Author: Webmaster

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Stratford 10-25-2009 17:32
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
Took my son and dog up to the Stratford Firing Line above the reserve hoping the geese would be on the lake and that they would fly over when it was time to feed.

Found about a dozen other hunters up there as well hoping for the same outcome. As daylight broke we could see there were probably 12,000 to 15,000 Lesser Canada Geese on the lake, less than usual for this time of year and far less than the 30,000 birds expected this year.

When the birds did get up they unfortunately did not come our way. Nobody on the firing line got any birds this day.

Hopefully more birds will be on the way to this area soon – and hopefully a few will fly over the firing line for the hunters that make the trip here.

If nothing else – the view was great and it was a pleasant way to watch the sun come up!

John Kruse Northwestern Outdoors Radio www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Potholes Reservoir 10-25-2009 17:25
– – –
Just finished producing my radio show for next weekend. The topic – Fall waterfowl hunting and fishing at Potholes Reservoir.

A link to the Intro portion of the show is below. Enjoy!!

http://www.fishingandhuntingreport.com/audio/18/northwestern-outdoors-duck-hunting-edition-intro

John Kruse Northwestern Outdoors Radio www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Potholes Reservoir 10-23-2009 10:09
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 50-60 Degrees
Opening Weekend Report:

Set up Duck Camp about a mile and a half south of the Job Corps Dike in the north end of Potholes Reservoir with my son and best friend for another year of Duck Camp.

Found the place we wanted to get to (on public land) had a large blind built on it – probably a week earlier based on the dying foilage – could have gotten into a *$%*ing match and set up camp there but decided it wasn’t worth the hassle and moved to another spot a couple hundred yards away.

Our new spot turned out to be a teal hole – our group shot 9 birds over two days, 6 of them being green-wing teal. The other spot we wanted to get (with the hunters showing up right at shooting time every morning) appeared to be pretty good, with the hunters probably bagging about 20 birds over 2 days to include a fair amount of mallards.

The late opener and previous cold spell meant some changes. More flocks of teal, less pintail than I saw during the youth hunt, small groups of mallards and a good amount of wigeon.

Two other hunters on opening day gave me a report about a mile south of Crab Creek. They did well – bagging a limit of wigeon and teal.

Coming out on Sunday around 11 AM we saw absolutely no other hunters set up on the water – an indication of fewer hunters this year and probably less success as well for the ones that remained.

Goose numbers (locally) were low but there sure were alot of sandhill cranes cruising around at different elevations. We actually were woken up at 3 AM by a low flying flock that came over our tent!

Fished the next couple of days on Potholes Reservoir. Hunting pressure appeared to be low – based on the amount of shooting heard and the few boats trading back and forth in the dunes.

Fishing – by the way – was slow for walleye and bass but they are out there. We saw the results of the annual WDFW netting survey at Mar Don Result. Crews put out 10 nets for 24 hours in the Reservoir before pulling them and emptying them at Mar Don Resort. The result – 262 walleye – including lots of big, fat ones!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Centra Wa 10-23-2009 09:21
– – –
This coming weekend is expected to mild and I have already seen a reluctancy of the birds to move much. There was a weak cold front that moved through Wed, AM then most areas became very still and temps in the 60’s. This may be what happens this weekend as well.

Cold front is moving through Fri. late in the day followed by high winds overnight possibly extending into the AM. After that Sat should be partly sunny and calm followed on Sun. by possible rain showers and highs in the 50’s.

Not very conducive to duck movement but on the upside the diver numbers are very strong for late October. We have one more week to watch for the Bluebills before we can shoot em. Cans and Red Heads are in some areas so don’t be suprised if they buzz your spread.

Watch the wind.

