Author: Webmaster

Posted By:
mstone
Guest

Raccoon Creek 11-18-2007 17:12
– – –
Does anyone know if they started pumping the water here in Jackson county? food looks decent but as of 11/11, no water.

Posted By:
JS Wilson
Guest

Scouting in Bama 11-14-2007 15:45
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 60-65 Degrees
I’ve been scouting over the last week and I’m pleased to report fair numbers of ducks on local reservoirs.

The majority of species counted were mallards, gadwalls, and ringnecks with a scattering of BWteal in the mix.

The weather reports are shaping up for opening weekend…hope the reports stay true!!

JSW

Posted By:
Marcdf
Web Member

Guntersville 11-14-2007 15:43
– – –
The lake has been running 1-1.5 feet below full pool.

Posted By:
dmealer
Guest

11-12-2007 18:54
– – –
Does anyone have any information on lake Guntersville? i prefer water level and any new concentrations of ducks in the area

Posted By:
Dr. Skillet
Guest

Alexander City 11-06-2007 07:50
Cloudy, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
Just a note on the migration hitting here in south central alabama. While dropping my 2nd grader at school I noticed to balls of feathers 10 feet front he sidewalk where we park for drop off and immediately my mind said woodcock. There sat 2 woodcock 10 feet from the sidewalk and just to make sure they were real I just had to flush them! I hope they signal the start of our winter migration. I am assuming they were flying out in front of this cold front and got tired and decided to sit down in AC! It was good to see them as I have not seen any for several years. Friends report increase in “wild” ducks swimming with locals in what is left of Lake Martin, but one never knows.

Lets hope for more cold weather to push ’em on down.

Dr. Skillet

Posted By:
woodsman695
Guest

10-27-2007 22:54
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What is the water situation in north alabama? Thoughts of hunting in the area this year. Appreciate any info. woodsman

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

montgomery 10-24-2007 06:02
– – –
did some looking around yesterday saw 40 blue wing teal and 5 spoonies.they were on one of my farm pounds first teal i have seen in over a month.

Posted By:
coldkiller
Web Member

Sledge Miss 08-23-2007 09:21
– – –
I have some exceptional Duck hunting opportunities available for the 07/08 season.Pits available in flooded rice fields that have been red-hot in the last several years.Pits are capable of hunting 6 hunters.Land formed fields with crops left for the Ducks.Plus millions of Snow geese.

[Edited By support on 2007-09-12 12:45]

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

04-20-2007 05:39
– – –
you will be about three hours from where i live

Posted By:
Darren Speirs
Field Editor

04-19-2007 09:06
– – –
NW staying around Jasper

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

04-19-2007 05:43
– – –
what part of the state are you coming to

Posted By:
Darren Speirs
Field Editor

turkey hunting 04-18-2007 07:55
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ok I am going to be in Alabama April 26 to may 1 and thought I might get a day or 2 hunting

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

04-18-2007 05:52
– – –
we might could work somthing out for next year season is just about over and the birds are not doing alot this year with our crasy weather

Posted By:
Darren Speirs
Field Editor

A canadian guy needs help 04-17-2007 08:31
– – –
Hey do you know of anyone that could take a Canadian guy Turkey hunting in your great State

Posted By:
GOOSE SLAYER22
Web Member

03-20-2007 14:26
– – –
Just wanting to let you know, If anybody is wanting to hunt in manitoba ,canada this year , i no a good place to go if you want more information just pm, And i will tell you about my experences up there.

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

01-30-2007 05:58
– – –
bama we are hunting cow pastures farm ponds and the river hunting over 6 full bodies in the fields and both full bodies and 6 floaters when we hunt over water we killed 49 of the 64 in the early season this is the first year we have realy been successful with the geese i realy enjoy hunting those big honkers

[Edited By r-n-tms on 2007-01-30 06:00]

Posted By:
Bama
Guest

Season 01-29-2007 21:21
– – –
Well I sure did not kill that many geese WOW. Real nice job.

If your killing on public land you must share some secrets to your success.

I had an OK season. No great days. Some frustrating ones, for sure.
.
My news pups are starting to get the hang of the game. They made some good retrieves but lost some that make me want to scream.

I will have to get them some off-season work.

I averaged a little better than a duck a day. Not many ducks around and poor shooting do not help.

Had a great time. I will start to count the days soon.

Need to fix all the things I broke and replace the things I lost.

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

01-29-2007 05:41
– – –
well the season is over finshed with 64 geese combind early season and rergular 35 ducks combind early teal season and duck considering the amount of birds down it was a fair season

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson County, Stevenson 01-21-2007 21:53
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Hunted yesterday at Raccoon Creek WMA. Two guns and bagged three ducks. Did not see, but five ducks and when you shoot three of them that is not good.
OK here is another observation fact. From about 7:30 to 9:30 on Saturday morning we saw flocks of ducks sky high and headed north. Ducks were in numbers of 4, 12, 15 to groups of 30. So you tell me what that was all about. It’s about it’s over, stick a fork in it. Unless we have gadwalls and ducks move in from the south it’s over for this year. Another fact and observation, we went to the Stevenson Park and we did not see a total of 100 ducks of all species.
Also, I went to one of the big roost spots and where normally ~600 ducks there maybe 50 showed up for the roost.
OK, we are the ultimate optimist for duck hunters like today go in the rain and we saw maybe 10 ducks. OH well, whatelse do we have to do with all of that high tech expensive equipment to hunt these feather birds with. Got to go and use it for our better half will kick our butts if we do not use it after we order it and store it in the house 10 months of the year.
Good luck on the rest of the reason and take this like a man and don’t give up till it over and that’s next Sunday.
Be safe.
Ross

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2007-01-21 21:54]

Posted By:
Bama
Guest

Jackson CO 01-15-2007 17:17
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Well hunted Sunday Monday in Jackson CO.

