Layout boat hunting in Minn?

[bmc]

I just wrote a letter to the new MN DNR waterfowl specialist, Steve Cordt, in reference to our inability to layout boat hunt diving ducks in open water. Just wanting some feedback from other waterfowl hunters. I know this is a deadly technique and would need to be closely regulated by the DNR. How about a November season, permits by lottery, preference points for non-drawers that year, designated lakes for layout boat hunting, maybe even a 3-5 day permit through the lottery system. Other states hunt this way, why not us?

bmc

[Guest]

I just realized I don't know everything there is to know.

What is layout boat hunting?

[bmc]

If you type it in your search engine you'll get alot of info. Basically, you have a layout boat, it sits real low in the water and is anchored to the lake bottom. You put several dozen dekes around your boat leaving a shooting lane down wind of you. It's extremely effective, therefore would need to be regulated closely. Usually a bigger boat pulls the smaller boat out to the spot and helps set up decoys and sometimes to retrieve downed birds. It's a big water/diver duck technique used in other parts of the USA, the Great Lakes, and the East Coast. I feel the USFWS should make waterfowling regs more uniform.

bmc
"ALWAYS give them ducks&geese 3!"

[WALLEYENUTZ]

Layout hunting is legal in MI, IA, and WI. Not sure why the MNDNR thinks we shouldn't be able to do the same. my $.02

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Rip Lips

[Hookmaster]

I agree that the technique is effective, but I think you need to let the birds rest too. If layout hunting is allowed it may not give the waterfowl areas to rest in and they may just leave the lake.

[full force five]

Because Minnesota has more waterfowl hunters than any other state. If you allowed layout hunting bluebills would stay about 2 days in Minnesota, as it is they stay about 4.

[Roosterslayer05]

I dont like the idea, On some heavely pressured lakes I hunt the only place ducks can rest is out in the middle and if guys were out there shooting them they would just leave and the hunting would be horrible.