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Skagit Area 10-21-2009 12:26
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 50-60 Degrees
Nothing short of a great opener this year in Stanwood. Actually got up and into the field with time to spare…must be getting old. Tons of hunters out but all seemed to respect space and distance. A true mixed bag of Teal, Mallards, and Pintail. There were a few Widgeon but yet to see their full arrival. Day two saw only one other group of hunters out compared to the 20+ boats on opening. It will be interesting to see if the local birds vacate the area this weekend. Also had good reports from hunters farther north. Hope you all had safe and successful openers and continue it this weekend. A little over a week before I make a rare trip to the eastside to hunt at Eagle Lakes.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

???????? 10-16-2009 12:01
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 50-60 Degrees
Well if your heart isn’t pounding by now then you must not be going hunting this weekend. The weekend we have all been waiting for since the end of last January is here. I will be heading out on the south fork of the Stilly on Saturday and points unknown Sunday. Final preparations will be done tonight since I won’t be able to sleep anyway. Don’t forget to triple check your gear and good luck to everyone wherever you may hunt. Ahhhhh I love the smell of a two stroke outboard and a wet dog in the morning!!!!

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Potholes Reservoir 10-15-2009 22:09
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
DUCK CAMP 2009!

Heading to Duck Camp again for 2009! Two days camping in the dunes in the north end of Potholes Reservoir followed by two nights at Mar Don Resort. No TV’s – No work – Just duck hunting and fishing for four days! Can’t wait!

Weather forecast is highs in the lower 60’s – lows around 40 – for the weekend. Cloudy with an off chance for a shower or two. Could be worse (you know…like the 17 degrees it was in the Basin last weekend).

Good luck to all on Opening Day – I’ll let everyone know how it went in my portion of Potholes Reservoir when I get back!

John Kruse Northwestern Outdoors Radio www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Central Wa. 10-15-2009 10:02
– – –
Bird numbers are pretty good in most spots. Might have even had a recent influx over the last week or so.

Rain in the past few days may lead to patchy fog in valley’s near big water. Shouldn’t be too cold.

good luck.

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Garage 10-07-2009 14:05
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Great to hear that you got your boy out John!
A few more comments from the west-side. Expect a large showing for Snow geese this year. It is reported that the hatch was huge and that young birds will make up almost 40% of the numbers which should make for some great decoy shooting…just don’t shoot the decoys. Also if you are planning on going after the snow’s make sure you have your harvest report card (as I stated in an earlier report…it is different this year). Also different is the quality hunts. Contact your local WDFG office for details if you entered the drawing. Even if you did not get drawn there are open days to hunt the units…but only if you entered the drawing. 10 days until it is actually a pleasure to get up before 6:00.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Potholes Reservoir 10-04-2009 11:43
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
A late posting on this year’s youth hunt. I got the opportunity to take my 12 year old son out for his first duck hunt.

Not too crowded out – only two other parties of hunters in the area. Birds were moving pretty well from shooting time until we packed up around 9:30 AM. My son got his fair share of shooting and we got a gadwall in the bag thanks to a nice retrieve from our lab that is almost as old as my son.

The usual suspects were present – teal, wigeon, gadwall and mallards. I saw a few more pintail than usual but only one small group of geese.

We did get a treat of seeing three sandhill cranes fly right over the decoys about 25 yards up – something I’m not used to seeing. Other wildlife included pelicans, herons and lots of egrets.

Duck numbers appeared to be slightly down. This is consistent with a report from WDFW Biologist Rich Finger. His assessment of hunting in the basin (Courtesy of the WDFW Weekender Report):

“Opening weekend of waterfowl hunting in the Columbia Basin should offer good numbers of mallards, teal, wigeon , and gadwall , Finger reported, even though overall duck production in the district was down about 25 percent this year. “That will primarily affect early season hunting,” he said, “since the peak number of migrant waterfowl is usually in December. Regardless, there will be local birds available on the opener, including some wood ducks concentrating in stands of flooded Russian olive trees in the wasteways.”

Finger said hunters using the Winchester Regulated Access Area should be cautious about pintails , which can be abundant there early in the season. Only two of the seven duck daily bag limit can be pintails.”

Less than two weeks to go before the opener. Looking forward to it!!

John Kruse
Northwestern Outdoors Radio
www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

High 5’s 09-30-2009 17:01
– – –
So how many high 5’s are okay on a hunt until it’s too much? I suppose it could be a ‘real men of gienus’ commercial. You know the one guy that high five’s too much or screams really loud when he shoots every bird.

