It is really unreasonable to expect on the wing ID in these cases.
Harlis
- Thread starter jode hillman
- Start date
It is really unreasonable to expect on the wing ID in these cases.
Sad to see, but I have to think it's common based on the ones I've seen over the years. Glad to hear they treated him reasonably, considering it was an honest mistake. If somebody has a drake, no mercy for that.
Agree for newbies, although they stick out once you see a couple. They're a little squatter than a coot (if that's possible) with a slightly faster wingbeat. What concerns me is if enough mis-ID's happen, the mere presence of harlequins in an area might be an excuse to shut the area down.
I just don't think it is reasonable for 90% of people out there with a gun, people suck at duck ID. The way Maine deals with Barrow's is reasonable.
A
Agreed, that's a good policy. Problem is many of that 90% don't know what it is in their hand, I suspect same with the Barrows.
I'd like to see info from Maine on how many incorrectly IDed Barrows GE's are reported--which is what our law requires. I'd be willing to bet that almost all of them are drakes. I've twice been in parties that have mis-IDed and downed drake Barrows. After the second, where I was the shooter, I stopped setting up for GE's and I haven't shot any, common or Barrows, since. I suspect most hunters couldn't reliably ID a hen Barrows from a hen Common with the bird in hand, and I suspect that few if any are reported.
jode hillman
Well-known member
That is a great point. Also about three years ago a hen Harlequin was found in a trashcan at the closest boat ramp to this area.
As far my understanding, they've now put in effect a sort of "safety zone" in the area, where these birds most frequently are found.
It's not an extensive area, but it does encompass the rocks and the immediate shoreline. Though you could easily set up a layout boat outside of that area and still have them buzz your spread.
I don't know that it was entirely to protect the Harlequins, but they wanted to stop guys drifting that channel in the strong current, picking out trophy sea ducks within feet of rocks, Tourists, and birdwatchers.
Up until 2023 it was legal way to bag, trophy eiders, old squaw, scoters etc.
I'm curious as well, but I suspect they don't publish it to suppress any outcry from anti's. The don't arm the enemy theory. Not being judgemental, but I've rarely shot whistlers. It's a leftover from my youth, when whistlers, butterballs, boobies and poulle deau were on the Do Not Shoot list. We rarely shot Old Squaw either, I love hearing them when there's a large group.
I'm guessing it won't be long before more restricted areas pop up. I'm sorry to say there are jerks who will intentionally shoot one for a trophy mount rather than travel to the west coast.
James L
Member
You mentioned the sound they make, thanks for reminding me of that. Unfortunately I haven't heard any this year but that's probably just a function of not spending enough time on or near the water where they normally are than anything, but yes love to hear that distant bugling sort of sound.
A local birder advocated for some restricted areas in Maine some years ago. There are 4 or 5 well known areas where Barrows are frequently seen. He proposed closing them to all waterfowling, which would have been excessive. He believed--without much evidence that I ever saw--that there were parties deliberately targeting Barrow's. But closing those areas just to hunting over diver decoys would probably be equally effective in protecting the Barrows as a closure to all waterfowling. I used to hunt with some people who targeted whistlers. They were a fun hunt--decoyed well, and they were mostly present late in the season and active mid-day when the puddle ducks were not. But with the (ethical, even if not legal) risk of taking a protected species, and the considerable prep involved in making them good to eat, I just decided not to target them any more. Neither of the Barrow's killed by parties I was with were in the traditionally-known spots that would likely be closed.