Great fun but few ducks. Some woodies and Gads. Few mallards and other big ducks.

I would say we have less ducks now then in JULY.

Got a woody and gad. Lost a black duck , good swimmer. dog could not make it happen.

Saw a few geese.

Posted By:
WERD
WFC Sponsor

Alabama River near Montgomery 01-15-2007 08:53
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Duck hunting has been slow for big ducks. I have seen several groups of big ducks, but they don’t want to work. I guess they have been “sky-busted” too many times by people that don’t know when a bird is in range or not.

I have shot a lot of woodies on a regular basis and the occasional diver. Duck and goose activity will continue to be low as long as the weather is warm. Good luck to your guys hunting this week, it should be good with this cold front coming through.

WERD

[Edited By WERD on 2007-01-15 08:53]

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

alabama river north and south of montgomery 01-15-2007 05:42
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
past two weekends hunting river killing limits of woodies with two to three hunters each time out not seeing any big ducks and geese are already paring up

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Guntersville Mid-Winter Survey 01-08-2007 22:30
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
OK the duck survey numbers are in and then really tell the story. Bottom line we are about 45% less mallards from a year ago and only 15% increase since Thanksgiving. So you know why your not shooting mallards. Black ducks are down 70% less from this time last year. Only 74 total.
Canvasback down 87% from last year. Divers numbers have decreased since Thanksgiving so you figure it out. Warm weather makes it hard to work any ducks into the shooting range of a blind. So read the numbers and think about it. It’s too late for any new birds to migrate. Hang in there and keep the faith. Maybe the youth day will be best ever.
First survey number is from 1-3-2007 (mid-winter), second is from 11-21-2006 (Pre-season) and third is from 1-5-2006 (last year’s Mid-winter).
Mallards -1764/1605/3100
Black duck – 74/4/270
Gadwall – 16,951/11,662/16,500
Wigeon – 80/30/806
GWT – 79/75/960
Shoveler – 530/210/640
Pintail – 10/0/80
Wood duck – 0/0/200
Total Dabblers 19,488/13,586/22,556
Redhead – 0/2/45
Canvasback – 142/15/1000
Scaup – 83/320/360
Ringneck – 351/300/1310
Goldeneye – 5/0/20
Bufflehead – 13/10/411
Ruddy Duck – 20/10/60
Hooded Merganser 54/52/390
Total Divers 668/899/3206
Canada Geese 171/175/670

RAM

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson County, Stevenson 01-07-2007 09:17
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Well, it’s slow and whatelse is new.
Here is an report from some of my friends that hunt in Alabama. It’s not worth the drive for me to make from Chattanooga. Kind of sad for we do not have any winters anymore. When you out hunting and never have to use gloves that just about tells one the story.
Be Safe.
Copied from Chattanoogan.com/outdoors.

Jackson County, Alabama
44 Degrees and rising
No wind, Minimal fog
2 Hunters, 5 Hours
Zero Ducks
Ran about 80-100 ducks off of the roost early, set up and waited for them to come back. One group shot in Raccoon WMA about 15 minutes early. Come on guys! One lone greenhead came back about 9:15. Should have had him but waited for one more pass and he didn’t do it. Didn’t see more than a
handful all morning. Very little shooting, heard lots of geese on the river though. Even the divers and Gadwalls that “land out in the middle” were gone. Talked with the game warden and three officers hadn’t checked in a single duck at a little before noon, surveying 3 different WMA’s. They had however checked in 3 coots, yummy. It is as slow as I have ever seen it. We were attacked by ants and mosquitoes and heard frogs most of the morning. Spring has apparently arrived.
L. Lewis, J. Boles

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson Cty. Stevenson Alabama 01-01-2007 22:13
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Well, we need to just give it a rest. Heck I have seen more action in a morgue.
Took out a 11 year old today. Got started about 1pm and did not see much all afternoon. Some ringnecks and one mallard. Birds did come in till after shooting hours eneded. Also above the 117 flat bridge we heard at least 7 volleys that were shooting as late as 30 minutes after hours. You know I have faith in Alabama Conservation Department, but I have hunted this area 7 times this year and 3 of these times have heard late shooting. Really do not know whatelse to say about it except someday I do hope they get caught and have to pay big time. Hard to explain to my young hunting partner today why is not just a law it is a conservation tool to help keep ducks in the skies for future years.
Keep the faith and pray for rain and cold weather to help make this year a good finish.
RAM

Posted By:
Bama
Guest

Rivers other than TN 01-01-2007 12:19
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 40-45 Degrees
Hunted in West Central Alabama one day and in East Alabama another day. Skunked one Day and One woody the other. Not much going on. Glad to get a woody drake to Ring in the New Year right this AM.

