Ducks on Willamuddy

Cast'n'Blast · 11-07-2003, 07:27 AM

Anyone been out yet for decoying ducks in the backwaters/sloughs of the Willamette? Going to go out this weekend knowing that it is early but the success at Sauvie has me anxious to kill a greenie. Could be slow but what the heck the Beavs have a bye so it's a free Sat.

skein · 11-07-2003, 07:56 AM

I did some scouting Monday while I was goose hunting, and didn't really see many flying around. That was up by Corvallis, though, so maybe Birdhunter got 'em all.

I had hoped with the storm over the weekend that some would be gathering up to get out of Dodge and head south. I was also hoping that would move some new birds in. I didn't see evidence of either.

I'm going to try it again Saturday, hoping there will be enough shooters around to stir 'em up. I'll let you know what I find.

Skein

Reef Diver · 11-07-2003, 08:18 AM

Skein,
I hunt in the Corvalis NW Permit zone also. We scouted opening weekend and saw very small and few flocks of Geese.
While walking out of my
house in West Eugene on Monday this week I witnessed about 5000 Geese fly overhead. I looked out to the West and saw the entire sky filled with huge flocks of Cacklers. :shocked: It looks like the first wave of them are here. Our Lab Sadie was
going bonkers in the back yard.

I think you know what she was thinking. I was thinking the same thing. I'll get her out tomorrow and give it a shot. The wife just got her NW Permit card in the mail this week. The whole Family is excited.

What more is there to life than
Fishing, Diving and Hunting? :smile:

Jeremy · 11-07-2003, 09:07 AM

How hard is the NW permit test? I was thinking about taking it but also thinking about waiting until next year??? I have the study guide and the video. Thanks for the info

skein · 11-07-2003, 09:28 AM

Jeremy,

The test isn't hard and it's well worth it. You've got what you need - just watch the video a few times and think about the points they're trying to emphasize. Read through the study guide with the same thing in mind and you'll be ready. The hard part is actually picking out those duskies when geese are flying in all directions. You'll find yourself passing up shots just because they look too dark. But, trust me, that's part of the fun and anticipation too. First you try to get 'em to look you over, then you work on getting them to commit, all the while trying sooooo hard to get a positive ID.

Do it! It's a blast! (pun definitely intended)

Skein

birdhunter · 11-07-2003, 05:32 PM

Not much to report yet, it's still really early. River is pretty low. Floated last Saturday and today. Floating again on Sunday. Mainly trying to help some friends fill their deer tags. Very few ducks to speak of. Saturday we got one mallard and one woodie. A few others we should have had, little out there flying. Today we got 2 mallards, one woodie and 4 snipe. I was on fire shooting-wise: 4 shots and 4 dead birds. Not the most impressive bag in terms of numbers, but a fun day.

[ 11-07-2003, 06:43 PM: Message edited by: birdhunter ]