Understanding game laws is no short task. In fact, it's generally a tall order, especially for one's home state. Understanding game and land laws in other states is even trickier, especially with different colloquial meanings for words. It is always beneficial for any intrepid and traveling hunter to first read the respective state's game laws. Laws are called proclamations in North Dakota. Proclamations, as far as it's concerned in North Carolina's terms, gnerally refer to an area of No Hunting. Eithe way, I quickly picked these things apart, and then started to contact others in my industry within North Dakota. Everybody in North Dakota hunts. The Whitetail Opener is almost a holiday, while pheasant season is de facto vacation for most men, children, and even women. Everybody also duck or goose hunts at least once. With all the wild game that is harvested, and indeed eaten there, it still surprises me how the state tends t have a very "robust" population. Maybe it's their nordic heritage. Either way, wild game is very much a part of the diet in North Dakota.
I'll try to break this down into three categories to give ya'll a basic understanding of game laws and myths. Trust me, it's tough to get a solid and consistent answer. I even had the North Dakota Game and Fish division give me conflicting answers. It's best to keep the regulation (or proclamation) digest with you at all times and follow it. In m experience, the game warden will just write the ticket and let the local magistrate or judge interpret the law...so always be on the safe side and err with caution!
Hunting Private Land - You can hunt private land in North Dakota - assuming it is not posted. Roughly 90% of the land is posted, and in many areas it's posted throughout. Some do have less posted lands. One point of conflict there is that the signs must be signed and dated for the current year and include the landowner's name and phone number. I saw very few current signs. However, much of the land is only posted for pheasants and deer. Most, nearly all in fact, landowners could care less about you shooting the blackheads off of their potholes. Just ask, and clean up after yourself (and anyone who has been in before you). I was never turned down for permission on posted land, but I never asked. I found ducks at other places. Posted land is considered posted if the gate to the fenced in property is posted or if the "POSTED" signs are set less than 880 yards apart. Usually, it's pretty obvious if it is posted. However, remember that it must be current for the year to be considered a legally posted land. Still, err on the side of caution and understand that odds are very good that the land is intended t be posted again. Deer season just happens to start after the good duck flights, so they haven't gotten to it yet. If you can't find a phone number, and it's not worth the effort to call the landowner, then don't sneak in to hunt it! Oh - and about the gate...if the gate is posted, it qualifies all land within the fence to be posted. If you're not sure about fenced property, find the gate! And the gates are tough to spot in some cases! "POSTED" signs will be found on wooden stobs, power line poles, fence posts, and even taped to buckets or old jugs weighted with concrete or any dense liquid! They come in all colors - Orange, Yellow, White, Black, and even very faded and natural-looking gray. Also, privately-owned land is not open to hunting by non-residents the first week of the resident pheasant season.
Hunting PLOTS Lands - PLOTS stands for Private Land Open To Sportsmen. It is marked with triangular yellow signs that state is as "PLOTS" lands. This land is abundant, and is usually left as natural grasses. It's the State of North Dakota's version of the Conservation Reserve Program. They receive credit for setting aside this land as PLOTS and aren't generally supposed to farm or graze cattle in it. But they do. I encountered this problem. It's illegal to hunt within 440 yards of livestock, but it's also against the rules to graze cattle in PLOTS land - it's kinda like double dipping. Again, err on the side of caution and report it to the proper officials. PLOTS lands do hold wildlife. Most are fairly easy to spot, and a PLOTS guide, which is a book of regional maps, shows the acreage and any roads or paths that access the lands. They are a useful tool, assuming you can read a map. Also, PLOTS lands are for foot traffic only. No driving out in the fields! Here's the deal, though. PLOTS are generally not as good as private lands. The landowners, as the legend goes, generally hunt their own PLOTS lands first, then switch to their posted lands when non-residents are allowed to go afield. It's a pretty dirty trick. Either way, not all landowners do that, and to be honest, there are some many ducks, and so many potholes, hunters can find concentrations of birds with some effort. I also utilized several PLOTS that were not visible from the road, too. Each pothole that was tucked over a hill or beyond a shelter belt held excellent amounts of birds. The walk was well worth it. And a shelter belt is the equivalent of a "wind break" in North Carolina - it's just trees planted in a row to provide cover for pheasants and to protect an area from wind.
Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's) - WPA's just sound like they should be packed to the gills with waterfowl. Sometimes, they are. Many of these WPA's though are intended to PRODUCE WATERFOWL, as in nest waterfowl. Migration time finds these areas generally useless, though. Certainly, many of them held birds, just not great amounts. Generally, WPA's (which are bought with Duck Stamp dollars) are permanent wetlands, and have a lot of alkalinity to the water. Therefore, they don't feature the amazing plantlife that many temporary or season potholes contain. Still, the permanence of the WPA's does allow for nesting on islands and in the deep cattails...which keeps ducks protected from predators. I'd say that about 50% of the WPA's I saw had ducks. Only about 2% of them had a huntable amount of birds. And by huntable, I mean, at least two different species, and at least 3 different concentrations or rafts in the same area. Also, ponds and potholes with swans were a good bet, too. Swans will use an area more heavily and consistently than migrating ducks, but they do seem to always have ducks with them, whether they flew in three days, or three hours before. Also - many of the WPA's, since they are permanent, are also fairly deep. Some are as deep as 30 feet in the middle. However, they are excellent places to shoot divers. When I hunted WPA's I tried to select smaller ones, so that the persistent wind would blow the deceased to the far side and I would only have a short walk to retrieve it when the hunt concluded.
Other Lands - There are Wildlife Management Areas, which are the equivalent to North Carolina's Game Lands, as well as State Surface Land tracts, National Wildlife Refuges (some are open to hunting), Pheasants Forever Cooperator Land Tracts (most open to hunting), Nature Conservancy lands (Most open to hunting), National Grasslands (Some open to hunting), and then there are the larger bodies of water - such as rivers and very large lakes) that are available to. Devils Lake - the lake, not the town - is open to hunting in most stretches of open water. The western part of the lake is a bit shallower and tends to have more vegetation. It held hundreds of thousands of divers while I was there. A layout rig of float rig would be devastating there. Some roadside hunting on causeways was done, but it seemed strange. Also, many people will tell you that roads are laid out in square mile blocks and that travel is easy. Actually, the roads are laid out fairly evenly, but there is not necessarily a road every mile. Some are grown up, some are impassable, many are covered by water (but some are drive-able), many hold signs that say "No Winter Maintenance", and some have real life street signs. Most of the roads are very slick thanks to the bentonite clay. When it is wet, it swells and becomes very slippery. It's tough to drive and walk on. Also - under powerlines, you'll see small white signs...they don't say "POSTED"...insted they simply read "Do Not Cultivate Under Power Line". The truth is that there are lots of lands that are accessible, but walking will take as much time as driving.
Other facts that you should know about the state, that I found to be factual, anyway...
1) The beef there is great. I had a couple of very good steaks.
2) When it gets cold, it happens quick. And the wind is incessant. It is a constant companion, both the feel and the sound.
3) Minnesotan hunters are everywhere. They are the equivalent of our South Carolina non-residents. Most seem to be a little ignorant or rude.
4) There are little to zero ducks west of the Missouri River. But there are bison (which North Dakotans pronounce "BI-zen"), mule deer, pheasants, wild sheep, wild horses, cougars, wolves, bears, and even moose west of the Missouri.
5) The landscape of the state, east to west, goes from flat to hilly to rugged.
6) There are potholes almost everywhere. And the sky and the land seem much, much bigger than in North Carolina. The elevation in North Dakota ranges from about 1200 feet to over 3000 feet on the prairies. Expect some hills to ascend and descend to get to that magical pothole.
7) Canola is a real plant and it gets planted in North Dakota...along with wheat, corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and almost any other commodity crop.
8) Most radio stations play country music interrupted by the reports of the weather and the farm exchange in Chicago. I always found it entertaining and educational.
9) Goose hunting is much more prevalent in the northern reaches of the state.
10) The 10 best towns to headquarter yourself, based on where others were headquartering are 1) Devils Lake, (2)Minnewauken, (3) Rugby, (4)Lakota, (5)Cando, (6) Grand Forks, (7) Hampden, (8) Rolla, (9) Rollette, and (10) Langdon. I'm not sure that these towns were preferred based on ducks, but more so on the lodging, fueling, and food-getting opportunities that barely abound.
I'm sure I'll think of more stuff, but as I get into the hunt details beyond this post, there'll be informative hints I'm sure I'll drop...
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Me vs. North Dakota - Planning Part 2 in a series
Taking a trip to Wal-Mart is a logistical nightmare. I've always taken pride in my efficiency as an upright man. Wasting time is my biggest pet wasting energy and money, follow respectively. Of course, plainning a day trip to Wal-Mart or to the local duck marsh at Cattail Point is fairly simple. Planning for North Dakota is just like planning for any other duck hunting excursion. You have to remember to have decoys, a change of clothes, some cash money, and a way of navigating. It's just on a larger scale. Here's how it went down - and remember it was a 10 day trip, driving included...
Clothing - I packed 5 days worth of civilian clothing. This wasn't necessary. When you're out there, you can expect to live in your hunting clothes, or at least some scaled down version of it. Most people can get away with taking 2 pairs of pants, a couple of sweater, a couple of button down shirts, and maybe a hoodie. Pack a warm jacket, too. The temperatures ranged from 60 down to 10 degrees, with the windchill included. It is important to pack plenty of socks and underwear. I packed just enough.
Hunting Clothing - I packed 2 pairs of waders. This was pretty smart because I always seemed to fall in. The boot dryer I packed was also a good idea. It's nice to swamp a fairly dry set of waders every other day than to swamp wet waders, day after day. I also am a strong believer in wool. Wool keeps the body warm, even when it's wet. I packed three high quality sweaters - the kind with the waxed cotton sleeves and Windstopper liners. They're pricey, but I've had them for several years. They can also substitute as civilian clothing, assuming all of the feathers and blood gets removed. I also like to wear regular jeans or slacks under my waders. I'm most comfortable in them and most hunting or camouflaged britches have cargo pockets and pockets with flap closures, which tend to hang up in waders. I did pack a pair of longjohns, but didn't wear them at all. However, I don't mind being cold. And since I was slugging through water and had several half-mile walks across cut corn fields, I would rather not have had to sweat. I also packed a down jacket. They are always warm. I don't wear gloves, so I didn't pack them, and there is always the tendency to either soak them or lose them, both of which are conducive to swearing out loud. I also packed some hip boots, just in case of high water scouting. A cap and a beanie were also thrown in the luggage.
Guns - I packed three guns. No gun is reliable enough on the trip of a lifetime. I also packed replacement parts, like springs and caps. Along with these things, I packed a can of scrubber and a can of oil, along with lint free cloths and steel wool for cleaning. A small hammer and finishing nails were tucked away, too, for releasing the pins that hold the trigger and action in it's housing. Pipe cleaners rounded out the gun cleaning kit. I also packed all of my guns in hard cases because they stack easier when packing and the foam insulation was good on those bumpy prairie roads.
Decoys - I took 4 dozen, which is way too much. If you're going to goose hunt, I can't help you. Pack a trailer full of whatever you like. I did, however, pack some mallard field shells, which were of no use. They are currently for sale. All that's needed, at maximum, is a dozen puddle ducks, and a dozen divers. While I was there, there were Gadwalls and Shovelers everywhere. I like to use Gadwalls everywhere, though. Shovelers are also a favorite decoy of mine, because Shovelers are also found everywhere from ditches to dams. Blackheads and Redheads were the most prevalent divers. Make sure to be liberal with the use of hen decoys. The next time I go, I'm taking only 2 dozen, and it'll be a couple of mallards, several Gadwalls and Shovelers, and 6 a piece of Redheads and Blackheads. Cans are out there, too, but they usually just mix right in. Teal decoys would also be a good idea...those guys were everywhere. And teal decoys are light. I also rigged everything on 5 feet of line with 4 oz weights. That'll keep you safe in almost all potholes. I never lost a single decoy and was able to decoy birds into the shallower reaches of the ponds.
Etc. Gear - I packed a North Dakota Gazetteer for traveling the backroads. It was helpful, but not entirely necessary. An atlas was also mostly neglected. I did, however, carry maps of areas that I intended to hunt. I used Thunderstorm Maps from the USFWS that demostrate duck nesting density. I carried Cropscape maps, which show where certain crops are generally planted. Cropscape maps also show wetlands and grasslands, which are important for recognizing areas where resident birds might be prevalent. I also used Google Earth Maps to give me an idea of pothole size and shape. However, the GPS I packed was useful only for marking areas once I was there. I did use the GPS before ever leaving to mark certain areas that were open to public hunting. It turned out to be overkill and a lot of extra work. Save yourself the time and money and just order a PLOTS guide. It is sufficient as a map and atlas, while highlighting all public areas open to hunting. I also packed a good pair of binoculars - which was very necessary. The First Aid kit with pain meds and different liniments was also handy. I also packed several cooking implements such as tongs and spatulas that I never used. I enjoyed eating at the local greasy spoons. Also, take a good amount of cash money. Most, MOST, gas stations are well out in the prairie. Sure, the towns have a lot of gas stations, but the towns are few and far between. Other things I packed were a coffee pot, several dozen pounds of assorted snack food (nabs, ClifBars, and hard candy), and extra decoy weights & line. All were handy or would have been handy. Oh yeah - my Yeti Cooler was perfect and held ice and duck breast all week without ever having to re-ice - make the investment on one of those!
Other things I planned were an average fuel cost for the trip and lodging, of course. The North Dakota State Parks offer some lodging in climate controlled cabins. Unfortunately for me, the State Park I made reservations for, failed to inform me that they would shut down the shower facilities. It made several days miserable for me and everyone I walked past. Hotels are usually in the $90 per night range. The State Parks are about $40 per night. The Parks, however, lack television, internet, and sometimes, showers. But the cabin became a home away from home that I came to love a little bit. For 10 nights total, I think two were in a hotel, and the other 8 were in the cabin. That brought the total to approximately $500...or $50 per night. This cost is the most liable to change, based on preference.
From North Carolina to North Dakota, the trip is roughly 1800 miles. I discovered that the vehicle I traveled in got about 400 miles to the tank of gas, and that each tank cost about $63 dollars. I knew it would take me roughly 4.5 tanks to get there, and 4.5 tanks to get back. I had no idea on how much I though it would take to scout and hunt, so I planned liberally, for a tank per day. Gas is slightly cheaper there than here, too. Overall, the entire trip was about 5000 miles. Overall, the vehicle cost 16 cents per mile just to operate on gas. The total fuel cost was around $800. This cost is the most liable to change based on how hard your group elects to hunt.
I also wondered about where I'd eat. Since I did plan to dine out at least once daily, I planned for $100 of dining dollars. This was about right. The rest of the food I ate was from the grocery store and it was light snack food, deli meats, and bread. This cost me about $40 total.
The only things I wished I would have packed were a filet knife (for helping out with the possession limit), and a fishing rod. Sure, the walleye fishing is great out there, but retrieving ducks with the rod is a lot easier than watching the ducks float to the other side. I walked and waited around a lot of potholes.
Next time, I'll talk about the preconceived notions I had and how they were wrong. I learned a lot about duck hunting while I was there, but it's stuff that I can only use while duck hunting in North Dakota. And yes, it is very different than Duck Hunting in North Carolina.
Clothing - I packed 5 days worth of civilian clothing. This wasn't necessary. When you're out there, you can expect to live in your hunting clothes, or at least some scaled down version of it. Most people can get away with taking 2 pairs of pants, a couple of sweater, a couple of button down shirts, and maybe a hoodie. Pack a warm jacket, too. The temperatures ranged from 60 down to 10 degrees, with the windchill included. It is important to pack plenty of socks and underwear. I packed just enough.
Hunting Clothing - I packed 2 pairs of waders. This was pretty smart because I always seemed to fall in. The boot dryer I packed was also a good idea. It's nice to swamp a fairly dry set of waders every other day than to swamp wet waders, day after day. I also am a strong believer in wool. Wool keeps the body warm, even when it's wet. I packed three high quality sweaters - the kind with the waxed cotton sleeves and Windstopper liners. They're pricey, but I've had them for several years. They can also substitute as civilian clothing, assuming all of the feathers and blood gets removed. I also like to wear regular jeans or slacks under my waders. I'm most comfortable in them and most hunting or camouflaged britches have cargo pockets and pockets with flap closures, which tend to hang up in waders. I did pack a pair of longjohns, but didn't wear them at all. However, I don't mind being cold. And since I was slugging through water and had several half-mile walks across cut corn fields, I would rather not have had to sweat. I also packed a down jacket. They are always warm. I don't wear gloves, so I didn't pack them, and there is always the tendency to either soak them or lose them, both of which are conducive to swearing out loud. I also packed some hip boots, just in case of high water scouting. A cap and a beanie were also thrown in the luggage.
Guns - I packed three guns. No gun is reliable enough on the trip of a lifetime. I also packed replacement parts, like springs and caps. Along with these things, I packed a can of scrubber and a can of oil, along with lint free cloths and steel wool for cleaning. A small hammer and finishing nails were tucked away, too, for releasing the pins that hold the trigger and action in it's housing. Pipe cleaners rounded out the gun cleaning kit. I also packed all of my guns in hard cases because they stack easier when packing and the foam insulation was good on those bumpy prairie roads.
Decoys - I took 4 dozen, which is way too much. If you're going to goose hunt, I can't help you. Pack a trailer full of whatever you like. I did, however, pack some mallard field shells, which were of no use. They are currently for sale. All that's needed, at maximum, is a dozen puddle ducks, and a dozen divers. While I was there, there were Gadwalls and Shovelers everywhere. I like to use Gadwalls everywhere, though. Shovelers are also a favorite decoy of mine, because Shovelers are also found everywhere from ditches to dams. Blackheads and Redheads were the most prevalent divers. Make sure to be liberal with the use of hen decoys. The next time I go, I'm taking only 2 dozen, and it'll be a couple of mallards, several Gadwalls and Shovelers, and 6 a piece of Redheads and Blackheads. Cans are out there, too, but they usually just mix right in. Teal decoys would also be a good idea...those guys were everywhere. And teal decoys are light. I also rigged everything on 5 feet of line with 4 oz weights. That'll keep you safe in almost all potholes. I never lost a single decoy and was able to decoy birds into the shallower reaches of the ponds.
