Some More NJ Curtain Call

[Bob Reitmeyer]

My last day hunt was hiking my layout blind out to a salt pond in southern NJ where I regularly see black ducks, but hadn't hunted this season. Brought with me two black duck decoys and a hen mallard. My layout blind has straps and will fit the decoys so I can stay hands free except for my remington. I was fortunate to jump shoot a black duck on the walk out. After brushing up the layout and setting out the decoys two black duck came in and I shot one. A little while later two more came in that I was able to watch and photograph for a bit. I was really surprised to see them swim toward the remaining skim ice and push into it. I was hoping to see something else come in, but instead I got to watch the sun set on the 19 season. View attachment 2019 last day.jpgView attachment IMG_4517 (00000002).jpgView attachment IMG_4519 (00000002).JPG

 

[greg setter]

Nice pictures Bob! Great way to end the season.

 

[Carl]

Nice scenery and good looking ducks too.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Bob~


Great tale and photos! Reminds me of many LI hunts with my coffin box - dragged into little potholes with just a handful of stool.


All the best,


SJS

 

[RLLigman]

Is the bottom hard in those open water pockets from tidal surge, I always notice the bank consolidation from rootstocks, but no one ever mentions how tough or easy the wading is in those tidal marshes.

 

[tod osier]

Is the bottom hard in those open water pockets from tidal surge, I always notice the bank consolidation from rootstocks, but no one ever mentions how tough or easy the wading is in those tidal marshes.

Some are, some are not. Assuming not is the best approach.

 

[Jay K]

Very nice Bob. Super familiar with that sort of hunting. I have always wanted to do a real trek in to a good pothole. Those black ducks are really challenge.

 

[Bob Reitmeyer]

Is the bottom hard in those open water pockets from tidal surge, I always notice the bank consolidation from rootstocks, but no one ever mentions how tough or easy the wading is in those tidal marshes.

Great question! Some are and some aren't. Most will have a hard bottom a couple feet below the actual bottom. Since I'm usually on my own I don't take many chances wading in. Just a few mph of wind is usually enough to push a bird to the side and I always carry a collapsible reach pole that give me another 15 ft. or so. Unfortunately for me me on Saturday there was a little skim ice around the edges so I had to wade in a few feet using the reach pole to balance me before reaching for the duck.