May head to North Alabama today to a couple of Days.

Happy New year go kill some ducks and maybe even a goose.

[Edited By Bama on 2007-01-01 12:19]

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson County, Stevenson 12-27-2006 11:23
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
Well, it was a typical holiday routine in Raccoon WMA yesterday. In the four different launch areas I counted 16 boats with 7 walk in cars. WOW! That would be great if the birds were working, but from our hunt of the day one ring-necked. Yes that was it. We left out early due to all of the different hunting groups. I know of only one hunting group that did very well at all. They shot some gadwalls, woodies and ring-neckeds in the early morning. Not to say there are not mallards somewhere in the county, but we sure did not see them. I think we saw a total of 14 all day with none giving anyone of the different hunting setups a second look. The calling by some of the hunters is OK, but I guess when you see the birds not responding you would think they do not want to hear you or maybe see those flashing strobes lights. Really does not matter to me just hope you enjoy the holiday routine season out there and take a boy or girl out and experience the outdoors this year.
Still observe late shooting on this WMA and this is the worse thing that can happen to any duck hunting area. The later you shoot the later they come in. Wake up and smell the coffee everyone for someday you will receive what you reap and have to pay the piper. From my understanding it has potential lost of license for one year so think about it before you shoot late and go before the judge and tell him your weak excuses for we all have cell phones with the correct time. Shooting 20 minutes after sunset is just not smart and there were more than one group playing this game so do not get caught up in the fever. More rain this weekend may help the situation, but without snow and hard freezing weather north of us it will be limited success in our areas.
Be safe and do what is right.
RAM

Posted By:
Bama
Guest

North Alabama 12-24-2006 14:53
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted a few days of late in different spots. Mallards are on many of our lakes. The Geese are getting real wise. Still seing woodies every morning.

The rain will help open up some spots. Should flood some new food ont the WMAs that have any.
Still getting a woodie or two and a Green head or two each day.

We need some Wind and Cold.

Merry Christmas to all you Quack types.

Posted By:
WERD
WFC Sponsor

Alabama River near Montgomery 12-22-2006 10:27
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 60-65 Degrees
Hunted the “pen” hole and shot 2 wood ducks. Saw a couple of “very wary” mallards and one flock of Canadian geese.

Posted By:
Bama
Guest

TN river 12-18-2006 07:35
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 40-45 Degrees
Unreal fog. I was back up in a creek and we could not see Squat until well into the morning. The two of us did get a drake and Hen Black Duck.

Not big #s sure but I just love those Blacks. They had super thick yellow fat.

Yankee birds I would think.

Stayed foggy until almost 11:00

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

montg.co 12-18-2006 05:49
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 40-45 Degrees
hunted sat 3 hunters 2 hoodies sunday 4 hunters 5 geese

Posted By:
Bama
Guest

Coosa/ TN river 12-14-2006 12:45
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 50-60 Degrees
Nothing.Hunted Yesterday and Sunday. Very few birds in the Air. No geese on the move at all. The warm weather will mess up hunting. It will change soon I hope.

Some birds had shown up on the last couple of fronts. Coots seemed to be back near normal levels. I hope they stay and the Greys join them. The “Nice” weather will make it hard.

[Edited By Bama on 2006-12-14 18:50]

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson Cty, Stevenson 12-12-2006 11:45
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Well, the weather should tell anyone the story. It was not a waste of time, but not a productive time to be in the field. Two wood ducks by two guns after all day in the field.
Love being out in the great outdoors, but would have liked to seen some ducks flying. No birds and no birds even after sunset to speak of. Where normally 1000 birds roost, maybe 25 to 50 at upmost.
Get that the Christmas shopping over for hunting will be a big disapointment with the warm weather this week. In two weeks the cold weather is predicted to be back on and activity should be back to normal.
Be safe and wear those life jackest.

RAM

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-12-12 11:46]

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-12-12 11:46]

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson Cty. Stevenson Alabama 12-06-2006 21:20
– – –
Need rain and less colder temps. All the freezes do is push the birds into the river and creeks and I for one do not hunt those too much.
We are dry and need rain to provide more habitat for the ducks. This is very critical for us to be successful in the up coming weeks. The birds will move on and not stay without fresh food sources.
Arkansas is dry again this year and the hunters are paying for it big time.
Had a few reports from Jackson County this past weekend and about the same as the Thanksgiving opener. Woodies and gadwalls in the bag.
This next cold wave may help provide some push of new birds, but most birds seem to be still north of Alabama.
Good luck and be safe.
RAM

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-12-06 21:24]

