Author: Webmaster

Posted By:
whiskey216
Guest

Thimble Islands, Branford 02-03-2003 14:29
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Closing day out on Sumac was by far the best day of waterfowling this year. Getting out there before shooting hours was a bit of a challenge due to the single digit weather we had all week creating 5 to 6 inches of solid ice, but with a few days of ice breaking prior to Saturday, we got out there quite easily. There is much to be said about Express Duck Boats with keel guards.

We were the only hunters out for the morning hunt and did very well. That was until another group set up mid-day on Little Clam Island to have the time of their lives. Rumor has it, they killed 40 ducks and geese in 3 hours. Every time we looked we saw birds dropping like stones. Good Job to that group.

We finished up with 12 broadbill, 1 beautiful drake mallard, 1 common merganser.
Many birds to look at all day, and too many missed shots.

In closing, there were a few lessons to be learned on th 18th. You should make sure to come out with more than 3 shells to shoot (right Akki???). If you are going to shoot a semi-auto, make sure to have 200 shells (what do you think about that SGT.?)and a little note to myself…Next time you hunt the Sound, have more than 20 feet of line on your decoys. OHHH by the way…if anyone finds 2 LL Bean cork black ducks and or 2 G&H geese decoys, please send me an e-mail. There will be a delicious reward waiting (note the whiskey216 address).

There is one more lesson to be learned from Saturday. Leave the phone off the hook after you share a pint of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with sgt.scoup jr. and Hogman.

Here is to a great close,
Cheers!!!

Posted By:
Bigwaterdogs1
Guest

01-24-2003 08:21
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Below Zero
IT IS SAD TO SEE WE LOST THREE MORE OF OUR BRETHREN JUST FOR A DUCK!!! I SPEND THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME THINKING DREAMING HUNTING DUCKS, BUT SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS COME FIRST. WE COULD STOP 99% OF ALL THE DROWNINGS WITH ONE SIMPLE STEP. P U T O N A L I F E J A C K E T !!!!! IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES BUT COULD MEAN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. THINK ABOUT THOSE THAT NEED YOU AT HOME. DON’T BE A HERO AND THINK YOU CAN SWIM IF YOU GO OVER YOU CAN’T!!!! IF YOU DO GO OVER AND YOU DO HAVE YOUR LIFE VEST ON YOUR SURVIVABILITY GOES WAY UP. hYPOTHERMIA IS YOUR CONCERNE AFTER THAT. IF THERE IS A GROUP OF YOU HUDDLE AS TIGHTLY TOGETHER AS POSSIBLE THAT WILL TRAP BODY HEAT. IF YOU ARE ALONE PULL YOUR KNEES TO YOUR CHEST AND MAKE YOURSELF AS SMALL AS POSSIBLE THAT TOO WILL SAVE BODY HEAT, BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS IF YOU ARE AT THE BOTTOM LOOKING UP BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T WEAR A LIFE JACKET. PLEASE BE SAFE AND GOOD HUNTING!!

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Long Island Sound 01-23-2003 19:20
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
Finally summed up the courage to post a report from our last trip two weeks ago. MM, Screaming Teal, Myself and Sgt. Scup Jr. set out in gale force conditions, which included 6 to 7 foot seas, to cling for our very existence from a 35-40 mph wind blown rock on off the Branford coast.

Ducks we saw but again marksmanship should be an off season pledge……to learn. Sgt. Scup Jr. (now forever renamed “the Rat”) was busily squirilng away food stuffs while the rest of us froze our you know whats off. This is a guy you would definitely want to share a Bomb Shelter with ( as long as you were in possession of the only key).

On the boat ride back to shore a lot of promises were made to God (most of which were broken at the first available package store) and we did some serious sole searching on the proper amount of life insurance to carry.

This would have been a funny story had it not been for the news we all read about our WF friends.

Two days left in the season and we are going to play it safe.

Tud

Posted By:
Fishers
Guest

01-21-2003 21:11
– – –
i wish you boys from ct would post… man it would be great…..

I hunt FI sound and hAVE BEEN DOING ALRIGHT THIS SEASON, BUT THE HIGHLIGHT WAS GOING DOWN TO THE SOUTH JERSEY SHORE THIS PAST WEEKEND… A TONE OF BIRDS DOWN THERE AND DID REEL WELL,,,,,, ONE WEEKEND LEFT AND THEN TIME TO START TAKING THE 130’S APART

Posted By:

01-21-2003 07:36
– – –
Salt Marsh Never hunted rails are they good to eat? What time of year at Nells? Are there alot of them? Thank you in advance for the information!

Posted By:
Gotgeese?
WFC Sponsor

Norwalk question 01-10-2003 08:05
– – –
With the relatively warm temps the last couple of days, the ramp is clear of most ice and snow. It should be launchable. LOTS of brant around the islands as well as the usual ‘squaw and mergs. See you out there.

Posted By:
DanburyDucker
Guest

LI Sound Norwalk 01-07-2003 21:47
– – –
More of a question than a report. Are the launches at Vet’s Pk in Norwak clear or did the DPW crews plow the snow down the ramps.