Don’t get me wrong, a mild celebration or acknowledgment of a good shot or a rare bird or a band is understandable, but jumping up and down for that hen teal you just killed may be a bit much.

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

The Garage 09-29-2009 14:07
– – 50-60 Degrees
OK no more procrastination!!! We are now under 20 days until the big day. It is time to fire up the boat motor, untangle the decoys and wash them up, and get your gear together. A reminder to also get those life-jackets/PFD’s out…I saw more than one person get turned around at the boat launch last year…having them is the law and they enforce it over here on the west side.
I went out and stood in the wind and rain for a few minutes last night…the early moments of fall were great to see. If anybody still needed someone to say it is ok to start getting “Ducky” then I am saying it! Good luck in all your preparations as it too is an enjoyable part of this way of life that we call **waterfowling**

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
perro
Web Member

colorado 09-26-2009 19:43
– – –
I know what you mean. I’d like to see a how to series. Were people in different parts of the country show you how they get it done. Wither it is big water divers in Minnesota or the Columbia river tidal flats.

I guess I want more then some azs sitting in a wheat field in Alberta with his robo duck.

Doug

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Hunting videos 09-24-2009 11:16
– – –
Like many, I watch too many hunting videos and they all seem to be the same any more. I am beginning to loath the ones that shows all the hunters getting up at o dark thirty and loading their gear or setting up the spread in front of the headlites. I can do without the part showing guys walking toward the camera at the end of the hunt or spending 5 min. in every chapter listening to guys talk about the hunt I just got done watching. I don’t need to see guys cleaning birds, picking up decoys or empty shells. I don’t need to see the picture out the car window on the 10 hr. drive.

I’d like to see a video of duck and goose hunting. I’d like to watch the guys work birds with a good spread and decent calling. I’d like to see segments that don’t go on for ever. I like to see the country side and birds flying in mass. They don’t have to be shot at, but don’t show the same thing for 7 min. It would be really nice to see a hunting video of hunting and not listen to the guys in the video talk about them selves or the shameless constant plug for the sponser’s. Some guys use the name of the video’s sponser as if it were a conjunction.

Maybe this kind of production isn’t out there but if there is one, I’d like to know about it.

-Hugh

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

weather 09-22-2009 10:59
– – –
If you can get your hands on the latest issue of DU there is a good article on weather and ducks. Starts about pg. 66. Nothing new but worth reading.

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

General Info 09-10-2009 16:37
– – –
Just a quick note to remind you all to read the regs this year…as many of you know and as Hugh stated Cans are back in the bag and two Pins to boot. If you are a Snow Goose gunner then you need to get your free authorization/report card when/where you get your Lisc. People are reporting that in an effort to save $ the state will not be sending them out to those who had them last season. Hope this helps some of you…but there are some more inportant changes noted in the pamphlet…give it a look.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

E Wa 09-03-2009 10:30
– – –
For better or worse….here we go again.

Getting the fever? Prolly with the dove opener we all start to scratch a little and over the next 6 weeks we’ll be forming scabs waiting to hunt.

Central Wa. seems to be in good shape for ducks and geese. My unofficial review of ponds and bird numbers seems to be at least normal if not slightly above. Ducks have really started to show up in the Yakima Valley over the past 10 days too. Hopefully the youth weekend will provide good chances for those hunters.

The US Fish and Wildlife survey shows strong numbers for nesting birds and broods that use the pacific flyway. The statement from one biologist was that numbers are as good as he has seen since 1986. That is reflected in increased Pintail limits and getting canvasbacks back on the harvestable list.

Maybe the long weekend will allow you to shake the dust off the decoys and take inventory of what you may need to get. Starting now may be better than the traditional Oct. 16th panic of what you need. Of corse if you work in the Kent School Dist. you have a little extra time to put the hunting gear together.

Don’t forget the bug spray.

