Hunting near Forest Lake

[jparrucci]

Hey guys,

I moved here in April from the south metro, and now am a long ways away from my spots that were a little bit south of the cities. I'm looking for duck/goose spots around the Forest Lake area. I took a long drive tonight with my GPS looking at WMAs, and other area lakes and ponds that were accessible. I didn't see a whole lot that looked very promising for public water. I know people actually hunt Forest Lake, and Clear Lake. I live almost on Clear lake itself, but I assume the WMA on the SW side of the lake gets pounded. I have decoys, dog, canoe, but not much for spots around here. I know there are a few WMAs on the West side of 35, has anyone ever hunted any of these with even marginal success, and does it turn into a total war zone? I'll be hunting alone around here, so if anyone ever has a spare seat, or wants to tag along with me, I'm always up for some bird splashing. We are only about 2 weeks out from early goose!!!

[Stringerless!]

The wmas can be very good, or very bad. Same as everywhere else. As you said it can be a war zone also. I kinda like it and have only been really screwed over 3 times where I had to pick up and go ! I get a real kick out of watching fools set up with the wind AND sun in their faces, and their silver or red canoes ! Pretty much a carnival scene. Then again I have been the only one in the WMA on many days too. The last 3 years I have gone at least 40 days.

[jdog]

i have hunted the wma on the west side of 35 and did really good shot my first bluebill there but that was 20 years ago id say your best bet for a good hunt is to go farther west

[DP]

I've lived in Forest Lake about 15 yrs, and duck hunted most of the surrounding WMA's as well as Forest Lake. You are right about some being a war zone. My best advice is to avoid the weekends. I've had mixed results, last couple years have been pretty slow. If you want more info on locations let me know.