Sauvies Eastside

[Tyee II]

I have reservations later in the month in the Racetrack and Johnson units. It has been years since I have been out to the eastside. I would appreciate it if the frequent users could give me a few tips, such as how large a spread of decoys, what kind of distances are the blinds set apart etc.. I am going to go over a couple of times on shooting days in the late morning or early afternoon and check things out. Also I would like to hear what you guys prefer as far as shell brands and shot sizes, favorites etc. I hunted waterfowl a lot when I was younger but with a family and all that goes along with it waterfowl hunting is one thing that just sort of went by the wayside. Thanks in advance.

Mike

[steelhead22]

Racetrack is usually a good shoot. I don't know about Johnson, I haven't hunted it in years, but it used to shoot well. I would take Racetrack 13 or 14, they are in the middle of the big lake and always shoot birds. If you want solitude, blind 11 in were you should go, it's on it's own lake.

I hunt over around 50 dekes usually, but I'd say a couple dozen mallards and you should be good to go.

Faststeel is the only ammo I shoot. I put in two #4 and follow them with a #2 in case I miss my decoy shot. Faststeel goes 1560 fps, you won't find anything faster or cheaper. $10 a box at bimart. I like Remington's too, if I can't get my hands on Faststeel.

Good luck.

SH22

[1pump]

Be prepared for a good hike out to Racetrack. If the birds are flying, it's worth the effort.
I usually hunt 12 or 13. I like 12 since it's in the corner and you only have a neighbor on one side. 11 is by itself over on Gay Lake to the south. Never hunted it, but I've heard a lot of shooting over there on occasion. Either 13 or 14 (can't remember) has a big tree behind it that will be in the way if you swing around for a pass shot. I've never done well on 15, but I know other people have. It's also the shortest walk. The blinds aren't as close as Mudhen or Hunt, probably an actual 200-250 yards, although 12 and 13 are a little closer together. They're all on the west side of the lake. If you hunt 11, 12, or 13 there's a back way in to the lake that's a little shorter, but I don't know how well it's marked.
My decoys are super mags so I don't carry a lot of them. About 18 for a long hike like that. If you have a cart or a buddy I'd defintely take more.
As far as shells, I use #3's for everything and an improved cylinder choke. You're probably gonna hear a thousand theories on shot size and chokes, but that's what works for this white boy.
You got lucky if you drew Racetrack on a weekend. Have fun and kill 'em.

p.s. #13 has a couple of nasty holes underwater in front of the blind, or at least it used to. If you do a face plant into the water first thing in the morning it can make for a long day.

[steelhead22]

I'll second that on the nutria holes in front of #13. I found that one out the hard way. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Labsforme]

My choices on RT is 11,13, and 14.12 if a good stiff south wind.On Johnson I heard that 4 is best since they added blinds to it.I shoot #2 shot on ducks.Have fun.

[chummer]

Hunted racetrack 12 yesterday on the standby line, the guy who left it did'nt shoot a bird, we went in at 10:30 and ended up with 5 widgeon. Racetrack is relly overgrown with weeds. I'd get there early the day before and try to get #11, gay lake.

[1pump]

Labsforme is right about #12 in a south/SW wind. Hunted it once when it was gusting hard and limited in about 20 minutes.

[Clackamas Drifter]

I Know someone who hunted racetrack last firday...he said they had a great time and lots of shooting. Watch out for pintails though! Alot of the time you cant tell whether they are pins or mallard if they are in the sun, so make sure before you shoot. You might not notice them, but they have guys out there watching the ducks and blinds, so they will likely know if you shoot a pin.