Hunter Ethics, Distance and the Metro

[TylerS]

Ok guys, there were some good discussion in the 2015 waterfowl thread that I figured could go here so we don't sidetrack that topic. 

So what is it: 100, 200 or 300 yards...how far away is respectable on public land between hunters?

When I hunted the west metro we did our best to get as far away as possible, and often that meant hunting less desirable locations. But you know what? Get enough groups pounding the same spot over and over, and suddenly those "less desirable" get a second look by the ducks. We had pretty good luck getting off the beaten path. We also were high school students, so had plenty of time to scout and look for new spots. Boy, the hunting sure wasn't fast and furious, but we had a lot of fun doing it anyway!

[bobberineyes]

Back in the day, we used to do some pass shooting between 3 bodies of water, the main basin was the spot to be but we all had shooting.  On the main we could see everyone separated pretty good, what I couldn't believe was this group sets up on the windy side and did really well. I've set up lots with a side wind but never ever have tried wind in the face....just goes to show, the not real obvious spots are worth a look, if it means getting away from the crowd...

[bobbymalone]

I guess the idea of how close to close is time/place dependent.  If there are ton of people on a small lake, just going to have to suck it up that I'm going to have to post up closer to someone than I would want somebody posting up next to me.  And I expect the group that pulled into the launch as I'm shoving off is going to post up closer to me than I want, welcome to hunting the metro..  If there is ample space, there really isn't any reason to post up anywhere where there is even a question of if you are too close.  It's just dumb to have 3 groups blasting the call at the same two ducks circling around.  It can actually be advantageous to spread out to keep the ducks from all landing on the other side of the lake.

Had some guys set up 100 yards from us last weekend on a small backwater slough off a popular lake.  Not sure what the point was. We saw several flocks of ducks land in the next pocket over, where these guys should have set up.  It was another 4 minutes of paddling the canoe to get there.  They proceeded to blow a kazoo the entire time birds were in the air.  Last year I had this tool set up in literal kill range of my shotgun, like 35 yards.   Stupid and unsafe.  That's the only time I've ever told somebody to find somewhere else.

I'm of the opinion that the early bird gets the worm.  If somebody is already getting set up in the "good" spot, then I'll go on the other end of the lake.  My fault I didn't get up earlier.  I get the feeling that some people have their spot in mind when the alarm clock goes off and they aren't smart enough to deviate from that plan when they show up and somebody is already there.

Edited October 14, 2015 by bobbymalone

[Neighbor_guy]

I am currently in public land where witching 1/2mile would be considered encroachment. 

I live just north of the metro. On lakes you can get a boat into I feel 150-200yds is reasonable as long as you are shooting in a safe direction. I prefer 300yds, but understand that for some that's not possible  

I also know there are other spots and if I get beat there I move on. If I get back doored I will  pull decoys and bang in the side of the boat during prime time morning flight if I need to prove a point. 

It's not worth the argument or getting shot at for a duck. 

 

When end in doubt drive farther and put in more work than the next guy. 

[Kettle]

I have some of my best hunts in the metro, with that in mind they were some of my hardest hunts.  Don't think I have ever been within a half mile of someone on public land.  Love the backpack decoy bag, throw a dozen decoys in there, box of shells and a call, put the waders on throw the gun sling over the shoulder and put in some tough walks.  When I see birds while scouting if it appears to be an easy hunt I know others will be there, the harder it is the more secluded it is.  I debated buying a mud boat but it would limit me to good boat access and prevent me from getting to some areas off of big lakes that are land locked.  Best investment I made was a Kevlar one man canoe to portage.

 

Kettle