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson Cty, Stevenson 12-01-2006 08:35
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Steve is correct and yes the Agency is trying to find out who is doing this.
Just cover your back at this time and inspect before you launch your boat.
They also broke the gate above the flat bridge and open the valve up. Valve has been close and gate repaired. Great effort by the Agency to repair so fast.
Bottom line we all need to watch out as a team on this one and report to the Jackson County WMA any items off normal to Jud Easterwood at 256-437-2788.
Last week the agency took many swapped samples of birds looking for the H5N1.
None has been found in the N. America at this time so no worry. Just remember to use good practices when dressing and handling your birds.
The Agency is doing this by request of the USFWS.
Should be a good weekend with the front that has just blown in.
Here are some numbers from last Tuesday flight survey. These numbers are at the normal trend for the last five years. Gadwalls maybe a few low, but when the survey was taken lake level was high and this tends to push birds in different sloughs.
Mallards 1605, Black ducks 4, Gadwalls 11,662, wigeon 30, GWT- 75,Shoveler 210, 0 pintail, scaup 350, ringneck 300, canvasback 15, redhead 2 bufflehead 10, hooded mergansar 52. This is from ~ Hwy. 79 in Scottsboro to TN state line.
Regards and be safe.
Ross
Ross A. Malone
Hixson, TN 37343
Volunteer Ducks Unlimited
Regional & CPC Chairman

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-12-01 10:00]

Posted By:
atlwaterfowl
Web Member

Jackson County – Racoon Creek 11/24-25 11-30-2006 21:47
– – –
Great to get out last Friday and Sat. Lots of woodies. Ok guys, for those that hunt around Racoon Creek WMA, be advised. Somebody is out to mess with us hunters. As we came in to the boat ramp with my good hunting friend and our 2 sons (who we were introducing to the sport, they did not hunt with guns, just learning the process)my partner notice roofing nails and tacks spread all along the boat ramp and we noticed them all through the gravel lot. At first we thought that someone had an accident and accidently spilled some nails from their vehicle but after a few adults and kids picked up a pound + of nails or so, it is pretty obvious that someone wants to mess with hunters. From what I remember there was some vandalism in the area last year. Ross if you read this, maybe let the management folks know about this. It is a shame that someone would try ruin an outing. Was kind of interesting trying to explain to an 11 year old why someone would do this? If any one wants clarification on this then pm me.
Oh yea, folks in Racoon creek remember to be courteous of hunters that are already set up and also do not be quick on the draw at someone if a group of hunters are just trying to make their way by you to get to another destination either by boat or foot. As long as ducks are not flying no one is really hurting the other.
Be safe
Steve

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

montg. co 11-27-2006 05:42
– – –
sat am 4hunters killed 5 gadwalls sat pm 2hooded mergansers and 1 ringneck

Posted By:
Bama
Guest

River 11-25-2006 19:33
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Nice day for fishing on the opener and second day.

1 Drake mallard made a mistake.

Saw few woodies. Some Geese and Mallards.

Oh, well next week we can get after them.

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson County, Stevenson 11-24-2006 20:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Well, the season has opened and from the sound of things (lots of shooting) the first hour or two it was kind of a successful start. From all reports seems to be a good start. Wood ducks, Gads and some teal seem to make up the bag. Some big ducks were bagged. Water levels seem to be OK for the most part. Thanks to last week rains. Now we just need that cold front next week to push some new birds in for north. Will hunt in TN for the season opener tomorrow. Hope everyone had a safe and great Thanksgiving.
RAM

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-11-24 20:12]

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson Cty. Stevenson Alabama 11-22-2006 22:44
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Well, less than two days away from the season opener. Raccoon Creek should be pumped up and ready. It was about a foot down on Monday, but the Agency was pumping. The river was high last week, but will be back to normal winter level by Friday. The high river provided good pumping conditions this year not like last year. Do not have pre-season duck count at this time. Bottom line if your going anyway does not matter what the numbers are.
If you were in the area last week scouting beware the river will be almost two feet lower. Also, there are no entry rules on the WMA’s till midnight tomorrow so don’t get caught scouting and spooking the ducks off the WMA’s.
Good luck, be Safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-11-22 22:47]

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-11-23 09:31]

Posted By:
CFGadwall
Guest

11-20-2006 12:51
– – –
Mike,

I hope you were joking about killing 2 gadwalls the other day. The season does not open until Friday the 24th.

I read a report that a bunch of kids from a high school up on the Tenn River were discovered hunting Saturday (on a WMA at that) and were quite surprised when they found out the season did not open yet. I wish it had been the game warden that caught them, dumb asses.

Posted By:

near goose pond 11-19-2006 15:48
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Hey guys
I was in scottsboro hunting this morning in a cove off the river near goose pond.I seen lots of ducks for this time of year, I am sorry I can’t give any more info due too work calling me back home.It looks like it might be good year.The water seemed to be up but I have not checked in to it yet.Well we will see what happens next weekend.

[Edited By Mike-HesterAL on 2006-11-23 12:39]

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson County, Stevenson 11-12-2006 20:31
– – 40-45 Degrees
Howdy Sport Fans,
Less than two weeks to pop a cap at our favorite past time, duck hunting.
Just a note to let you know that ADNCR are in the process of pumping Raccoon Creek WMA.
The Guntersville Reservoir level is high for this time of the year. This high water level is helping efforts to pump up Raccoon WMA. However, this river level will not continue. TVA is trying to dump water and obtain winter levels on all of the lakes. Go to the following address for more on TVA lake levels. Copy and past the following: http://lakeinfo.tva.gov/htbin/lakeinfo?site=GUH&DataType=All&submit=View+info

Also, Wannville WMA is flooded holding several wood ducks at this time. The water level at Wannville depends on the Guntersville reservoir that is controlled by TVA.

