Hunting the Missippi River, Any Pointers?

[Duckpro12]

I got some land on the MS river up in AR TN line and let me tell you stay out of the river with that boat. I got a 20 by 76 sear ark with a 150 on it and I have been scared shi#less in it. The river is like a beast that can't be tamed. Besides alot of the property you prolly can't hunt without tresprassing. I know if you go inside the vegetation line on our place you are trespassing. The MS river is no joke. I don't even get out on the river anymore. Let a barge come by with 10ft wakes and see what happens with your boat. I would stay at the house.

[tunica]

I grewup on the river My family where towboat pilots and My grand father ran the ferry at Richardson landing. We played on and in the river in the summer BUT in the spring and winter if I even said can I, I got a whupping.


To this day I will not go on the river in anything smaller than A towboat.

[tunica]

lifts leg off of seat and grunts

[DanP]

Major thing no one thinks of that causes the biggest chop is the wind out of the south.

+1000
those standing waves gave me one of the scarest days of my life. Ain't that right Chuckle?

I been in the same situation with a south wind, went from perfectly calm to 6-8 footers... I'm just glad james lynn know how to build a helluva river boat

[goosebruce]

My daddy used to say, they are old river hunters, and bold river hunters... but their aint no old bold river hunters.

Been scared to death in a 20 foot bassboat with a 2.5 liter efi, in summertime with a $150 life jacket on. Knew a lot of old timers that would get on it in 15 v bottoms in the fog with a compass... not me. South wind that makes a white cap on a resevior, makes an ocean on the big muddy. never felt so neckade in yur life when a tow boat hits that spotlite on you, and you didnt know he was there.... screw dat big river, it aint for me. travis

[TODO]

I deerhunt an island on the river more than i duckhunt, the main thing is know how to handle coming back in the fog and know where the dykes are. The fog will make you reconsider real quick, and it can go from a perfectly clear day to zero visibility in a few minutes. Sitting out there not knowing which direction your going or where the barge is, not a good feeling. I carry extra everything in the boat, an extra battery, gas, oil, plugs, fuses, a sleeping bag, etc.

[Traveler Thorngate]

Just before you put in, which is after you have put on your life jacket....reach down and grab your nuts then pull them out, show your buddy, call him a fag, then kick him in the ass. We call that "the brain" and its good luck when your facing possible death.

Would be wise to check the US Army Corps of Engineers website and download some sectional maps of the river, you probably need all sectionals from Memphis, TN to Vicksburg, MS. The maps are updated every few years and I think 2008 is one of the most recent. Also, a GPS with the waterway map is a plus.

Hunting the MS is a very humbling experience. Be careful and don't act stupid.

[msbigdawg1234]

It never gives a second chance..take heed to all the advice given in this thread ..it is the gospel

[GET-N-RITE]

Hell I'm scared and I just read 3 pages worth of replies.....Been on the MS one in the summer, and I was like yall effin duck hunt this?????

[novacaine]

It never gives a second chance..take heed to all the advice given in this thread ..it is the gospel

The "ol Man" ain't just another river. It is the 3rd largest on this planet! 2 things are certain-no prisoners and no reprieve.
It is an awesome site to behold when full grown trees get spit out of the water like toothpicks!
Good luck and be carefull but choose carefull and don't depend on luck.

[Jeff]

Right now the river is unbelievable. I suspect this thread is a joke to get us all riled up but in case it's not I'll add my two cents. I run the river probably 80-100 days a year if not more. Right now it's as dangerous as can be and I'm running it in a 25' boat with a 225, back up motor and back up trolling motor to that. You never know when the next debris field is coming and will really make life difficult. Two weeks ago I had a good freind that went out to try and help two guys that motor broke down in the river. His memorial service is tomorrow and they still haven't found the body.

Right now a stiff south wind is something you can't fathom in this current and river stage if you have never been on the river. Couple that with the warm water and cool river and you have a garuntee for fog.

Yes I am dead serious.

[ballcoach]

Guys,

I must say, after reading the replies I think i'll stay off the river for now.

Thanks for the help!

[stevea]

Just a few pointers I do hunt the river, gps with all rock dikes plotted during the summer along with chanel markers (keep in mind these get moved all the time) good compass, deep sided boat, good motor (minimum 60 hp) dont cross in the fog you wont be able to watch a compass or gps and see where you are going. You will need very good clothes you will get wet and on another note, I am setting here looking at a hypothermia chart that I keep posted at my desk (it helps us with body recovery) the water temp on the river during duck season is between 32.5 and 40 degrees which you will lose consciousness within 15 to 30 minutes and death will occur within the next 90 min

[teul2]

the water temp on the river during duck season is between 32.5 and 40 degrees which you will lose consciousness within 15 to 30 minutes and death will occur within the next 90 min

You'd be lucky to make it the 15 to 30 minute mark, much less 90.

[Lazy Drake]

The first poster said it best in this thread, the river has no friends and doesn't even know you. The first time I saw a full tree pop out of the water like a toothpick I about chit my pants. Be careful.

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