CBU, as I was the one who used the term "newcomers, " I'll step up an defend my use of the term. If you read my post, I went to some length to define what I meant by the term. I don't believe I left any room for anyone to misinterpret what I meant. Seems you went right on and did, anyway. But, I challenge your contention that anyone in our sport should be welcome. Not all duck hunters help the sport; not all teachers are a blessing to the profession; not every gun owner helps the cause to perpetuate to the right to bear arms; not all change is good.
About the only thing I agree with you on is that the "good ole days" are gone! Some of them weren't even that good, but they were mine! Hopefully, you will have yours. I don't hold out much hope that the days of really good public hunting will come back, certainly not in my hunting life. But, I do hope so for my son's sake and the children I hope he and my daughter have. Pardon me if I have offended you in wanting something better for them than what I see right now!
I'm just glad there are enough people who care enough about our sport to argue about it.
Have we set the bar too high?
I think getting the limit is great. You can't ask for a more enjoyable time duck hunting when the mallards are swarming like mosquitoes. I agree however the limit is not what defines a great duck hunt or season for that matter. I have been on several hunts when we just killed a few or none at all, that I enjoyed greatly.
However, what I do not enjoy is going out to a duckhole and not seeing any ducks in the air. This has been the trouble for most duck hunters this year. I don't know about all of you guys, but looking up at an empty sky all day is not my idea of an "outstanding" hunt or season.
Sorry if you don't agree, it's just my opinion.
However, what I do not enjoy is going out to a duckhole and not seeing any ducks in the air. This has been the trouble for most duck hunters this year. I don't know about all of you guys, but looking up at an empty sky all day is not my idea of an "outstanding" hunt or season.
Sorry if you don't agree, it's just my opinion.
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MSDuckmen
- Duck South Addict
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Walker I feel your pain. 
I feel it is up to us "us being the seasoned hunters" to help and promote ethical hunting practices to the new hunters. Problem is most are not interested in learning and usually will avoid any such advice.
When I return at the end of the season I will post some ideas that will likely cause some debate.
I have had plenty of time to study, read, and listen to opinions from people in the know. What we are seeing here is a trend that will continue for a time and will like all other things migrate to something new and possibly more complicated.
I have talked to dozens and dozens of people this season and can tell you that most have no clue and are simply riding the shirt tails of others ideas of what it really happening with out ducks today.
This has and will be among the top 10 hunting seasons I have had in all my years of hunting. It has very little to do with the number of kills or the time spent in the field.
This will likely be my last year to hunt for weeks on end. I'm getting too old and the work is too hard. I came very close to a broken leg, frost bite, and total exhaustion. I really look forward to telling you boys about my new Old friends and how they see the world we now live in. For the first time in my life I completely understand what it means to spend quality time in the field.
I'm not near the hunter I thought I was and can read through bullsh!t better than I ever could before.
I can only hope that I can put to words what all this means enough to at least benefit some.
Better tomorrow
I feel it is up to us "us being the seasoned hunters" to help and promote ethical hunting practices to the new hunters. Problem is most are not interested in learning and usually will avoid any such advice.
When I return at the end of the season I will post some ideas that will likely cause some debate.
I have had plenty of time to study, read, and listen to opinions from people in the know. What we are seeing here is a trend that will continue for a time and will like all other things migrate to something new and possibly more complicated.
I have talked to dozens and dozens of people this season and can tell you that most have no clue and are simply riding the shirt tails of others ideas of what it really happening with out ducks today.
This has and will be among the top 10 hunting seasons I have had in all my years of hunting. It has very little to do with the number of kills or the time spent in the field.
This will likely be my last year to hunt for weeks on end. I'm getting too old and the work is too hard. I came very close to a broken leg, frost bite, and total exhaustion. I really look forward to telling you boys about my new Old friends and how they see the world we now live in. For the first time in my life I completely understand what it means to spend quality time in the field.
I'm not near the hunter I thought I was and can read through bullsh!t better than I ever could before.