If anybody got out around the islands, what’s been the targets, bluebills, old squaw? Love to know before Saturday.
DD

Posted By:
jerseywaterfowler
Guest

milford,ct 12-31-2002 17:17
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Thank you for the help,if I ever dump a bird I would use the old fishing pole with a 4oz bluefish popper to retrieve it. Use it once in awhile in jersey,not as romantic as a dog but it works.Yes any info on where one can hunt without a boat within a hour drive of Bridgeport would be great.Thank you J/W

Posted By:
SaltMarsh
Guest

Milford 12-30-2002 18:32
– – –
You can hunt at Nells Island. You are talking about the dirt boat launch at court street and yes you could hunt there if you wanted. I dont know why you would but you could. If you dump any ducks or geese you cant get them at high tide without a boat or dog and at low tide it is like walking through a sludge pond. If you plan on boat hunting in there make sure you know the tides, etc…Nells Island is overrated anyways unless you want to get a bunch of rails early. Milford and the area has got a billion better places to hunt then Nells so if ya want i could point you in the right direction just not show ya. LOL

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Milford 12-30-2002 13:57
– – –
Jerseywaterfowler:

Believe you can hunt at Nell’s, but I’m not familiar with the area. If you email me before you come up next year, I’ll try to dig up some info from hunters in that area.

Posted By:
jerseywaterfowler
Guest

Milford,Ct 12-28-2002 15:35
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Nutmeg state hunters.Was up at my in-laws for a couple of days for Christmas,always love dinner with anti-hunters(How could you kill a inoccent animal). Any way took my two boys over to court? street in Milford. Just looking around for ducks and hunters. Did not see any ducks and only on hunter on the far side side of neills island. My two boys loved collecting the empty shotgun shells,they call it tresure hunting. Is one alowed to hunt the shore line in that area? Mabey next year might get a non-resident tag just wondering if one can hunt their. Looks like you can place decoys in the water by your feet and hope. Thank you for any help.J/W

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington River 12-28-2002 11:00
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Had a good hunt today. Flock of 20 geese decoyed to the river, 6 died, including the 3rd banded bird of the season.
The mallards were luckier though, since I shot like Elmer Fudd every time I saw a duck.

Posted By:
ctshooter
Guest

12-22-2002 18:38
– – –
DUCK YOU THEY WERE COMMON MERGANSERS,

Posted By:
DanburyDucker
Guest

Candlewood Lake 12-22-2002 08:01
– – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Played hooky from work one day last week saw thousands of merganzers. Wave after wave like Jap Zeros buzzing Pearl Harbor. Took two mallards and a curious goldeneye.

This Saturday it must have been a bufflehead reunion on the lake. Tons in the morning and then by 11am it got real quiet so I decided to head in and remount a new motor I just put on the boat, I was getting alot of spray from the stern so I jacked it up an inch and a half–problem solved.

Just curious, any guys out there have experience in Maine costal hunts? I have an offer I might take a friend up on.

DD

Posted By:

new york 12-22-2002 05:14
– – –
ct shooter what kind of mergansers? Where in Litchfield county?

Posted By:
ctshooter
Guest

litchfield county 12-21-2002 19:55
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
hunted small river today,got a limit of greenheads for the three of us.couldn’t do anything wrong.they wanted to be there today,love it when that happens.also picked up 5 mergansers as if the dog didn’t have enough to do.hope the rest of the season goes like this

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington, Ct. 12-21-2002 16:31
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Fairway geese providing consistent action. Snow melt and mild weather made it pretty good today. Four of us put 8 young birds in the bag – gumbo for dinner tomorrow.

Plenty of mallards on the rivers, but decoying ’em is tricky.

Posted By:
whiskey216
Guest

Long Island Sound 12-18-2002 19:14
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 35-40 Degrees
Well…It sounds likeI should have taken scaup JR. up on his invitation to hunt with him. Instead I spent the wee hours up on the Housatonic River watching tons of geese and mallards just a little out of reach. By the time we went out to the island you guys were sipping a little Jack Daniel’s while cleaning the days limit. Sumac yielded one mallard hen at 4:05pm and that is it. One bird came and one bird died. A pretty good average by anyone’s standards.

Hunted Long Island on Sunday and my oh my there are some serious birds out there. There were hundreds if not thousands of mallards(high flyers), countless numbers of brant, and yes we ruined 7 of their days. We saw broadbill, scoters and blacks as well.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Ct 12-18-2002 19:04
– – 35-40 Degrees
Just received email note that in Ct, HEVISHOT (Tungsten-nickel-iron) and Tungsten Matrix (95.9% Tungsten and 4.1% Polymer are now legal for waterfowl hunting in shot sizes of #2 or smaller.