-Hugh

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

09-02-2009 15:53
– – –
Well 47 days and counting!!! Time to clean up the decoys, pattern the guns, start blowing the calls and tuning up the dog. Be sure to check the new regs for some changes this season. The summer was great but I am ready for the rain, wind, bitter temps and shooting birds. Try to get some sleep in the next few weeks because nobody wants to be late on opening day.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Closing Time… 01-22-2009 11:23
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – –
Well…the fleeting moments of another hunting season are upon us. I will happily end my season as I have for the past several years at the legendary and fabled San Juan Farm hunting club in Sequim with close friends…just the way it should be. It has been another amazing season marked with great sunrises, great shooting and most importantly great company. The most notable event was the return of my cherished hunting dog Abbey, back from a potentially career ending ACL injury. (I have a great Vet if you need one) Also there was the safe return of a great hunting buddy who was serving in Afghanistan, great to have you back Cannon. Sure there have been seasons where I have harvested more birds but for so many reasons the seasons just seem to be getting more and more memorable.
Thank you to those of you who take time to read my posts…I have enjoyed my job as a field editor and hope to continue as long as the site will allow. Thank you also to my fellow field editors, Hugh and John, from the Eastside for encouraging me to do this…I have enjoyed reading every one of your posts. To everyone, enjoy the offseason and be safe. If you are like me the countdown to next season begins at closing time Sunday.
All the best,
Mike

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Not sure… 01-16-2009 11:16
– – 45-50 Degrees
Well the end is near I am afraid. Over here on the Westside the floods have really put the stopper on the bonanza we were having during the cold snap. Unless you have great access to flooded fields or that honey hole nobody knows about, you are struggling like the rest of us. Still there is no way of keeping the true waterfowler from the hunt for these last two weekends…dare I say it…one final week. Savor it my friends, take time to enjoy the sights and sounds and smell of the marsh air…it is always a long wait for October.

Schireman

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 01-02-2009 18:45
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Slowly drove to the Columbia Basin this morning after we got another couple of inches of snow last night.

First stop was Winchester Wasteway, which was frozen in several places – to include the general area around the Dodson Road Access Area. After a short hike to confirm there was no open water in the area I headed down to Frenchman’s Wasteway and hiked a couple of miles through the fresh snow with my lab for the better part of the day.

Almost zero ducks flying, though there were a few geese moving about on this non-goose day. I did jump a few mallards (less than half dozen) and a small flock of bufflehead. Peppered one of the mallards that my lab retrieved and missed my first attempt at the buffleheads. Fortunately, they were not too bright and came right over me for a second attempt so I could make up for my first gaafe. Missed the drake but got a hen.

Drove over to Mar Don Resort and found things to be quiet, likely because Potholes Reservoir is now frozen. I was able to talk to one of the owners (Marilyn Meseberg) who told me their guide service has been doing great field hunting for geese with limits every day.

Weather was sunny, no breeze, and as I said, precious few ducks. I suspect most of them are on the Columbia River or further south.

Happy New Year to all!

JK
www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Quil Ceda Marysville 01-01-2009 21:04
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
Happy New Year to all!!!! The hunting on the Westside has been epic for a lack of a better word. The snow and cold weather pushed the birds to the bays…and WOW were they there. This kind of hunting made everyone feel like a champion caller and every decoy spread was perfect. Now that the weather has changed the birds have scattered, with most heading for the standing water of the valleys. Best of luck to everyone…finish strong and enjoy every moment…I know I have.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Open Water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 12-25-2008 02:55
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Well, the weather man has delivered all that we asked for this Christmas. The bays are flooded with a mixed bag. The Snows’ are everywhere…I have done my best to cancel migrations. The duck hunting is at its pinnacle. As some of the old timer’s have said…this type of hunting only comes around every ten years or so…so get it while it is hot. Temps are due to change so get out there and enjoy.
All the best to you and yours…Merry Christmas and happy holidays. A special thank you to all those I have spent this year in the blind with and those I wish I had (R.W. Cannon…your seat has been saved).
Let’s finish it strong folks!!!
Take care,
Mike Schireman

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

The Bay/River of your choice!!!!! 12-16-2008 15:12
Arctic Blast – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
Well here we go ladies and gentleman…the weather has changed!!! Time to move out of the fields and on to the open water with the birds. The bays will be the places to be in for the next week or so. As my counterparts on the eastside have stated in their reports…be careful out there…and watch your dogs (if you decide to hunt them) for the first signs of trouble. Enjoy the scenery and those northern birds…it is what we have been waiting for.
Mike

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 12-16-2008 09:37
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Below Zero
The bird counts/report may good on the numbers, but with this intense freeze the distribution has already changed. mallards and pintails look to be making short trips between open water and grain. Up to 3 times a day, and not feeding for very long before getting back to water.