Reelfoot lake in west TN had a OK season opener yesterday with a lot of birds staged just north of the area. For more on this survey go to
tn.ducks.org
Arkansas opens next weekend with a lot of good reports across the state that will be a nice season opener. Kentucky will open Thanksgiving day and hunt for four days then close and reopen on December 4.

Take your dog out for a test run it’s T-11 days till the opener in Alabama.
Be Safe.
Ross
Ross A. Malone
TN Volunteer Ducks Unlimited
Regional & CPC Chairman

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

11-05-2006 20:55
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Well, it’s about that time and we can all use a brush up on etiquette before the season starts. This was copied from the DU webpage.
Ross

Etiquette for Hunting Ducks on Public Areas

In many respects, hunter etiquette can make or break the quality of shooting on public areas. If all hunters would observe the following rules, ducks would work in tighter, shots would be closer, and the pleasures of this sport would be more widely shared by all. Everything you learned in kindergarten about getting along with others applies in the duck blind, too.

Don’t encroach on someone else’s spot. If they got there first, go find another hole.

Quit calling when ducks are working another hunter’s spread. If he has their attention, let him have them.

Don’t be a sky-buster. Avoid taking shots that are at marginal range. Sky-busting is unsporting, and it results in too many cripples that aren’t recovered.

Don’t block boat ramps or parking areas any longer than necessary. Be ready to launch with all your gear loaded in, plug installed and straps undone when it’s your turn to launch.

Be respectful of hunters in boats with less horsepower than you have. When passing another boat, ease around it with as little wake as possible. Don’t shine a spotlight in another boat driver’s eyes.

Don’t violate a friend’s trust. If he takes you to a secret spot on a public area, don’t go back there without his knowledge or permission. And never take others there.

Remember that the Golden Rule certainly applies to hunting on public areas. In all regards, treat others as you would like to be treated. Such respectful behavior will translate into better hunting and greater pleasures for all who must share an area.

By Wade Bourne

Posted By:
mstone
Guest

10-30-2006 18:50
– – –
Ross, that doesn’t suprise me one bit. The Agency down there was shortsighted years and years ago in their decision to let people hunt all day, everyday. In most states that have quality hunting, that condition simply does not exist.As far as the people breaking the law down there, that is a local subculture. Before I ever started hunting there, I always heard that evenings could be the best time. Well, when outlaws shoot the feeding and roosting areas until well after hours,who couldn’t kill ducks. The sad thing about that is, the local wildlife officers knew it was happening. If they really wanted to catch somebody, they could have. Sorry, I’ve heard them too many times.

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson County, Stevenson 10-19-2006 21:40
– – –
Well, if you have not heard check out the website for some new shooting times in Jackson County Alabama WMA’s.
They have opened the season back up to all day hunting seven days a week. I for one agree with this idea for we tried the Monday-Thursday half day closures with no changes that were observed by many hunters and some hunters were hunting all day reguardless of the law. I observed on three different days guys hunting in Raccoon and Mud Creek all day. Too much for the Agency to enforce.
I hope they have closed the valves and gates to catch some of this rain we have had the past few days. Last year several of the units never did fill up, for it was a very dry year.
Also, crops are average if that. Not much quality food. The farmers in the county had a huge soybean crop failure and lots of corn did not make for summer drought. This could be OK for it means the priviate clubs do not have a lot of food to keep the birds sitting tight near the refuges. The more the birds travel for food could mean a good thing unless it turns off real cold and the birds have to leave out to find new food sources.
Bottom line is get your dog out there and start getting them in shape. Don’t even think you best friend in the blind can go our and hit it hard without some training.
Be Blessed and get ready for time is short.
Ross

http://www.outdooralabama.com/hunting/land/wmamaps/Jacksonwma.pdf

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-10-19 21:44]

Posted By:
hiballer211
Supporting Member

Gator HUNT PIC!!!! 09-25-2006 12:27
– – –
Here is a pic of a gator we took at Lake Blackshear, GA last week. He was 10.5 Feet long and weighed in at a little over 500lbs.

www.livinitoutdoors.com

[IMG]http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c173/hiballer211/gator1.jpg[/IMG]

Posted By:
hiballer211
Supporting Member

Livin It Outdoors 09-25-2006 01:59
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Hey,
I just wanted to let everyone know about a new hunting show on t.v. called Livin It Outdoors

Iam on the show if anyone has any questions…..

“LIO” TV currently airs onWRJM MY67 (UPN) out of Montgomery Alabama at 10:00am Saturdays July 2006 to December 2006. Coverage area is 18 counties in South Alabama.

“LIO” TV will air on The CW (UPN) out of Dothan Alabama at 9:00am Sundays starting October of 2006 to March 2007. Coverage is 8 counties in South Alabama and South West Georgia.