Posted By:
hogman
Guest

Long Isl.Sound 12-17-2002 14:53
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 35-40 Degrees
To the duck slayer about cold dogs, I have a yellow lab from Nebraska, (pheasantdog,converted to arctic retriever) and I think the guy with the Chessie answered the question soundly, it all depends on the dog and how well you can read he/she. I’ve had my dog out IN the sound when it was 0 degrees and when she came out the water would freeze on her back immediately and it never seemed to bother her. One other point I would make is that it also depends on the hunt, if your sitting on a rock and action is limited you have to have the gear to keep them warm. If your walking marshes jump shooting then you might not have to. NOW, Dukdaddy All I can say is while you were swimming, Scaup Jr. was already limited out on Bluebills, Followed by the Blue Heron, and Myself. We saw a laod of mallards and blacks that were probably flushed from the marsh when you hit the water. They were way to high I couldn’t have hit one with a special. Next time have wife take the boys to the movies like she’s suposed to and you come kill like your suppose to. To rub it in a little further it was one of the top five hunts in my career as a murderer, later!
Hogman

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford Salt Marsh 12-17-2002 11:00
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
I set out in my canoe for an afternoon hunt all by my lonesome and finally popped my cherry. Not by harvesting some exotic wild life but by taking my first post Labor Day swim (with all my gear of course). How refreshing to back stroke through the swamp in December all the time remembering what Screaming Teal had told me just before I left, “Don’t stand up in the canoe, it might tip over”. Some things you just have to learn on your own I guess.

After my workout I decided to resume my quest for the Little Black Ducks that had been buzzing me the whole time I was fishing for my fowling piece. With piece once again in hand (more literally than figuratively) I crept though the mud to their hiding place whereupon about 100 birds jumped high into the air (something I hoped I could learn before my next canoe trip). One curious little bugger decided to investigate the waterlogged figure standing in the swamp covered from head to toe with mud and now he resides in my freezer.

Later, after spending some quality time with my slide rule and calculator I came to the conclusion that this outing was definitely a net calorie loss.

Tud

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Hfd County 12-16-2002 19:47
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Lots of geese, good movements on both the river and in fields. Killed 2 banded birds this week.Snow melt should help keep geese around.
Also seeing quite a few mallards on the Ct and Farmington rivers. Few woodies still around on the Farmington river as well. Not seeing as many black ducks yet.

Posted By:
the bull
Guest

THAMES RIVER 12-16-2002 04:25
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 40-45 Degrees
Nice somewhat rainy day on the river on 12/14/02. Saw some geese and some divers just after legal hours but not too many birds flying all day. My hard charging friend was able to coax a diver in the spread and that was the only taker of the day.

Bull

Posted By:
DanburyDucker
Guest

Candlewood Lake 12-14-2002 21:05
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 40-45 Degrees
If you haven’t been to the state ramp near Squantz pond in more than a week, be prepared. Water level is going down quickly. Best bet is to launch off the right hand side of the ramp. I haven’t been out since last Saturday, but picked up a new 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha that might require a sickday sometime this week. With all the rain and snow melt, I might even check out the great swamp area in Ridgefield. The area behind the bank just off 35 on Farmingtontonville road was loaded with Mallards last time it flooded.

Good Shooting,
DD

Posted By:
Bigwaterdogs1
Guest

River 12-09-2002 18:15
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 0-10 Degrees – Open Water
Great day today Shot mallards& blacks, one banded mallard too. Lots of birds around but not a lot worked the decoys. Shooting came sporradicly My buddy shot well, I on the other hand took a while to get my act together but managed to in the end. To the guy wanting opinions on cold weather and dogs, It primarily depends on each dog, ie; health, age, ability if they can get up and stretch to shake off the cold and if they have a dry place to sit after the retrieve. I have a young chessie who was just as happy swimming with ice on his whiskers today as he was swimming in the summer. Each dog has their own cold tolerance level and it is up to the owner to know the dogs personality and physical traits so they can make an educated decision as to when the dog has had enough. Remember most dogs will stay out there untill they are hypothermic just to be with you doing what you love to do together. There are steps you can take to helping your dog stay warm like getting one of the new 5 or 6 mil neoprene dog vests with the flotation. I use one on my dog and even though he made a lot of retrieves today in icy water he was warm under the vest, enough so that I used him to warm my hands. I strongly recommend getting a vest. Also giving the dog a dry place to sit and off the bottom of a metal boat floor will help. The metal will draw the heat right out of the dog making him colder faster. Also a good diet will help your friend good food high in protien and carbs will help. ( NOT the stuff you buy at the grocery store).I hope some of this helps you with your question just be aware of your dog he will tell you when he has had enough. Feel free to contact me if you would like to talkj further.

Posted By:
DanburyDucker
Guest

Heading out tomorrow on Candlewood 12-08-2002 22:22
Arctic Blast – 0-10 Degrees – Ice
Gonna be about 8 degrees when we get out there. Any dog owners have an opinion as to how long a dog should be out in that weather?

Saturday we hunted islands off of Vaughns neck. Lot’s of high flyers. Going to try a wind protected cove tomorrow.

Posted By:
iamklink
WFC Sponsor

essex, bethlehem 12-07-2002 15:56
– – –
danburyducker, good to hear from some one close by my home town of middlebury. hows your season going? last time i got out was last weekend, saterday afternoon. we came in with 9, one of our best outtings in a while. been seeing lots of birds moving in. the north is frezzing up quick. i hope we have some open water for a while longer. keeping my fingers crossed for temps in the upper 30’s. good luck
alex

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

North of Hartford 12-06-2002 17:05
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Hunted Ct river north of hfd. today. Pretty good numbers of mallards, blacks, geese. Only took two birds, but learned that I kill ducks much better if the gun is loaded when I pull the trigger.

