The Start of 'Real' Duck Season

Craig F

Craig F

Well-known member
We are fortunate here in NJ to have multiple zones to spread out the pressure as well as spread out the dates available to hunt. I'm a firm believer in traveling throughout the state to take advantage of different areas and to maximize the days I can get out afield.

With all that being said I like to think the start of our 'real' duck season is Thanksgiving. By then all three zones have reopened for their second splits and the entire state is available to hunt waterfowl. I like to take some time off around the holiday to get a little gunning in and this year was no different. The guys at the office always joke and tell me to enjoy my 'hunting holiday' and usually by the time I return to work I am looking forward to sleeping in instead of leaving the house at 3 AM.

Anyway, I've been on a decent run lately of stumbling into birds. Hunting all three zones, picking away at puddlers as I go, some new areas and some old standbys. Somehow I shot wood ducks every trip the last week, including decoying a double digit sized flock on the bay front... and had some banner teal shoots as well.

Enjoy a few pictures from the last couple weeks!


View attachment IMG_9769.jpg
View attachment IMG_9779.jpgView attachment IMG_9662.jpgView attachment IMG_9736.jpgView attachment IMG_9777.jpgView attachment IMG_9663.jpgView attachment IMG_9643.jpgView attachment IMG_9692.jpg
 
Now you've done it, Craig. Your pics have caused me to load up a bag of mallard decoys and go out in the morning. The winds look favorable for "my" spot. I'll walk into my shoreline "X" that has produced mallards every time this year. With deer hunting weather too mild for much movement during daylight hours, this will satisfy my waterfowl itch one more time before our northern Michigan Dec 3 closure.

I hope to see some of your great videos soon as well.

Steve
 
Thanks for the pics Craig. It's nice to have something to look at to remember what they look like...LOL In the Mississippi Flyway between Minneapolis and St. Louis there isn't enough birds or even interest for anyone to post on the DU migration liars board....LOL. I was glad to see Mark W. got out and chased out the squatters and was able to shoot a few to end his season. With highs in the 30's to the north into Canada I don't see our real season starting until after our season ends on December 19th. On a high side I won't need to buy shells for next year! I'll be back to deer hunting this weekend.
 
I've been fortunate to luck into birds while exploring new areas, but this is definitely a week I don't mind going to work. Mid 50s mild weather is not exactly ducky that's for sure.

Supposedly a pattern change coming the end of next week so we shall see... As for the videos I have a ton of footage from last season and this past summer's fishing season to get around to so hopefully some of those will be coming out soon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top