Etc. Gear - I packed a North Dakota Gazetteer for traveling the backroads. It was helpful, but not entirely necessary. An atlas was also mostly neglected. I did, however, carry maps of areas that I intended to hunt. I used Thunderstorm Maps from the USFWS that demostrate duck nesting density. I carried Cropscape maps, which show where certain crops are generally planted. Cropscape maps also show wetlands and grasslands, which are important for recognizing areas where resident birds might be prevalent. I also used Google Earth Maps to give me an idea of pothole size and shape. However, the GPS I packed was useful only for marking areas once I was there. I did use the GPS before ever leaving to mark certain areas that were open to public hunting. It turned out to be overkill and a lot of extra work. Save yourself the time and money and just order a PLOTS guide. It is sufficient as a map and atlas, while highlighting all public areas open to hunting. I also packed a good pair of binoculars - which was very necessary. The First Aid kit with pain meds and different liniments was also handy. I also packed several cooking implements such as tongs and spatulas that I never used. I enjoyed eating at the local greasy spoons. Also, take a good amount of cash money. Most, MOST, gas stations are well out in the prairie. Sure, the towns have a lot of gas stations, but the towns are few and far between. Other things I packed were a coffee pot, several dozen pounds of assorted snack food (nabs, ClifBars, and hard candy), and extra decoy weights & line. All were handy or would have been handy. Oh yeah - my Yeti Cooler was perfect and held ice and duck breast all week without ever having to re-ice - make the investment on one of those!
Other things I planned were an average fuel cost for the trip and lodging, of course. The North Dakota State Parks offer some lodging in climate controlled cabins. Unfortunately for me, the State Park I made reservations for, failed to inform me that they would shut down the shower facilities. It made several days miserable for me and everyone I walked past. Hotels are usually in the $90 per night range. The State Parks are about $40 per night. The Parks, however, lack television, internet, and sometimes, showers. But the cabin became a home away from home that I came to love a little bit. For 10 nights total, I think two were in a hotel, and the other 8 were in the cabin. That brought the total to approximately $500...or $50 per night. This cost is the most liable to change, based on preference.
From North Carolina to North Dakota, the trip is roughly 1800 miles. I discovered that the vehicle I traveled in got about 400 miles to the tank of gas, and that each tank cost about $63 dollars. I knew it would take me roughly 4.5 tanks to get there, and 4.5 tanks to get back. I had no idea on how much I though it would take to scout and hunt, so I planned liberally, for a tank per day. Gas is slightly cheaper there than here, too. Overall, the entire trip was about 5000 miles. Overall, the vehicle cost 16 cents per mile just to operate on gas. The total fuel cost was around $800. This cost is the most liable to change based on how hard your group elects to hunt.
I also wondered about where I'd eat. Since I did plan to dine out at least once daily, I planned for $100 of dining dollars. This was about right. The rest of the food I ate was from the grocery store and it was light snack food, deli meats, and bread. This cost me about $40 total.
The only things I wished I would have packed were a filet knife (for helping out with the possession limit), and a fishing rod. Sure, the walleye fishing is great out there, but retrieving ducks with the rod is a lot easier than watching the ducks float to the other side. I walked and waited around a lot of potholes.
Next time, I'll talk about the preconceived notions I had and how they were wrong. I learned a lot about duck hunting while I was there, but it's stuff that I can only use while duck hunting in North Dakota. And yes, it is very different than Duck Hunting in North Carolina.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Me vs. North Dakota, Part 1 in a series
When one does something they think they should not, ought not, or could not do, there are a variety of feelings that course through the mind. Feelings such as stupidity, fortuity, calamity, and sleepy all crossed my mind in the 48 hours leading up to the departure of my trip out west.
I'm going to attempt to tackle the highlights from this trip in roughly 8 or 9 installments. I suppose that if there were chapters, they'd be:
1) Going - doing what it takes to go and getting there
2) Day One - The first day of scouting and realizations
3) Day Two - The first hunt and the long drive
4) Day Three - Hunting again and again and making corrections
5) Day Four - Staying wet
6) Day Five - Getting cold and loving it
7) A Break
8) They call him Wild Jim
9) Return to Normalcy
Still, anytime one takes on an event such as this, one must say their prayers and eat their vegetables. I'll be forever thankful to the Good Lord Above for delivering me from Dixie and into the vast and spectacular prairies.
Before I ever decided I would go out to North Dakota, I put pen to paper and made a list of qualifying reasons. For those who want to go just to kill ducks, please, consider elsewhere. Hire a guide in North Carolina. They can put you on a limit of ducks, usually. North Dakota doesn't guarantee a limit of ducks, either. A trip to the Prairies is set aside for someone who has been fortunate or wise with money, too. It's not a cheap trip to make. In fact, it might be cheaper to higher a guide if you're looking for full volume hunts of mallards and geese. I, for some reason, have no interest in shooting ducks out of a pasture, though. To me, duck hunting is about casting the decoys into water, and hoping for the magic of migration to take place before you...hopefully within good gunning range. Either Way, this is what my list looked like...
1) To see the prairies. It sounds simple. And I love a landscape with a good camera as much as I love the heft of a pair of redheads on my duck strap. The prairies are big. They're the biggest thing I've ever seen, save for the Atlantic Ocean. Whether it's the micro-hills of the central and western Dakotas, or the barn floor flat eastern portions of the Dakotas, there is something to behold for all.
2) I'm a history buff. There's no sense in going to one of the most historic parts of our continent, and not make small attempts at soaking some up. I went to the Knife River Indian Villages, to Native American Art Galleries, to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and to Fort Berthold. South Dakota offers more in the way of good history, but North Dakota is still teeming with it. I also "toured" some old claim shacks, barns, and other lost and founds left for prairie winters. It boggled my mind to wonder who the last person was to cross the threshold of certain buildings. Often, most were revitalized into storage shelters for obsolete farm implements, but it was still incredible to see these sights.
3) I wanted to know what Ducks Unlimited had done with my banquet dollars. It's been a bit since I've cut my one way relationship with Ducks Unlimited. I had always wanted to know what these banquets did for my favorite animals. One goal was to hunt the lands purchased by Ducks Unlimited dollars.
4) I also wanted to hunt lands that were purchased with my Duck Stamp Dollars. Boys and Girls, these lands far outnumber Ducks Unlimited Lands. In fact, I'd like a perpetual membership to the Federal Waterfowl Stamp.
5) I wanted to see ducks. I love those things. Holy Jesus how they amaze me when they fly. The feel and irridescence of their feathers when they first come to bag is almost overwhelming, especially if you're either examining the subtle beauty of a gadwall or the simple and sophisticated lines of a canvasback.
6) I also wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I was sick and tired of hearing about how great it was out there, as it pertained to duck hunting. I'm almost a follower. Still, I knew I could make my trip better than ever if I did what I wanted to and not what others might.
So with that said, I'll just say that I came back with plenty of meat for the freezer, a broken shotgun, a fine example of Northern Plains Indian Pottery, a piece of lost government property, and almost everything else I took with me. I'll expound on the Chapter 1 part very soon.
North Carolina's duck season is about 10 days away. Signs point to a barely favorable opener. The hurricane certainly disrupted the northern flight. Still, much of that water is salty and ill-suited to support an awful lot of waterfowl.
The Easton Waterfowl Festival is also next week. I'm going - kinda. I'll be going to the Guyette and Schmidt auction. I'm hoping to win a good bird and also find a good bird or two in the "tailgating" that takes place outdoors. I hate to say what I'm looking to win, just in case there's someone else out there who insists on watching me spend. Either way, the Easton Waterfowl Festival is THE EVENT for waterfowlers. I'm knocking out my bucket list items at breakneck speed here lately. Others on my list are brant and black ducks from New Jersey - which is coming in December, as well as hunting Currituck.
Anyway, take a kid or a new hunter on Opening Day. Make 'em buy a duck stamp, too.
I'm going to attempt to tackle the highlights from this trip in roughly 8 or 9 installments. I suppose that if there were chapters, they'd be:
1) Going - doing what it takes to go and getting there
2) Day One - The first day of scouting and realizations
3) Day Two - The first hunt and the long drive
4) Day Three - Hunting again and again and making corrections
5) Day Four - Staying wet
6) Day Five - Getting cold and loving it
7) A Break
8) They call him Wild Jim
9) Return to Normalcy
Still, anytime one takes on an event such as this, one must say their prayers and eat their vegetables. I'll be forever thankful to the Good Lord Above for delivering me from Dixie and into the vast and spectacular prairies.
Before I ever decided I would go out to North Dakota, I put pen to paper and made a list of qualifying reasons. For those who want to go just to kill ducks, please, consider elsewhere. Hire a guide in North Carolina. They can put you on a limit of ducks, usually. North Dakota doesn't guarantee a limit of ducks, either. A trip to the Prairies is set aside for someone who has been fortunate or wise with money, too. It's not a cheap trip to make. In fact, it might be cheaper to higher a guide if you're looking for full volume hunts of mallards and geese. I, for some reason, have no interest in shooting ducks out of a pasture, though. To me, duck hunting is about casting the decoys into water, and hoping for the magic of migration to take place before you...hopefully within good gunning range. Either Way, this is what my list looked like...
1) To see the prairies. It sounds simple. And I love a landscape with a good camera as much as I love the heft of a pair of redheads on my duck strap. The prairies are big. They're the biggest thing I've ever seen, save for the Atlantic Ocean. Whether it's the micro-hills of the central and western Dakotas, or the barn floor flat eastern portions of the Dakotas, there is something to behold for all.
2) I'm a history buff. There's no sense in going to one of the most historic parts of our continent, and not make small attempts at soaking some up. I went to the Knife River Indian Villages, to Native American Art Galleries, to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and to Fort Berthold. South Dakota offers more in the way of good history, but North Dakota is still teeming with it. I also "toured" some old claim shacks, barns, and other lost and founds left for prairie winters. It boggled my mind to wonder who the last person was to cross the threshold of certain buildings. Often, most were revitalized into storage shelters for obsolete farm implements, but it was still incredible to see these sights.
3) I wanted to know what Ducks Unlimited had done with my banquet dollars. It's been a bit since I've cut my one way relationship with Ducks Unlimited. I had always wanted to know what these banquets did for my favorite animals. One goal was to hunt the lands purchased by Ducks Unlimited dollars.
4) I also wanted to hunt lands that were purchased with my Duck Stamp Dollars. Boys and Girls, these lands far outnumber Ducks Unlimited Lands. In fact, I'd like a perpetual membership to the Federal Waterfowl Stamp.
5) I wanted to see ducks. I love those things. Holy Jesus how they amaze me when they fly. The feel and irridescence of their feathers when they first come to bag is almost overwhelming, especially if you're either examining the subtle beauty of a gadwall or the simple and sophisticated lines of a canvasback.
6) I also wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I was sick and tired of hearing about how great it was out there, as it pertained to duck hunting. I'm almost a follower. Still, I knew I could make my trip better than ever if I did what I wanted to and not what others might.
So with that said, I'll just say that I came back with plenty of meat for the freezer, a broken shotgun, a fine example of Northern Plains Indian Pottery, a piece of lost government property, and almost everything else I took with me. I'll expound on the Chapter 1 part very soon.
North Carolina's duck season is about 10 days away. Signs point to a barely favorable opener. The hurricane certainly disrupted the northern flight. Still, much of that water is salty and ill-suited to support an awful lot of waterfowl.
The Easton Waterfowl Festival is also next week. I'm going - kinda. I'll be going to the Guyette and Schmidt auction. I'm hoping to win a good bird and also find a good bird or two in the "tailgating" that takes place outdoors. I hate to say what I'm looking to win, just in case there's someone else out there who insists on watching me spend. Either way, the Easton Waterfowl Festival is THE EVENT for waterfowlers. I'm knocking out my bucket list items at breakneck speed here lately. Others on my list are brant and black ducks from New Jersey - which is coming in December, as well as hunting Currituck.
Anyway, take a kid or a new hunter on Opening Day. Make 'em buy a duck stamp, too.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Early Season Updates
I havent had much luck this early season. I didn't get drawn for any hunts at Lake Mattamuskeet, which is the most overrated hunt in North Carolina by the way. I did however get drawn for hunting at Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. I did see some ducks when I hunted yesterday, but I didn't shoot any. I was however fortunate enough to share themarsh with an good hunting buddy and a future hunting buddy. Even though she was a female, the bugs, alligators, absence of a bathroom, or the strange animal noises in the marsh didn't deter her. She didn't even complain. My only grip about the woman...she had her camp hat monogrammed.
Anyway, back to Currituck. First off, let me be clear. This is not a "dream" hunt for all you Raleigh Riff Raffers out there. But then again, the only place in the whole state that is owned by the NCWRC that I wuld recommend is the Futch Impoundment. However, that recommendation is made by everyone, and it's now an impossible draw and it's awarded to the skybusting and duckcall squealing crowd whose looking to employ their new-found "expertise" to work at a place where "there's ducks"... anyway, the place is unhuntable come youth day because of the clowns that hunt the draw dates. Managing a property is one thing, but if you don't manage it's hunters, then it's a waste of the former and an injustice to the latter.
Anyway, back to Currituck. Currituck is as historic as it gets. I'm sure the blind I was drawn for has had a blind or some semblance of one for almost 2 centuries. Some of the spartina grasses out there have seen the days when canvasbacks, redheads, and blackheads screamed over in sun-darkening numbers. I'm sure the yaupon bushes there have seen tons of corn floated by them, too. Currituck is cool for what it was, not what it is. I just want one duck. Even if it's a merganser. Amen.
The coolest part in my mind - and consider the fact that I have an almost insatiable lust for old North Carolina decoys and waterfowl history - is that I'm gonna hunt in waters that have been paddled and motored by folks like Joseph Knapp, Lee Dudley, Bob Morse, Grover Cleveland, and countless and nameless dignitaries of yesteryear. But the "important" people are less impressive than the several hundred locals that plied the waters to scratch out a very respectable living in the only way they could. They shot ducks and fed the wealthy with them. Today, the job of feeding the wealthy has also been outsourced overseas. Us American's can really get it wrong sometimes. Still, the boys got it wrong then, too.
Currituck is kinda looked at shamefully by some for all of the markethunting slaughter that transpired. Still, if it werent for the hunters that came and noticed the decline in the 20's and 30's, we might have not realized that the resource was limited, and so was the source of the resource - the prairie pothole region. I hate to think that people make the mistake of mistaking history. Waterfowl conservation didn't start in Washington DC. It started in Currituck, North Carolina and on the flats of the Susquehanna River.
I keep rambling. My hunt. So yeah, I've turned over the hunting rig to an all wood reunion of old wooden decoys with re-heads and some contemporary wooden decoys. They're cool. and now I get to put them BACK in to Currituck Sound, where most of them got there first swim a century ago. I'm excited to see those big battery redhead blocks floating out there. In fact, I look forward to lifting the five pound goliaths from the water, especially after they're saturated from the waters of Currituck Sound. I also put foundy weights on all my decoys. Foundry weight were made by the different Iron foundries along the North Carolina and Virginia border. The rust that is found on these very collectible waterfowl artifacts was established from the salinity in the Currituck Sound. I'll get to add a new coat. I'll also get to make the treacherous crossing in the cold of winter. Though, I'll have the luxury of a craft that self propels at 40 miles an hour, it'll still be incredible.
An early season update...Flights of teal are here one day and gone the next along the northern beaches on the soundside. Pintails are using the shoal grasses that are found in the northwest corner of the state. Most downeast North Carolina hunting is all wood ducks for the moment. Nash and Wilson county areas have good numbers of wood ducks, too. Unfortunately, I haven't seen good numbers of localized black ducks, though. The season expires on Saturday at sunset. I'll take off for North Dakota in two weeks. North Dakota got snow today, hopefully delivering new ducks, with more to come. Anyway, go scout.
Anyway, back to Currituck. First off, let me be clear. This is not a "dream" hunt for all you Raleigh Riff Raffers out there. But then again, the only place in the whole state that is owned by the NCWRC that I wuld recommend is the Futch Impoundment. However, that recommendation is made by everyone, and it's now an impossible draw and it's awarded to the skybusting and duckcall squealing crowd whose looking to employ their new-found "expertise" to work at a place where "there's ducks"... anyway, the place is unhuntable come youth day because of the clowns that hunt the draw dates. Managing a property is one thing, but if you don't manage it's hunters, then it's a waste of the former and an injustice to the latter.
Anyway, back to Currituck. Currituck is as historic as it gets. I'm sure the blind I was drawn for has had a blind or some semblance of one for almost 2 centuries. Some of the spartina grasses out there have seen the days when canvasbacks, redheads, and blackheads screamed over in sun-darkening numbers. I'm sure the yaupon bushes there have seen tons of corn floated by them, too. Currituck is cool for what it was, not what it is. I just want one duck. Even if it's a merganser. Amen.
The coolest part in my mind - and consider the fact that I have an almost insatiable lust for old North Carolina decoys and waterfowl history - is that I'm gonna hunt in waters that have been paddled and motored by folks like Joseph Knapp, Lee Dudley, Bob Morse, Grover Cleveland, and countless and nameless dignitaries of yesteryear. But the "important" people are less impressive than the several hundred locals that plied the waters to scratch out a very respectable living in the only way they could. They shot ducks and fed the wealthy with them. Today, the job of feeding the wealthy has also been outsourced overseas. Us American's can really get it wrong sometimes. Still, the boys got it wrong then, too.
Currituck is kinda looked at shamefully by some for all of the markethunting slaughter that transpired. Still, if it werent for the hunters that came and noticed the decline in the 20's and 30's, we might have not realized that the resource was limited, and so was the source of the resource - the prairie pothole region. I hate to think that people make the mistake of mistaking history. Waterfowl conservation didn't start in Washington DC. It started in Currituck, North Carolina and on the flats of the Susquehanna River.