Posted By:
DanburyDucker
Guest

Candlewood Lake 12-03-2002 13:33
– – –
A few mallards here and there near Vaughns Neck during the Thanksgiving day holiday. I’d be out more often if I didn’t fry one of the cylinders on my Merc 20. Putt–putting out there with my spare 5hp doesn’t get me to my favorite spots. Anyone hunt close to Danbury Bay, any luck?

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington, Ct 11-30-2002 17:04
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
One for the scrap book today. Hunted a golf course in town and put a hurtin on the geese. Four of us limited out and then called more birds in and took some great pictures. Must’ve seen over 500 geese.

Duck numbers starting to build, but still a lot of open water on larger ponds. Starting to see more birds on Ct river. With cold weather, it won’t be long.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Leetes Island 11-26-2002 11:35
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Opening Day South Zone;

Screaming Teal made me proud today. First by being semi coherent when I went to pick him up at 0530 and secondly by sending the lone Blackie we had in range to Allah.

I spent one other outing with the Mallard Man where we angered his dog by making all sorts of noise without seeing anything splash.

Tud

Posted By:
Mike-Kapp
WFC Sponsor

Nehantic State Forest 11-23-2002 19:16
Cloudy, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
Went deer hunting today. First time I have had a chance to go out this year with changing jobs and moving. SHOULD HAVE GONE DUCK HUNTING – WHAT WAS I THINKING. Got skunked. Ducks were flying and sitting on the small lakes with the high wind. The local geese were being driven off of their normal lakes by the sea gulls that were leaving the sound and swarming the water closest to it. The small lake on the south end of the forest was loaded with ducks. You know where I’m going Thanksgiving day!
Good luck and I’ll see you in the blind.
Mike

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington River 11-21-2002 19:00
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 45-50 Degrees
Quick trip to river today. Saw plenty of woodies, some mallards. Shot 1 woodie through the fog.

Water levels are up, providing plenty of cover for the birds and making river conditions good for float trips.

Posted By:
Fishers
Guest

LI sound 11-18-2002 16:19
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Scouted Fishers Island sound on Sat and Sun saw a bundle of Buffies, and mergansers. Saw a few blacks and a few mallards. Season opens on Friday for us so will report back. Anyone hunt the Stonington area?

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Lake in Nw Ct. 11-17-2002 20:09
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
Second half opening has been a challenge so far. Got a suntan Friday pm, since no ducks were flying on the Farmington River.. Hunted lake Sat am – Lake draw down made it a “Bataan Death March” through the gumbo to reach a spot. Not many birds around early. Took first skunking of the season. On way in around 10am winds kicked up and we saw some ducks and quite a few geese starting to work. The final insult was the motor wouldn’t start. Just one of those days.

Weather Channel makes me optimistic about this week. Snow/wind/cold from the storm should start to push more birds down from NY and the Champlain Valley. I’m ready for the next round of punishment this weekend.

Posted By:
SaltMarsh
Guest

Long Island Sound 11-16-2002 12:44
– – –
Just wondering if anyone has seen any sea ducks or scaup on the sound yet if anyone has been out there fishing/scouting or heard anything. Thanks

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

N\\\\a 11-15-2002 16:13
– – –
I JUST HAD A GREAT IDEA AFTER ALMOST GOING BLIND READING (YES, I READ THEM TOO) THESE FIELD REPORTS.LETS USE ALL CAPS!

See what I mean?

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Middlefield Canal 11-15-2002 08:46
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
All time keeping apparatus functioned properly so I was able to hook up with Mallard Man at the agreed upon time.

Opening day North Zone and everybody is out. The group of hunters next to us are blasting away with a 105mm howitzer at faint black specks in the sky about 100 yards from the ground. In between the rain of pellets on our heads we do have a few opportunities and manage to score on a Green Wing Teal.

Mallard Man remembered all his gear this time however I had to buy breakfast because his wallet didn’t make the trip.

Tud

Posted By:
hogman
Guest

Long Isl. sound 11-14-2002 13:24
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
I took braska out for a little ride to see if there were any white-wing scoter around. I figured if there were I’d ring Dukdad or Scaup Jr. and see if they would like to blast a few. I saw a and I mean a Bufflehead and a few —– well I’ve been up to long I can’t think of their name. Tommorrow should be good, north zone, Dukdad, Mallards, what else could you ask for! Who knows maybe the Screamin Teal or Scaup Jr. will be there. I’m sure Dukdad or myself will let the rest of you know how we made out. If anybodys seen any Scoter print it. Thanks Good luck tomorrow Ct.

Posted By:
iamklink
WFC Sponsor

bethlahem 11-01-2002 17:02
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
yeeeeha AP zone goose opener today…..have been seeing 100’s of hoonkers flying around all day….unfortunately didnt get to go hunting today b/c i had to work. so tommorow im going to finish work on a new pit blind and whack em in the afternoon. MSG to CWBYUP…where are u hunting? maybe we can link up for a hunt or exchange tips. good luck with your hunt, i have certainly seen enough flying around.
alex

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

N/A 11-01-2002 15:19
– – –
Do any of you guys know if your state keeps largest waterfowl records like most states keep fish and deer records?

If you could let me know It’d be a big help. Right now Wa. State has no criteria and keeps no records. I am attempting to get this record keeping started.