In the last 3 days I have sen Blue Bill and Red Head numbers increase in the rivers. The only water that is going to be huntable is going to be moving water or very warm spring fed pools. With lows below zero not much will remain huntable. I have, for the first time ever, seen irrigation ditches with running water freeze up! I’m not too sure I want to subject me or my dog to -3.

4-8 inches of snow is forecast for the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin on Wed. Remaining very cold with lows below zero through Sat. Snow is expected again on Sun. Frostbite occurs within 5 min on exposed skin, including a dogs nose. Bundle up.

-Hugh

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 12-10-2008 21:19
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Cold weather could make things interesting this coming week. As waters ice up the wasteways and canal ditches with running water along with spring fed ponds may be good bets along with field hunting.

Here’s the latest waterfowl report from the WDFW – hot off the press!
___________________________________

WDFW waterfowl specialist Mikal Moore of Moses Lake reports strong numbers of ducks in the Columbia Basin, although not as many as last year at this time when conditions were more wintery. Ducks, especially mallards, are heavily concentrated on reserves such as the Winchester Wasteway, northern Potholes Reservoir and portions of Moses Lake, particularly on the north end near the mouth of Rocky Ford Creek.

“The Frenchman and Wanapum reserves aren’t holding as many birds because there’s only about 30 percent of normal ice cover for this time of year in those areas,” Moore said. “Columbia River waterfowl hunting is not great, at least not for the diving ducks because they’re still so spread out.”

Goose hunting, on the other hand, is excellent. Moore reports reports that geese are using corn stubble, winter wheat and even alfalfa throughout the Basin’s agricultural lands, where hunters need to secure access permission from private property owners.

“Without snow cover, the geese are not concentrated in any one area,” Moore said, “so it takes some scouting to be successful.” Moore noted WDFW’s Corn Stubble Retention Program has acquired “Feel Free To Hunt” access to some private lands in the Basin and maps are available at the northcentral region office in Ephrata (509-754-4624, 1550 Alder St. N.W.)

“Conditions for waterfowl could – and probably will – change dramatically in the coming weeks,” Moore said. “With snow and colder temperatures, more birds will come into the Basin and be concentrated in more areas.” Watch for new postings of North Basin Waterfowl Surveys on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/eventopp/events2.htm .

Access to about 2,500 acres south of Potholes Reservoir may be closed through Dec. 16 while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to restore Columbia National Wildlife Refuge land damaged by fires this summer. The closure covers lands west of Marsh Unit 1 and the Falcon Lakes, south of O’Sullivan Dam, east of Corral Lake and north of Upper Goose Lake in Management Unit 1. Some land north of Upper Goose Lake and around Corral Lake also is included. For up-to-date information on closures, call 509-546-8300.

Big game (deer, elk, black bear and turkey) hunters are reminded to report harvest within ten days of a kill or, if unsuccessful, by Jan. 10, 2009, to be eligible for special hunting permits next year. All big game hunters must submit hunting reports by Jan. 31, 2009. See page 15 of the Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations pamphlet for all details.
_____________________________________

Good luck hunting!

JK
www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 12-09-2008 09:26
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Bird numbers still decent in the basin. Goose numbers way up in most places. I have seen an influx of Canvassbacks in the past week. Be sure to ID correctly.

Winter weather is expected beginning Friday in most of E. Wa. Possible snow showers Sat through Mon. Temps cold but not bitter. Upper teens for lows but highs not getting above freezing.

Didn’t seem to be as many hunters out last weekend. Might be a bit of the typical post-Thanksgiving lull. Hunter numbers usually stay light from now until the week after Christmas when it picks up a little bit.