I keep rambling. My hunt. So yeah, I've turned over the hunting rig to an all wood reunion of old wooden decoys with re-heads and some contemporary wooden decoys. They're cool. and now I get to put them BACK in to Currituck Sound, where most of them got there first swim a century ago. I'm excited to see those big battery redhead blocks floating out there. In fact, I look forward to lifting the five pound goliaths from the water, especially after they're saturated from the waters of Currituck Sound. I also put foundy weights on all my decoys. Foundry weight were made by the different Iron foundries along the North Carolina and Virginia border. The rust that is found on these very collectible waterfowl artifacts was established from the salinity in the Currituck Sound. I'll get to add a new coat. I'll also get to make the treacherous crossing in the cold of winter. Though, I'll have the luxury of a craft that self propels at 40 miles an hour, it'll still be incredible.
An early season update...Flights of teal are here one day and gone the next along the northern beaches on the soundside. Pintails are using the shoal grasses that are found in the northwest corner of the state. Most downeast North Carolina hunting is all wood ducks for the moment. Nash and Wilson county areas have good numbers of wood ducks, too. Unfortunately, I haven't seen good numbers of localized black ducks, though. The season expires on Saturday at sunset. I'll take off for North Dakota in two weeks. North Dakota got snow today, hopefully delivering new ducks, with more to come. Anyway, go scout.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
$5 Hunts
It's time for everyone's favorite time of the year....applications for the $5 hunt. Many state owned duck impoundments are available to any lucky son of a gun who has $5 to blow and has the luck needed to win the Carolina Cash 5. Before you protest me, no, I'm not upset that I never get drawn. What I am upset about is how gullible the hunters of this great state can be...
Problem number one with the $5 duck hunt is that it's open to everyone. Well, anyone with an Abe Lincoln not intended to wipe ones bottom with. I wish I could count the buddies I have who also purchase licenses for their wives and children, so that they can apply for certain federal permits. I know of one family that puts in 9 members of the family. That's remarkable. Mattamuskeet's draw odds are tougher than 1 in 500. And then, you don't get to enjoy the foot race to the blind. And once you're to the blind that the feds have decided you'll hunt from, you have to hope the weather is right. But back to the $5 permit...the PETA's even apply. One doesn't have to have all of the necessary stamps and permits and privileges to apply for the specialty hunts, with the swan tag being the only exception. Even out-of-staters put in for our permits, which to me, is just unfair. They'll pick up to 5 dates, with their only intention of being 1 to two dates maximum. But it's only $5, so what's the big deal. If they aren't drawn, they absolutely will not purchase a North Carolina hunting license - which generates waaaay more income for the NCWRC than the $5 Duck Hunt. And of course, any jackwagon can get on this very website and determine which impoundments are the very best...so they'll hedge their bets on those impoundments, sight unseen, and scouting unplanned. But hey, it's a $5 duck hunt.
Problem 2 with the $5 duck hunt is the fact of the matter that most are fairly inaccessible. Sure - some have a "disabled sportsman" blind, but they only have one or two. And by the way, if you want to be politically correct, one might want to call them "sportspeople with disabilities", but that's for another discussion. The paths to these locations are horrid and I've seen many a child take a spill on youth days and many a moron plow off into the unsuspected and unsuspecting canal. Sure, there are maps to read, available online, but none warn of any dangers other than rough waters and "present" alligators. I can't take anybody much older than 60 on these hunts because they just can't make the haul. Until two years ago,at least one such impoundment had ZERO access over canals. Pack your wetsuit and your lawsuit. You'll want both. And while I don't mind a brisk walk, especially if bears and alligators are present, walking over a mile is tough on anyone, even me, and I run 5 miles a day before hitting the gym. But still, the Drake Prostaffers that apply for these hunts apply first and ask questions later. One mile walk? Fuhgeddabouddit. But it's just a $5 duck hunt.
Problem 3 with the $5 duck hunt is the broad scope of wildlife infractions that occur. It is absolutely sickening to talk with Mr. Greenjeans at the end of the hunt to find out that 75% of the hunt parties were cited for something like (1) forgotten duck stamp, (2) over the limit, (3) one to many "black ducks", (4) one too many black ducks, and (5)early shooting. And of course, there's always the party who didn't actually sign up for the "party." Aside from the real infractions, there are those who like to hunt over two decoy spreads - there's and your's. Of course, their two dozen jumbo mallards aren't good enough, nor is their duck call ever loud enough. At least they're practicing, but please, please, don't practice at the hunt. Your excuse of "well, I just like to call to 'em" is a relief to the birds. Ducks have many advantages, but don't make it easy for them, Mr. Facepaint. Hell, what other game animal comes out of the sky! And just because they are in the sky, doesn't mean you should poke holes in the atmosphere with your extra-great Blindside and Black Cloud shells. You may get lucky, but it's called luck because it don't happen much. But they're not your ducks and it is just a $5 duck hunt. I've made it a point to go to state impoundments after hunts to count the cripples. It's sickening. And it's not because you left them there. It's because you shot them too high, crippled them, and turned them in to fox food. But a fox has to eat, too, huh?
Problem #4 with the $5 duck hunt is that the lucky recipients get to hunt over an impoundment that is often ajoined by another impoundment or club that is managed much, much better. And a lot of those impoundments have the best decoys. I'd hate to advertise for them, but the decoy rhymes with "korn." And the state impoundment that you've hauled your gear too is what they like to call "moist soil" managed. That's a good idea, but moist soil impoundments aren't preferred to the high energy grains that ducks actually need in the winter. Moist soil impoundments are muddy and weedy and are primarily used by hens who must feed to sustain their fertilized but unlaid eggs...in the spring!
I'm not complaining. Well, yes I am. I think it's high time that fees are raised, violators are banned from draw hunts, and that the game land impoundments are a source of pride for North Carolina hunters. I'll also be satisfied if they're managed with the fervency that privately held impoundments enjoy. If you don't agree, then the deadline for the draw is October 1st, I think. But me, I'm better than a $5 duck hunt. It's not fair to the good hunters who have limited access or time to hunt, it's not fair to the wildlife officers, and it's not fair to the birds themselves. When it changes, I might.
Problem number one with the $5 duck hunt is that it's open to everyone. Well, anyone with an Abe Lincoln not intended to wipe ones bottom with. I wish I could count the buddies I have who also purchase licenses for their wives and children, so that they can apply for certain federal permits. I know of one family that puts in 9 members of the family. That's remarkable. Mattamuskeet's draw odds are tougher than 1 in 500. And then, you don't get to enjoy the foot race to the blind. And once you're to the blind that the feds have decided you'll hunt from, you have to hope the weather is right. But back to the $5 permit...the PETA's even apply. One doesn't have to have all of the necessary stamps and permits and privileges to apply for the specialty hunts, with the swan tag being the only exception. Even out-of-staters put in for our permits, which to me, is just unfair. They'll pick up to 5 dates, with their only intention of being 1 to two dates maximum. But it's only $5, so what's the big deal. If they aren't drawn, they absolutely will not purchase a North Carolina hunting license - which generates waaaay more income for the NCWRC than the $5 Duck Hunt. And of course, any jackwagon can get on this very website and determine which impoundments are the very best...so they'll hedge their bets on those impoundments, sight unseen, and scouting unplanned. But hey, it's a $5 duck hunt.
Problem 2 with the $5 duck hunt is the fact of the matter that most are fairly inaccessible. Sure - some have a "disabled sportsman" blind, but they only have one or two. And by the way, if you want to be politically correct, one might want to call them "sportspeople with disabilities", but that's for another discussion. The paths to these locations are horrid and I've seen many a child take a spill on youth days and many a moron plow off into the unsuspected and unsuspecting canal. Sure, there are maps to read, available online, but none warn of any dangers other than rough waters and "present" alligators. I can't take anybody much older than 60 on these hunts because they just can't make the haul. Until two years ago,at least one such impoundment had ZERO access over canals. Pack your wetsuit and your lawsuit. You'll want both. And while I don't mind a brisk walk, especially if bears and alligators are present, walking over a mile is tough on anyone, even me, and I run 5 miles a day before hitting the gym. But still, the Drake Prostaffers that apply for these hunts apply first and ask questions later. One mile walk? Fuhgeddabouddit. But it's just a $5 duck hunt.
Problem 3 with the $5 duck hunt is the broad scope of wildlife infractions that occur. It is absolutely sickening to talk with Mr. Greenjeans at the end of the hunt to find out that 75% of the hunt parties were cited for something like (1) forgotten duck stamp, (2) over the limit, (3) one to many "black ducks", (4) one too many black ducks, and (5)early shooting. And of course, there's always the party who didn't actually sign up for the "party." Aside from the real infractions, there are those who like to hunt over two decoy spreads - there's and your's. Of course, their two dozen jumbo mallards aren't good enough, nor is their duck call ever loud enough. At least they're practicing, but please, please, don't practice at the hunt. Your excuse of "well, I just like to call to 'em" is a relief to the birds. Ducks have many advantages, but don't make it easy for them, Mr. Facepaint. Hell, what other game animal comes out of the sky! And just because they are in the sky, doesn't mean you should poke holes in the atmosphere with your extra-great Blindside and Black Cloud shells. You may get lucky, but it's called luck because it don't happen much. But they're not your ducks and it is just a $5 duck hunt. I've made it a point to go to state impoundments after hunts to count the cripples. It's sickening. And it's not because you left them there. It's because you shot them too high, crippled them, and turned them in to fox food. But a fox has to eat, too, huh?
Problem #4 with the $5 duck hunt is that the lucky recipients get to hunt over an impoundment that is often ajoined by another impoundment or club that is managed much, much better. And a lot of those impoundments have the best decoys. I'd hate to advertise for them, but the decoy rhymes with "korn." And the state impoundment that you've hauled your gear too is what they like to call "moist soil" managed. That's a good idea, but moist soil impoundments aren't preferred to the high energy grains that ducks actually need in the winter. Moist soil impoundments are muddy and weedy and are primarily used by hens who must feed to sustain their fertilized but unlaid eggs...in the spring!
I'm not complaining. Well, yes I am. I think it's high time that fees are raised, violators are banned from draw hunts, and that the game land impoundments are a source of pride for North Carolina hunters. I'll also be satisfied if they're managed with the fervency that privately held impoundments enjoy. If you don't agree, then the deadline for the draw is October 1st, I think. But me, I'm better than a $5 duck hunt. It's not fair to the good hunters who have limited access or time to hunt, it's not fair to the wildlife officers, and it's not fair to the birds themselves. When it changes, I might.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Shorebird Hunting
Nope, it's not legal, and you shouldn't do it. But I'm sure you and the rest of everyone who has pulled up on a flock of golden plovers has always wondered...what do they taste like? Not only do I wonder what they taste like, I've also wondered how did they really shoot them. We've all either seen a picture, read the "horror" stories of mass market killings, or have seen an old shorebird decoy and been a little bit curious. Well, curiosity kills the kittens, and it might eventually take my own life, but in the meantime, I'm enjoying my curiosity streak. I've made it clear and obvious that I've collected decoys fro a little while now - but only seriously for about the past couple of years. But as I research these decoys and attempt to attach some type of provenance to them, I learn about a whole lot of other stuff that opens more doors and questions.
Not too long ago, I was poking about and stumble upon a fishbox full of flattie shorebird decoys. In fact, it happened about two months ago. Collecting shorebird decoys is a tough and expensive hobby. If you want the good ones -those where the maker goes by any name other than "unknown" - You'll pay the big bucks. Even a quality North Carolina shorebird decoy starts at around two grand. the John Fulcher's from Currituck are, well, very expensive. North Carolina is most recognized for their "flatty" shorebirds - artfully cut out silhouettes with wire legs and bills. They're no Thomas Gelston, but Thomas Gelston was probably a lonely old man if he had time to make those pretty decoys. North Carolina's decoys are hardened old warhorses. Made from simple stuff, in simple ways, in a simple time. Yeah, anyway, I found a bucket of them - and I'm a duck decoy man - but I was curious enough to pay $10 for the box to see if I had actually stumbled on anything. And maybe I did.
Yep, that's probably all I'll ever know. I've got a carver/collector/great friend who does a good job of telling me whether or not made a good decision or not - and I love to hear it. He's been better at telling me when I've gotten something bad, though. I think that has more to do with what I acquire, though. But he likes all decoys, just like I do, for their form, their history, and for their magical evolution to treasured piece of art. I hate to put them in the art category, though. But anyway, the shorebirds I found that day have sent me over 600 miles in my Jeep. And we're gong 300 miles more this week in search of answers or more questions.
Still, it's on each one of these trips where I stumble on to new answers to old questions and yes, more new questions. Below are the things that I have learned from the half dozen people who have looked at my shorebirds and entertained my questions:
A prominent North Carolina Judge shot shorebirds well after it was outlawed...but he did that in the 50's and is long gone now. He also made his own decoys...which are cool looking!
The loop in NC flatty decoys' legs are meant to keep the decoy from twisting and spinning in the sand.
Cecil Midgett did not make all flatty shorebirds.
Hunters typically put out 12-28 decoys when hunting them.
Summer was a fun time to shoot them...but spring was good, as was September.
Some were hunted on the beachside, while some where only hunted on the soundside.
Mosquito larvae in a "manmade" watering hole on the beach was just like pouring corn out for ducks.
Well, anyway, in all of my research, I got to meet an interesting dude. One who shot shorebirds back when it is acceptable. He's 97 years old, and he's actually quite renowned. We had a good talk, and he liked the shorebirds, but he certainly didn't make them, nor did he know who made them. But we talked about his first hunt, how they prepared shorebirds, where they got the wood from to make decoys, where the legs and bills came from, how they set up blinds, and how they toted them back to the house when they had a "mess" of them - and I even asked what a "mess" was.
Either way, I'll share some of what I learned, but I do encourage everybody to do their own research. Buy an old decoy and buy a good one. But buy what you like. Don't buy to many...anyway, here's the facts that came from a genuine old shorebird hunter. And if you don't see the freaking historical significance of talking to a man who MARKET HUNTED then you're missing out on the big picture. Sure, anyone is capable of going out and shooting ducks over more plastic ducks, but it'll do you some good to give a hoot. Here you go:
Willets taste fishy
Curlews could be dressed like chickens
His first hunt was on the beach, not the soundside. That's a way to start...
Morning - early morning - was the best, but it is for everything, right?
Yellowlegs were the best eating.
Building a curtain blind on the shoals for brant shooting was hard, but very worth it.
The Gull Shoal Club hated their wooden decoys, and therefore chose to "get rid of a bunch for those herters"...
The dowels for the shorebird decoy legs were cut sticks from the juniper or holly trees - whatever was nearby.
I learned a lot more and since I didn't record the conversation, I'll forget some of it. Either way, it was a conversation that literally covered 4 generations of waterfowl hunting in North Carolina. I saw decoys that spanned longer than that - and yeah, I came home with one, too!
Most importantly - we're all part off the present in this sport. One day, we'll be a part of it's past, and it's up to each one of us what legacy we leave behind. As a whole, many view the market days as evil. Some see it as cool. I see it as a time when men did what they could to take care of themselves and their 8 kids. The Lord gave them dominion over the creatures. They were just like us - they got a rise out of the sunrise. They loved to see ducks fly and they loved to see them fall. But they were honest and hardworking. Market hunting was dangerous and hard. But I bet it was fun...
Not too long ago, I was poking about and stumble upon a fishbox full of flattie shorebird decoys. In fact, it happened about two months ago. Collecting shorebird decoys is a tough and expensive hobby. If you want the good ones -those where the maker goes by any name other than "unknown" - You'll pay the big bucks. Even a quality North Carolina shorebird decoy starts at around two grand. the John Fulcher's from Currituck are, well, very expensive. North Carolina is most recognized for their "flatty" shorebirds - artfully cut out silhouettes with wire legs and bills. They're no Thomas Gelston, but Thomas Gelston was probably a lonely old man if he had time to make those pretty decoys. North Carolina's decoys are hardened old warhorses. Made from simple stuff, in simple ways, in a simple time. Yeah, anyway, I found a bucket of them - and I'm a duck decoy man - but I was curious enough to pay $10 for the box to see if I had actually stumbled on anything. And maybe I did.
Yep, that's probably all I'll ever know. I've got a carver/collector/great friend who does a good job of telling me whether or not made a good decision or not - and I love to hear it. He's been better at telling me when I've gotten something bad, though. I think that has more to do with what I acquire, though. But he likes all decoys, just like I do, for their form, their history, and for their magical evolution to treasured piece of art. I hate to put them in the art category, though. But anyway, the shorebirds I found that day have sent me over 600 miles in my Jeep. And we're gong 300 miles more this week in search of answers or more questions.
Still, it's on each one of these trips where I stumble on to new answers to old questions and yes, more new questions. Below are the things that I have learned from the half dozen people who have looked at my shorebirds and entertained my questions:
A prominent North Carolina Judge shot shorebirds well after it was outlawed...but he did that in the 50's and is long gone now. He also made his own decoys...which are cool looking!
The loop in NC flatty decoys' legs are meant to keep the decoy from twisting and spinning in the sand.
Cecil Midgett did not make all flatty shorebirds.
Hunters typically put out 12-28 decoys when hunting them.
Summer was a fun time to shoot them...but spring was good, as was September.
Some were hunted on the beachside, while some where only hunted on the soundside.
Mosquito larvae in a "manmade" watering hole on the beach was just like pouring corn out for ducks.
Well, anyway, in all of my research, I got to meet an interesting dude. One who shot shorebirds back when it is acceptable. He's 97 years old, and he's actually quite renowned. We had a good talk, and he liked the shorebirds, but he certainly didn't make them, nor did he know who made them. But we talked about his first hunt, how they prepared shorebirds, where they got the wood from to make decoys, where the legs and bills came from, how they set up blinds, and how they toted them back to the house when they had a "mess" of them - and I even asked what a "mess" was.
