The off-season might seem long and dreary, but hardcore waterfowlers know it offers them precious time to prepare for the next campaign. In fact, preseason to-do lists often seem so daunting that hunters don’t know where to start. Here’s how several high-profile duck and goose nuts spend their “down” months...
Nesting mallards have it tough, but Delta Waterfowl ’s hen house program has been making their lives easier and boosting production for decades. In fact, by 2022, the group will have almost 10,000 hen houses available for ducks, which could produce about 45,000 ducklings. “When you look at the landscapes...
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, hunting license sales skyrocketed across the country in 2020 as folks turned to the fields and forests to enjoy outdoor recreation away from large crowds. Hunting is a great option for entertainment and low-risk for COVID-19. But if your hunting destination is a long distance...
Of all the waterfowling misconceptions perpetuated by social media and barstool banter, confusion about possession limits might be the most perplexing. Online questions about how many ducks or geese you can keep in your fridge or freezer often prompt wildly varying responses, such as: “Three times the daily limit plus...
If you want to watch a fight, mention jump-shooting to a group of die-hard snow goose hunters , and then grab a cold drink, sit back and listen to the fireworks. Depending on whom you ask, jump-shooting spring light geese is an efficient, ethical way to kill a bunch of...
Unless they have excess vacation time, several trailers packed with decoys and an unlimited fuel budget, most spring snow goose hunters book with a guide to (hopefully) assure a quality experience. But laying down your cash is the easy part. Before that occurs, you should thoroughly investigate outfitter options and...
Many waterfowlers have been on a few spring snow goose hunts and know the basics: lots of scouting, decoys and calling. But hardcore guys who chase white birds for months instead of days typically acquire Ph.D.-level chops and a knowledge base built on thousands of experiences. Their advice can help...
Spring conservation-order light-goose seasons hold few surprises for modern hunters, as folks can easily anticipate when birds might arrive at traditional hunting hotspots. However, that can lead to crowded and competitive situations in many areas (think Arkansas, northwestern Missouri and South Dakota). This spring, consider avoiding the crowds and trying...
Think binoculars are only for big-game hunting? Think again. Good optics allow waterfowlers to watch ducks from afar and use landmarks to locate "the X" without disturbing birds for the following morning's hunt. ( Check Out: How to Practice with Your Bow in Low Light )
As spring light-goose seasons rev up across the flyways, anxious hunters want to know what to expect. And although answers are difficult to find this year, reports point to a somewhat down season with a few possible bright spots. Hunting success during the spring conservation-order season (for snow, blue and...
Success in duck hunting typically involves a simple recipe, mixing experience, observation, hard work and finely honed skills. But sometimes, it also requires quick in-the-field decisions that can make or break a hunt, and those often entail patience versus abrupt changes in strategy. Decide correctly and you’re a hero. Goof...
Duck season has dwindled down to the final days, and birds have seen every spread and heard every call in your arsenal. That doesn’t mean you can’t fill straps. You’ll just have to tweak your approach and hunt a bit smarter. Try these tips for last-chance ducks . Intercept the...