I can only hope that I can put to words what all this means enough to at least benefit some.
Better tomorrow
Hunter satisfaciton is a measurement that each and everyone of us has to determine for ourselves. It is not up to any one Biologist, Game Warden, Goverment agency or fellow hunter to set it for the general hunting population and certinly not for me.
If LIMITING is the standard for having a good hunt then you are not a DUCK HUNTER just a DUCK KILLER there is a big difference. Satisfactin should come from the hunt itself, not the amount of game harvested. There are always factors that enroach on the pleasure that we take while hunting. The novice's have to be educated, and this forum and others like it should help.
I have hunted public land from Wisc. to La. and the same stories abound. There is always someone moving in on top of me, the next hole shot as my ducks were committing. I have seen and heard them all. It is a fact of our sport and it is not going to change, it has been that way for the 35 years I have been hunting waterfowl. THERE IS NO CURE and it will always be this way on public land. The solution which none of us want to here is blatantly simple, join a hunting club as your main place to hunt, use public lands as a backup and enjoy the HUNT not the KILL.
Guide lines for limits should be based on what is best for the particular species not for the DUCK KILLERS.
Marty
If LIMITING is the standard for having a good hunt then you are not a DUCK HUNTER just a DUCK KILLER there is a big difference. Satisfactin should come from the hunt itself, not the amount of game harvested. There are always factors that enroach on the pleasure that we take while hunting. The novice's have to be educated, and this forum and others like it should help.
I have hunted public land from Wisc. to La. and the same stories abound. There is always someone moving in on top of me, the next hole shot as my ducks were committing. I have seen and heard them all. It is a fact of our sport and it is not going to change, it has been that way for the 35 years I have been hunting waterfowl. THERE IS NO CURE and it will always be this way on public land. The solution which none of us want to here is blatantly simple, join a hunting club as your main place to hunt, use public lands as a backup and enjoy the HUNT not the KILL.
Guide lines for limits should be based on what is best for the particular species not for the DUCK KILLERS.
Marty
North winds and low sky. Drakes only!!!!!!!
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MemphisStockBroker
- Duck South Addict
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aahhh Crow. gentleman of renown wisdom.....
why is it that a deer hunter can hunt all year, maybe kill one -- and be ok with it? nature of the beast ? why do we have to kill 100 ducks to be happy.
good laughs. a good cigar. and adventure. not listening to the phone ring. watching in amazement at God's creation.... its all good.
why is it that a deer hunter can hunt all year, maybe kill one -- and be ok with it? nature of the beast ? why do we have to kill 100 ducks to be happy.
good laughs. a good cigar. and adventure. not listening to the phone ring. watching in amazement at God's creation.... its all good.
Sometimes you just have to close your eyes, count to ten, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you wouldn't look good in prison stripes... and just smile at that dumbass and walk away.
crow,
With all due respect, I don't think I misinterpreted your post. You stated that in essence the marketing of the products by the companies also as a by product marketed the best of the sport. It's misguided at best. The "newcomers" expectations being too high is something that we as hunters have to deal with, but how??
I am not a member of DU or DW. Never will be. You will find no decals on my truck. What we do need is a hunters organization to speak up for us in all things political. And as sad and hard as it may be to admit, hunting of all types is a political issue and will become more of one in the future. Many of you foks have 30+ seasons under your belt...I would like to get 30 more, not only for me or my kids, but for you and yours. It all boils down to the money at the root.
With all due respect, I don't think I misinterpreted your post. You stated that in essence the marketing of the products by the companies also as a by product marketed the best of the sport. It's misguided at best. The "newcomers" expectations being too high is something that we as hunters have to deal with, but how??
I am not a member of DU or DW. Never will be. You will find no decals on my truck. What we do need is a hunters organization to speak up for us in all things political. And as sad and hard as it may be to admit, hunting of all types is a political issue and will become more of one in the future. Many of you foks have 30+ seasons under your belt...I would like to get 30 more, not only for me or my kids, but for you and yours. It all boils down to the money at the root.