Dress Warm
-Hugh

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Snohomish Valley 12-01-2008 11:51
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Sorry I have not been posting but busy days have kept me out of the blind for a bit. I did get a chance to hunt the Snohomish river valley this past Sunday. LOTS of birds working down the valley. They seem to be heading out just after shooting and headed toward the bay for the day. Still very mild here and we are in dire need of a cold snap…sunglasses and light jackets should not be an everyday part of your hunting outfit. If I had the time I would be heading to the east side of the mountains. Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day.
Mike

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 11-25-2008 11:05
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
Birds have redistributed over the past few days with the colder weather. Sounds like there has been a complete bug out from Ellensburg and it is feast or famin in the Yakima Valley. The basin is holding birds better, but the fog is a factor with the continued inversion which is expected to continue through the long weekend. It may help to check the DOT road cameras in the area you want to hunt to see how long the fog is hanging around. It is likely to get thicker as the inversion progresses.

Tried my new layout boat for the first time this past weekend. Certainly a different experience to be able to hit the bird with the barrel of the gun as easily as shoot them.

Happy Thanksgiving
-Hugh

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Snohomish County 11-19-2008 12:52
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Well the birds seem to have stayed inland as there is plenty of standing water left after the flooding we have had. The bays were nearly void of ducks in my area but it sounds like it was better up north towards Skagit. This lull in birds is fairly typical for this time in the season and should start to turn in the next few weeks. It appears that we have some rain and wind on tap for Thursday so hopefully it signifies a change…yes, wishful thinking! On the upside, I woke up to a heavy frost today on the truck. Keep your fingers crossed and your calls ready.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

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Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 11-19-2008 09:29
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
The weather is turning to more faverable conditions. The stagnant air will be replaced over the next few days by wind and possible rain showers. Temps won’t be too severe with lows still in the mid 20’s. By Sat the calmer weather may return then fog and still conditions by the first of next week. This may be a window to catch the birds moving.

For those looking for Red Heads, the Wells Pool is reported to be packed with them. With the Red Heads comes the Canvassbacks so be careful with the identification, particularly @ first light. You don’t have to have a boat to get em. If you really want to try just get yosef some GHG Red Heads and either put 10-12 on a long line or drop your single decoys in a straight line away from the shore. You can mix in some Can decoys too. Needless to say the river is your best chance. Put you farthest decoy @ 40 yards from where you will shoot. Not 40 yards from the edge of the water. Don’t expect them to decoy too much unless they are in the mood….. they are rarely in the mood. It will likely be pass shooting. Be patient and take them INSIDE the farthest decoy. Many will pass outside and if you shoot at all of em you will educated them quickly and not have much success. They aren’t just a morning flyer either, you can stay all day if you wanna try it. If you haven’t done it before, give it a try, especially if your other options are a little slow right now. If you want a lot more detail, give me a PM and I probably give you more than you want to know.
-Hugh

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 11-17-2008 10:52
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 40-45 Degrees
Birds seem to be enjoying themselves in the calm weather. Not much reason to move. Seems that the numbers are on the rise…definatly more geese in the basin over the past 5-7 days. More clouds and fog on Sun. produced much improved shooting chances. The scaup and Red Heads reacted to the call very well (which isn’t always the case if you have ever hunted divers much). The wife had two doubles and the dog had to swim for 19 of the 21 birds. Needless to say they both slept like a baby…the dog snores louder.

The fog is getting thicker every day and taking longer to burn off. Typical inversion. Rain is possible by Wed. and unsettled weather is expected by weeks end, should get rid of the fog. Temps aren’t as warm as last week but still not normal Nov. Lows in the upper 20’s highs in the upper 40’s to lower 50’s. Seem to be fewer hunters than normal, maybe they are staying closer to home. They usually show in force on the Thanksgiving weekend. Those few days are usually pretty entertaining.

