South Metro - Worth it?

[Brocster]

Hi all,

I will try to avoid the "where should I hunt" question! Just a quick background to why I am asking....

It's been a LONG time since I duck hunted. Moved to Colorado in the early 90's, and spent all my hunting time either chasing Elk back there or bow hunting/rifle hunting for deer back here (in WI at family land).

Moved back to MN, got a new best buddy in a British Lab and have been working hard at training him. Last year was his firs hunting and we stuck to pheasants and I in turn got HOOKED on birds and bird dogs. This year I have been working hard to train the pooch for ducks and am totally excited to watch him work. I grew up duck hunting and can't wait to get back at it.

That said - I have been scouting hard down in the South Metro areas (plus knowledge gained from Pheasant hunting) and have found great spots, at least at first glance. Places that I can maybe run out to after work or first thing in the morning without taking the "my wife is going to be angry" drives farther out.

Most areas I am targetting are spots where you would need chest waders to walk back into, such as catail marshes, small ponds far off of roads and so on.

Still, we are still talking about being close to the metro area.

From your experience, do these harder to get at types of features still get pounded pretty hard, even if it takes 45 minutes or so to get back to through the gunk? Mostly WMA's and the harder to access parts of the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge. Nothing that a boat would get to or that you could see from a road or trail.

I'd appreciate any comments since it has literally been 17 years since I hunted ducks back here in MN. Prior Lake and Belle Plaine were WAAAYYYY out there back then!

Thanks! (and sorry for the lenghty post). Looking forward to contributing.

[troutkingmaster]

As a guy who has hunted exclusively on public land for waterfowl, I can tell you that if you are in decent shape and willing to go the extra mile, there is success to be had, even close to the Metro. If you can hunt during the week, even better. Obviously if you have been chasing Elk, you are in good enough shape to get to spots that many people will not make the effort to get to. Keep in mind, we are in MN, do not expect to shoot a limit everyday, even when you do walk in 45 min., but as you know, 1 bird with a perfect retreive from the dog can make a morning. Good luck.

[Gordie]

First Welcome to The HSO Family Brocster and welcome back to Minnesota

There are alot of guys that have Tons of great info in these forums and I hope you find what you are looking for.

I grew up in Scott county and used to duck hunt the area alot from the m

Minnesota River to some pretty sweet potholes in some feilds along with all the swamps of the area

I know the duck hunting of the past is not like it is now but there are ducks and Geese to be had if your ready for some good honest hard waterfowl work.

Now more than ever it is best to scout early for patterning the waterfowl and trying to get permission.

Getting permission to hunt prviate land has really gotten tougher over the years but it can be done. With that said just be prepared for a few No's.

Don't be afraid to offer work or some type of barting to get on someones property either.

With only a week or so away for goose hunting to start now is the time to head out for permission. Its not hard to find puplic land to hunt but find a place that not over crowded might be hard to find but if you will go that extra mile on puplic land you may have the hunt of your life.

There are also some good places to hunt in neighboring countys as well along with some good lakes to hunt in that area. Some of the lakes you can hunt without a boat and your dog and chestwaders will get you where you need to be but there again start doing your home work now and I would be prepared to get real familar with thae area as you will most likely have to be out there very early to sucure a spot to hunt same goe with puplic land.

I hope to hunt down that way a few times this year and if your in trested in a boat hunt I may have an open seat for ya.

Hope you find some good spots to hunt and good luck most of all have fun enjoying the outdoors

[jblabsnduck]

Brocster, shoot me a email if you like [email protected]

I live in shakopee and might have some good insight for you.

Not to mention a place or two where you could kill a few birds.

Getting permission can be tuff in the southern metro that is for sure.

I have a goose field not far from my place also.

Good luck

[Brocster]

Thanks for the reply guys!!

I saved up a bunch of vacation to try and get out mid-week, hopefully that will help.

I had my two girls up at the game fair this last weekend (ages 5 & 9) and we talked about how sportsman are a unique group - friendly and helping each other out.

The replies prove that!

Elwood - I really appreciate the kind gesture! If you ever come down this way and wouldn't mind putting up with a 2nd time Rookie, I'd be honored to join you. I'd be happy just to ride along and get my dog some more experience and help out if nothing else.

Jblabsnduck - I will send you an e-mail and I appreciate that. It would be great to meet. Not looking to mooch off of anyone or take advantage of the hard work others have put in. But I would love the advice!

Thanks again,

Broc

[Brocster]

but as you know, 1 bird with a perfect retreive from the dog can make a morning. Good luck.

+1

Troutkingmaster - that is exactly what I am so looking forward to. Bowhunting for 20 years has at least taught me patience.