When I think of something clever to say, I'll put it here.
Great thread, Scott. Now, to sort out my feelings on this. I guess my fondest duck hunting memories are from the mid-80's when I was ditching class to go hunting. No insulated waders, no 4 wheelers, just a "death march" through mud and deep water, falling in beaver holes. Point system limits, and being tickled to death over a big 'ol greenhead and a woodie.
Best part of the "good old days" - you could wade into some timber without paying $3000 and up for the privelege, and experience the ducks whether you could shoot 'em or not.
I'm trying to introduce a teenage cousin to the sport now, and he's got a great attitude - just loves being in the blind whether we kill ducks or not. BUT, after 8 or 10 duckless hunts, I'm ready to go back to the deer stand or go crappie fishin'. I seldom shoot a full limit even when the ducks are there, but if I go to the trouble and expense of hunting, I do like to shoot sometimes.
I'd be happy with 12/26-1/31 season and 3 ducks; maybe the land market would get realistic. I don't mind "new" folks to the sport - hey, if you wanna go I'll take you - but I've seen more rude and inconsiderate hunters the last 5 years than ever before.
I'm going to have to decide before next season if it's still worth it.
Mike F.
Best part of the "good old days" - you could wade into some timber without paying $3000 and up for the privelege, and experience the ducks whether you could shoot 'em or not.
I'm trying to introduce a teenage cousin to the sport now, and he's got a great attitude - just loves being in the blind whether we kill ducks or not. BUT, after 8 or 10 duckless hunts, I'm ready to go back to the deer stand or go crappie fishin'. I seldom shoot a full limit even when the ducks are there, but if I go to the trouble and expense of hunting, I do like to shoot sometimes.
I'd be happy with 12/26-1/31 season and 3 ducks; maybe the land market would get realistic. I don't mind "new" folks to the sport - hey, if you wanna go I'll take you - but I've seen more rude and inconsiderate hunters the last 5 years than ever before.
I'm going to have to decide before next season if it's still worth it.
Mike F.
CBU93, I'm just being a curmudgeon this morning! Being cantakerous is a right of advanced age! My problem is that I'm already like this at 52! Sometimes I just like to argue because I can! Long as there are people of passion to care and work to make something better, there's still a chance. You keep holding on to you what you have decided is right and proper.
Push come to shove, I have a feeling you and I would be in the same foxhole.
Push come to shove, I have a feeling you and I would be in the same foxhole.
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BoogaBottom
- Regular
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Im as guilty as the next guy.....I can remember walking in to public spots as a teenager....maybe a couple of miles roundtrip..dragging decoys...and a group of guys shooting a couple of mergansers and a bufflehead and being as happy as I could be....
As Ive grown older, and become spoiled (hunting private land) and my roundtrip travel now is by 4 wheeler to the pit....and back....I confess my expectations are higher...maybe too high...
This year was actually a pretty good year where I hunt...there are just a few of us who hunt, and there were a number of days where we all had limits....fewer mallards than we would like, and only one day that I can recall where we were all "blanked"
As the years pass, Ive noticed that I remember less about the # of ducks shot than I do about the funny stories or wierd happenings.....Like the time Joe fell in face first and screamed like a baby for an what seemed like an hour...or the time JD had to drop his waders for an emergency and dumped in his waders !!.....or the time the big greenhead fell in the pit and hit me nearly knocking me out !!
Ive heard the same philosophy at baseball coaching clinics.....20 years from now most kids wont remember what the score was of any single game....but they will remember whether they respected their coach, whether it was fun playing that summer, etc etc
So I would encourage us all, to think more about the experience of the hunt....the time we spend with friends and family in the blind, at the camphouse, etc etc....at least as much as we do about how many limits we shot....
I dont believe half the people I hear who tell me exactly how many ducks they shot this year or last anyway....I couldnt tell you within 10 probably how many I shot this year.....but it was a pretty good year all in all....
It could have better sure......but it sure could have been worse...I know,,,it has in the past....