Either way, I'll share some of what I learned, but I do encourage everybody to do their own research. Buy an old decoy and buy a good one. But buy what you like. Don't buy to many...anyway, here's the facts that came from a genuine old shorebird hunter. And if you don't see the freaking historical significance of talking to a man who MARKET HUNTED then you're missing out on the big picture. Sure, anyone is capable of going out and shooting ducks over more plastic ducks, but it'll do you some good to give a hoot. Here you go:
Willets taste fishy
Curlews could be dressed like chickens
His first hunt was on the beach, not the soundside. That's a way to start...
Morning - early morning - was the best, but it is for everything, right?
Yellowlegs were the best eating.
Building a curtain blind on the shoals for brant shooting was hard, but very worth it.
The Gull Shoal Club hated their wooden decoys, and therefore chose to "get rid of a bunch for those herters"...
The dowels for the shorebird decoy legs were cut sticks from the juniper or holly trees - whatever was nearby.
I learned a lot more and since I didn't record the conversation, I'll forget some of it. Either way, it was a conversation that literally covered 4 generations of waterfowl hunting in North Carolina. I saw decoys that spanned longer than that - and yeah, I came home with one, too!
Most importantly - we're all part off the present in this sport. One day, we'll be a part of it's past, and it's up to each one of us what legacy we leave behind. As a whole, many view the market days as evil. Some see it as cool. I see it as a time when men did what they could to take care of themselves and their 8 kids. The Lord gave them dominion over the creatures. They were just like us - they got a rise out of the sunrise. They loved to see ducks fly and they loved to see them fall. But they were honest and hardworking. Market hunting was dangerous and hard. But I bet it was fun...
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Season's here..
Well folks, it's time to crank the boat, fill the waders with water to check for leaks, paint the decoys, and pour out the corn (kidding). The season has been underway for about two weeks now and only the most die-hard are out and about, killing mosquitoes and shooting at geese and teal. Since I live east of US 17, I've taken myself teal hunting only once, but finally got teal to fly in front of me. Of course, I missed but it was still nice to get out and see the birds fly. Resident goose hunting gets me almost as excited as prepping my federal income tax, and while we have some, it's just not worth it to me. And geese taste like mud.
Many duck hunters miss out on what really makes duck hunting fun. When I'm reeling of a list of the things I love about shooting ducks, I invariably discuss the highs of rigging and setting decoys, eating honey buns, and excessive urination from too much coffee. Coffee makes my best hunting buddy do something else excessively in the marsh. But at least he comes prepared. But I realized that the absolute best part of duck hunting is the adrenaline rush that comes when the unexpected flight of birds arrives over your shoulders. We're always looking forward and expecting birds to do it our way. It's fun that way because it's easy, but it's not frightening. Now duck hunting shouldn't be scary, but we all like the unpredictable that lies in duck hunting. What ducks will we see? Will we see the game warden? Will the boat crank? Those are all mysteries, but the exciting mystery that is a flight of blackheads or bluewings is absolutely riveting. And it's only better if it happens when you're about to nod off, or doing some other mundane task in the blind such as eating a nab, pouring some coffee, or cleaning the reeds of a duck call (the latter happens to me the most which is evidence that I shouldn't call at all). Nevertheless, I don't mind spilling the hot coffee.
The offseason in North Carolina was marked with a lot of suspicion. Rumors abounded about zoning the state and a 45 day season and lots of other crazy stuff that is spawned and thankfully dies on the internet. We had above average rainfall which means resident wood duck production and brooding should have been good in the eastern part of the state. It also means hunting Aix Sponsa will be just as difficult, since there will be some open water in those inaccessible stretches of pocosin. But nobody in the northeast worth his or her waders will fool with a wood duck. The resident black duck population that persists here isn't fairing too bad, even though, it's a small population. I spied several pairs of blacks in stretches around Bodie Island and other locations west of the Atlantic. I'm hoping to kill my first black duck ever. Many a black duck has stared down my barrel in November, but they know they're safe and they know I'm not into feeling guilty or evading the law.
Concerning northern flight birds, my guess is that it might be a little better than last year. We're supposed to have a stormy winter. Most of our diver ducks like buffleheads and blackheads actually come from Maritime Canada. Those provinces are supposed to have a rough winter, too. The mergansers will also be strong. Ducks that I don't expect to see a whole lot of are redheads, wigeons, and pintails - assuming that prairie Canada and the Dakotas have the warm winter they're projected to have...but the weatherman can't get his act together for tomorrow, much less December. Mallards, well, they'll shortstop up again just like they've been doing for some 20 years or more. But there will be some in the piedmont area, so all of the Drake Kiddos at NC State will indeed get to toot their duck calls...Over the past two years, I've brought 357 birds into the boat...between me and the sports that joined me. Thats 178.5 ducks per year. My goal is 100 North Carolina birds...and it always is, but I'll be pumped with more than that.
In other personal news...I have converted my entire decoy spread to wooden decoys. Well, I lied. My diver spread is all wood, but that's the way it's supposed to be in North Carolina. I'll phase out the 10 dozen plastic pintails in time, I suppose...but I will NOT mix plastic and wood.
I'm still on for North Dakota in October, too. In fact, I've got a cabin and a license already so it's a done deal, assuming I'm not killed or kidnapped before then. I'm thankful I didn't talk myself out of it this time and I'm looking forward to just seeing the prairies. I just wish there was a good decoy collector presence out there...but they never needed decoys out there! I also expect to do some field hunting and have since gotten layout blinds and goose and mallard shells. I don't know where I'm going to pack it all. My biggest goal for the experience is to like it. that's all I want to do. Whatever it takes to like it, I hope it happens. I imagine it'll be a mixture of shooting some ducks, riding around, and seeing countryside that stretches for miles without interruption of civilization. And that's plenty to suit me.
Also - I'll do the annual Mississippi hunt, too. I'm not sure if I can top the "54 Gadwalls in 54 Minutes" hunt that transpired last year. I still want to shoot one of those big shovelers they have down there. I swear they're as big as a mallard...
Anyway, I hope all, even the Raleigh Riff-Raff and all the New Jersey Marines around Catfish Lake have a fun and safe season. When I have some scouting news, I'll share!
Many duck hunters miss out on what really makes duck hunting fun. When I'm reeling of a list of the things I love about shooting ducks, I invariably discuss the highs of rigging and setting decoys, eating honey buns, and excessive urination from too much coffee. Coffee makes my best hunting buddy do something else excessively in the marsh. But at least he comes prepared. But I realized that the absolute best part of duck hunting is the adrenaline rush that comes when the unexpected flight of birds arrives over your shoulders. We're always looking forward and expecting birds to do it our way. It's fun that way because it's easy, but it's not frightening. Now duck hunting shouldn't be scary, but we all like the unpredictable that lies in duck hunting. What ducks will we see? Will we see the game warden? Will the boat crank? Those are all mysteries, but the exciting mystery that is a flight of blackheads or bluewings is absolutely riveting. And it's only better if it happens when you're about to nod off, or doing some other mundane task in the blind such as eating a nab, pouring some coffee, or cleaning the reeds of a duck call (the latter happens to me the most which is evidence that I shouldn't call at all). Nevertheless, I don't mind spilling the hot coffee.
The offseason in North Carolina was marked with a lot of suspicion. Rumors abounded about zoning the state and a 45 day season and lots of other crazy stuff that is spawned and thankfully dies on the internet. We had above average rainfall which means resident wood duck production and brooding should have been good in the eastern part of the state. It also means hunting Aix Sponsa will be just as difficult, since there will be some open water in those inaccessible stretches of pocosin. But nobody in the northeast worth his or her waders will fool with a wood duck. The resident black duck population that persists here isn't fairing too bad, even though, it's a small population. I spied several pairs of blacks in stretches around Bodie Island and other locations west of the Atlantic. I'm hoping to kill my first black duck ever. Many a black duck has stared down my barrel in November, but they know they're safe and they know I'm not into feeling guilty or evading the law.
Concerning northern flight birds, my guess is that it might be a little better than last year. We're supposed to have a stormy winter. Most of our diver ducks like buffleheads and blackheads actually come from Maritime Canada. Those provinces are supposed to have a rough winter, too. The mergansers will also be strong. Ducks that I don't expect to see a whole lot of are redheads, wigeons, and pintails - assuming that prairie Canada and the Dakotas have the warm winter they're projected to have...but the weatherman can't get his act together for tomorrow, much less December. Mallards, well, they'll shortstop up again just like they've been doing for some 20 years or more. But there will be some in the piedmont area, so all of the Drake Kiddos at NC State will indeed get to toot their duck calls...Over the past two years, I've brought 357 birds into the boat...between me and the sports that joined me. Thats 178.5 ducks per year. My goal is 100 North Carolina birds...and it always is, but I'll be pumped with more than that.
In other personal news...I have converted my entire decoy spread to wooden decoys. Well, I lied. My diver spread is all wood, but that's the way it's supposed to be in North Carolina. I'll phase out the 10 dozen plastic pintails in time, I suppose...but I will NOT mix plastic and wood.
I'm still on for North Dakota in October, too. In fact, I've got a cabin and a license already so it's a done deal, assuming I'm not killed or kidnapped before then. I'm thankful I didn't talk myself out of it this time and I'm looking forward to just seeing the prairies. I just wish there was a good decoy collector presence out there...but they never needed decoys out there! I also expect to do some field hunting and have since gotten layout blinds and goose and mallard shells. I don't know where I'm going to pack it all. My biggest goal for the experience is to like it. that's all I want to do. Whatever it takes to like it, I hope it happens. I imagine it'll be a mixture of shooting some ducks, riding around, and seeing countryside that stretches for miles without interruption of civilization. And that's plenty to suit me.
Also - I'll do the annual Mississippi hunt, too. I'm not sure if I can top the "54 Gadwalls in 54 Minutes" hunt that transpired last year. I still want to shoot one of those big shovelers they have down there. I swear they're as big as a mallard...
Anyway, I hope all, even the Raleigh Riff-Raff and all the New Jersey Marines around Catfish Lake have a fun and safe season. When I have some scouting news, I'll share!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
North Dakota Trip
So, yeah. I'm taking the plunge. I'm going to commit. To North Dakota. I don't know why I want to go. I'm not even going to attempt to field hunt. I'm going in late October, so there could already be 2 feet of ice on the remaining potholes. What am I thinking? I guess I'm hoping for the sensory overload, the motherload, and the truckload that I will hopefully endure while I'm out there. North Dakoa raises as many ducks as anywhere in the world. I'm not gonna say where I'm going, but I will say that I'm going with a partner in crime and his dog. I might even take a canoe...and I will absolutely not employ the services of a guide. Why? It's not because I hate guides. In fact, I can afford one and they are a sure thing, usually. I like the challenge. I killed ducks the very first time I went at it alone in North Carolina...so why not North Dakota - where there are exponentially more ducks?! I've done lots of cyber scouting, scoured the tourism websites, melted my google earth application, and have downloaded, repeatedly, the PLOTS guide. I think I know where everything is, as long as it looks like it did on March 11, 2011 (according to Google Earth!).
Since I'm going to drive - I hate the thought of the airlines tossing around my prized 20 gauge- I'll have quite the carload. Other than a former NCAA baseball player and his 90 pound black labm there will be other accoutrements. Decoys. Guns. Two Back-up Guns. Ammo - don't think it's accessible out there. Cooler. Canoe. Calls. Blind bags. First Aid kit. Dog food. Kennel. Waders. Warm clothes. Lots of them. GPS. Wader dryers. Toothbrush and toothpaste. At least two pair of underwear...maybe four.
My Duck Hunting New Year's Resolution was to apply for and document the process of obtaining a blind in Dare County. I gave that up. A week in North Dakota is, more than likely, going to give me ample opportunities at plenty of ducks. In an honest world, if I went up there and had good luck, I might almost stop hunting in North Carolina. At least from the shorelines anyway. Nothing beats layout hunting. I never get to shoot puddle ducks, so North Carolina would grant me that...though I still prefer divers. Which is why I'm not going to field hunt, yet. The Delta Marsh is also on my life list. And that, too, is for divers.
Still, I'm going into this the way I wish I would have started out in North Carolina - as a purist. I'm not taking any Drake paraphernalia, plastic decoys, or spinner-wings. My compadre and I are currently in the process of hacking out a stand of decoys that I have dubbed the "North Dakota Rig." I'll bet you there's never been a block-styled mallard to hit the prairie potholes in NoDak. At the moment, we've got a pair of widgeon, a tri-fecta of pintails, a tri-fecta of shovelers (imagine a Core Sound shoveler!), a dozen redheads, and a dozen blackheads. With more coming, a bufflehead, and several more mallards should be expected. They're cork and tupelo - we probably won't rig them out with ballast weights - we want them to gyrate nicely on those backwater sloughs that lack the wind and waves of the North Carolina coast.
Either way, we're just getting started. We've got hours ahead of us that will involve mapreading alone. The logistics will be overcome with a credit card, but luck, well, you can't buy it.
Since I'm going to drive - I hate the thought of the airlines tossing around my prized 20 gauge- I'll have quite the carload. Other than a former NCAA baseball player and his 90 pound black labm there will be other accoutrements. Decoys. Guns. Two Back-up Guns. Ammo - don't think it's accessible out there. Cooler. Canoe. Calls. Blind bags. First Aid kit. Dog food. Kennel. Waders. Warm clothes. Lots of them. GPS. Wader dryers. Toothbrush and toothpaste. At least two pair of underwear...maybe four.
My Duck Hunting New Year's Resolution was to apply for and document the process of obtaining a blind in Dare County. I gave that up. A week in North Dakota is, more than likely, going to give me ample opportunities at plenty of ducks. In an honest world, if I went up there and had good luck, I might almost stop hunting in North Carolina. At least from the shorelines anyway. Nothing beats layout hunting. I never get to shoot puddle ducks, so North Carolina would grant me that...though I still prefer divers. Which is why I'm not going to field hunt, yet. The Delta Marsh is also on my life list. And that, too, is for divers.
Still, I'm going into this the way I wish I would have started out in North Carolina - as a purist. I'm not taking any Drake paraphernalia, plastic decoys, or spinner-wings. My compadre and I are currently in the process of hacking out a stand of decoys that I have dubbed the "North Dakota Rig." I'll bet you there's never been a block-styled mallard to hit the prairie potholes in NoDak. At the moment, we've got a pair of widgeon, a tri-fecta of pintails, a tri-fecta of shovelers (imagine a Core Sound shoveler!), a dozen redheads, and a dozen blackheads. With more coming, a bufflehead, and several more mallards should be expected. They're cork and tupelo - we probably won't rig them out with ballast weights - we want them to gyrate nicely on those backwater sloughs that lack the wind and waves of the North Carolina coast.
Either way, we're just getting started. We've got hours ahead of us that will involve mapreading alone. The logistics will be overcome with a credit card, but luck, well, you can't buy it.
Monday, May 14, 2012
North Carolina Duck Hunting Bucket List
North Carolina has a long and storied history as it pertains to waterfowling. The Old North State has always been an important wintering ground for several different species and in several different time periods. The ebb and flow of the proverbial tide will see changes in localized ecosystems, meaning different birds favor different areas throughout history. Nevertheless, somethings just don't change. Any North Carolina Duck Hunting connoisseur should have a bucket list of things to do within our great state's borders! Here's mine...
10) Attempt to shoot one of all species of Atlantic Flyway Species...and get them taxidermied. The Atlantic Flyway is most heralded for it's Black Ducks and Canvasbacks - and with good reason. Historically, these species have been our bread and butter when it comes to rounding out the bag. However, the two have restricted seasons and limits. Still, a nice Greater Scaup is a good bird to pursue, as are any of the scoter family. Eiders and Harlequins don't exist here in apprecialbe numbers and Harlequins are also off-limits anyway! The most 5 important birds, to me, in the Atlantic Flyway are the Wigeon, Scaup, Redhead, Black Duck, and Pintail. Good Luck!
9) A tundra swan hunt should be on every North Carolina Duck Hunting Bucket List! Sure, it'll involve luck and travel, but it's worth it. Approximately 5000 Tundra Swan permits are issued through a lottery draw each year. No state sees more Tundra Swans than North Carolina, but it'll take a great location, possibly a guide, and a big gun to bag one of these trophies. Tundra Swan hunters should apply for and receive a permit from the NCWRC...the deadline is in October, usually. Excellent places to seek the birds are over open waters and wheat fields in the northeastern section of our state.
8) Go on a sea duck hunt! Sea Ducks love the open waters of Pamlico and Core Sounds, but have been taken on larger inland lakes as far west as Lake Norman. Hunting for these is usually done from a Scissor Rig or other Open Water-style boat blind. Lots of decoys are needed, as well as Dramamine to combat sea sickness. Nevertheless, there are several tactics that are very successful. While the birds aren't overly delicious on the table, they make spectacular mounts. Still, it's the pursuit of these birds that makes them so remarkable. Hunting in No-Man's Land adds an element of adventure, if not extreme risk!
7) Hunt from a Curtain Blind near Ocracoke. This experience is on my to-do list! It's as close to an old-style sinkbox hunt as there ever will be. The old Ocracoke salts will put you on the birds in this old-fashioned and very uncomfortable hunting method. Curtain blind hunts often see full limits of pintails, redheads, buffleheads, and brants...and often with "in-your-face" gunning. Generally, these hunts are affordable, but accessing Ocracoke Island is a tall task in the winter. Rough winds can hamper ferry travel - and boating over on your own accord is as risky as anything in the duck hunting world!
6) All North Carolina Decoy Carvers should at least attempt to carve their own stand of duck decoys. While North Carolina's decoys were always considered crude, they are the epitome of southern folk art. Still, it's a hobby I enjoy and I can also testify that my decoys are convincing enough to bag birds. Cork is the simplest medium to work with, but many choose wood. Painting the decoys in the off-season is an excellent way to combat the Duck Hunting Blues, too!
5) Take a child hunting every youth day. There is no more important thing a North Carolina Duck Hunter can do to perpetuate and protect the sport than to commit such a decent act. Set a good example for the youth that you take and always remember to take plenty of snacks!
