Webfoot hunts so far...

crabbait · 11-13-2001, 10:25 PM

So, what is the prognosis of the waterfowl season so far?

I have hunted Sauvies about 10 times and have seen very few ducks during legal shooting hours. They are eating the millet and corn by the bushel at night but depart before daylight and arrive just as I am climbing out of my waders and loading the lab into the truck.

Opening day of goose season was good for four "midgets" and I have scored on some Tavs and Lessers since but most days they have been flying high in the balmy blue skies.

Tonight the wind is howling and the rain is coming down in buckets. I'll be out there before first light and, hopefully, things will change.

How y'all doin?

birdhunter · 11-13-2001, 10:50 PM

No complaints thus far.

From the start of the season to now the numbers are:

Mallards - 25
Ringneck - 6
Wigeon - 3
Gadwall - 1
Ruddy - 1
Wood Duck - 1
Canada Geese - 3
Merganzers -

I think that is just from weekend waterfowling. I should mention that almost all of these came from jump shooting on public land. Got plenty of upland game and a few bigger critters also so not too bad of a fall. The season is just starting.

[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: birdhunter ]</p>

MoJet Driver · 11-14-2001, 04:49 AM

A RUDDY DUCK! Birdhunter you actually shot a RUDDY DUCK!? How did that monster bre-ast out?
:shocked: :grin: :shocked: :grin:

Lives_to_fish · 11-14-2001, 06:19 AM

Much slower than usual for this time of year, but I have my fingers crossed. I have managed a few birds each time out, but I guess this is what makes us appreciate the really good hunts.

Lured In · 11-14-2001, 09:14 AM

I was out at Sauvie yesterday. We had a good, constant wind and rain the second half of the morning. When I left at noon, I had managed to miss a total of 9 ducks including 6 greenheads, a bull sprig, a ringneck and a teal. I probably would have done better throwing rocks or shooting with my eyes closed.

From what I can tell the ducks are there and its getting better. My buddy left at the end of shooting time with 7. Didn't see lots of flocks working but saw several HUGE flocks (better than 500 birds each) come off Sturgeon around 1000am heading NE.

My guess is that tomorrow should be a great shoot out there.

birdhunter · 11-14-2001, 09:29 AM

Yeah I'm embarrassed to admit it. :blush: Got the little hen down in Ashland two weeks ago. Thought it was just the smallest damn pintail ever when it was coming in. Apparently not.

I'd never shot or seen one before and after eating it (yes I did eat it) I don't intend to ever shoot one again. Tiny thing. Just slipped it into my shirt pocket to pack it out.

MoJet Driver · 11-14-2001, 10:38 AM

Birdhunter,

That's pretty funny. Thank your lucky stars I wasn't in your blind that day. I would have never let you live it down. Just ask Flathead. I do have to commend you for admitting it at all. You must be a true sportsman.

I think if I nail one of those sparrow ducks I would have dipped the whole thing in batter and deep fried it, feathers and all. At least that way you would have had more than two bites. :grin: :grin:

Tilla · 11-14-2001, 03:44 PM

Gee, I thought Ruddys were pretty good to eat

Been a pretty good season so far, probably about 3 dozen ducks and one goose, my pup's first, last Thurs.

Flathead · 11-14-2001, 04:08 PM

Boy howdy, Mojet never lets you live down an error in judgement. Even years later. Thats ok he takes it as well as he gives it. Real good partner in the blind or boat.

bigshark · 11-14-2001, 10:07 PM

As usual I'm on the wrong side of the Island for the first part of the season. Our place is on the east side and its about normal, 3 or 4 birds per man daily. However we shoot seven days a week and if we don't get a steady steam of new birds it gets really slow. The west side guys have been inviting us over as they are really doing well.
Yesterday 85 birds were taken on the northern most club and the other place took 72. This new group that took the 72 yesterday still has 2 or 3 openings for the season. I don't know about any prorating but they were originally offered at $1800.

Labsforme · 11-15-2001, 04:48 AM

So far 3 times out for geese 1 lesser,2 tavs, and
6 cacklers.Duck hunting out twice(Mudhen),total 5 ducks.It's terrible to hear your lab sigh when you continue to miss.

The geese are mostly on the northern end of the island.Should be a great season.I am glad the dog work has been great,at least she's been able to get the birds.One retrieve on "sailed" goose was 300 yards.

bait boy · 11-15-2001, 12:35 PM

Well, Hunt don't hunt very well yet....
Four of us 2 blinds and 2 ducks total I thought this weather was supposed to make the ducks move around more. I saw more birds on the prior days that the sun was shining with no wind... The good news is that Fish Hunter got his first taste of duck hunting and actually shot ducks...

Thats all for now see ya next hunt day....

Rick

Fish Hunter · 11-15-2001, 04:25 PM

My first duck hunt was good experience hunting with Bait Boy, Baldpate Basher and Capt. Dan.
Didn't see a ton of ducks, but Baldpate managed to lure a few into range. Sure was a kick to see them swing right in and flare. Hope to get out with you all again. Thanks for the trip! Jay