Thanks in advance
Hugh Carney – Wa. field editor

Posted By:
CWBYUP
Guest

AP Zone 10-31-2002 07:19
– – –
Hello Everyone,

Make sure all you trick or treaters get home early don’t eat to much candy tonight for tomorrow is opening morning for AP geese.Get to bed early and shoo’em up. Let us know how you did.

Good luck and safe hunting.

Posted By:
hogman
Guest

L.I.sound 10-21-2002 19:37
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Dukdad,
I stood in my driveway until the neighbors called the cops! Of course it was probably because I was practicing my swing and pumping fresh unused rounds all over my lawn. I waited until 15 before shooting time and sprinted to my boat. Went up Jarvis creek and was set up in time (small mallard stool) for shooten, but nothin flew w/in 100 yrds and the boys to the west must of had runaway guns! So now what? Go by boat to the farm for a possible goose jump. Much to my shagrin three boys from all over the state. Its bound to happen but dag gone it some- times you wish it wouldn’t! No I didn’t drop any thing or one! The first of many battles on the sea have ended so I took Braska today up north and bagged a Pheasant! She was Awsome! Here’s to the men who put out the quarterly rag! The stories of hunting partners hit home seeing my girl is going to be eight this year and although Dukdad is on all fours alot I don’t think he swims as well! See you in Nov!

Posted By:
Billy-Jo
Guest

s.w. MO 10-21-2002 17:44
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Hello fellow waterfowlers,
Up until 6 months ago I was born and raised and Lived all of my life in northern CT.Now I call Mo home and This is what’s going on. Last week we had a good cold front and another this week witch is giving most of northern MO lots of Pintail, Gadwall, Mallards, Teal, and Wood ducks however we we are under heavy drout There very little water. That will put the large groups to the big lakes,at least until the big freeze. Other than that the The early Goose season has educated most of the residents and the migeration for geese has not yet arrived. Happy hunting and be safe

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington Ct. 10-19-2002 13:36
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Short hunt on Farmington River this morning. Only saw about a dozen woodies at first light, took one shot and missed. Just before 8am, three mallards landed, took one. Dog made a nice find 100 yds downstream in the brush. Few geese in fields, but none on the river. First half is over. Come on November 15th!

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

NW Ct 10-17-2002 19:01
– – –
DukDad,

I used to “road hunt” regularly, until the time a big flock came in and I forgot to roll the window down before emptying the magazine.

DJP

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford Marsh 10-17-2002 15:26
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Made three solo trips to the same spot. I had excellent opportunities but couldn’t get any to fall. Next time out I’ll leave my Stevie Wonder glasses behind.
Mallard Man, I bought a new alarm clock. We will have to try it out during the regular season.

Tud

P.S. DJP, We always shoot from the car… that’s the last thing they expect.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Northeast &Northwest Ct 10-15-2002 19:09
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Started on farm pond in Lebanon for geese. Lots of birds, but same old story. Birds won’t decoy there during windy days. Got 1 young bird.

In afternoon, took boat to lake in Northwest part of state. 30 Geese right at the boat ramp! Boys (13&10) wanted to shoot from the truck. We resisted that temptation and launched the boat about 4pm. 1 mallard decoyed, then the geese started. 3 came right in to water spread, took 2. Quit hunting to fetch birds and dekes before dark. More geese decoyed as we were picking up.

Posted By:
hogman
Guest

10-11-2002 14:03
–

Posted By:
hogman
Guest

Deepriver 10-11-2002 13:56
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Well men I sat here and typed a whole field report, hit Submit and it disappeared and the Dukdad is probably happy. I then got PO and went up stairs grabbed my wallet and called waterfowler.com because I couldn’t sign up on line, only me does this _____ happen to! I am no longer the Malardman! I am Hogman! (after my fisrt set of camo rain gear)If Scaup Jr. could handle his brown bottle medication the knight before a hunt the furious four would have killed enough game for the season! Dukdad and his brother Screaming Teal almost killed my dog shooting a cripple, but other than that it was a great morning! Some snows have been spotted in a marsh in the hood! Rumor has it ther waiting to die. That would be worth a 1/4 mile low crawl. I know I could travel the globe and kill more snows than I’d know what to do with, but around where I’m from it’s real exciting! Respectfully I hope none of you other Ct. men Know where I’m from so Dukdad,Scaup Jr.,Screaming Teal, and Myself can go blast’em! Until next time, Later!
P.S. Mother nature 0-A squad 4 Canadas and two woodie drakes.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Chester 10-10-2002 09:27
– – 45-50 Degrees
Opening Day Duck

We arrived at our favorite opening day pond where we came upon the disturbing sight of a hastily constructed camp site strewn with empty whisky bottles and discarded petroleum jelly cans. Amongst the debris we find Mallard Man and Richie all smiles and ready for action.

The woodies came in early 20-30 strong. We capped like mad and two full boxes of shells later the score was two drakes. As we milled around examining the sights of our fowling pieces and arguing about which eye to close (right, left, or both) when you aim, a group of 15 Canadas came in cupped and committed right into our laps. Another two boxes of shells let go and we drop four of the geese.