4) Visit Lake Mattamuskeet in the winter months! Yep, it's the Stuttgart of the state and an excellent opportunity to see the most birds you'll ever see in your life. The area is steeped in duck hunting tradition, but not in the way that Currituck and Core Sound areas are...live decoys were the norm in Hyde County hunting grounds (until they were outlawed, of course), but Harvey Flowers and Percy Carawan turned out some real gems for decoys with their roothead Canada Geese and Tundra Swans. Better yet, tooling around in local businesses might allow you th privilege of seeing even rarer Percy Carawan roothead mallard and pintail decoys. Hunting in the area is at it's best with guides and clubs, but good luck as they fill up early! The lake itself has a draw hunt and on it's best days is as good as anywhere in the world. And while you're in the area, pick yourself up an Allen Bliven Championship Duck Call...they really are special!
3) Attend a waterfowl festival...it's one way to capture the tradition of hunting in our state in as little as three hours. Almost all festival feature contemporary and antique decoys, a retriever demo, and a calling competition. The Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild puts on the very best waterfowl show. It's usually the first weekend in December. Current day carvers exhibit their works, and collectors wheel and deal in other booths. Duck call makers are also at the show. Still, don't go looking for plastic and non-traditional style work - the show is for traditional materials only - and it's in the cradle of of some of the world's finest and most prolific decoy builders ever!
2) Collect an old decoy. There are lots around and you don't have to spend the big bucks to get something you truly like! The famous carvers of yesteryear have surnames such as Fulcher, Wright, Dudley, and Burgess, but there are other lesser-known carver who turned out real functional works of art. Even old shorebird decoys are fun to pursue. And if the old birds don't impress you, find contemporary carver with surnames such as Pope, Hood, Talton, Roberts, and Eubanks....they all have their own, recognizable styles.
1) Hunt Mecca. Mecca, as far as North Carolina is concerned, is the sounds and ponds surrounding Currituck County. There's nothing more historic than this area for North Carolina Duck Hunters. good luck getting a blind permit, as the process is tricky. It's not impossible, though. Your best bet is with a guide, though. Visit the old clubs if you can, too. And while you're sitting in the blind, just think about all of the corn that was dumped in the area over a century ago. Daily takes around 1900 might have been more than 200 birds. Market hunting was a family affair with the men deploying sinkbox rigs, wives shooting cripples on the banks and picking the take for market, and children reloading brass shells in the wee hours of the night. The hunting isn't anything like it's glory years, but it can still be spectacular. Intrepid freelancers can apply for state and federal draw hunts in the area, too.
10) Attempt to shoot one of all species of Atlantic Flyway Species...and get them taxidermied. The Atlantic Flyway is most heralded for it's Black Ducks and Canvasbacks - and with good reason. Historically, these species have been our bread and butter when it comes to rounding out the bag. However, the two have restricted seasons and limits. Still, a nice Greater Scaup is a good bird to pursue, as are any of the scoter family. Eiders and Harlequins don't exist here in apprecialbe numbers and Harlequins are also off-limits anyway! The most 5 important birds, to me, in the Atlantic Flyway are the Wigeon, Scaup, Redhead, Black Duck, and Pintail. Good Luck!
9) A tundra swan hunt should be on every North Carolina Duck Hunting Bucket List! Sure, it'll involve luck and travel, but it's worth it. Approximately 5000 Tundra Swan permits are issued through a lottery draw each year. No state sees more Tundra Swans than North Carolina, but it'll take a great location, possibly a guide, and a big gun to bag one of these trophies. Tundra Swan hunters should apply for and receive a permit from the NCWRC...the deadline is in October, usually. Excellent places to seek the birds are over open waters and wheat fields in the northeastern section of our state.
8) Go on a sea duck hunt! Sea Ducks love the open waters of Pamlico and Core Sounds, but have been taken on larger inland lakes as far west as Lake Norman. Hunting for these is usually done from a Scissor Rig or other Open Water-style boat blind. Lots of decoys are needed, as well as Dramamine to combat sea sickness. Nevertheless, there are several tactics that are very successful. While the birds aren't overly delicious on the table, they make spectacular mounts. Still, it's the pursuit of these birds that makes them so remarkable. Hunting in No-Man's Land adds an element of adventure, if not extreme risk!
7) Hunt from a Curtain Blind near Ocracoke. This experience is on my to-do list! It's as close to an old-style sinkbox hunt as there ever will be. The old Ocracoke salts will put you on the birds in this old-fashioned and very uncomfortable hunting method. Curtain blind hunts often see full limits of pintails, redheads, buffleheads, and brants...and often with "in-your-face" gunning. Generally, these hunts are affordable, but accessing Ocracoke Island is a tall task in the winter. Rough winds can hamper ferry travel - and boating over on your own accord is as risky as anything in the duck hunting world!
6) All North Carolina Decoy Carvers should at least attempt to carve their own stand of duck decoys. While North Carolina's decoys were always considered crude, they are the epitome of southern folk art. Still, it's a hobby I enjoy and I can also testify that my decoys are convincing enough to bag birds. Cork is the simplest medium to work with, but many choose wood. Painting the decoys in the off-season is an excellent way to combat the Duck Hunting Blues, too!
5) Take a child hunting every youth day. There is no more important thing a North Carolina Duck Hunter can do to perpetuate and protect the sport than to commit such a decent act. Set a good example for the youth that you take and always remember to take plenty of snacks!
4) Visit Lake Mattamuskeet in the winter months! Yep, it's the Stuttgart of the state and an excellent opportunity to see the most birds you'll ever see in your life. The area is steeped in duck hunting tradition, but not in the way that Currituck and Core Sound areas are...live decoys were the norm in Hyde County hunting grounds (until they were outlawed, of course), but Harvey Flowers and Percy Carawan turned out some real gems for decoys with their roothead Canada Geese and Tundra Swans. Better yet, tooling around in local businesses might allow you th privilege of seeing even rarer Percy Carawan roothead mallard and pintail decoys. Hunting in the area is at it's best with guides and clubs, but good luck as they fill up early! The lake itself has a draw hunt and on it's best days is as good as anywhere in the world. And while you're in the area, pick yourself up an Allen Bliven Championship Duck Call...they really are special!
3) Attend a waterfowl festival...it's one way to capture the tradition of hunting in our state in as little as three hours. Almost all festival feature contemporary and antique decoys, a retriever demo, and a calling competition. The Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild puts on the very best waterfowl show. It's usually the first weekend in December. Current day carvers exhibit their works, and collectors wheel and deal in other booths. Duck call makers are also at the show. Still, don't go looking for plastic and non-traditional style work - the show is for traditional materials only - and it's in the cradle of of some of the world's finest and most prolific decoy builders ever!
2) Collect an old decoy. There are lots around and you don't have to spend the big bucks to get something you truly like! The famous carvers of yesteryear have surnames such as Fulcher, Wright, Dudley, and Burgess, but there are other lesser-known carver who turned out real functional works of art. Even old shorebird decoys are fun to pursue. And if the old birds don't impress you, find contemporary carver with surnames such as Pope, Hood, Talton, Roberts, and Eubanks....they all have their own, recognizable styles.
1) Hunt Mecca. Mecca, as far as North Carolina is concerned, is the sounds and ponds surrounding Currituck County. There's nothing more historic than this area for North Carolina Duck Hunters. good luck getting a blind permit, as the process is tricky. It's not impossible, though. Your best bet is with a guide, though. Visit the old clubs if you can, too. And while you're sitting in the blind, just think about all of the corn that was dumped in the area over a century ago. Daily takes around 1900 might have been more than 200 birds. Market hunting was a family affair with the men deploying sinkbox rigs, wives shooting cripples on the banks and picking the take for market, and children reloading brass shells in the wee hours of the night. The hunting isn't anything like it's glory years, but it can still be spectacular. Intrepid freelancers can apply for state and federal draw hunts in the area, too.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Weird Duck Club Rules
Norht Carolina has a long history of large and important duck clubs. The Whalehead, Piney Island, Pilentary and Pellitory, Gooseville, and Pea Island Club are some of the most recognizable and historic. Many are relics and serve only in the intangible world of a bygone era, while some perpetuate and flourish with extravagant club houses and entry fees. The newer model of North Carolina duck clubs are built around stellar impoundments and less around open water. Impoundments offer gentleman-style hunts with little effort and lots of ducks. Usually. And while California and the Mississippi River Delta are probably home to more ducks and duck clubs that North Carolina, one must not forget to consider the sizeable totals of informal and loosely organized duck clubs that are shared and operated by groups of friends with little more than a couple of boats and a meager spread of decoys.
Obviously, most of us will fall in to the very last category. My "club" has several names in fact. We don't have a governing body, other than me, since 95% of the stuff is mine! But still, I like to share my stuff and time with those who appreciate it and who promise to dress the ducks and wash the boat on occasion. We have some rules, but there are many other informal clubs with some interesting rules...here are some:
1) One club allows ladies to shoot first always
2) Many clubs limit shooting to only a few days a week
3) Some have a "no hens" policy, while some have a "no women" policy
4) I know of one that has a "no men" policy!
5) There's a few that prohibits sleeping in
6) Some require members to wear facepaint
7) Many require a youth hunt in their "charter"
8) "No Dogs" rules are always fun
9) I've heard of one that prohibits members to deer hunt, which I think is awesome
10) Many require a cut-off time for shooting
11) Most require work days for their members
12) Some clubs, including mine have a "Do Not Call" list...which is very important
13) Multiple Guest rules are always interesting...only if these people can keep their lips shut
14) A tradition of ours...all guests have to stay the night before with us for "evaluation"...nobody just shows up at the ramp.
15) And one more tradition of hours...never purposely shoot a merganser...
Anyway, having your own little club can be fun...it's the foundation for tradition and revelry and rules always make things fun and fair...
Obviously, most of us will fall in to the very last category. My "club" has several names in fact. We don't have a governing body, other than me, since 95% of the stuff is mine! But still, I like to share my stuff and time with those who appreciate it and who promise to dress the ducks and wash the boat on occasion. We have some rules, but there are many other informal clubs with some interesting rules...here are some:
1) One club allows ladies to shoot first always
2) Many clubs limit shooting to only a few days a week
3) Some have a "no hens" policy, while some have a "no women" policy
4) I know of one that has a "no men" policy!
5) There's a few that prohibits sleeping in
6) Some require members to wear facepaint
7) Many require a youth hunt in their "charter"
8) "No Dogs" rules are always fun
9) I've heard of one that prohibits members to deer hunt, which I think is awesome
10) Many require a cut-off time for shooting
11) Most require work days for their members
12) Some clubs, including mine have a "Do Not Call" list...which is very important
13) Multiple Guest rules are always interesting...only if these people can keep their lips shut
14) A tradition of ours...all guests have to stay the night before with us for "evaluation"...nobody just shows up at the ramp.
15) And one more tradition of hours...never purposely shoot a merganser...
Anyway, having your own little club can be fun...it's the foundation for tradition and revelry and rules always make things fun and fair...
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
This and That's
I realize that it's been a while since I've put finger to blogging keypad...alas, it's work that requires my attention and not playful and mindless ramblings of ducks and the like. Nevertheless, here's some noteworthy stuff to pass the time:
Dock of the Bay, at the Eastern 4-H Center is this weekend. The Eastern 4-H Center is located in Tyrrell County and is open year-round to the public for those looking to book retreats, conferences, weddings, and other meetings. However, the primary function of the place is an educational facility...and Camp Canvasback - a youth summer camp themed towards waterfowl conservation and hunting - is held there. Anyway, Dock of the Bay is the annual fundraiser. There's a tremendous buffet and beach music. This year, they've got The Embers...and I hear they are kinduva big deal. Tickets are available at the door for $50 per person and the proceeds go to camp scholarships...it's always fun! There is also a silent auction...decoys by famous North Carolina makers like Kent Hood and Jerry Talton will be available for bid, as well as an Acrylic Duck Call from Allen Bliven Calls...and a couple of prints - one of which is dontated by the Hyde County Waterfowl Association - which is a supporter of Camp Canvasback.
May 12 is Loon Day down at Harkers Island. It's a family-oriented day with food, a decoy competition, and auction. I'm entering a bird, as are 3 of my pals. Someone is entering a pintail, and it's not me. But I have seen the bird and it's a dead ringer for an Eldon Willis/Elmer Salter pintail...except that it's cork. Either way, admission is $5 and dogs can even come to. It's at the Curt Salter building....and it starts around 10:00am.
The spring habitat report was less than promising for most regions of the Prairie Pothole Region. The Maritime Provinces held wet conditions, so nesting should be good for birds like Black Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks, and sea duck species. The Prairie Pothole Region, however was rated as bad to fair, and that's where the majority of the ducks are raised...I just sent my check to Pheasants Forever....hope they get to work soon...
There's talk of an elimination of the October split for North Carolina Duck Hunters. Suits me...
At the April 26 Guyette & Schmidt Auction, few north Carolina birds were auctioned off. However, a Bob Morse canvasback did auction for around $12,000. I wish I had a few of those...
In my collecting and carving: Collection additions - I've added what appears to be a Pell Austin (though I hoped it was a Morse) with a shoddy re-head job, and what I believe to either be a Stant or Bode White battery redhead, but it's been repainted as a wigeon. It appears to be in it's 3 coat of paint, but the original head appears to be present. The iron nails have lifeted the head, so it's cock-eyed, but the head still retains it's folkiness and the original and unsanded knife marks are still present. The form is outstanding, but the pain is horrid. But I like it. As far as carving: I've completed a rig of Wright-Style ruddy ducks, some smallish, battery style blackheads, and a trio of surprises not to be revealed until after Loon Day...
Dock of the Bay, at the Eastern 4-H Center is this weekend. The Eastern 4-H Center is located in Tyrrell County and is open year-round to the public for those looking to book retreats, conferences, weddings, and other meetings. However, the primary function of the place is an educational facility...and Camp Canvasback - a youth summer camp themed towards waterfowl conservation and hunting - is held there. Anyway, Dock of the Bay is the annual fundraiser. There's a tremendous buffet and beach music. This year, they've got The Embers...and I hear they are kinduva big deal. Tickets are available at the door for $50 per person and the proceeds go to camp scholarships...it's always fun! There is also a silent auction...decoys by famous North Carolina makers like Kent Hood and Jerry Talton will be available for bid, as well as an Acrylic Duck Call from Allen Bliven Calls...and a couple of prints - one of which is dontated by the Hyde County Waterfowl Association - which is a supporter of Camp Canvasback.
May 12 is Loon Day down at Harkers Island. It's a family-oriented day with food, a decoy competition, and auction. I'm entering a bird, as are 3 of my pals. Someone is entering a pintail, and it's not me. But I have seen the bird and it's a dead ringer for an Eldon Willis/Elmer Salter pintail...except that it's cork. Either way, admission is $5 and dogs can even come to. It's at the Curt Salter building....and it starts around 10:00am.
The spring habitat report was less than promising for most regions of the Prairie Pothole Region. The Maritime Provinces held wet conditions, so nesting should be good for birds like Black Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Buffleheads, Wood Ducks, and sea duck species. The Prairie Pothole Region, however was rated as bad to fair, and that's where the majority of the ducks are raised...I just sent my check to Pheasants Forever....hope they get to work soon...
There's talk of an elimination of the October split for North Carolina Duck Hunters. Suits me...
At the April 26 Guyette & Schmidt Auction, few north Carolina birds were auctioned off. However, a Bob Morse canvasback did auction for around $12,000. I wish I had a few of those...
In my collecting and carving: Collection additions - I've added what appears to be a Pell Austin (though I hoped it was a Morse) with a shoddy re-head job, and what I believe to either be a Stant or Bode White battery redhead, but it's been repainted as a wigeon. It appears to be in it's 3 coat of paint, but the original head appears to be present. The iron nails have lifeted the head, so it's cock-eyed, but the head still retains it's folkiness and the original and unsanded knife marks are still present. The form is outstanding, but the pain is horrid. But I like it. As far as carving: I've completed a rig of Wright-Style ruddy ducks, some smallish, battery style blackheads, and a trio of surprises not to be revealed until after Loon Day...
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Duck Call Brands and Hype
I hate to spend to much effort promoting certain duck call brands. First off, if they're not paying me, then I'm not all about the free and "expert" advice. But, since I'm not an expert, it's just informational on what I think is actually the best.
Calling ducks isn't necessarily a strong tradition in North Carolina. Goose Calling in and around Currituck is - but only by mouth...no calls needed for those guys. And swan calling - well, commercial calls are available, but you're very best Ric Flair impression will suffice. Nevertheless, modern mass marketing has influenced us into believingthat we do in fact need a duck call to shoot lots of ducks. I have close to 20 duck calls, so it's safe to say that I am a victim of the gimmick and impulse involved in this marketing ploy. Alas, the most important thing to remember is that without practice, your calling will do more bad than good. In my early years, my calling definitely convinced more ducks to fly away than to fly by. However, I spent more time blowing the duck call in the truck than in the marsh - which is what helped me arrive at a somewhat level of fair proficiency. And I've tried all the calls, too. As a general rule of thumb, blow the call before you buy it. Go to a store or to a maker's shop and blow the call. Blow it loud, even if you're bad. And don't let the salesman tell you it sounds good. You know if you sound like krap or not, and should decide based on that. Different brands are built based on the DESIGNER'S style - not yours. Also - the fancy colors and etchings don't help the functionality of the call, so set your mind on to purchasing a solid black call or green call FIRST. After your skill set is developed, you can buy a chartreuse colored call for all I care. Another rule of thumb - if it's fairly popular among your friends, then it's probably a decent brand to blow and buy...
Duck Commander - I don't like that these guys have over-glamorized duck hunting. Still, Ol' Phil made some nice duck calls that, to me, are pretty ducky sounding and are great for novices. I preferred the Green Mile call in my younger years. It's good on the high end, and does require an awful amount of grunting, which is tough for a beginner to master. It's a nice, easy two reed.
