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Started By
Message
Duck hunting questions? flooded timber vs marsh vs open water
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:31 am
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:31 am
Do you guys that hunt different water types, use different guns or more specifically different barrel lengths depending on the environment?
Do you change your shells?
We have had a very dry period that has allowed lots of tall grass, and willow trees to grow in the 7 acre pond we hunt. We were then lucky enough to get several hard rains and the pond is full. With all of the seed and grass in the pond the ducks are in there big time. This morning we were hunting in the flooded willows which are now 10-14 ft tall dense groups. I was having a lot of difficulty getting on the birds in sufficient time to make clean shots.
Also do yall find that bigger ducks tend to come in later in the morning? On Sunday when leaving from a morning deer hunt I saw about 25 mallards, 30+ blue wing, and a bunch of woodies on the pond. This morning's pre work hunt which ended at 715 was limited to woodies and one foursome of gaddies. Do I need to just wait longer to get the big ducks in?
Do you change your shells?
We have had a very dry period that has allowed lots of tall grass, and willow trees to grow in the 7 acre pond we hunt. We were then lucky enough to get several hard rains and the pond is full. With all of the seed and grass in the pond the ducks are in there big time. This morning we were hunting in the flooded willows which are now 10-14 ft tall dense groups. I was having a lot of difficulty getting on the birds in sufficient time to make clean shots.
Also do yall find that bigger ducks tend to come in later in the morning? On Sunday when leaving from a morning deer hunt I saw about 25 mallards, 30+ blue wing, and a bunch of woodies on the pond. This morning's pre work hunt which ended at 715 was limited to woodies and one foursome of gaddies. Do I need to just wait longer to get the big ducks in?
12
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:33 am to Bleeding purple
quote:
Also do yall find that bigger ducks tend to come in later in the morning? On Sunday when leaving from a morning deer hunt I saw about 25 mallards, 30+ blue wing, and a bunch of woodies on the pond. This morning's pre work hunt which ended at 715 was limited to woodies and one foursome of gaddies. Do I need to just wait longer to get the big ducks in
Observation is a son of a bitch.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:34 am to Bleeding purple
quote:
Do you guys that hunt different water types, use different guns or more specifically different barrel lengths depending on the environment?
Nope, use my Rem 11-87 for timber, marsh and rice fields.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:36 am to Bleeding purple
Depends if you are hunting a feeding or resting area. Lots of times a resting area can be a mid morning/mid day hunt.
Same gun for all terrains, but will change shot size/length and occasionally choke, for big vs small water.
Same gun for all terrains, but will change shot size/length and occasionally choke, for big vs small water.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:36 am to Bleeding purple
Most of our flooded timber hunts are off of lakes and the big ducks would normally show up at about 9 or 10. I was told that they come into timber pot holes to rest and get away from all the commotion on the open water. Especially true of mallards.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:36 am to Bleeding purple
quote:
Do you change your shells?
Might go to 2's for a pit hunt but pretty well stick with 3" 4's.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:38 am to MWP
quote:
Might go to 2's for a pit hunt but pretty well stick with 3" 4's.
This.
I bring a variety of shells when I hunt rice fields just b/c we have the option of shooting specks and snows.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:38 am to Bleeding purple
quote:
Do you guys that hunt different water types, use different guns or more specifically different barrel lengths depending on the environment?
Nope
quote:
Do you change your shells?
Sometimes
quote:
Also do yall find that bigger ducks tend to come in later in the morning?
My best mallard hunts have occurred from 10am until 2pm
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:41 am to MWP
I have stuck with 3" 3's for the last 10 years and feel like it is the best pattern in the medium ranges that I shoot in. I will switch to 4's or 2's depending where I am in a line of hunters. 4's if I'm calling the shot, 2's if I'm on the end. Modified or improved choke Rem 870.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:42 am to 34venture
quote:
Nope
quote:
Sometimes
quote:
My best mallard hunts have occurred from 10am until 2pm
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:44 am to 34venture
quote:
My best mallard hunts have occurred from 10am until 2pm
Our timber hunts are similar to this.