All in all a great day.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Litchfield County 10-09-2002 21:08
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
Successful season opener. Hunted a lake in Northwest Ct. Took 5 mallards and 1 woodie between two of us. Saw good numbers of ducks, and lots of geese.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Lebanon, Ct. 10-01-2002 18:41
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Over 70 Degrees
First trip to farm pond Saturday. Saw 2 groups, one flock worked to call but couldn’t land due to wind.

Posted By:
ctshooter
Guest

litchfield county 09-27-2002 12:58
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
set up tuesday afternoon for the evening flite that never materialized .

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Stony Creek :South Zone 09-17-2002 20:33
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
A message for all the F.O.M.M. (Friends Of Mallard Man) your boy has fallen on hard times. Don’t let his false pride fool you for he is most certainly down on his luck.

Example: In all the years (3) that I have been hunting with him he has never come equipped with his own ammunition. Today was no exception. Upon collecting him in my “Special Purpose Duck Hunting Sedan” (I’m still picking out mud from the back seat) he proudly states that for this outing he has brought his own ammo and then produces a box which he claims contains said shells. Though I never actually see any shells we went on our way. Upon assembly in the field however …… you guessed it, no ammo.
“I must have left the ammo can on my deck as we were loading up.” He says.

Now that I have had time to reflect,for Mallard Man this was definitely a desperate cry for help.

As usual I offered the use of my ammunition which he sheepishly accepts. The nice thing about sharing your shells with M.M. is that he is excellent at conserving, as we do not fire a shot. We did see a group of 25-30 Canadas come into the marsh and made an Indiana Jones low crawl to their last known position, but in the end we left without disturbing the neighborhood.

As for Mallard Man, next time you see him slip him an extra candle stick…… at least until he gets back on his feet again.

Keep Your Lable UP,

Tud

Posted By:
Aussieboy7586
Guest

NEED TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO HUNT 09-06-2002 19:57
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Over 70 Degrees
Need to find somewhere in Connecticut to hunt. I am new to duck hunting and would like to one of you guys to help me getting started. I live in fairfield county and am really enthusiastic about duck hunting, know alot of stuff about it. If anyone is willing just private message me.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Hfd County 08-20-2002 22:12
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Just a “test-post” to cure an itchy trigger finger. First corn was cut in a field in town yesterday, and wouldn’t you know, there were 20 geese feeding in the cut corn this morning. Won’t be long now.

Posted By:
Mike-Kapp
WFC Sponsor

Connecticut River and East 07-10-2002 10:45
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
It may be time to get the deks out and start cleaning and repainting. I was out checking a few areas this past week-end and was pleasantly surprised. There seems to be a larger than ever local goose hatch this year and there were a substantial number of ducks in the few areas I looked.
Anyway now is the time to start planning on locations for this fall and getting the equipment back in shape. Have a good rest of the summer and I’ll see you in the blind.
Mike

Posted By:
ringbill
Magazine Subscriber

open 01-24-2002 12:16
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
I’m from the east coast and wondering if anyone knows about an oldsquaw call? If so email me at ringbill@hotmail.com Thanks

Posted By:
ringbill
Magazine Subscriber

sound 01-23-2002 18:27
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
This season was horrible. We hammered the geese because no ducks arround. Did get a fair amount of ducks but not compared to the ussual numbers we get. The last five times out got skuncked twice we rearrly happens to us(the area has a ton of buffies but only saw 5, no shots). Got a hybrid mallard black another day. Got a black, pair of mallards and a buffie, coould of hammered mergs.(lot of them arrround this year). But ended the last day on a good note with a limit between three of us.

Posted By:
whiskey216
Guest

LI Sound 01-22-2002 08:04
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
For all of Connecticut waterfowlers that read this article, words cannot describe the experience that I had on closing day, but I will try. I can use words like painful(slipping and falling on to aqua man’s bowlight taking out 1 or 2 ribs on the left side), cold(12 hours sitting on a boulder), calm(waterskiiers would have been impressed), exciting(more ducks and geese flying out of range that ever before unfortunately no swans or pigeons), interesting conversation (the birth of Aqua Man).

While stting out there for countless painful hours I had time to reflect on how great it was to be there with duckdad and Aqua Man. I also thought how great it was that the government gives us until April 15th to file our tax returns. Hey Mallardman, are you getting a refund this year? We missed you out there. The conversation was way too civil and ethical with your absence.

There are tons of geese that looks promising for the late season although flying very high (Good news for all of you sky busters).

I can’t wait until next year!!!

Whiskey216

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Long Isalnd Sound 01-21-2002 12:08
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
What follows is my tribute to a memerable season. I call this:

A Seasons Swan Song

In the begining there was an egg,inside the egg it was warm and safe,outside the egg there were feathers and straw and a flock of millions and life was good

The egg broke and my feathers were exposed, oh so exposed ,to the clean air and the yellow sun and life was good

I learned to swim and I ate,I learned to fly and I ate,I became strong and plump and life was good

The days grew shorter and the water began to freze, food became scarce, through my feathers through my fat through my delicious and tender meat I began to fell cold,I decided to go to Miami where I heard that life was good

I left Canada in the early grey mornning with a flock tens of millions strong,I was sad to leave this happy place even though a dollar here is worth only 69 cents

I followed the rivers I huged the coast,I heard shoots fired and my flock became smaller,I saw dogs I saw boats I saw men in funny hats and my flock grew smaller still

I became suspicious of my friends I saw and heard impostors, I became clever and cautious but still my flock grew smaller

On the very last day with my odyssey nearly done I made a big mistake,from the North over countless ponds,rivers,bays and swamps I came to this place…. then forty yards away I saw a funny hat

While my value as a part of the circle of life can not be measured,it is estimated by some that here in the frezer I am worth $169.24 per pound, thats after taxes,licence,stamp,decoys,etc.etc.etc.