No matter though, I will be back next year (and the next 2 weekends too....) including youth
Remember it is those long walks in on public land, and the bad days that make you appreciate the good times when they do show up !!
Dont give up !!
As Ive grown older, and become spoiled (hunting private land) and my roundtrip travel now is by 4 wheeler to the pit....and back....I confess my expectations are higher...maybe too high...
This year was actually a pretty good year where I hunt...there are just a few of us who hunt, and there were a number of days where we all had limits....fewer mallards than we would like, and only one day that I can recall where we were all "blanked"
As the years pass, Ive noticed that I remember less about the # of ducks shot than I do about the funny stories or wierd happenings.....Like the time Joe fell in face first and screamed like a baby for an what seemed like an hour...or the time JD had to drop his waders for an emergency and dumped in his waders !!.....or the time the big greenhead fell in the pit and hit me nearly knocking me out !!
Ive heard the same philosophy at baseball coaching clinics.....20 years from now most kids wont remember what the score was of any single game....but they will remember whether they respected their coach, whether it was fun playing that summer, etc etc
So I would encourage us all, to think more about the experience of the hunt....the time we spend with friends and family in the blind, at the camphouse, etc etc....at least as much as we do about how many limits we shot....
I dont believe half the people I hear who tell me exactly how many ducks they shot this year or last anyway....I couldnt tell you within 10 probably how many I shot this year.....but it was a pretty good year all in all....
It could have better sure......but it sure could have been worse...I know,,,it has in the past....
No matter though, I will be back next year (and the next 2 weekends too....) including youth
Remember it is those long walks in on public land, and the bad days that make you appreciate the good times when they do show up !!
Dont give up !!
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Double R 2
- Duck South Addict
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Great thread, and I definitely think y'all are on the right track. Back in the "old days", the definition of limits was that point beyond which there may be legal ramnifications. Today, limit is perceived more akin to a daily quota or givance; an allowance. Seems like to some folks that lack of a limit is like paying to go to a movie and seeing only half the flick, like somehow they were slighted or shorted. Seems like in this modern day of push button for instant gratification lifestyle and mentality, alot of duck hunters have forgotten that ducks are migratory birds that do not recognize such things as clocks and calendars. They've never been as predictable as clay targets nor will they ever. Increasingly, the number of duck hunters I meet have less than 5 years experience, and that may have something to do with it and other problems that arise, especially on public land, but they simply lack teh skill to consistently shoot waterfowl throughout the entire season iN Mississippi. I like to kill ducks as much as the next guy, but I doubt many of the duck hunters, or in many cases "shooters", that I know would be content with any of my past seasons, because not every day is a "limit".
Last edited by Double R 2 on Thu Jan 15, 2004 11:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
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mudsucker
- Duck South Addict
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BoogaBottom is right on with the assertion that we remember the good times with good company and not the number of birds killed. I have hunted ducks every year since 1984 when I got out of the Navy(while on leave during the 1982 holiday season,a good friend of mine brought me out to his uncle's camp and I was hooked. We did not kill a duck that day either, but the friendships made and the conversations had hooked me).
I can not remember the days limits were taken or not. The camp I joined(same one mentioned above) kept records, but not for bragging but we particapated in Fed. program by USF&G in harvest data. I do remember the funny stuff like who fell in....who broke down and had to pushpole back to camp and got ragged about it....the card games(nickle ante to keep it friendly) etc....
This year I had the privilage to hunt with new friends made on the local DU committe and be invited to spend time in their camp and to hunt timber for the first time. I shot 0 ducks because of my poor shooting where woodies are concerned on like 12 hunts! Them suckers are in and gone before I knew it! I would not wish to change the outcome for the world. Again, good company, good friends.
Keep the limit or lower it and I will still be out there. Yes, to shoot a few is great and yes being part coona$&, I eat them there ducks any way you can think of so I like some for the freezer to pull out when the season is just a memory. But I do not judge the season by the kill!
I go back to work fri. after six weeks off(on a dredge ship hence the name) and will miss the last(probbaly the best part) of the season due to my ship getting under way and them not seeing their way clear to letting me have another 10 days off!