If everything goes as planned we will go national around this time next year…. Until then please watch the show and checkout the website and let us know what you think…….

www.livinitoutdoors.com

Posted By:
Dr. Skillet
Guest

Mobile 09-20-2006 06:58
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Is there anybody hunting in Mobile Bay for teal?
I need to read about some killin’ in a bad way!

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

09-18-2006 05:39
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saturday 15 doves sunday afternoon 15 doves

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

09-13-2006 05:48
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dr. skillet i wish more people would post up more in the early season

Posted By:
Dr. Skillet
Guest

Tallapoosa Co. 09-13-2006 05:41
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Killed 3 Canada Geese as they came into roost. Should of had more but poor shooting hampered our efforts. Have not seen any teal up here but that is not unusual.

FYI R-N-TMS, We shoot Canada Geese not Canadians(people), I have been reprimanded by my Canadian friends for this too many times not to pass it on! Keep up the posts at least someone out there is doing some hunting. We are going to our lease in Ark next week for Teal, I hope there are some still around.

Dr. Skillet

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

montgomery co. 09-11-2006 05:41
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
3 hunters we had a few blue wing teal i killed 3 bwt it was my first bwt

[Edited By r-n-tms on 2006-09-11 05:42]

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

montgomery co. 09-06-2006 05:47
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
killed 20 canadans saterday moring 12 sunday and 7 monday we had six hunters

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

08-30-2006 06:03
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is anybody going to hunt early season for geess and teal

Posted By:

none 08-13-2006 07:23
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I was getting my duck boat out and found some things that needed to be done to it. The season is coming up soon, I would check all your stuff before it gets here. I thought this might help any of you remember that forgot to do something last year.

Posted By:

07-26-2006 18:52
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Hey guys
I was in Scottsboro getting a few blinds fixed and saw alot of geese near goose pond.
I didn’t go to scout for ducks but I did give them a good look see as they went by.
I am looking for the season to start soon.
I also have been getting my decoys painted and rigged before its time to go.It keeps the dream alive until opening day.My oldest daughter will go duck hunting again this year, I hope you don’t leave a child at home
thinking they won’t like it.Pass the sport on .

Posted By:
hiballer211
Supporting Member

Auburn Alabama N W T F Banquet – March 23rd 03-09-2006 20:52
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Auburn N W T F Banquet – March 23rd

——————————————–

The Auburn Chapter of the N W T F will hold its annual banquet on Thursday March 23, 2006 at the Best Rental on South College St. in Auburn…..

Doors open at 6:00, Dinner at 7:00 Auction & Raffle will follow Dinner.

If you are interested in attending, please consider pre-purchasing tickets as there is a strong possibility the event could sell-out prior to the banquet.
For tickets you can contact me via pm or at my office at 334-329-1116.
Thanks
Marc Holmes

Posted By:
atlwaterfowl
Web Member

02-15-2006 10:02
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Ross,
Great story on the youth hunt, Good job!!

Posted By:
LuckyTiger84
Guest

Abasolo,Mexico 02-13-2006 20:55
Cloudy, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
6 slayed 127 ducks(one banded bluewing drake), 94 wild Quail, 427 mourning doves–all in 3 days! Thanks to Rancho Alablanca!! On to the Tuckeys-yea!!!

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Raccoon Creek WMA 02-11-2006 20:52
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 35-40 Degrees
Well, when you take an eleven-year old out for his first ever duck hunt one does not know what to expect, but today’s experiences were all superb.
Alabama youth day has always been a good one for me and today was no exception. On Alex Baker’s second shot he hit a super greenhead out of the air and I was so happy all I could say was great shot, excellent shot, great shot. Samantha, my black lab, made an excellent retrieve. We did not have a boat today to get the ducks, and the water was way too deep for me to wade out to it. Our lab loves to work for us, and she is worth every dollar I have ever spent on her.

What a way to start off on your first duck hunt with a big old greenhead. It was not long after that 6 mallards were working and when one made a move closer to the decoys I did not have to say anything, for Alex took aim and fired. He hit the hen mallard hard and the then the second shot went off and you saw the duck’s head move back. Well, I knew Alex had hit the bird and we continued to watch as it flew off and then it fell out of the air like a wet bag of sand. A lung shot I told him. This is when pellet penetrates the ducks lung and it fills with blood and it dies.

We were well on our way for a limit three shots and two ducks. As the day went on the ring-necks, redheads, gadwalls, shovelers, and even woodies all escaped the wrath of Alex. We started missing and never did find the winning rhythm to down another duck. I know he hit another one or two, but not hard enough. He was kind of sad, but if we bagged a duck every time we shot then the resource we all love may not exist. This is part of the ball game. We can’t hit a home run every time out, but we got to keep swinging and thank God for the good memories on the good shots. This is what keeps us going back for more.

I have been around a lot of great young hunters, and today was no exception. This young man is made of the right stuff and it makes me happy to know we are going to pass on the legacy and stewardship of the sport we love in such good hands. When we share the passion with the youth of tomorrow, it does the heart good. Keep the faith and until next year, it’s crappie fishing and turkey time.

