Ducks?

[The Yeti]

Is there any decent duck hunting near the Austin, Hayfield areas? I'm assuming it would be mostly field hunting?

[g'eye pilot]

Yeti, hello from Hayfield... As far as waterfowling opportunities in the area you refer to, there aren't a lot of options. Certainly there are field hunting opportunities for geese here and there, but you are not going to find much in the way of duck hunting. One might have an opportunity to shoot an occasional duck mixed in with the honkers. But a better plan is to find some ponds to jump or sneak around one of the many waterways or streams in the area. Quite frequently on my commute home from Roch I see flocks of ducks flying the stream and waterways - mainly towards dark. Find a quiet spot with little or no current, you might be able to ambush some ducks. Obviously the more scouting you can do would increase your odds. My focus is usually on roosters or geese this time of year, but there are a few ducks in the neighborhood - probably teal, woodys, and mallards.

[The Yeti]

How is the rooster count down in that area lately? I might get to hunt down there in the next couple of weeks...

[CrappieJohn]

We have a few birds, but with lots of the corn standing they can be hard to come by. Right now the corn harvest is going great guns with farmers working well into, if not all, night. If we can stay sort of dry you will have some decent hunting in a week or so. The cold and heavy frost has helped.

[g'eye pilot]

I have found the rooster count to be a little bit stronger than what roadside counts indicate. Thus far I have found some nice pockets of birds to hunt, not awesome by any means. But enough to keep a hunter and his retriever engaged!

[Dockter]

Well, it's better more east by the mighty mississippi!