So, to Fred and Lee, thanks for the season. Hope to move my camper over there by next season. Thanks for the memories and looking forward to working on the DU committe with ya'll again this coming year 
Good luck to all the next two weekends.
I can not remember the days limits were taken or not. The camp I joined(same one mentioned above) kept records, but not for bragging but we particapated in Fed. program by USF&G in harvest data. I do remember the funny stuff like who fell in....who broke down and had to pushpole back to camp and got ragged about it....the card games(nickle ante to keep it friendly) etc....
This year I had the privilage to hunt with new friends made on the local DU committe and be invited to spend time in their camp and to hunt timber for the first time. I shot 0 ducks because of my poor shooting where woodies are concerned on like 12 hunts! Them suckers are in and gone before I knew it! I would not wish to change the outcome for the world. Again, good company, good friends.
Keep the limit or lower it and I will still be out there. Yes, to shoot a few is great and yes being part coona$&, I eat them there ducks any way you can think of so I like some for the freezer to pull out when the season is just a memory. But I do not judge the season by the kill!
I go back to work fri. after six weeks off(on a dredge ship hence the name) and will miss the last(probbaly the best part) of the season due to my ship getting under way and them not seeing their way clear to letting me have another 10 days off!
So, to Fred and Lee, thanks for the season. Hope to move my camper over there by next season. Thanks for the memories and looking forward to working on the DU committe with ya'll again this coming year
Good luck to all the next two weekends.
Long Live the Black Democrat!
GEAUX LSU!
WHO DAT!
DO,DU AND DW!
GEAUX LSU!
WHO DAT!
DO,DU AND DW!
For me it is not about how many we kill (but I'll admit I don't like to get skunked) - if the dog gets to make a retrieve I'm happy. Neither is it about where I hunt. For me it is WHO I hunt with (or rather who hunts with me).
I remember great times spent with old guys who have either passed on or are now too old to hunt. And that gets me thinking now about the younger boys coming up who I'll depend on one day to take me when I'm too old to pull the load anymore.
Count you blessings and be glad to be there!
I remember great times spent with old guys who have either passed on or are now too old to hunt. And that gets me thinking now about the younger boys coming up who I'll depend on one day to take me when I'm too old to pull the load anymore.
Count you blessings and be glad to be there!
-H2O_Dog
"Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication" -Leonardo DaVinci
Trugrit Dixie Pistol MH 1988-1999
Trugrit Tallahatchie Tarzan MH 1995-2006
"Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication" -Leonardo DaVinci
Trugrit Dixie Pistol MH 1988-1999
Trugrit Tallahatchie Tarzan MH 1995-2006
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millineum mallard
- Newbie
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If the limit was lower....yahoos wouldn't dream of big limits and they'd stay home....I love my pic's of lot's of ducks, but I don't like going to a lake that used to have about 5 blinds on it and now has about 50....Exaggerated numbers and high limits entice tons of people that have these visions of thousands of ducks over decoys.....Personally, I don't see where tons of duck stamp purchases have helped me at all in this state on public sites....just hurt my chances.
MM
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Po Monkey Lounger
- Duck South Addict
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I agree with those who opine that hunter satisfaction is varied and probably should not be an important criteria in setting season dates and bag limits ---let the biologists do their thing in the absence of politics.
I hunt ducks because I enjoy it. In fact, I love it ---it is my main hobby, interest, and obsession. I enjoy everything about it. The pre-season planning, the hunts, time spent at the camp, shooting ducks, and eating ducks. Cooking my game is something I take a great deal of pride in and derive enjoyment from ---it allows me to enjoy the bounty of the season all year long until the next season. It is difficult for me to understand those who hunt ducks, but do not eat them. (Just one of those differences between duck hunters). I like the seasons being 60 days ---it gives me more days afield, which brings me enjoyment. It also increases the odds of being able to get in some good hunts when the ducks are here. I do not have to kill a "limit" to enjoy the hunt. But, I enjoy it so much, that I will stay until I have killed a limit or just give up. I like the limit being set at six, so long as the science supports it. I do think the mallard limit should be reduced, especially the hens from two to one ---to help the mallard populations.