I will be consumed with reverence along with strong drink and tales of seasons past, untill the autumn when the circle begins anew

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Branford Harbor 01-21-2002 11:40
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Closing day duck has us clinging to a rock outcropping in Branford harbor.Aqua Man has just finished explaining his submersible technique for hunting duck armed with nothing but a snorkle. Pigeon has been loaded since the night before and he is itching kill. Duck,goose,pigeon,swan it’s all the same to Pigeon. Like he always says “If you drink enough Jack you can eat an old boot and be happy.”

Happy we are not as we witness a group of hunters cutting off our game with sky busting shots of over 100 yards. We do score on a hen Mallard the size of a turkey and on a group of Bufflehead but the carnage should have been a lot worse.

Tud

Posted By:
Malard Man
Guest

L.I. sound 01-17-2002 13:45
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water

Well that could be my season, the Duk Daddy and me hit Great Harbor, for me it was the first time in 10 yrs, he’s got a highway running through there he’s there so much. Teased by that awesome sound of Canada’s in the distant river (same marsh) and the sight of black ducks 100 yrds away is how it will probably end. Did the big man up stairs give me one last volley of three to give my 7 yr old lab a forty yard retrieve before the season ends saturday? Yes he did. 12 Mergies Come into the marsh, I low crawl with Braska (my dog)in tow 40yrds, still undetected, jump, shoot, miss, as I’ve done since I started. All the same feelings that I had the very first time I jump shot and missed come rushing back into my brain housing group! You think after all this time I would have taken another breath, took my time, and put one down. NOPE not me and thats probably why I’ll keep doin it (duck hunting) until I meet the all mighty the same way some of my prey has in the marsh. No not by gettig shot with steel, by dying of a heart attack when some supposed duck hunter blows off a 12 ga 31/2 passed my tailfeathers.
Thanks for a great season men!
Until Next Year!
Malard Man

Posted By:
Malard Man
Guest

LI Sound 01-15-2002 21:05
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Duk Daddy its the malard man. I had to use one “L” because some other slayer is using two. Anyway, to all you other murderous feather blasters – only believe half of what the Duk Daddy tells you. That Mergie was only ten yards, my BUTT! More like eleven! Here’s to Scaup Jr., Yea Rich thats your name to bad you don’t hunt any more!#*&$%. I been hunting only half as long as you oldsqwause (15 yrs) and I still ain’t seen nothin’ like I talked Duk Daddy into shootin’ today! Just kiddin’ DEP, I said Tud left shoulder shoot and wouldn’t ya know he did. Alls fair in stools and feathers it was a lesser squap. ( I think) Gotta go – too much Sapphire chased down with wine and I gotta meet Duk Daddy at 0530 where I don’t remember? Until next time “If it’s in your stool kill it unless your looking between your legs!”
Malard Man

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Thimble Islands 01-15-2002 10:52
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Made a couple of trips with Mallard Man and came home with game both times. We had a Green Head come into the blocks while we were still setting out the decoys. He literaly flew right between us. MM instinctively derw a beed on him only to discover that he was holding air…gun of course being on the rocks,unloaded and in its case. We made a pledge that from here on we are going to load up while in the car.

In keeping with our tradition of shooting first and asking questions latter we harvested two waterfowl that sent us to the “Birds Of Connecticut Field Guide” for proper identification. One was a lesser of two scaup and the other I still havent ID.We may have to refer to the endangered species manual.

Posted By:
Glenn-Schutz
Guest

LI Sound 01-14-2002 19:21
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
1/12/02
Hunted on the sound on Saturday morning. Set up for ducks and geese. As usual, ducks flew early but few were close enough for a shot. We hit one beautiful greenhead that dropped after flying another 200 yards.
Geese flew late in the morning and we took our limit of 2 each without a problem. Last weekend of the season had a lot of boats on the water but not a lot of shooting–still too warm. Speaking of too warm, a scouting trip this morning on some inland ponds/lakes showed they were mostly open again and the geese had found them. We’ll need another lengthy cold snap to freeze up those ponds and drive the Canadas to the shore. Hunt safe.
Glenn

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington River 01-12-2002 13:30
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Last outing in the north zone this morning. As usual, the ducks were unpredictable. Still a bunch of woodies around, even though its January. Shot two beautiful drakes early. Didn’t see many mallards or blacks, and of the ones we did see, only one pair gave us a passing look. Very skittish birds and no shots.

Season Overall: Though we killed geese fairly consistently and had some luck with ducks, the bird numbers weren’t anywhere near last year’s flight through my area. Seems like there was just not enough cold weather to bring the birds to the rivers where we do most of our hunting.

Can’t wait to get after ’em again next year.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Thimble Islands 01-08-2002 12:37
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Ended a long and unhappy drought when I teamed up with Mallard Man for a Blackie and a Mallard Drake.

