has to be maps of the columbia that show what is public and what is not. We are planning on hunting around the tri cities area. Thanks guys
HH

Bad idea to hunt the mighty columbia. Not only do you have to contend with the NorEasters, but the commorants can lull you into a state of confusion which only leads to going around in circles. Add this to the fact that there are no waterfowl to be had there now, have never been in the past, and will never be in the future and you have yourself quite a predicament.

You would be better served to take up gillnetting. That seems to be popular out that way.

And the biggest danger zone is the nudy beach. Isn't that right Mike? You know who you are!!!

I hope this helps.


Seriously though, there are definitely areas to hunt, but you have to put in the leg work to find them. I take it from your post that you are hunting in WA?

[Hunt'nFish]

Nudy beach????....I don't know WHAT your talking about.
(Jason, they are asking about Tri-Cities area.)

HH, contact your district waterfowl Bio and ask nicely. They can be a wealth of intell and point you away from teh NO-HUNTING zones. I believe their is some islands that are no-hunt area's down Umatilla way but have not idea about up the river in WA.

Lots of good area up there that you CAN hunt. Wish I was closer or I'd come join you guys. I can tell you that Sept Goose season is a great time to go bass fishing. Lay down rod...come up w/ 10ga.
(do you WA guys have an early goose season??)
Get out there, post up some bass and fish/recon ducky area's.
Next week when I have some more time, I'll PM ya w/ places I'D check out.
Hunt'nFish

PS: Oh BTW, do yourself a favor and read ALL the fine print in the regs if you want to avoid a goosin violation. Otherwise you'll go from having a fine fall day to having nudies calling the troopers in on you. Long story....do a search on "Goosin Violation"

[Hunt'nFish]

HH, were you one of those in on the float trip w/ the toons???
You guys might look into camo'ing those up for use as 1-man blinds.
I could see you guys hugging the bank of a little cove all brushed up w/ sage and/or willow and SLAYING the incoming waves of feathered pepperoni.

I was looking at one of those low profile Fishcat toons for just that use.
Just a thought anyway.
Hunt'nFish

[HuntNFishAddict]

Nudy beach????....I don't know WHAT your talking about.
(Jason, they are asking about Tri-Cities area.)

Just messin around Mike. I knew they were talking about tri cities.

HH, send me a PM and I can point you in some possible directions as well.

Jason

[HammerinHonkers]

Hunt'nFish
I was toonin with raptor that last trip, and I have never thought about using the toons for hunting, but man that sounds like ahelluvan idea. I will shoot both you guys a pm. I am tired of talking about hunting the big c and actually want to get out there and do it. Thanks guys.
HH

[Capin' Dan]

Probbaly get the duck kicked outta me but if you live in that area you want to hun the mighty snake river. Find the right spots and you will have a gold mine