Wood Duck hunting

[jcdflint]

In the past 20 years Iv,e not hunted waterfowl. But in the past few years Iv.e seen many wood ducks along the creeks I hunt for deer. I'm talking "BIG" numbers. I'd like to try hunting them if someone would like to come over and show me the best way to hunt river "WOODIES". So if any of you might want to throw some steel shot, E-mail me Jeff

[M.Magis]

Be warned, you'll be hooked. I tried it for the first time a few years ago, and it's some of the most exciting hunting there is. There's a nearby creek that holds a lot of woodies early in the fall. We would usually sit along the creek in areas we know they frequently fly by. Full camo is a must, including hands and face. Be prepared to burn up some steel shot. I had no idea that a bird could fly so fast through the trees, and change directions with no warning. One second they're flying overhead at about 30 mph. and the next second their wings are folded and they're diving right down at you. I quickly learned that I'm not as good a shot as I though I was.:rolleyes: Unfortunately, by the time the season comes around these days, most of the ducks have moved out. There's a few left, but the good hunting only lasts a week or so. After that, there's not a bird around. We've been thinking about getting a few decoys to help slow them over the larger holes in the creek. A wood duck call will also occasionally bring back birds that fly by out of range. If you ever want some company walking the creek, just let me know and I'll be there. I've even been know to take some time off from bowhunting for a shot at some wood ducks, and there's not too much that can keep me out of a deer stand.

[jcdflint]

I'm with you on the deer hunting! But ,I'm a little interested in all these ducks I see on the creek. They seem to be there all of the fall and early winter. And I see a lot. Your welcome to hunt with me anytime. Jeff 749-269-2037

[M.Magis]

I'll get with you as season gets closer and we can set something up. Heck, I'm excited already.

[jcdflint]

"COOL" I might even try to put a arrow through one as they sit on the sand bar along the creek!

[M.Magis]

Now you really got me thinking!:D

[jcdflint]

Maybe with a flint point ?

[Hougan]

Jc, wodies are horribly habitual. They will year after year sit on the same blow downs religously. There are several ways to approach hunting them. Locate the areas where they like to sit and loaf. They like to fly pretty early and will arrive in the river right at legal light. I normally throw out a few decoys to slow these little buggers down a bit. Once the flight is over about 10:00 or so I'll stalk the creeks. It's really nice if you have two hunters so you can leap frog down the creek flushing the woodies in the direction of your counterpart. Lastly if you have access and a long enough creek you can float in a canoe. This is best if you have a down stream breeze. Woodies will hold up on the down stream side of snags and blowdowns. Let the current take you down. I kneel in the botom of the canoe and just peer over the edge enough to see. Make sure you look at snags throughly. Sometimes woodies will "pheasant"and wait until you pass them before they flush. This is also a great late season tactic on mallards and black ducks when ponds and lakes start to freeze. Good Luck!

[jcdflint]

Hougan, Thanks for the info. Jeff

[Thunderflight]

Most folks I know float in a canoe for them.

TF

[CritterGitter]

I really don't think there are any ducks in Ohio. No, no no.....you have to uuummmmm go to Missouri or Kansas or Arkansas for ducks. Nope, there aren't any ducks around here. Only wabbits!!!!!!!!!!


:D

CG

[Beau Martin]

Hougan is right they arer creatuers of habit. I have a couple of spot around here I hunt woodies from. 1 spot is a little flodded area. and is great in the am's then walk the creek areas latter.

[Hougan]

If you really want to get crazy try a bag of 13,13,13 fertilizer on an oak tree that gets flooded or hangs over your favorite wood duck creek. The extra acorns will draw not only woodies but mallards. If you should also happen to spill some millet seed in the spring time along the river bank as habitat you would be amazed at the results. Hard to keep them stinkin deer from eating all the millet though!

[vvarmitr]

What size steel shot do you use?

[Hougan]

Ususally I shoot woodies in a very confined area and the shooting can be very quick. I like 2 3/4" 4's steel with an improved cylinder choke. If your shooting will be a little longer than spitting range then you might go with 3" 2's and maybe a modified choke. I like the open chokes for woodies because you usualy shoot them at pretty close range and they are pretty quick little flyers. My favorite gun for woodies is the gun I got when I was 10. A Rem. 100LT 20 ga. with a 24" imrpoved cyl. barrel. point, boom, dead!

[vvarmitr]

A 20ga, that's far out. I have one of those 1100 LTs too. Looking for a butt stock for it if you know of any?

[Hougan]

Are there none in the Cabelas catalog for the 20's or are they all just for the 12's.

[gregcincy]

So does anyone know if these rivers and creeks in southwestern ohio has wood ducks? like the Little miami or Great Miami or Scioto? I have access to a canoe, I wouldn't mind checking this out. Who wants to go with me?

Greg

[Beau Martin]

:D pick me pick me!!!!!! I dont know what the rivers and creekd down there hold.

[gregcincy]

let's do it Beau. I only work 4 days a week. I'm off on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Let me know when is good for you

Greg

[Hougan]

All those rivers hold great numbers of woodies. Do your homework now and find where they like to hide. Be very careful on the Great Miami it can be deadly. You may do well by getting permission to set up along the bank with a few decoys. Make sure you get there early, woodies fly really early. I have watched uncountable numbers of woodies fly from the roost to a corn field and feed for 5 minutes tops then it's off to the loafing area. You may catch a few trading up and down the river for awhile after the monring flight but not many. Once they hit the water they are pretty happy to just hang out. If you have access to a stretch of river, I like to hunt a spot on the river for the first flight then my partners and I leap frog down the river pushing birds to one another. Dogs are a great help!.....uh! GOOD dogs are a great help!

[vvarmitr]

Man, I wish I could go w/some of you guys that know what you're doing. I getting to old to be learning by trail & error. In fact I'm getting to the place I don't buy green bananas for fear I won't get to eat'em. :( :rolleyes: :D

[7th]

Hey V V,
I tryed to PM you but was told that your box was full:confused: . Drop me a e-mail and we can talk.