Ross A. Malone
Volunteer Ducks Unlimited
Regional & CPC Chairman

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

N. Alabama 02-01-2006 21:05
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 40-45 Degrees
Well the season is done for us big boys and now its time for the young guns.
Just wanted to remind everyone that this Alabama youth hunt is next weekend February 11-12. It’s NOT this weekend. Don’t want anyone to get caught out there with the kids.
Be safe and take a kid out to enjoy the great outdoors.
RAM

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

geridge ar. near stuttgart 01-31-2006 06:04
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
hunted 1/27 1/28 1/29 this was my first trip to arkanasa it was great three hunters killed three limits friday moring and filled a few each time we went but the best was sunday afternoon 30 min. before shooting hours a pair of mallards came in and i killed the drake and he was banded that was my first band it has been the best season for me here in al.

Posted By:
benlowe
Supporting Member

SW GA 01-30-2006 08:26
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Well it is over except for a weekend trip to Arkansas for the Snow Geese. It has been a good year for me and my buddies. I personally killed atleast one duck on every hunting trip. Most days limiting out on woodies. Also got a few mallards and a huge hooded merganser. It has really been a fun year and i am already thinking about next year.

If anyone is interested in going on a snow goose trip in feb. email me at
lowebe@lee.k12.ga.us and i will give you some info.

[Edited By benlowe on 2006-01-30 08:26]

Posted By:
wigeon55
Guest

Coosa 01-29-2006 13:14
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1/28 My last hunt for the season..Had a knot of Hooded Mergansers buzz by passed them up to tight afraid I would get a extra one or two…Thats was it alot of Geese still flying…Picked up the decoys had 4 wood ducks fly over…It was a decent season didn’t get alot of birds but enough to get me wanting to get more next year…The first couple of weeks of the season was great alot of birds but as the seaon went on the hot weather made them decoy shy and weary..Alot of Birds Mallards and Gadwalls still around just hunted hard…Look forward to next season may it be better..Post up on results this State posr are a lil sad…

Posted By:
LuckyTiger84
Guest

01-29-2006 12:11
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Going to Abasolo, Mexico Feb. 8-12. Hunting ducks and quail. There limit is 20 ducks a day- of whatever species you want to kill, lead shot, no plugs required. Been going in the early fall to shoot whitewings and then ducks/quail in the winter.Hunt with my friends at Rancho Alablanco-an Alabama based outfit.Check it out at Ranco Alablanca.com
Will give report upon returning.

Posted By:
Last Shot
Guest

01-28-2006 18:59
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SUCK IT UP BOYS! Tomorrow is IT! I flipped a coin about going in the morning and why not. Time to pick up the decoys and start dreaming about next season. AND, we always do. We always will: It’s part of being a duck hunter…
We will look back and start second guessing why we passed on that bunch of birds or why we did not stay in the blind for just 10 more minutes while that big flight of ducks that showed up while we are packing up for the day.
Good, bad, or indiferent. We will all meet here next year. God Willing.

Thanks Waterfolwer.com
Last Shot

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson County, Stevenson 01-26-2006 20:37
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Well, the past two days have been OK as things go. Bagged a couple of gads yesterday. Still lots of ducks in the area. Lots of canvasback on the lake and several are being bagged. Going back for the next two days and then I will give it back to them for about 8 months or till teal season.
I want to remind everyone about Youth weekend that is coming up and old man winter is headed back before February 11-12
Our DU chapter in Chattanoogan takes a couple of kids out each year and it’s a blast. You’ll watch thinking you can make every shot, but let me tell you the kids will surprize you and humble you at the same time. Check the waterfowl guide for rules and regulations, but share the passion and pass it onto our future generations.
It’s also time to clean out the wood duck boxes, so get a Boy Scout troop and have at it. WE got more boxex than every to clear out this year. About 80 total so give something back to the conservation message and enjoy the great outdoors with a boy or girl.
Be Bless and good luck for this is the last weekend for several months.
Ross

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-01-26 20:40]

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-02-01 21:07]

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-02-01 21:08]

Posted By:
Last Shot
Guest

North east Alabama 01-26-2006 19:49
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Lots and lots of water & very few birds. What birds we have are very scattered.
We did have one smokin’ afternoon. We watched geese start to rest on our place for 4 to 5 days. By the 6th day, we had over 100plus honkers roosting. We patterned them, they would start coming in around 4:20 in the afternoon,
Six hunters = full limits within 20 minutes. Could have tripled a dozen times.
Had 3 dogs chasing crips & the rest of us picking up big geese.
Lots of fun but we knew it was a one time bust! Well worth the wait.
Other than that, super slow.
Can’t complain, 1st half of the season was exceptional. Our place went to #@$@ after new years.
Sad but true, It’s time to get on with life after duck season.
It’s just a mere 6 months before we start working on blinds.
Turkeys, crappie, shell crackers & bass. There is a God!

Thanks waterfolwer.com

It’s not over but it’s darn close
See in the fall
Donny Mac

Posted By:
WERD
WFC Sponsor

AL River NR. Montgomery 01-25-2006 15:56
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Had a good morning. As usual we saw a lot of wood ducks and got some shooting in. No big ducks, STILL! We had two Canada Geese come in on a string and got them both. Hopefully, the next few days things will improve, but I have been saying that all season.

