Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Waterfowl Reports


Recommended Posts

Took a canoe out in this (bad word }. Nothing ! Never saw a duck . Heard a goose but never saw it. Had to try anyway. Had visions of bills falling from the sky like snowflakes and it might have happened somewhere but that somewhere was not the lake I was on this morning ! If a guy can't hope then why do we go ever ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I questioned my sanity this morning as my little 12 footer was bucking the waves as I set the decs out in the driving snow that made it impossible to see how far from the cat tails I was but it turned out to be worth it! While sipping my coffee I kept second guessing my spot, just being out, the spread....pretty much everything....that was until it got light and there were ducks EVERYWHERE. First day all year I've shot a limit. I haven't seen ducks like that in a long time - constant action for the first hour. Ended with 2 ringnecks, 3 green heads, and a drake woodie. The ringnecks and woodie were pass shots, but the mallards followed the script and cupped perfectly. It slowed after about 8:00 but still pretty frequent smaller groups of birds buzzing the slough. No geese though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Got 3 ringers yesterday in one shot!! I couldn't believe it! Some birds around and very willing to decoy, headed out now again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out this morning NE of Mahtomedi, lots of geese flying, saw one big flock of snows up high. A decent number of mallards in the area, had a couple come close and the dog spooked them... Most wouldn't decoy at all. Finally had two geese come off the lake my way and I got one, somehow missed the other. Heard a couple groups pass shooting at geese, they didn't get much action either.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hunted a small lake in Northern Washington Cty. Lots of geese and mallards. Not much open water left because of floating slush. 200 Mallards would get up every time the eagle flew over but none would come anywhere near the shore. Should have shot at some geese but gave them another swing and they swung the wrong way ! No sign of any new ducks or geese. These birds have been there enough to know where to stay away from ! Never saw any high migrators or heard any.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So are we cry

Yep, another season where the bulk of the mallards don't make it down mad

2 weeks left, I hope it gets cold FAST!

Years back we use to have to worry about the swamp being froze for deer opener. We use to break ice every year and crush the ducks. The last few years we have not had a lick of ice and no tornados of mallards.... Very sad. Not to mention this year deer opener was as late as possible, no ice. Went there again this weekend NO ICE! Some ducks around, but leary. Had one flock of very tired northern mallards (50-75) that came into the decoys while we were motoring around in our goose deeks. Very few flocks of mallards coming out of the north sky this weekend and last. The mudhens are sill very thick! That right there tells me most of the northern mallards are not around. Lots of ringers around still as well.

I vote for a season that extends well into December!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out tonight in Itasca County. Saw good numbers of mallards and honkers as well as a few divers but nothing within good shooting range.

On Friday I saw 3 Black Scoters through my scope on a lake in Itasca!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yep, another season where the bulk of the mallards don't make it down mad

2 weeks left, I hope it gets cold FAST!

Years back we use to have to worry about the swamp being froze for deer opener. We use to break ice every year and crush the ducks. The last few years we have not had a lick of ice and no tornados of mallards.... Very sad. Not to mention this year deer opener was as late as possible, no ice. Went there again this weekend NO ICE! Some ducks around, but leary. Had one flock of very tired northern mallards (50-75) that came into the decoys while we were motoring around in our goose deeks. Very few flocks of mallards coming out of the north sky this weekend and last. The mudhens are sill very thick! That right there tells me most of the northern mallards are not around. Lots of ringers around still as well.

I vote for a season that extends well into December!!!!

how is a season in december going to help when all of the mallards are already migrating west of minnesota? cool

Link to comment
Share on other sites

csd kinda nailed it.

Had my eyes to the skies a lot this weekend expecting to see birds moving thru Northwest MN and witnessed VERY few of anything moving. Not sure if they 1) still aren't moving, 2) if there just isn't anything coming thru here anymore, or 3) they no longer exist at all!

Not much to hold em' in our area anymore. Crops are all off, and most of the fields are cultivated. What water is standing in fields is freezing over fast. If they do come down, they won't stay long.

I suspect, can't confirm, but suspect that many are moving down thru the dakotas, but am sure some are moving into central MN - south of us.