RNT - These calls can be especially squeally....but that's good. I only but the single reeds in the high end brands. They were designed with a single reed, so the double reeds just don't sound very authentic. I especially like the single reeds for the "hiccup" call, which apparently is all the rage now, even though I've been blowing the hiccup for several years. Single reeds are tough to master the feed call with, but practice pays off. If I were a novice caller, I'd stay away from this brand until I had developed a repertoire on several very different calls.
Echo Calls - These are a skilled, working man's call. I like them, especially the bottom end poly carbonate calls. The timber call is tricky to blow for me, but I generally blow Open Water calls that require a lot of hot air. Still, the low end calls a re a good bargain. Echo provided me with my "intermediate" level of calling...
Big Guys Best - Not my favorite. They require a lot of compressed air.
Zink Calls - I've never had an easy time with these easy. In the hands of a skilled called (someone on the Zink Pro-Staff) they're spectacular. They also make really good goose calls..probably better than their duck calls.
ABC Calls - Yep, Allen Bliven in North Carolina. His calls are very good, if not comparable or better to the big names listed above. I think they're absolutely beautiful and they have a nice profile. His wooden calls sound absolutely magical. I've had a tough time with the big open water acrylic, but the wooden calls are great. It's my go to call. They have wonderful low ends, great hiccup capability, rattle out the feed calls, and some have a very true sounding ringing hail top end.
Miscellany - There are lots of local makers of calls across the country. In fact, if you have a lathe and patience, you , too could turn your own. Many of these calls lack in performance but can overcompensate with good looks. If you're buying a call for the mantle, buy local and unique. Generally, though, the calls blow terribly.
Now that I've said all of this, you have to make a decision on what is best for you. My only advice, though: Blow it before you buy it, commit to practicing, and use a pintail whistle 80% of the time!
Calling ducks isn't necessarily a strong tradition in North Carolina. Goose Calling in and around Currituck is - but only by mouth...no calls needed for those guys. And swan calling - well, commercial calls are available, but you're very best Ric Flair impression will suffice. Nevertheless, modern mass marketing has influenced us into believingthat we do in fact need a duck call to shoot lots of ducks. I have close to 20 duck calls, so it's safe to say that I am a victim of the gimmick and impulse involved in this marketing ploy. Alas, the most important thing to remember is that without practice, your calling will do more bad than good. In my early years, my calling definitely convinced more ducks to fly away than to fly by. However, I spent more time blowing the duck call in the truck than in the marsh - which is what helped me arrive at a somewhat level of fair proficiency. And I've tried all the calls, too. As a general rule of thumb, blow the call before you buy it. Go to a store or to a maker's shop and blow the call. Blow it loud, even if you're bad. And don't let the salesman tell you it sounds good. You know if you sound like krap or not, and should decide based on that. Different brands are built based on the DESIGNER'S style - not yours. Also - the fancy colors and etchings don't help the functionality of the call, so set your mind on to purchasing a solid black call or green call FIRST. After your skill set is developed, you can buy a chartreuse colored call for all I care. Another rule of thumb - if it's fairly popular among your friends, then it's probably a decent brand to blow and buy...
Duck Commander - I don't like that these guys have over-glamorized duck hunting. Still, Ol' Phil made some nice duck calls that, to me, are pretty ducky sounding and are great for novices. I preferred the Green Mile call in my younger years. It's good on the high end, and does require an awful amount of grunting, which is tough for a beginner to master. It's a nice, easy two reed.
RNT - These calls can be especially squeally....but that's good. I only but the single reeds in the high end brands. They were designed with a single reed, so the double reeds just don't sound very authentic. I especially like the single reeds for the "hiccup" call, which apparently is all the rage now, even though I've been blowing the hiccup for several years. Single reeds are tough to master the feed call with, but practice pays off. If I were a novice caller, I'd stay away from this brand until I had developed a repertoire on several very different calls.
Echo Calls - These are a skilled, working man's call. I like them, especially the bottom end poly carbonate calls. The timber call is tricky to blow for me, but I generally blow Open Water calls that require a lot of hot air. Still, the low end calls a re a good bargain. Echo provided me with my "intermediate" level of calling...
Big Guys Best - Not my favorite. They require a lot of compressed air.
Zink Calls - I've never had an easy time with these easy. In the hands of a skilled called (someone on the Zink Pro-Staff) they're spectacular. They also make really good goose calls..probably better than their duck calls.
ABC Calls - Yep, Allen Bliven in North Carolina. His calls are very good, if not comparable or better to the big names listed above. I think they're absolutely beautiful and they have a nice profile. His wooden calls sound absolutely magical. I've had a tough time with the big open water acrylic, but the wooden calls are great. It's my go to call. They have wonderful low ends, great hiccup capability, rattle out the feed calls, and some have a very true sounding ringing hail top end.
Miscellany - There are lots of local makers of calls across the country. In fact, if you have a lathe and patience, you , too could turn your own. Many of these calls lack in performance but can overcompensate with good looks. If you're buying a call for the mantle, buy local and unique. Generally, though, the calls blow terribly.
Now that I've said all of this, you have to make a decision on what is best for you. My only advice, though: Blow it before you buy it, commit to practicing, and use a pintail whistle 80% of the time!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Modern Carvers
Gosh, it's been a while since I've blogged, but I have a real job and it's been a beast lately, but busy usually equals good, and luckily, that's been the case. In my free time, I've been working on a secret rig of cork decoys. Unfortunately, I lack the creative mind to have my own patterns, but I'm creative enough to right-size patterns from old decoys from an earlier, and quite frankly, better period of time in North Carolina's duck hunting lore. And while I do carve my own birds now, and I've only got about 24 to my resume, I'm nowhere near the whiz that some other North Carolina carvers are. Still, several of them have opened the door for me to create and craft. Carving is fun, but we'll only find out if it's effective in November. and while most carvers employ the use of drawknives, carving knives, power carvers, and spokeshaves, I use only a rasp, but shaping cork is a lot easier than wood. I chose cork because it displaces less water and floats higher. And cork is a nit more durable, but I'm rough on anything. And painting the decoys is an absolute blast. Neverthelesss, if you get some time, there are some living carvers worth googling...and collecting...
Nick Sapone
Andy Pope
Kent Hood
Walter Gaskill
Ben Heinemann
Jerry Talton
Cameron McIntrye
Pete Peterson
Have fun...
Nick Sapone
Andy Pope
Kent Hood
Walter Gaskill
Ben Heinemann
Jerry Talton
Cameron McIntrye
Pete Peterson
Have fun...
Monday, April 2, 2012
Types of Duck Boats
Believe it or not, not all duck hunters have duck boats. Those hunters are generally the ones riding in your passenger seat on the way to the boat ramp. Essentially, for every duck hunter with a duck hunting boat, there is another duck hunter without a duck hunting boat. Don't expect them to take the plunge with purchasing a boat, either. It's fat cheaper for them to buy you the occasional biscuit and tank of gas than to purchase a boat. Still, I insist that my hunting partners develop their skills as a solo hunter and make a purchase towards a boat. Generally, the smallest of boats make anywhere within two miles of the boat ramp accessible. However, big water hunters need big water boats. When buying boats not powered by gasoline of diesel, the boats must be paddle-able or sail-able, though I recommend paddle-able!
Non boat owners should consider:
10 foot jonboat - There is no better "starter boat"!. Jonboats can be trailered or placed in the bed of a pick-up truck. I've also seen them on the tops of cars, too. Still, small, aluminum jonboats are light weight and are easily paddled. For the weak of arm and shoulder, a cheap trolling motor and car battery can replace paddles, but ALWAYS take enough paddles for everyone in the boat. Jonboats should never accommodate more than 2 people unless the water is shallow (2 feet or less) and the wind is non-existent. After the trolling motor is boring, a small (very small) gas outboard or mud motor could be attached. These boats will never reach more than 10 mph and be safe. Always expect to piddle around and make sure when navigating at night, that the craft is well lit! And never go out in waters that are susceptible to high winds. A 2 foot chop can sink these boats in no time, since the only floatation in them is generally a PFD!
Canoe - A canoe, to me, is the most dynamic of all duck boats. The v-bow will cut through ripples well and the long length versus the narrow width makes a canoe a fast and relatively stable craft. Some can be outfitted with a trolling motor or a gas powered motor, but that overcomes the canoes top bonuses. It's quiet and stealthy. Long employed by paddling jump-shooters, the canoe can be well camouflaged and paddled. Generally, I like to take a canoe in my big boat, then access the final few hundred yards with the canoe. It's easy to hide, too.
Marsh skiff - These little boats are part kayak, part jonboat, part layout boat and are very efficient as duck blinds and modes of transportation. Some even have built in wheels. The wheels, however are deceptively ineffective. If rolling one down a dyke to your favorite impoundment, the wheels offer little ground clearance, and therefore the wheels become a weight liability. They offer little storage for decoys and guns, too. I view these boats as a highly effective sled, though. They're great for taking stuff to the hunting location, as long as you are not in the boat. Walking and pulling (or pushing) the skiff is the best use of the boat. Usually, they're a dark green or muddy brown color and make excellent layout boats for shallower water. Most puddle duck hunters use these in skinny water and cypress swamps.
Layout boat - The layout boat is a great investment for your hunting partner if you have a large enough boat to carry it. A layout rig is not fully rigged out (in my opinion) unless 100 decoys are involved, too. Generally, these boats are reserved for open water stretches. They can be used in shoally and shallow waters without the use of a tender boat, but a full complement of decoys will not be available. The gray color and low profile of these boats makes them very effective and targeting divers on open water. However, they do come with a heavy price tag and a light payload. Storage is minimal, since the boats are filled with foam for floatation. Still, for the hunter who has a big enough boat and giant stand of decoys, a layout boat is a good investment for his non-boat-owning partner.
Pirogues - These little boats are generally a waste of time in North Carolina, but operate a lot like a marsh skiff.
Rubber Raft - See the dictionary and reference "death trap".
Whatever you do, require that your hunting buds become an active part of the process. If they're not going to buy boats they should shoulder the burden at the gas pump, decoy shop, or breakfast buffet.
Non boat owners should consider:
10 foot jonboat - There is no better "starter boat"!. Jonboats can be trailered or placed in the bed of a pick-up truck. I've also seen them on the tops of cars, too. Still, small, aluminum jonboats are light weight and are easily paddled. For the weak of arm and shoulder, a cheap trolling motor and car battery can replace paddles, but ALWAYS take enough paddles for everyone in the boat. Jonboats should never accommodate more than 2 people unless the water is shallow (2 feet or less) and the wind is non-existent. After the trolling motor is boring, a small (very small) gas outboard or mud motor could be attached. These boats will never reach more than 10 mph and be safe. Always expect to piddle around and make sure when navigating at night, that the craft is well lit! And never go out in waters that are susceptible to high winds. A 2 foot chop can sink these boats in no time, since the only floatation in them is generally a PFD!
Canoe - A canoe, to me, is the most dynamic of all duck boats. The v-bow will cut through ripples well and the long length versus the narrow width makes a canoe a fast and relatively stable craft. Some can be outfitted with a trolling motor or a gas powered motor, but that overcomes the canoes top bonuses. It's quiet and stealthy. Long employed by paddling jump-shooters, the canoe can be well camouflaged and paddled. Generally, I like to take a canoe in my big boat, then access the final few hundred yards with the canoe. It's easy to hide, too.
Marsh skiff - These little boats are part kayak, part jonboat, part layout boat and are very efficient as duck blinds and modes of transportation. Some even have built in wheels. The wheels, however are deceptively ineffective. If rolling one down a dyke to your favorite impoundment, the wheels offer little ground clearance, and therefore the wheels become a weight liability. They offer little storage for decoys and guns, too. I view these boats as a highly effective sled, though. They're great for taking stuff to the hunting location, as long as you are not in the boat. Walking and pulling (or pushing) the skiff is the best use of the boat. Usually, they're a dark green or muddy brown color and make excellent layout boats for shallower water. Most puddle duck hunters use these in skinny water and cypress swamps.
Layout boat - The layout boat is a great investment for your hunting partner if you have a large enough boat to carry it. A layout rig is not fully rigged out (in my opinion) unless 100 decoys are involved, too. Generally, these boats are reserved for open water stretches. They can be used in shoally and shallow waters without the use of a tender boat, but a full complement of decoys will not be available. The gray color and low profile of these boats makes them very effective and targeting divers on open water. However, they do come with a heavy price tag and a light payload. Storage is minimal, since the boats are filled with foam for floatation. Still, for the hunter who has a big enough boat and giant stand of decoys, a layout boat is a good investment for his non-boat-owning partner.
Pirogues - These little boats are generally a waste of time in North Carolina, but operate a lot like a marsh skiff.
Rubber Raft - See the dictionary and reference "death trap".
Whatever you do, require that your hunting buds become an active part of the process. If they're not going to buy boats they should shoulder the burden at the gas pump, decoy shop, or breakfast buffet.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Hate Crimes happen in Duck Hunting, too...
I swear I'm not insensitive. This entry might be considered ill-timed as it coincides with the Trayvon Martin case. I believe in our justice system and won't extrapolate on what I think really happened. Nevertheless, there are tall tales, often marred in truth, of hateful occurrences that go down at a duck hunting boat ramp near you. And, if you're a guilty party, one day, the trail camera that some people put out to guard their vehicle will definitely have you running from the law and insurance companies...
First of all, the absolute worst cases I have ever heard come out of three places:
(1) The North river area along the Camden/Currituck County border.
(2) Anywhere that helps hunters gain access to Winyah Bay in South Carolina
(3) Areas along the White Oak River around Onslow County
Occurrences might include:
I've heard of folks letting the air out of tires on vehicles and trailers. This is the best way to ruin someone's day. After hunting, most of us have SOMEWHERE else to go. It's never happened to me, though, and I've never witnessed it.
The ol' sugar-in-the-gas tank trick is one that can cause irreparable damage to an automobile. This can get you in big time trouble if found guilty.
I've heard of people pulling the plug on boats left at the ramp, too.
Running through a spread of someone else's decoys happens everywhere in North Carolina. Usually, it's by mistake. Some people like to "buzz the tower" so to speak. That's just plain intimidation.
I've also heard of local club operators running people, physically, out of "their" duck blinds. Sorry guides, you need to set your alarm earlier. Building a blind doesn't entitle you to it unless you get their first. Padlocking a door works, but it can be shattered. I think I'd bolt a blaze orange panel to the front of my duck blind...
I've heard of people actually stealing trailers...
I've heard of people cutting the lock on a trailer and sliding it into the water...
I've also heard of some turds cutting the tongue off of trailers...
Here's the thing. If you're gonna do these things, you've already proven that it's pre-meditated. That, alone, will allow the judge to toss the book at you. Also, if it happens on a game land, you're certain to lose your hunting license. But since you're a butthead anyway, you'll probably just hunt illegally. And what if someone finds out it was you? It's bad enough that people bait n public waters, leaving the area a ticket-hazard to others. But to specifically target a hunter for using "your" areas, that's downright criminal. Most victims of these silly crimes are only guilty of having an unrecognized vehicle or out-of-state tag.
There are some ways to protect yourself, though: Always carry a cell phone. Try to remember a portable air compressor. Take a trail camera and set-it up...just turn the flash of or get one of those infrared ones. Or just use a local guide. It's not fair, and you shouldn't expect it to happen to you, but if it does, report it to the authorities, too.
First of all, the absolute worst cases I have ever heard come out of three places:
(1) The North river area along the Camden/Currituck County border.
(2) Anywhere that helps hunters gain access to Winyah Bay in South Carolina
(3) Areas along the White Oak River around Onslow County
Occurrences might include:
I've heard of folks letting the air out of tires on vehicles and trailers. This is the best way to ruin someone's day. After hunting, most of us have SOMEWHERE else to go. It's never happened to me, though, and I've never witnessed it.
The ol' sugar-in-the-gas tank trick is one that can cause irreparable damage to an automobile. This can get you in big time trouble if found guilty.
I've heard of people pulling the plug on boats left at the ramp, too.
Running through a spread of someone else's decoys happens everywhere in North Carolina. Usually, it's by mistake. Some people like to "buzz the tower" so to speak. That's just plain intimidation.
I've also heard of local club operators running people, physically, out of "their" duck blinds. Sorry guides, you need to set your alarm earlier. Building a blind doesn't entitle you to it unless you get their first. Padlocking a door works, but it can be shattered. I think I'd bolt a blaze orange panel to the front of my duck blind...
I've heard of people actually stealing trailers...
I've heard of people cutting the lock on a trailer and sliding it into the water...
I've also heard of some turds cutting the tongue off of trailers...
Here's the thing. If you're gonna do these things, you've already proven that it's pre-meditated. That, alone, will allow the judge to toss the book at you. Also, if it happens on a game land, you're certain to lose your hunting license. But since you're a butthead anyway, you'll probably just hunt illegally. And what if someone finds out it was you? It's bad enough that people bait n public waters, leaving the area a ticket-hazard to others. But to specifically target a hunter for using "your" areas, that's downright criminal. Most victims of these silly crimes are only guilty of having an unrecognized vehicle or out-of-state tag.
There are some ways to protect yourself, though: Always carry a cell phone. Try to remember a portable air compressor. Take a trail camera and set-it up...just turn the flash of or get one of those infrared ones. Or just use a local guide. It's not fair, and you shouldn't expect it to happen to you, but if it does, report it to the authorities, too.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Duck Calling
Duck Calling doesn't really have long and storied history here. In fact, few call makers exist in North Carolina today. Few old calls have ever been discovered in North Carolina, either. Still, makers do exist, and some, inevitably, are better than others. Allen Bliven, to me, is the best maker of calls in the world. And I've blown them all. Generally, I can pick his calls up and sound halfway ducky right of the bat. There are others who make neat looking calls in exotic woods, but they are simply collector's items or pieces of demi-art.
But this article isn't about Duck Calling. It's about what I call ducks. Rarely do we refer to the Northern Pintail as that...it's either a pintail, or a sprig tail, or what-have-you. I'll list some common species that my hunting party pursues, followed by other colloquial names. Generally, we used shortened names of the birds and often refer to them singly, no matter how many we are "calling"...
Mallards: We don't see 'em very much, but generally we call them "malluts" while others might call them greenheads.