Are "yahoos" sometimes a problem? You bet. But, just who is a "yahoo". Have any of you stopped to think that some other hunting party might consider you a "yahoo". When it comes down to it, isn't pretty much anyone who is hunting within a mile of you and adversely affecting your hunt in any way a "yahoo". Yep. Heck, I would rather not have anyone else hunting in the same county as I am.
One way to avoid the crowd is to get away from the crowd. If quiet, quality time afield is your goal, then don't hunt the most popular, easy-to-get-to public waters. There are several under-utilized WMAs and NWRs ---just ask some of the federal and state wardens, who can send you in the right direction for what you seek.
Just a few thoughts. I could be wrong. BTW, since when is it a badge of honor to not contribute to DU or DW or any other conservation organization. Some of you folks can rationalize anything and just look for reasons not to give back to the sport. I cannot believe that some are complaining about the lack of quality hunting and at the same time advocating not supporting any of these groups. Shameful.
I hunt ducks because I enjoy it. In fact, I love it ---it is my main hobby, interest, and obsession. I enjoy everything about it. The pre-season planning, the hunts, time spent at the camp, shooting ducks, and eating ducks. Cooking my game is something I take a great deal of pride in and derive enjoyment from ---it allows me to enjoy the bounty of the season all year long until the next season. It is difficult for me to understand those who hunt ducks, but do not eat them. (Just one of those differences between duck hunters). I like the seasons being 60 days ---it gives me more days afield, which brings me enjoyment. It also increases the odds of being able to get in some good hunts when the ducks are here. I do not have to kill a "limit" to enjoy the hunt. But, I enjoy it so much, that I will stay until I have killed a limit or just give up. I like the limit being set at six, so long as the science supports it. I do think the mallard limit should be reduced, especially the hens from two to one ---to help the mallard populations.
Are "yahoos" sometimes a problem? You bet. But, just who is a "yahoo". Have any of you stopped to think that some other hunting party might consider you a "yahoo". When it comes down to it, isn't pretty much anyone who is hunting within a mile of you and adversely affecting your hunt in any way a "yahoo". Yep. Heck, I would rather not have anyone else hunting in the same county as I am.
One way to avoid the crowd is to get away from the crowd. If quiet, quality time afield is your goal, then don't hunt the most popular, easy-to-get-to public waters. There are several under-utilized WMAs and NWRs ---just ask some of the federal and state wardens, who can send you in the right direction for what you seek.
Just a few thoughts. I could be wrong. BTW, since when is it a badge of honor to not contribute to DU or DW or any other conservation organization. Some of you folks can rationalize anything and just look for reasons not to give back to the sport. I cannot believe that some are complaining about the lack of quality hunting and at the same time advocating not supporting any of these groups. Shameful.
You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning.
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mallardchaser
- Duck South Addict
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SB:
What's your take on the ducks being hung up N or us due to no snow/cold weather. I wonder if it would have been a harsh winter N of us and we got a good push of ducks how many would be crying for 30/3? I think it's funny. I've read several national sites that said IL, MO and several other states had good years. They still have ducks hanging out bc the food is available ( due to no snow cover/ice, not DU baiting them) several referred to the midwest as one big refuge as the seasons are closed there now. Hum, no one shooting at the ducks, plenty of available food, why the hell would the mallards wanna leave
What's your take on the ducks being hung up N or us due to no snow/cold weather. I wonder if it would have been a harsh winter N of us and we got a good push of ducks how many would be crying for 30/3? I think it's funny. I've read several national sites that said IL, MO and several other states had good years. They still have ducks hanging out bc the food is available ( due to no snow cover/ice, not DU baiting them) several referred to the midwest as one big refuge as the seasons are closed there now. Hum, no one shooting at the ducks, plenty of available food, why the hell would the mallards wanna leave
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