2022-23 season

[benp]

What's the report from everyone on their season this year? Disappointing? Exciting? Better than expected?

This has been a better year for me than the last few years since the 2017-18 season. I didn't have huge quantities but have had some quality hunts. Found a new place to hunt that has provided good hunting and plan to take my oldest there for youth day.

First hunt at the new location on Christmas Eve with my brother


2nd hunt at the new location with my brothers dog, put more focus on him than actually shooting so didn't get many ducks. It was his dogs first "big boy" hunt in the water and he did good but still has a few things to figure out.



Hunt this morning in same location, not as many ducks flying but I did get this drake Widgeon which is my first so pretty happy with him.



Also got out last Saturday and filled my swan permit with a nice juvenile. Garland tagged along to experience the hunt and wants his own permit next time.



Also had one hunt out in the boat with a friend. Hunted the edge of the Albemarle sound but didn't see a whole lot. He shot a blue bill and I shot a green winged teal, only picture I took was his dog bringing the teal back.



So it's been a good year and I might get out Saturday for my last day but if not hopefully Garland can get one come youth days.
Overall this year the birds have not come down, the swan were later than normal and haven't been in the numbers as usual. Have only seen a handful of snow geese flying over instead of normal years where there are thousands in the fields in my area. Even the ruddy ducks and bufflehead have not been around like normal. So other than the Christmas Eve push of birds it's been very slow here. What's everyone else's take on this season?

 

[rfberan]

Every year is a good year some better than others.

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

Every year is a good year some better than others.

AMEN

 

[MIKE-SID]

Yes, every year is a good year.
I had a very enjoyable season. I had a hard time with the big ducks, but did good with geese over water. It is just great to be out on the water. I suppose the crazy weather had a lot to do with my lack of big ducks.


This picture is when the sun popped out, and the fog started to go away

 

[J. Overland]

Good season. Didn't get to hunt as much as in years past but still got out a fair bit. Like you, I benefitted from finding a new spot. It's public but very challenging to get to and from what I could tell I was the only person who hunted it. Helped a few others get birds including a gentleman who is married to a vegan and had never shot a gun in his life. He took hunter ed, went with me to the range, purchased waders and a hunting license, and I took him into the swamp where he harvested a beautiful drake black duck. Already scheming for next season - scouting new areas, making new plans.

 

[Richard Lathrop]

Great photo.

Rick

 

[MIKE-SID]

Beautiful morning

 

[MIKE-SID]

A good day in my Duck Invader in the harbor. Same day as the photo above.

 

[Al Hansen]

Hi Ben,
What a nice post you have here. I couldn't help but smile when I saw that good looking baldpate hanging on the tree. Way to go, Ben. You sure had a good season and then to fill your tag with a swan, that had to be something else.


Good luck on the youth hunt when you take Garland out for his first hunt. Hey, he might get more than one duck. Just knowing the two of you will be out there is just the greatest. Best of luck!
Al

 

[benp]

Mike, great pictures, the ball of fire reflecting on the water is something I don't see often even though I'm on the east coast. Mostly in creeks or swamps. Don't go out in the sounds often to see a sunrise like that.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[benp]

Al,
Garland had a blast being on the swan hunt and it was nice to have him there. I haven't told him I plan to take him duck hunting this Saturday. I've learned if he knows he is going hunting then he will not be able to go to sleep with excitement. I did that for the swan hunt, he was surprised to be woken up at 0500 but was quick to respond and get dressed.

Hopefully he keeps his shooting average so far he is 1 shot 1 deer and 1 shot 1 turkey.

 

[Nick Zito]

Bit if a flip flop season for me (though it fully ends 2/15). Minimal ducks, lots of geese. Did have a banner day on the eve of the duck closer shooting my limit in under an hour, and a solo field day 1 short of an early season goose limit. Should have had it too, just couldn't shoot right the first time in my layout blind (still kicking myself). All in all, most hunts were slow but still allowed me to fill the freezer and keep the local butcher busy feeding other folks in town.