It's dissappointing, but without the wetlands we once had up here, I doubt much will change.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't hunted in Minnesota for a month or so, but I can say there are a ton of ducks in South Dakota right now. Do not have to try real hard or due a ton of scouting to have some amazing shoots.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The birds are stacked up high and deep on Lac qui parle. They haven't done a count in over a week but i would say the population is well over 75,000 honkers. Had an awesome weekend with some HSO posters ( 18 honkers on Saturday and....3 Specs!). I'll post some pictures when I get a chance

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was in Northwest WI from Wed to Sun I saw 5 hoodies that is it. Dismal. Used to be be excellent diver hunting in the area now nothing. Last good shoot 15 years ago. Now the same in MN. They are not coming.

Mwal

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Carp ever been in the west metro during late season?? If not then thats why...

yes i have. but there isn't going to be some magical big push of birds after the end of the season. will there be birds still to come down? sure. there always is. but the mallards have been migrating since early october. we get waves of them coming through out here every time there is a north wind. any time prairie dakotas raise more ducks than prairie canada, MN is bypassed from the start. western MN is holding great numbers of mallards right now. I saw some huge feeds of ducks swirling on the horizon during the first weekend of mn deer season. I've duck hunted enough in MN this fall to know that the hunting has been consistant in the western and sw part of the state all fall. with the crops coming out, and the abundance of water, combined with timely fronts and mild weather in between, the season has shaped up very nicely.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This week Canada is forecasting cold, like 0 for lows and single digit highs by the weekend. There appears to be a distinct line of cold/warmer air near the border, I'm guessing the jet stream is the reason...it hasn't dipped to us yet.

There were loads of ducks not long ago in Canada (first hand reports) and they've been in the 50's for what seems like eternity to us duck hunters. The cold reality is going to hit in Canada and we could be in for some grand hunting if we stay milder.

It's no where near over.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Saw just about every kind of waterfowl you could see while deer hunting near a lake in south central MN this weekend. Lots of Mallards, Geese, divers, a few swans and even a couple Whooping cranes! Was tempted to trade the slugs for Steel No 2's.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whooping Cranes! That's about as rare a bird as you can run across in Minnesota. Sandhill cranes are everywhere, but who else here has ever saw a whooping crane in Minnesota?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

but there isn't going to be some magical big push of birds after the end of the season. will there be birds still to come down? sure. there always is. but the mallards have been migrating since early october. we get waves of them coming through out here every time there is a north wind. any time prairie dakotas raise more ducks than prairie canada, MN is bypassed from the start. western MN is holding great numbers of mallards right now. I saw some huge feeds of ducks swirling on the horizon during the first weekend of mn deer season. I've duck hunted enough in MN this fall to know that the hunting has been consistant in the western and sw part of the state all fall. with the crops coming out, and the abundance of water, combined with timely fronts and mild weather in between, the season has shaped up very nicely.

+1

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got back from ND, snows are starting to get thick along with the cacklers and the big "northern mallards" are showing up. Scouting is always key; don't be lazy! Diver hunting was spotty with the high winds on Devils lake, big migration last week (sorry) cans and reds are almost gone but good amounts of golds and buffies and of course bills. Managed to get a nice greater drake bill. As of Sunday most of the small pot holes were froze solid.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Whooping Cranes! That's about as rare a bird as you can run across in Minnesota. Sandhill cranes are everywhere, but who else here has ever saw a whooping crane in Minnesota?

No doubt!! They are extremely rare, and I only know one person who has seen a pair. He reported it to someone (I forgot), but these birds are highly studied and tracked. Whoever my friend reported it to they wanted details...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out this morning before work NE of Mahtomedi. The geese that have been around through this past weekend all disappeared. LOTS of mallards though, had at least three large groups on the lake and many groups of 5-10 birds that were passing through, unfortunately they absorbed all the smaller groups that were circling and none would commit to my decoys. Had two land on the ice at first light, expected my coworker to take a shot, he didn't, they flew... I wasn't ready yet with the gun, still setting up my jerk string. smirk

Going to be windy tomorrow, bad direction for my spot, so I'll let the wind hopefully bust up some ice and get back out there on Thursday morning.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some mallards finally started to arrive on the refuge here, I'd say its holding probably close to a 1,000. Geese numbers are lower than normal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hunted north of the metro last nite, new birds around, cans, bills,

Goldies. Had a great mallard shoot and ended up with a

Bonus blackduck ( there were three of 'em in with a flock of

20 mallards ).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Kettle
      Walked today and yesterday, flushed 9, shot at two and got two. Hopefully next year I'll have a dog to hunt with. Still warm up here, skim of ice on ponds. Weather has been nice. Hopefully walk a bit more the next few weeks. Been pretty cautious walking for birds to not interfere with deer hunters. There sure are not the deer hunters there used to be 
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.