First time ND duck hunt?

[goblueM]

We were planning on going to ND for pheasants but I guess now we are going for waterfowl. I've never hunted out there for ducks... I'd love any advice for general area to head for or any advice in general. Thanks in advance!

oh and we're planning on trying some field hunting and probably hitting sloughs and smaller water, though we'll have a 14 foot grumman sport canoe along with

[Muthagoose]

I had a client drop off birds from his hunt in ND last week. He was thinking of heading right back because they were starting to pile up.. He dropped off BB RH and 2 of the nicest sprig's Ive seen in a while.

[Tom7227]

Devils Lake, Devils Lake, Devils Lake.

[MN Greenheads]

For Mallards the area from Lakota to Bottineau is solid. That area narrows down to about Valley City and is good again in the S.E. corner around Ligerwood. The Coteau area from McIntosh up through Logan, Stutsman and Kidder counties is real good but count on seeing more gadwall, wigeons, pintails and spoonies than Mallards a lot of the time. Good luck and enjoy a little of the last of America the way it used to be.

[smallies24]

I'm also heading ot there for the first time during the first week of November. I was thinking of bringing the rifle too for some yotes. Is there a reasonable population in ND? If it's anything like SD I figured it would make for a good shoot a night or two.

[deacon]

Field hunting is the preferred method in ND, as by not hunting the water the birds remain in the area. For ducks a combination of goose and duck decoys work great. Can never predict bird numbers in advance especially with the current weather.

Changing plans from pheasants to ducks was the right decision. Pheasant reports have been not good so far - fewer birds and lots of crops in the fields.

[goblueM]

thanks so much everybody! we know people in lidgerwood, might make base around there and go exploring

it'll be an adventure field hunting, we've never done that before. only have floater dekes too - might have to improvise

[gr8icefishinmind]

Be ready to have fun cause ND duck hunting is tough to beat!

[Moonie]

It may be a good idea to pick up some field deeks and/or some rags to fill in your field spread. Lots of deeks on the ground will most likely help you this time of year. Well hidden ground blinds help too.

Drive around and SCOUT! figure out where the birds are going out to feed and setup there. Then if you have only a small spread, you at least know they're used to going to that field. Last year we got into a lot of snow geese too. Keep in mind that if the land isn't posted, you can hunt it.

You may get into some good northern divers over water too with this weather.

Another tip... BRING LOTS OF AMMO

[candiru]

Muddy conditions. Driving in a muddy no-till field is not a good idea. From the Game and Fish:

October 12, 2009

Hunters Cautioned of Wet Ground Conditions

North Dakota hunters are reminded that recent moisture throughout much of the state has made travel in some areas extremely difficult.

Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the state Game and Fish Department, said it is important for hunters to maintain positive landowner/hunter relations. “We ask hunters to be cognizant of these conditions,” Kreil said. “Driving on soft, muddy roads and trails is strongly discouraged until they dry out or freeze up.”

Hunters are advised to seek permission before attempting any off-road travel.

[nik]

Lidgerwood is a good bet. We hunt north of the Tewaukon Wildlife Refuge and always have really good hunting. Malards and Geese! I am actually heading out there today for my second weekend. As stated earlier on this thread, be careful with the wet conditions. The fields are a no go on driving. Even some low maintenance roads are flooded or so deep with mud that it takes a good 4x4 vehicle to get through. Also, alot of the crops are still standing, which makes it hard to get at the birds that are sitting in the flooded fields. You can hunt private land if it is not posted, but I believe if the crops are still standing, you cannot go on private land without permission. Good luck!

[InTheNorthwoods]

Even some low maintenance roads are flooded or so deep with mud that it takes a good 4x4 vehicle to get through. Also, alot of the crops are still standing, which makes it hard to get at the birds that are sitting in the flooded fields. You can hunt private land if it is not posted, but I believe if the crops are still standing, you cannot go on private land without permission. Good luck!

Please do not drive down any roads that require 4 wheel drive to get through. All you will do is tear up the road, muddy your vehicle so bad you'll need 3 car washes to get the "shimmy" you feel while going down the highway out, and upset the farmers who need to use these roads to get their crops out (ruining any chance of hunting their land).

There were lots of birds coming through last weekend, but it needs to warm up as the small water was starting to lock up and it has been cold this week. Good luck, and have fun with the flying rodents (waterfowl).

[carpshooterdeluxe]

good luck, have fun, dont bust the roost, and be polite. you'll have a blast!

[fivebucks]

ND needs a warmup. Just got back from central ND and all the smaller ponds and alot of the larger ponds have froze up. Most of the big flocks of mallards we saw on Friday and Saturday were gone by Monday. They need some warmer weather and the northern ducks to come down now, at least where we were SE of Minot 45 minutes. We did find some great pockets of pheasants which saved our trip. We had 2 great duck mornings and then things froze up - it got down to 17 degrees Saturday morning and did not get above freezing until Monday afternoon at 33 degrees.

[bigdog]

There is a large public area between lidgerwood and Hankinson that is popular, has a boat launch of sorts. Lot of area to walk around there for roosters so I would not rule that out. Lidgerwood does get alot of pressure, I have mainly hunted south and east of there myself. Not able to go this year though, good luck. Cafe in Hankinson had a good breakfast, not sure if its still open, owner was a real nice guy.

[coombia21]

we got stuck 3 times with a lifted 4x4 this week when we tried to go down a muddy road and out into a corn field on friday but on thursday we went down that same road and into the same field and didnt even get muddy, i would recommend hunting around the spiritwood area