New to Waterfowl hunting

[MIKE IN lINO III]

Couple questions for you guys.

I just purchased some lake property that has woods and open fields. The lakeshore is surrounded by wild rice and two weeks ago I went down to put the pontton up and flushed some ducks out of the rice. Now the reason I state that is for my first question.

I noticed in the hunting pictures people are posting that the decoys are out from the weed line. Is this were I should put my decoys or can I put them in the weeds where the ducks were?

I read that the DNR isn't going to enforce the 100 yrds from water during the early goose season. I know this is contrary to last year, so am I to assume that we can hunt geese sept 3rd on the shore line? And the early goose season starts for all of MN on Sept 3rd.. correct??

I know I have the regs at home but all this talk is starting me thinking about what I can and can not do and I can't wait to get home to look up the answers.

Mike

Can't wait to bust my first geese and ducks.

[Eric Wettschreck]

You really need to read the book. Different zones have different rules. I believe the metro zone has the no hunting 100 yds from water rule, but I'm not for sure. I know where I live we can hunt over water.

If your decoys are in the weeds the flying ducks may not see them. However, your farthest set decoy should be no farther than what you consider "In range." If it were me, I'd have some set up along the edge, and some farther out. Without actually seeing the weed/rice line it's hard to say for sure where you should set.

Good luck, but be very careful. Waterfowling is extremely addictive. There are support groups availiable to help with your addiction, they're called duck hunters.

[leechlake]

I've hunted ducks in rice on our lake for years, here are some things to consider. Depending on water levels and just plain old Fall the rice will be thinner than it is in the Summer. If it is thinner you may have holes and or spots that you can place decoys that may be easily seen by ducks. We have years where the rice is unbelievable thick followed by year where it is really thin. You'll have to just watch and see.

[wyldewal]

Another thing to consider is duck recovery. Without a dog ducks and even geese can be hard to find in the marsh. If they have any life left in them at all they seem to be able to find a spot to hide.

Good luck hunting this year. I can't wait.

[MIKE IN lINO III]

I'm an avid hunter just not ducks and geese.

The weed/rice line is about 30 to 40 yrds from shore and that is what I would consider to be close to a long shot. I do have an area cleared for the dock and boat. Last year I was leaning against an oak tree and four ducks just landed in the open area, I thought that was funny, middle of the day and all. I do have a lab that we adopted 3 years ago, but I think the 40 yrd retrieve would be a bit much for him. He's about 6-7 years old and has never hunted ducks. I take him pheasant hunting but the springer gets all the action, he's just out for a walk.

I plan on buying a duck boat just for that reason, setting decoys and retrieving downed fowl.

Thanks for the tips guys.

[Crusty old Swede]

Here's something to try, buy a couple of training dumbies and see if Pup will bring them back from the open water. When he masters the open water start working closer to the rice, if he's still game start throwing the dumbies into the edge of the rice. If all is still going well keep throwing them a little deeper into the rice. If Pup brings them all back out of the thickest rice you're good to go. If Pup slips up, just start from the beginning again. The most important thing to remember is never scold Pup when he fails but always lay the praise on thick when he suceedes.

[MIKE IN lINO III]

Retrieving isn't his problem, it's the possible LONG retrieve. I will work with him this weekend as we are heading north after work today.