Wood ducks early in the morning. By 8 or 9 am, gone, not a one. But then we would get the big ducks like mallards and greys. More times than none.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:47 am to Bleeding purple
quote:Most of the best Mallard hunting happens after 9. And usually the other hunters who don't know any better are long gone so the fields are nice and quiet so you can really work 'em
Also do yall find that bigger ducks tend to come in later in the morning?
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:49 am to GotDucks?
We normally turn off all the mojo's/flashers and such after the early woodie flight. Then turn it all back on around 9. May get a teal or a couple grays in between time but that is normally when we are eating breakfast, shooting the breeze. Very laid back hunting style.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:50 am to GotDucks?
Never leave the woods before noon on timber excursions unless limited out.
This post was edited on 11/5/13 at 10:51 am
Posted on 11/5/13 at 10:53 am to Thunder Tiger
quote:
Most of the best Mallard hunting happens after 9. And usually the other hunters who don't know any better are long gone so the fields are nice and quiet so you can really work 'em
I have said this before, but will say it again.
There are not many things on this earth that can top looking up at noon and seeing about 20 locked up. That will most likely be the last time they do that because they will end up with head down and feet out before it's all over.
COME ON NOV. 23!!!!
Posted on 11/5/13 at 11:00 am to convertedtiger
Our hunts are normally short and sweet. I can not remember a time when we shot a 2 man limit. Lots of time we are limited by having to get cleaned up, make rounds, and then drive 25 miles to the clinic by 9am.
I shot a Benelli SuperNova pump. When I first started duck hunting I bought several cases of Remington Sportsman High Speed Steel 2 3/4" #2 with a MV of 1375
I suppose changing my choke may be the best option. I know I need to practice more with my shotgun but finding the time apart from actual hunting encounters is difficult.
I shot a Benelli SuperNova pump. When I first started duck hunting I bought several cases of Remington Sportsman High Speed Steel 2 3/4" #2 with a MV of 1375
I suppose changing my choke may be the best option. I know I need to practice more with my shotgun but finding the time apart from actual hunting encounters is difficult.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 11:04 am to Bleeding purple
I've hunted both BP....the only thing I've ever changed was my choke. Over marsh/open water I want a longer range if necessary so I go modified...over timber..shorter range...IC.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 11:04 am to Bleeding purple
I usually just change my choke from IC in the swamp (its a really small hole) for woodies to full in the marsh or field. As bad as I shoot I should probably just keep the IC in all the time 
Posted on 11/5/13 at 11:16 am to Bleeding purple
NWLA Timber - Woodies/Gadwalls - Usually Modified choke for that little extra range, sometimes IC. - #3 or 4 shot
Arkansas timber - Woodies/Mallards - Modified choke - #2 shot for some punch.
Arkansas rice field - Mallards/Smiling Mallards/anything else that shows up - Full choke, Modified if they are flying like they do on TV - #2 shot
Arkansas rice field geese - Patternmaster Extra Full - #T Shot
I am a habitual choke tube changer. I second guess it every hunt thinking I need to either reach out or bring it in, but the Modified usually does the trick.
Arkansas timber - Woodies/Mallards - Modified choke - #2 shot for some punch.
Arkansas rice field - Mallards/Smiling Mallards/anything else that shows up - Full choke, Modified if they are flying like they do on TV - #2 shot
Arkansas rice field geese - Patternmaster Extra Full - #T Shot
I am a habitual choke tube changer. I second guess it every hunt thinking I need to either reach out or bring it in, but the Modified usually does the trick.
Posted on 11/5/13 at 11:21 am to 34venture
quote:No doubt. And their colors are so vivid late morn - early afternoon, it's breathtaking.
There are not many things on this earth that can top looking up at noon and seeing about 20 locked up
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