Gadwalls: We see these fairly often. Most call them gray ducks, but we call them "jagwads". I thinkk we picked it up while watching an old Duck Commander video...shame on me for partaking in those videos.
Scaup: Commonly, people call them "Bluebills". We do the same, as well as "blackheads", which is common on the east coast. Sometimes, though, we slip and call them "bloobs"...
Redheads: We call them by their name everytime.
Black Ducks: Black ducks are a mystery to us. We refer to them singly as "the black duck". I've slipped and called them "Black Mallards" a time or two, too. If we see a flock of Black Ducks, we would say "There is a flock of the Black Duck." Or - "The Black Duck appeared in droves today."
Scoters: We call them "Scotes". Surf Scoters are called "Skunkheads" or "Horseheads" locally, and we also do the same. A limit of drakes is referred to as a "Blackout" by me and my pals.
Snow Geese: We usually call them "Snows", but lately have referred to them as "snogs." My friends on the Mississippi Flyway call them "Sky Carp", and we have extended that name to "Sky Carpet" in reference to the way they can cover the sky. We also call them "Indian Geese" from time to time.
Canvasbacks: It's "Cans" for everyone...
Wigeon: Some also call these "Gray Ducks", but we call them, even if it's more than one, "The Widge". An example: "Get yourself right, a flock of the widge is about to decoy."
Teal: We call them "greenwingers" usually. On good days, we'll call them "greenwangers." Bluewings don't fall for my decoys ever, so they are called a "rarity."
Shovelers: We call these guys "spoonheads", "spoonbills", "bootlips", "lawyer ducks", "neighbor malluts", and "scooperbills." The poor shoveler is one underrated duck in terms of beauty...
Buffleheads are called "buffalo heads".
Ruddy Ducks are called by their name always. Some people call them "boobies", though.
Grebes, though not hunted, are called "di-dipper", "di-dapper", or "grubs."
Sea gulls are called "Illegal Seagals". Bigger gulls are mistakenly called "skua-gulls", too.
Eagles are generally referred to in expletive terms.
All shorebirds are called either "Baby Pintails", "gun-raisers", or "yellowlegs" collectively. Larger birds, like whimbrels and willets are called by their names. Rails and such are generally called "marsh hens."
Coots are called "cuts" or "water chickens."
Cormorants are called a variety of things, but "Water Turkey" is preferred.
Brant are always referred to as "Brantseses." Yes, I put an extra syllable or two in there. An example "I've never killed a single brantseses, but I'd love to do such a thing."
Swans are often called "Swown"..."own" with and "sw" sound on the front...
Wood ducks are usually called by their name by us. Sometimes, when I'm feeling nerdy, I'll call them "Aix Sponsa" - their latin name - or I'll get country and call them "Aix Sponzer". Others call them "woodies."
I apologize for wasting your time reading this entry! Still, it makes the times in the blind fun and unique when you have your very own language!
But this article isn't about Duck Calling. It's about what I call ducks. Rarely do we refer to the Northern Pintail as that...it's either a pintail, or a sprig tail, or what-have-you. I'll list some common species that my hunting party pursues, followed by other colloquial names. Generally, we used shortened names of the birds and often refer to them singly, no matter how many we are "calling"...
Mallards: We don't see 'em very much, but generally we call them "malluts" while others might call them greenheads.
Gadwalls: We see these fairly often. Most call them gray ducks, but we call them "jagwads". I thinkk we picked it up while watching an old Duck Commander video...shame on me for partaking in those videos.
Scaup: Commonly, people call them "Bluebills". We do the same, as well as "blackheads", which is common on the east coast. Sometimes, though, we slip and call them "bloobs"...
Redheads: We call them by their name everytime.
Black Ducks: Black ducks are a mystery to us. We refer to them singly as "the black duck". I've slipped and called them "Black Mallards" a time or two, too. If we see a flock of Black Ducks, we would say "There is a flock of the Black Duck." Or - "The Black Duck appeared in droves today."
Scoters: We call them "Scotes". Surf Scoters are called "Skunkheads" or "Horseheads" locally, and we also do the same. A limit of drakes is referred to as a "Blackout" by me and my pals.
Snow Geese: We usually call them "Snows", but lately have referred to them as "snogs." My friends on the Mississippi Flyway call them "Sky Carp", and we have extended that name to "Sky Carpet" in reference to the way they can cover the sky. We also call them "Indian Geese" from time to time.
Canvasbacks: It's "Cans" for everyone...
Wigeon: Some also call these "Gray Ducks", but we call them, even if it's more than one, "The Widge". An example: "Get yourself right, a flock of the widge is about to decoy."
Teal: We call them "greenwingers" usually. On good days, we'll call them "greenwangers." Bluewings don't fall for my decoys ever, so they are called a "rarity."
Shovelers: We call these guys "spoonheads", "spoonbills", "bootlips", "lawyer ducks", "neighbor malluts", and "scooperbills." The poor shoveler is one underrated duck in terms of beauty...
Buffleheads are called "buffalo heads".
Ruddy Ducks are called by their name always. Some people call them "boobies", though.
Grebes, though not hunted, are called "di-dipper", "di-dapper", or "grubs."
Sea gulls are called "Illegal Seagals". Bigger gulls are mistakenly called "skua-gulls", too.
Eagles are generally referred to in expletive terms.
All shorebirds are called either "Baby Pintails", "gun-raisers", or "yellowlegs" collectively. Larger birds, like whimbrels and willets are called by their names. Rails and such are generally called "marsh hens."
Coots are called "cuts" or "water chickens."
Cormorants are called a variety of things, but "Water Turkey" is preferred.
Brant are always referred to as "Brantseses." Yes, I put an extra syllable or two in there. An example "I've never killed a single brantseses, but I'd love to do such a thing."
Swans are often called "Swown"..."own" with and "sw" sound on the front...
Wood ducks are usually called by their name by us. Sometimes, when I'm feeling nerdy, I'll call them "Aix Sponsa" - their latin name - or I'll get country and call them "Aix Sponzer". Others call them "woodies."
I apologize for wasting your time reading this entry! Still, it makes the times in the blind fun and unique when you have your very own language!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Boating Continued...
As I stated earlier I shall continue my remarks about the guys you encounter at the boat ramp...
The "Idiot": This is the guy who absolutely cannot back a trailer. He'll also be the guy who heard it was a good idea to grease the skids on his trailer...only to unhook the winch strap before hitting the ramp's angle...then, boom. As his boat fragments all of the ramp, he'll swiftly pull forward, only to crush the remnants of his boat. The "Idiot" is also the guy who leave his boat still attached to the winch. Once he enters the water, his trailer will float with the boat, often times removing it from the hitch. while the boat and trailer are floating in the water, he is left dumbfounded. The "Idiot" may also be spotted running to a swiftly filling boat to insert the plug...and yes, it's a threaded plug.
The "Dead Battery" Guy: His battery is always dead. He doesn't figure it out until he has pulled his truck and trailer into the parking spot 300 yards away. And you get to watch him diagnose the problem. Sometimes, he'll even have a jumpbox, illustrating his tendency for repeat offenses. Sometimes, though, he'll retrieve the battery from his truck and use it. He can make for a long wait at the ramp. I have been this guy 2 times in my life...
The "Perfectionist": This is what we shall all strive to be when at the ramp. Our plug is in because we check right before we enter the water. We also unstrap the boat winch in that trip to the plug. We also might see if the motor will "hit" by a quick turn of the key. All of our important gear was packed in the boat at the gas station where we stopped to fill up earlier. We occupy the ramp for less than three minutes. We also wait to "outfit" the boat (rig rods, sort decoys) once we've reached open water.
There are other things to consider when boating, too. The waterways are a lot like the roadways. Try to show common courtesy in narrow canals and streams. However, if it's navigable at top speed, I'll do it. That water is free and open. Just because you decided to fish in the middle of a creek that's only 150 feet wide, doesn't mean you have the right of way. Waterways are made for travel. The edges are made for enjoyment. I don't expect people to slow up while I'm in a layout boat, but that would be nice, since it's obviously dangerous to me. Also, if you're in a canal, with your 12' jonboat, pushed by 10 screaming horses, loaded to the hilt with 7 men, 10 dozen decoys, and a black retriever, please get out of my way. You're in over your head Big Boy. With my vessel, I'm at the top of the food chain, and I'll act like it. I'll let you get over or I'll ride close behind until you get the picture. Don't be an idiot. Put your little boat and big ambitions aside and let the pros have their way. It'll make everyone happier...
Now, fisherman...please avoid fishing in my decoy spread. You will not catch anything after I waterswat my sacrifice-able decoy. I will shoot a decoy for you to get the picture. If you want to fish while I hunt, be my guest. I will hunt while you fish. However, since I got there first, I believe I have the courtesy and right to enjoy the area first. Still, your sputtering two-stroke will flare birds, but only if you're T-Tops don't do it first. Fishermen, generally, are a cordial lot. However, there are more places to fish than duck hunt. Duck hunters use only the surface of the water. Fishermen can use any where below the water...so find an unoccupied place. There are lots of places where fishermen can wet their lines where duck hunting is forbidden, too. And since many fishermen fish in National Wildlife Refuges and don't own a duck stamp (which funds these places), you really should just let the duck hunters have their reign. In fact, Fishermen can use the waters 10 other months, while waterfowlers are lucky to have two months...
Use common sense. Never overfill your boat, even though I have. Don't fish in a line of fire. It'll be your fault when you get accidentally peppered. Not every fishing boat is visible, especially if it's in the tidal gut behind prominent duck hunting point...
The "Idiot": This is the guy who absolutely cannot back a trailer. He'll also be the guy who heard it was a good idea to grease the skids on his trailer...only to unhook the winch strap before hitting the ramp's angle...then, boom. As his boat fragments all of the ramp, he'll swiftly pull forward, only to crush the remnants of his boat. The "Idiot" is also the guy who leave his boat still attached to the winch. Once he enters the water, his trailer will float with the boat, often times removing it from the hitch. while the boat and trailer are floating in the water, he is left dumbfounded. The "Idiot" may also be spotted running to a swiftly filling boat to insert the plug...and yes, it's a threaded plug.
The "Dead Battery" Guy: His battery is always dead. He doesn't figure it out until he has pulled his truck and trailer into the parking spot 300 yards away. And you get to watch him diagnose the problem. Sometimes, he'll even have a jumpbox, illustrating his tendency for repeat offenses. Sometimes, though, he'll retrieve the battery from his truck and use it. He can make for a long wait at the ramp. I have been this guy 2 times in my life...
The "Perfectionist": This is what we shall all strive to be when at the ramp. Our plug is in because we check right before we enter the water. We also unstrap the boat winch in that trip to the plug. We also might see if the motor will "hit" by a quick turn of the key. All of our important gear was packed in the boat at the gas station where we stopped to fill up earlier. We occupy the ramp for less than three minutes. We also wait to "outfit" the boat (rig rods, sort decoys) once we've reached open water.
There are other things to consider when boating, too. The waterways are a lot like the roadways. Try to show common courtesy in narrow canals and streams. However, if it's navigable at top speed, I'll do it. That water is free and open. Just because you decided to fish in the middle of a creek that's only 150 feet wide, doesn't mean you have the right of way. Waterways are made for travel. The edges are made for enjoyment. I don't expect people to slow up while I'm in a layout boat, but that would be nice, since it's obviously dangerous to me. Also, if you're in a canal, with your 12' jonboat, pushed by 10 screaming horses, loaded to the hilt with 7 men, 10 dozen decoys, and a black retriever, please get out of my way. You're in over your head Big Boy. With my vessel, I'm at the top of the food chain, and I'll act like it. I'll let you get over or I'll ride close behind until you get the picture. Don't be an idiot. Put your little boat and big ambitions aside and let the pros have their way. It'll make everyone happier...
Now, fisherman...please avoid fishing in my decoy spread. You will not catch anything after I waterswat my sacrifice-able decoy. I will shoot a decoy for you to get the picture. If you want to fish while I hunt, be my guest. I will hunt while you fish. However, since I got there first, I believe I have the courtesy and right to enjoy the area first. Still, your sputtering two-stroke will flare birds, but only if you're T-Tops don't do it first. Fishermen, generally, are a cordial lot. However, there are more places to fish than duck hunt. Duck hunters use only the surface of the water. Fishermen can use any where below the water...so find an unoccupied place. There are lots of places where fishermen can wet their lines where duck hunting is forbidden, too. And since many fishermen fish in National Wildlife Refuges and don't own a duck stamp (which funds these places), you really should just let the duck hunters have their reign. In fact, Fishermen can use the waters 10 other months, while waterfowlers are lucky to have two months...
Use common sense. Never overfill your boat, even though I have. Don't fish in a line of fire. It'll be your fault when you get accidentally peppered. Not every fishing boat is visible, especially if it's in the tidal gut behind prominent duck hunting point...
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Boat Ramp Etiquette
Boat owners are an interesting lot. Most buy a boat to serve a purpose that fulfills a recreational goal like catching fishes, catching the sun's rays, catching ducks, and catching other things, whatever they may decide to catch. Some people buy boats so that they can allow other people to follow close behind on skis and boards. That's strange. Some people want to catch fish only to put them in an onboard aquarium. Some people just like to boat ride. I love it. I also use my boat to catch ducks. I never, ever fish. If I ever decide to fish, I'll make sure to charter a good captain elsewhere. We'll take his or her boat, and I'll even allow them to bait my hook, and remove any fish that falls victim to the baited hook. Nevertheless, there are no qualifiers for purchasing a boat other than having the liquid assets needed or excellent credit. There is no IQ test. Sure, some states require vessel licenses, but I'm certain chimps are the first to take the test, only to ensure that it is indeed not passable to someone less than human. And while operating a boat is fairly simple, some take that simple task and cost themselves fortunes, both immediately and in the long run. Some people can even create enemies. Since I'm no mechanic, I'll leave the diagnostics and general boat care to the people on the boating message boards. This blog will highlight the atrocities found at a ramp near you...
There are several different types of boat owners one might encounter at the ramp...do you know any of them?
The "Yeah, I usually just keep my boat in the water guy, but I wanted to see these waters" Guy: This dude has a large boat. It probably has "bottom" paint on it. Often, it has a T-Top or a cuddy cabin and might exceed 27 feet in length. He also towed it to the ramp with his minivan and single axle trailer. Can he back a trailer? Yes, but not in a straight line. He won't use his mirrors and can't see over the boat. He's the guy with the driver's door open and his head sticking out...
The "Let's get everything ready before the boat is in the water" Guy: What a turd! These gentleman are the ones who wait until they have their boat in the ramp and then move all of their gear into the boat, while other anxious and waiting boaters watch him. Oh, and don't worry...while he's transporting his cheap styrofoam cooler full of the cheapest beer money can buy, you can also expect him to actually crush his cooler and spill it's contents across the lot. And yes - he'll pick them up while you watch. Fishing rods and tackle boxes?! You, too, can watch these come out in the worst tangle of your illustrious boating career, and henceforth watch him attempt to repair the tangle rods. And he always get his snacks out last...
The "Social" Boater: This is the guy that wants to talk the the boater in the other stall at the ramp. Did he catch fish? Oh yes. Millions. He'll even show them off, while your vehicle idles in wait. Did he kill ducks? Of course, even a special black duck that bears a striking resemblance to a cormorant. His problem isn't driving the boat or the trailer, it's his inability to quit flapping his lips...
There's more and it's to be continued. In a later edition, I'll include the "Perfectionist", the "Idiot", the "Dead Battery" guy, and some other remarkable characters. Either way...one's objective at the boat ramp is to put your boat in the water as swiftly and safely as possible...duh.
There are several different types of boat owners one might encounter at the ramp...do you know any of them?
The "Yeah, I usually just keep my boat in the water guy, but I wanted to see these waters" Guy: This dude has a large boat. It probably has "bottom" paint on it. Often, it has a T-Top or a cuddy cabin and might exceed 27 feet in length. He also towed it to the ramp with his minivan and single axle trailer. Can he back a trailer? Yes, but not in a straight line. He won't use his mirrors and can't see over the boat. He's the guy with the driver's door open and his head sticking out...
The "Let's get everything ready before the boat is in the water" Guy: What a turd! These gentleman are the ones who wait until they have their boat in the ramp and then move all of their gear into the boat, while other anxious and waiting boaters watch him. Oh, and don't worry...while he's transporting his cheap styrofoam cooler full of the cheapest beer money can buy, you can also expect him to actually crush his cooler and spill it's contents across the lot. And yes - he'll pick them up while you watch. Fishing rods and tackle boxes?! You, too, can watch these come out in the worst tangle of your illustrious boating career, and henceforth watch him attempt to repair the tangle rods. And he always get his snacks out last...
The "Social" Boater: This is the guy that wants to talk the the boater in the other stall at the ramp. Did he catch fish? Oh yes. Millions. He'll even show them off, while your vehicle idles in wait. Did he kill ducks? Of course, even a special black duck that bears a striking resemblance to a cormorant. His problem isn't driving the boat or the trailer, it's his inability to quit flapping his lips...
There's more and it's to be continued. In a later edition, I'll include the "Perfectionist", the "Idiot", the "Dead Battery" guy, and some other remarkable characters. Either way...one's objective at the boat ramp is to put your boat in the water as swiftly and safely as possible...duh.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
More thoughts on radical ideas...
I got some interesting feedback, including the comments. Some more of my thoughts...
On wheat: Wheat is a "nestable" crop and therefore, is better than corn.
On Snow Geese: Unfortunately, snow geese will have to experience a bit of natural selection, in my opinion, to reduce their numbers. Extended hunting seasons are only expediting their flight back to the breeding grounds. Therefore, they are their longer and destroying the places over a longer period of time. Eliminating the conservation order will have little do with the population, just as it's implementation didn't. However, hunting the nesting ground would produce real results. Permit a few guides to work those hunts, and have no bag limit. Few will take the opportunity, and no one will want more than 1000 dead snows. Just don't shoot the blues :)
On Wind Farms...this was only a suggestion I had kept hearing. To me, there has to be a way for birds to avoid them. The farmers wouldn't mind keeping the birds out of their wheat or wind farm. I think birds would stay away, anyway.
