Snowshoes in the Lousiana Marsh

[Ed Askew]

I've always wondered if I got a pair of snowshoes if I could walk across the marsh. There's lots of marsh out there that is hard and anyone can walk on it; in California we could even walk on the pond bottoms. We would wade out and put out our decoys. You can't do that in most of South Louisiana you would sink up to your neck. A lot of the marsh is floatant, floating marsh where it's just layers and layers of decaying vegetation with stuff growing on top floating on the surface of the water. If you stand on it (very carefully) you can make it bounce like a waterbed.

Anyway, I noticed down on our new lease we have a lot of rails. I figured I'd get some snowshoes and try to hunt them. I bought a pair from Cabela's and I was amazed how easily I could walk the marsh. I could even go down into the ponds without sinking in the mud. Funny, I walked all over the place and didn't see a single rail. Anyway, kind of a neat discovery for me. Should make it easier to find cripples, etc (since my dog passed away this year I have to retrieve my own ducks now.)

Ed.

 

[Paul Madden]

Yep, snowshoes work o.k. Up here in Wisconsin we have Marsh Skis for getting around. Think wooden waterskis that are 8-16' long, 5-6" wide with the tips curving up 3'. A simple loop for your boot to slip into and you shuffle off into the marsh. They are DEADLY for jumpshooting the little holes where those Mallards like to sit and a great way for getting away from the crowds.

 

[Bob B]

Ed,
sorry to hear about the dog. A new puppy will keep you busy.
Snow shoes are good for a lot of hunting, but the swamp is an idea I had not had. Have a back hole it just might work in too.