Later,
WERD

[Edited By WERD on 2006-01-25 15:56]

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

montgomery co 1/21 1/22 01-23-2006 05:40
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
saterday morning goose hunted did not see anything sunday three hunters on a farm pond we killed 6 redheads 1 canvasback hen and 2gadwalls it was a good day i am going to stuttgart for the last weekend

Posted By:
wigeon55
Guest

Coosa 01-19-2006 09:26
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If you want Geese there are PLENTY got 2 that was all a few Ducks flying before shooting time and a few after stayed far away…I am done will go the last day of the season to go but now I am going to stick to chasing deer and do some fishing…Been a fair season….

Posted By:
wigeon55
Guest

Coosa/Guntersville 01-16-2006 14:39
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1/12 Hunted on the Coosa had a good hunt Foggy had several Geese fly over scratched one out..And got a couple of Mallards…Had to leave early because they are dropping the water fast and didn’t want to get stuck on the flat..

1/14 Hunted Guntersville had a fair we didn’t kill anything had several groups of Cans give us a look but stayed out a lil to far for me to shoot but for them nope..Alot of Birds but very Decoy and Land Shy…Had a good time…Alot of Cans and Bluebills around..

Posted By:
r-n-tms
Web Member

montgomery co 1/14 1/15 01-16-2006 05:49
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
saterday am three hunters saw ten redheads killed one hen 15-20 widgons they would not work the deeks saw around 100 geese sunday am two hunters. hunted a new goose pond had ten come in killed our 4 it was a good weekend for hunting

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Guntersville Duck Survey 01-13-2006 15:34
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I have a correction on number of ducks for the reservoir.
Total ducks 26,202 with Dabblers at 22,556 and divers 3,206 + Mergansers 390, and unidentified 50. This is a normal mid- winter survey count. Coots at 33,900. That’s a mess of coots.
Hopefully this weather will make the birds move. Good luck.
Ross

[Edited By Ross-Malone on 2006-01-13 15:36]

Posted By:
wiregrassducks
WFC Sponsor

lake seminole/southeast alabama 01-11-2006 17:01
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 40-45 Degrees
Well so much for the cold we were to get this past weekend! Hunted Seminole, Plenty of canvasbacks! Finally found a great little Bufflehead and teal hole. It was wrapped up, too bad I couldn’t hunt it. Florida waters…no liscence! Other than cans..Seminole really is done for the year.
The local guys found the hole and were blasting it up the next day.
Tried to hunt this morning. Should have slept in. One woodie. Sorry guys…I’m lokking forward to turkey season. The ducks as a whole are over in the south.

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Guntersville Duck Survey 01-10-2006 20:14
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OK sports fans here is some breaking news.
Talked to ADNRC and the duck survey numbers were very good last Thursday on Guntersville Reservoir. Puddle ducks were at 26000 and Divers were at 3200. Gadwall numbers were at 16500, 3200 mallards with ~1000 GWT and less than 100 pintail. Lots of ringnecks and many Canvasback make up the divers.
Now for the facts. The birds are staying on the refuges and will continue to stay unless we have lots of rain or cold weather. We can forget any cold weather for the next 19 days. Long range forecast could change, but it tells us Old Man winter is long gone. So maybe rain will show up. It seems that the birds may stay around, but several reports of the warm weather species are moving north: GWT, Pintail, and Wigeon. Time will tell the story and hopefully it will be a safe one for each of you with lots of birds in your bag. Hunt hard and take a boy or girl out in the great outdoors. Remember Alabama waterfowl youth day is February 11-12. FYI-Tennessee youth day is February 4-5. Check your state webpage or call the agency for complete regulations.
Ross

Posted By:
Last Shot
Guest

North east Alabama 01-10-2006 17:36
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
4 hunters= 2 mallards, 2 gads, 5 teal.
Hunted a little secluded farm pond. Checked it a couple of days ago.It had 150 teal, 50 big ducks and 50 ring necks resting on it.
Eased in this morning & had good time missing teal screamimg by.I have no idea what happened to all the big ducks. Very few showed up for the party.

Posted By:
wigeon55
Guest

Coosa 01-09-2006 17:37
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
1/09 Hunted this morning in the honey hole had about 70 Geese come out but stayed away from the decoys a few mallards and that was it everything has been hunted hard and very shy..I had 6 mallards out and 4 geese and did light calling..Had a Hen Hooded Merganser buzz in the decoys let her go…There was alot of Birds roosting on the water this morning but they get up wat before light…I am done for the year..It was a washout…

Posted By:
Ross-Malone
Guest

Jackson Cty., Stevenson 01-09-2006 13:07
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Hunted in Raccoon Creek WMA last Friday and did not fire a shot. Did not hear more than 5 shots being fired all morning. Unbelievable! The weekend reports that I received did not fair any better.
I just got back from a Kentucky trip made this weekend. Bottom line birds are moving back north toward the freeze line and snow melt. After this week of warm weather the birds will be hitting northern tier states with no reason to return south. With thaw and duck seasons closed and no pressure in these states why would you go south or stay south. Beside we are so dry how would mommy duck looking for invertebrate to eat find any with this drought? It’s been a good season till now, but I would suggest we just start our crappie fishing and turkey scouting early.
Be Safe.
Ross