On $100 Federal Permit...to me the USFWS benefits and can protect all of that federal land better in the Dakotas. I'd also like to see a Game Warden Program that were waterfowl specialists. Too many can't identify a gadwall. Those positions would be funded through this program. Probably not cost efficient, though.
Sinkboxes: I just want to be able to operate one. They'd be highly regulated and I would WANT guides to benefit. It might prevent guides from building impoundments, so that natural feeding and migratory patterns would return.
I'll do this again soon...I've got lots of crazy things!
On wheat: Wheat is a "nestable" crop and therefore, is better than corn.
On Snow Geese: Unfortunately, snow geese will have to experience a bit of natural selection, in my opinion, to reduce their numbers. Extended hunting seasons are only expediting their flight back to the breeding grounds. Therefore, they are their longer and destroying the places over a longer period of time. Eliminating the conservation order will have little do with the population, just as it's implementation didn't. However, hunting the nesting ground would produce real results. Permit a few guides to work those hunts, and have no bag limit. Few will take the opportunity, and no one will want more than 1000 dead snows. Just don't shoot the blues :)
On Wind Farms...this was only a suggestion I had kept hearing. To me, there has to be a way for birds to avoid them. The farmers wouldn't mind keeping the birds out of their wheat or wind farm. I think birds would stay away, anyway.
On $100 Federal Permit...to me the USFWS benefits and can protect all of that federal land better in the Dakotas. I'd also like to see a Game Warden Program that were waterfowl specialists. Too many can't identify a gadwall. Those positions would be funded through this program. Probably not cost efficient, though.
Sinkboxes: I just want to be able to operate one. They'd be highly regulated and I would WANT guides to benefit. It might prevent guides from building impoundments, so that natural feeding and migratory patterns would return.
I'll do this again soon...I've got lots of crazy things!
Monday, March 12, 2012
March and April Goals
The off season is no fun for the North Carolina Duck Hunting inductee. There's no legal way to pursue summer ducks, and there's no way to hunt any ducks for that matter. Still, one can prepare for the upcoming onslaught of roughly 100 days of waterfowl pursuit, beginning in early September. And I'm not just talking about cleaning and storing the decoys, even though I've done an awful lot of that in the past 45 days.
Goal 1:
I need to find a new place to hunt. Sure, I have about 10 places that are pretty fool proof, but the crowds almost guarantee that I'm going to lose my place, eventually. Scouting requires a lot of time, effort, and money, but it's an investment that one must make if they hope to receive good dividends. The last couple of years has seen me forsake the Scuppernong Squealer, AKA, the wood duck. I'm going to look for places that require a little more, ummmmmm, leg work or boat riding. Most folks just don't seem to want to make the effort for good sport, and generally, I agree. But Aix Sponsa can make or break a slow hunting season.
Goal 2:
I want to build some blinds, by golly. Yes, I'm the guy that takes over a "crippled" blind and hunts from it. However, blinds left for dead are left for dead for one reason. They just don't produce. Sure, I've had luck at them, and while this year was no great example of what COULD happen, I want my very own blinds. The only way to build a blind that others will leave alone is to either hide it, or make it uncomfortable. And some people will still want to destroy it. For those jacklegs who are brazen and disrespectful enough to destroy another person's investment in a blind, please take a moment to copulate yourself. Nevertheless, I'm going to erect a couple of curtain blinds, but only after getting the idea approved by the friendly neighborhood game warden. I've got an effective and cheap way to do such a project, I just need the time. I'll use the coming month to test prototypes. I'd also like to make a few sod blinds, but those, too, might need approval from a game warden, or worse yet, the DOT. Sod blinds are blocks of mud, used to create an island through sedimentation of sands in windblow, tidal areas. The blocks of mud are stacked on each other and held erect with the use of a wooden stack or iron t-post. It's a great way to make your own little island, yet the legality of the devices could be dubious at best. But if it's OK, nobody can burn it down, unless they find a way to burn mud underwater.
Goal 3:
I really want to complete my wooden and cork decoy stand in the next 60 days. The odds of such an occurrence are somewhere between slender and nil, but it could happen. I'm using decoys from myself and friends to round out a meager 36 bird spread that will replace my beloved Herters. The Herters, I would prefer, should be stored and not used as they are the only collectible decoys I have in appreciable numbers. But at the rate people are making their own styrofoam decoys, it's my supposition that the heads and inletted iron weights will be the only identifying factors. Herters are collectible now, but only because they aren't being currently produced in a factory. Their long tradition and upper-midwest lines make it a nice and effective decoy, though. Of course, few will ever exist in original paint, but they weren't meant to be, either. All of mine have had improvements to the shell and a better paint scheme applied. I'm currently completing 5 cork canvasbacks that will be gifts to others that I've enjoyed the pleasure of hunting with over the past couple of years. When I give a decoy as a gift, it's always a canvasback.
That's it for the next 60 days. I'll also need to get a boat tune-up, but that's on the mechanic. No way am I doing that!
Goal 1:
I need to find a new place to hunt. Sure, I have about 10 places that are pretty fool proof, but the crowds almost guarantee that I'm going to lose my place, eventually. Scouting requires a lot of time, effort, and money, but it's an investment that one must make if they hope to receive good dividends. The last couple of years has seen me forsake the Scuppernong Squealer, AKA, the wood duck. I'm going to look for places that require a little more, ummmmmm, leg work or boat riding. Most folks just don't seem to want to make the effort for good sport, and generally, I agree. But Aix Sponsa can make or break a slow hunting season.
Goal 2:
I want to build some blinds, by golly. Yes, I'm the guy that takes over a "crippled" blind and hunts from it. However, blinds left for dead are left for dead for one reason. They just don't produce. Sure, I've had luck at them, and while this year was no great example of what COULD happen, I want my very own blinds. The only way to build a blind that others will leave alone is to either hide it, or make it uncomfortable. And some people will still want to destroy it. For those jacklegs who are brazen and disrespectful enough to destroy another person's investment in a blind, please take a moment to copulate yourself. Nevertheless, I'm going to erect a couple of curtain blinds, but only after getting the idea approved by the friendly neighborhood game warden. I've got an effective and cheap way to do such a project, I just need the time. I'll use the coming month to test prototypes. I'd also like to make a few sod blinds, but those, too, might need approval from a game warden, or worse yet, the DOT. Sod blinds are blocks of mud, used to create an island through sedimentation of sands in windblow, tidal areas. The blocks of mud are stacked on each other and held erect with the use of a wooden stack or iron t-post. It's a great way to make your own little island, yet the legality of the devices could be dubious at best. But if it's OK, nobody can burn it down, unless they find a way to burn mud underwater.
Goal 3:
I really want to complete my wooden and cork decoy stand in the next 60 days. The odds of such an occurrence are somewhere between slender and nil, but it could happen. I'm using decoys from myself and friends to round out a meager 36 bird spread that will replace my beloved Herters. The Herters, I would prefer, should be stored and not used as they are the only collectible decoys I have in appreciable numbers. But at the rate people are making their own styrofoam decoys, it's my supposition that the heads and inletted iron weights will be the only identifying factors. Herters are collectible now, but only because they aren't being currently produced in a factory. Their long tradition and upper-midwest lines make it a nice and effective decoy, though. Of course, few will ever exist in original paint, but they weren't meant to be, either. All of mine have had improvements to the shell and a better paint scheme applied. I'm currently completing 5 cork canvasbacks that will be gifts to others that I've enjoyed the pleasure of hunting with over the past couple of years. When I give a decoy as a gift, it's always a canvasback.
That's it for the next 60 days. I'll also need to get a boat tune-up, but that's on the mechanic. No way am I doing that!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Things I've learned in the last two weeks...
Learning is a lifelong mission - and it should be, especially for the good waterfowler. I'm always learning, but I have to keep my mind open to new ideas...
1) Gordon Macquarrie and Nash Buckingham are not the only great outdoor writers. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Havilah Babcock to the table. Havilah writes none about waterfowling, but his writing does justice to the English Language. Often, he writes about Mr. Bob White, his anthropomorphic version of the wily quail. His writing is mostly about quail hunting, but he does write a little about fishing and even turkey hunting. Havilah, long dead now, enjoyed the serenity of an easy walk through the South Carolina Low Country's uninterrupted sedges, watching dogs point and coveys rise.
2) Sometimes, contemporary decoys are just as collectible as old decoys. There's nothing better than obtaining an Outer Banks canvas covered goose or swan. It's a link to our heritage as waterfowlers and an example of the ingenuity our predecessors possessed. Still, people are actively carving working birds that absolutely beautiful. When it comes to canvas covered decoys, nobody does it better than Nick Sapone of Wanchese. Wooden birds are generally the most collected, especially highly desired works by carvers such as Ned Burgess and Mitchell Fulcher. Still, current carvers like Cameron McIntyre, Jerry Talton, Kent Hood, and even Tom Taber turn out birds either for the mantel or the water. I like the genuine working birds. Taber's birds are a little folky for my palette, but to each his own, right?
3) Some people still hunt out of season. What a travesty! Over the last weekend, I overheard a conversation that involved the communicators recalling a mid-February Wood Duck and Canada Goose combination shoot in Wake County. Listen up...if you're shooting birds in February, you're breaking the law. How? Well, the season is out. Why is the season out? Because many birds are weaker after the winter and are more susceptible to the gun. Also, many ducks have already paired up, while some might have even been bred. The strongest of a species pairs earliest, so according to Mr. Darwin, if you kill a duck now, there's a high likelihood tht you are killing a genetically-blesses animal that may or may not be carrying 6-12 eggs. Kill one hen - and 12 eggs. Nice work jacklegs. If you want to shoot birds in February, go after Snow Geese. They need killin'.
4) The Farmer's Almanac is a load of mularkey. I picked one up in January of 2011. I was hopeful of a strong season, as I knew that massive snow fall would result in massive snow melt in the Great Plains. Wet plains make for a perfect duck nesting habitat. And as my suspicions were confirmed, the breeding and nesting was phenomenal. I wanted to be able to better prepare for my hunts, and the Almanac can help one to expect when the fronts will pass through. what was expected to be a brutal winter was only brutally warm. From now on, I'll just pray for rain, instead of expecting the weatherman or the Almanac t bring it to me...
I'm sure I learned a lot more...and I'll keep trying and sharing what I learn - it's all enjoyable!
1) Gordon Macquarrie and Nash Buckingham are not the only great outdoor writers. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Havilah Babcock to the table. Havilah writes none about waterfowling, but his writing does justice to the English Language. Often, he writes about Mr. Bob White, his anthropomorphic version of the wily quail. His writing is mostly about quail hunting, but he does write a little about fishing and even turkey hunting. Havilah, long dead now, enjoyed the serenity of an easy walk through the South Carolina Low Country's uninterrupted sedges, watching dogs point and coveys rise.
2) Sometimes, contemporary decoys are just as collectible as old decoys. There's nothing better than obtaining an Outer Banks canvas covered goose or swan. It's a link to our heritage as waterfowlers and an example of the ingenuity our predecessors possessed. Still, people are actively carving working birds that absolutely beautiful. When it comes to canvas covered decoys, nobody does it better than Nick Sapone of Wanchese. Wooden birds are generally the most collected, especially highly desired works by carvers such as Ned Burgess and Mitchell Fulcher. Still, current carvers like Cameron McIntyre, Jerry Talton, Kent Hood, and even Tom Taber turn out birds either for the mantel or the water. I like the genuine working birds. Taber's birds are a little folky for my palette, but to each his own, right?
3) Some people still hunt out of season. What a travesty! Over the last weekend, I overheard a conversation that involved the communicators recalling a mid-February Wood Duck and Canada Goose combination shoot in Wake County. Listen up...if you're shooting birds in February, you're breaking the law. How? Well, the season is out. Why is the season out? Because many birds are weaker after the winter and are more susceptible to the gun. Also, many ducks have already paired up, while some might have even been bred. The strongest of a species pairs earliest, so according to Mr. Darwin, if you kill a duck now, there's a high likelihood tht you are killing a genetically-blesses animal that may or may not be carrying 6-12 eggs. Kill one hen - and 12 eggs. Nice work jacklegs. If you want to shoot birds in February, go after Snow Geese. They need killin'.
4) The Farmer's Almanac is a load of mularkey. I picked one up in January of 2011. I was hopeful of a strong season, as I knew that massive snow fall would result in massive snow melt in the Great Plains. Wet plains make for a perfect duck nesting habitat. And as my suspicions were confirmed, the breeding and nesting was phenomenal. I wanted to be able to better prepare for my hunts, and the Almanac can help one to expect when the fronts will pass through. what was expected to be a brutal winter was only brutally warm. From now on, I'll just pray for rain, instead of expecting the weatherman or the Almanac t bring it to me...
I'm sure I learned a lot more...and I'll keep trying and sharing what I learn - it's all enjoyable!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Hippie Hunting
I came across this article last night. I knew it was only a matter of time. Be on the lookout and always be courteous...the tides could be turning in hunters' favors. Just click, wait, and read...
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/hunters-are-people-too/252870/
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/hunters-are-people-too/252870/
Monday, March 5, 2012
Three Women I Want to Take Hunting
For most men, and women for that matter, the duck blind and duck boat is the domain of the man. While duck hunting isn't for everyone, many women enjoy the sport. For the North Carolina Duck hunting to grow and prosper, it'll need women to fill the voids left by hunters who have given up the sport. Women, believe it or not, are often better marksmen than men. Women are certainly more deliberate in their actions and decisions. Despite what many believe, women can also learn to back a trailer, drive a boat, throw out decoys, harvest ducks, clean ducks, and cook ducks. I know one that is fair at all of the above. I'm not fair at all of the above. Nevertheless, I like to introduce duck hunting to people. Women are always a challenge and often a surprise, though. When you take a woman, never treat them like a woman, other than the obvious courteous aspects involved in anything chivalrous. And there's nothing more chivalrous than shooting wild divers. Either way, make sure they're feet don't get cold. The night prior or morning of, ensure that chemical handwarmers and foot warmers are properly applied. Always pack an extra jacket and cap...but don't mention that it was for them - but instead that it was for you - just in case. And don't ridicule their shooting. They won't miss you at close range.
Now, picking the right woman is important. You might not want to take Rachel Carson or the local PETA Chapter President. Other than their armpit hair sticking out of their sweater openings, they'll frown on any attempt of yours to shoot anything. When taking someone, remember that looks matter. Pretty woman are just as fun to watch as ducks. Well, almost.
I fI could take any three women in the world, it would be:
Giada De Laurentiis...many of you have never heard of her. You'll only find her on the food channel cooking up Italian anitpastis and other stuff that you wouldn't be caught dead eating, unless she had personally prepared them for you. Still, Giada is a beautiful woman. If I were going to compare her to a decoy, it would be a Madison Mitchell redhead - lines and curves in the appropriate places, if not exaggerated a bit, where it matters most. She can also wield a frying skillet as god as anyone. Breakfast in the marsh, anyone? Absolutely. She would be they type to also round out a day in the blind with a little spaghetti bolongese, whatever that is.
Princess Kate...a true classic beauty - a lot like Bob Morse decoy. Straight, but appropriately proportioned lines and forever identifiable and art and function. She's got some good tailoring behind her, so you know she'll act appropriate in the blind and in the boat. I would imagine that Regal Kate also knows how to wield a shotgun, as the Royal Family has a sporting tradition. She'd be the best dressed woman of the bunch, and would never talk out of turn, or shoot until the shot was called. I can't imagine she would pick up decoys, but she might just hire someone to do it for the other hunters, too.
Megan Fox...do I really need to explain this? If she were going, I can imagine that I would be less than honest with her in describing the customary attire needed for duck hunting...
She'd probably curse a lot while we hunted, so mine would probably be drowned out.
There are lots of other women I would love to take...sure I take my lady friend. And the above names would not shock or disappoint her. And I can outrun her anyway...
Still, take some time to invite women into the sporting world. They, too, can be advocates for waterfowl. Just because they don't go, doesn't mean they won't...
Now, picking the right woman is important. You might not want to take Rachel Carson or the local PETA Chapter President. Other than their armpit hair sticking out of their sweater openings, they'll frown on any attempt of yours to shoot anything. When taking someone, remember that looks matter. Pretty woman are just as fun to watch as ducks. Well, almost.
I fI could take any three women in the world, it would be:
Giada De Laurentiis...many of you have never heard of her. You'll only find her on the food channel cooking up Italian anitpastis and other stuff that you wouldn't be caught dead eating, unless she had personally prepared them for you. Still, Giada is a beautiful woman. If I were going to compare her to a decoy, it would be a Madison Mitchell redhead - lines and curves in the appropriate places, if not exaggerated a bit, where it matters most. She can also wield a frying skillet as god as anyone. Breakfast in the marsh, anyone? Absolutely. She would be they type to also round out a day in the blind with a little spaghetti bolongese, whatever that is.
Princess Kate...a true classic beauty - a lot like Bob Morse decoy. Straight, but appropriately proportioned lines and forever identifiable and art and function. She's got some good tailoring behind her, so you know she'll act appropriate in the blind and in the boat. I would imagine that Regal Kate also knows how to wield a shotgun, as the Royal Family has a sporting tradition. She'd be the best dressed woman of the bunch, and would never talk out of turn, or shoot until the shot was called. I can't imagine she would pick up decoys, but she might just hire someone to do it for the other hunters, too.
Megan Fox...do I really need to explain this? If she were going, I can imagine that I would be less than honest with her in describing the customary attire needed for duck hunting...
- Me: "Megan, you'll really wish you wore your bikini tomorrow. It's not going to be that cold...and we are going to the ocean."
She'd probably curse a lot while we hunted, so mine would probably be drowned out.
There are lots of other women I would love to take...sure I take my lady friend. And the above names would not shock or disappoint her. And I can outrun her anyway...
Still, take some time to invite women into the sporting world. They, too, can be advocates for waterfowl. Just because they don't go, doesn't mean they won't...
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