True to his name Mallard Man refused to send a lone Merg. to Allah because he only harvests Mallards. Though he did take his three as it passed ten yards in front of him.

Posted By:
Bigwaterdogs1
Guest

thames 01-04-2002 11:55
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
Still slim pickens couple mallards, couple ring bills nothing else moving much. An enjoyable day out on the water with good dog work. I don’t know if this will be read by the right person but to the guys on the eastern side of the river this morning, I have no problem with you being over there I go to that side myself on occasion but you should move down a bit you were to close to the yellow house I heard you shooting so I hope you got a couple just try to set up a little better if a warden came out you might have gotten into trouble or we could lose that side. I got hollered at for hunting on that side last week and was told I was screwing things up for everyone, I am not doing that here like I said I have no problem with you being on that side just pick your set up spot a little more cautiously. To everyone lets all try to be a little more courteous we are all out to have a good time and enjoy the day even if the birds are slow so try to keep opinions to yourself unless an immediate danger to life or property is at hand.If you feel somebody cut you off to the ducks or is getting all your shooting either move or just let the day happen nothing is set in stone as to how the birds are going to react. Starting an argument over such things is just stupid. Just remember there is always tomorrow or next season and we will all get our birds

BE CAREFUL HUNT SAFE HUNT SMART SHOW SOME COURTESY AND HAVE A GOOD TIME!

SETTING WINGS

Posted By:
ray
WFC Sponsor

saugatuck 01-03-2002 19:30
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
went out this evening to see if we got any push with this storm and can’t say the situation looked much different…will be at it again in the morning and post a more detailed report then
good luck

Posted By:
deanocg
Guest

N E Corner of CT 01-02-2002 18:16
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 0-10 Degrees – Ice
Were hunting mostly grass fields next too corn fields it has been working well for us. We hunted the same spot last three days of the season and birds still decoyed right in. I thank the geese for pulling the season out of the duck rut.

Posted By:
ringbill
Magazine Subscriber

sound 01-01-2002 21:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Came home from Florida wed. Me and my buddies have shot 62 birds almost all decoying. Just got to kmow were to go. Still not seeing the numbers of cna and bills that should be here. Will be catching up on sleep most of this week. Happy New Year.

Posted By:
ray
WFC Sponsor

barn island wma 12-27-2001 17:24
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
the canoe ride over was not fun…and when we finally got all our stuff set up you couldn’t help but think the blue skies were going to make it a short morning…while we didn’t see the number of ducks I had thought we would – did get a really nice mallard drake…there are more ducks – saw quite a few on the way home…all tucked into safe little holes near houses…smart buggers. anyway they mostly seemed to decoy well and weren’t completely turned off by the call. It’s getting a bit better I think?

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Great Harbor WMA 12-27-2001 12:55
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Been on three solo trips to the same spot. The nice thing about hunting alone is no one can see you cry. On the days I do see ducks, which aren’t many, I can’t shoot to save my life.

I’m not discouraged though, I’m grabing a box of tisues and heading out again. Should you by any chances hear a strange sound raising from the swamp dont’ be alarmed It’s just a grown man whimpering.

Posted By:
ray
WFC Sponsor

saugatuck 12-23-2001 10:40
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
a few more birds and noticeably more mallards…in fact I would say that mallards were the majority this time out…we saw many many birds on our way out to the blind (already taken) and it looked to be a great morning even with the bluebird conditions but alas the ducks were on to us…I think there were at least 4 groups of hunters nearby and I heard a total of 3 shots all morning (misses from our group)they just stayed out over the water ha…anyway it’s encouraging especially if you believe the reports fron NH and Mass where bird #’s are building…

Posted By:
ringbill
Magazine Subscriber

corn 12-20-2001 19:37
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Thank god for the canadians outher wise the season would be a flop. Limits almost every time out. Did get three greenhears(one banded) and could have limited on hoodies and common mergs if we shot them. Will miss probably one of the best weekends this week because I’ll be in Florida, but will give them hell the middle of next week.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Canal 12-19-2001 10:16
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
We would go pretty hungry at my house if it wasn’t for Mallard Man batting cleanup. That boy really has honed his shooting ability. He took down a Mallard hen( after my three misscarries) going away at about 50 yards! If I didn’t know better I’d swear he was using lead.

It was the first time for us at this spot and it looks promising, alot of ducks and thousands of Canadas.

Posted By:
Glenn-Schutz
Guest

Marsh 12-16-2001 10:15
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
12/14/01
We had planned on hunting the Sound but with reports of high winds on Friday night and Saturday morning, we decided to change plans and head back to an inland marsh that might give some shelter the birds would be looking for.
For once, we made the right decision and came home with four mallards and two blacks for our troubles.
By the way, the marsh was WAY down as far as water levels go–WE NEED RAIN!
Hunt safe.
Glenn

Posted By:
ray
WFC Sponsor

pawcatuck 12-14-2001 17:45
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 45-50 Degrees
wasn’t too bad …well compared with my other trips this year …mostly mergansers
but some blacks etc as well…they don’t like the calls and needed a boat going by something to get a few up and if you were lucky you’d get a shot ..anyway hunting in saugutuck tom let you know