Smallest field with success?

[fowldreams]

Just wondering what the smallest field you guys have hunted with success is. I have a 8 ac field that has just been planted by a farmer who is leasing it. He put in winter rye. Is this something that may bring in birds and give me an opportuninty in a month or so? Haven't done any field hunting before, that is why I am curious. Thanks

[CANOPY SAM]

What an interesting question. I've never really thought about this before. In my neck of the woods (ag fields) I think we'd be hard pressed to even find a field smaller then 80 acres. Most are full sections divided by only small clusters of trees or "shelter belts" "wind rows" or fencelines.

I have a friend who has family land up by Agassiz refuge and they hunt a field similar to what you're talking about. I think their's is more like 20-30 acres, but they pound birds in there.

Only thing I could say would prevent you from doing well is if no birds are working the field before you set up. To really know you're going to get some shooting it's best to actually see birds working the field ahead of time. If there's nothing there the day before, it's kind of unlikely you'll have birds pouring in the day you hunt it.

On the other hand, if you've got good numbers of birds regularly feeding in the field, I'd all but guarantee you'll have opportunity if you get set up on the X within the few acres you have to hunt.

Let us know how it goes.

[Feathers Rainin]

We hunted a field this year that was about a 1/4 mile long by 100-150 yards wide. I am not sure how many acres that is but it was pretty small in my book. We had scouted the field and it was holding a lot of birds. If a field has birds that want it the size is irrelevant IMO. If the birds are not using it your odds of doing well are probably not that good unless you have a lot of water close by that holds species of birds that feed in fields.

[TylerS]

My first ever "field hunt" was in a one-acre horse pasture that we'd never, ever seen a goose in. Buddy and I got the idea to build pit blinds, so we dug a couple graves, threw plywood over them covered by burlap in grass, set out a spread of six shells and a dozen sillos, and waited.

I kid you not, we called in a pair of sacrificial honkers and got so excited, that between himself, his brother and I, we only dropped one despite the fact they were inside of 20 yards. Nine shots. One goose.

I'll never forget that. Young, dumb, lucky kids.