-Hugh

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 11-13-2008 09:27
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Over 70 Degrees
High temps in the 70’s isn’t really duck weather but the rain and wind certainly is. Birds in the western basin are sitting quiet but there are a good number of birds around. I saw the first Goldeneye’s this past week which often indicate southward movement. It looks like a lot of the rain and wind is on its way out and may likely be followed by fog, possibly persisant in some areas.

Recalling past fog periods the best seems to be early fog lifting by mid morning. Seems birds fly as the fog lifts. Fog also indicates calm weather which we have been experiencing a lot of over the last couple weeks.

The Yakima valley sounds to be uncharacteristically slow. Few geese and intermitten ducks. We are still in for bird influx as I am sure there are many more to come through. The wigeon numbers have grown dramatically over the past few weeks, probably more than any other species.

We’ll see what the next few days brings.

-Hugh

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Potholes Reservoir 11-12-2008 13:51
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 40-45 Degrees
Veteran’s Day Report:

Was surprised to see (and hear) not too many people hunting the northern end of Potholes Reservoir on Veteran’s Day.

Weather was the type only a waterfowler would love – rainy, windy and low clouds.

The birds flew well and I had several flocks of widgeon and mallards come into my decoy spread. Unfortunately, either my dog or I ended up being outside the blind on several of these occassions, so what should have been close to a limit of birds in hand was substantially less by the end of the day.

The birds kept flying until 9 AM. Shooting from other hunters was sporadic throughout the morning. No other hunters in my area so I had no one to interview on the way out.

It appears there are some northern birds down – but I don’t think the majority of them have arrived at this point.

Continuing stormy weather could make for good hunting in the Columbia Basin!

JK
www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Fir Island 11-11-2008 22:54
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Well the birds had a reason to move inland to the flooded fields and that is exactly what they did. Skagit bay area was fairly void of ducks…but fair numbers of Snows and Lessers. On Sunday we braved the swollen river and saw amazing numbers of ducks moving out of the fields and back onto the big water…and heading south towards Snohomish County. We have continued to have good rain and some fairly good winds for those who can get out during the week. Be careful on the rivers this week and weekend…they are already tricky and the high water brings new hazards that weren’t there earlier in the season. I also want to thank all veterans on this Veterans’ Day…your sacrifices are not forgotten.

Get back safely R.W. Cannon….we miss you on the hunts.

Mike

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

E. Wa 11-07-2008 10:20
– – –
Off and on showers are expected through the first part of next week. With all the water in the air and the cooler temps, I am expecting very low clouds and fog possibly persistent at times. With all the low spots in the basin the fog could be in some areas and not others. Plan accordingly.

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Stanwood 11-05-2008 12:59
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
The weather finally changed but we have yet to see a major change in birds. The Widgeon are plentiful and a fair number of Mallards…nice big birds, few teal and no real sign of the wonderful Pintail yet. The coast and inlets saw some decent wind and rain that really made you feel like you were duck hunting. There is talk of heavy rain through Saturday morning which could cause minor local flooding. This could be good for those who like to field hunt and will undoubtedly help the low morning tides.

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 11-03-2008 09:36
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 45-50 Degrees
Good numbers in many parts of the basin. Strong limits over the past three days. Birds are thick and healthy. Big fat layers on many. Mallards numbers seem particularly high. Got lucky and we got a banded drake red head in the bunch too.

Weather is turning colder and wetter in E. Wa. Cold front moving through Mon. and Tuesday. Rain through Tuesday AM. then again Thursday. Snow expected at pass levels by Mon. PM.

Come getcha some.

-Hugh

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 10-31-2008 13:29
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
The first influx of new northers have arrived in parts of the basin over the past 4-5 days. Large flocks AM and PM are in select locations. The draw back is that they are only moving short distances from feed to water and back. Most of what I have seen are roosting in protected areas then moving. Flight times are fairly short in duration. Hard to scout when they don’t show you what they are doing for very long.

Shooting should improve here shortly.
-Hugh

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 10-29-2008 09:36
– – –
The first significant change in weather is expected this weekend in E. Wa. Clouds and possible rain Fri.-Mon. with lows in the low 30’s and highs in the mid. to upper 50’s. No significant wind is forecast but with this expected disturbance may come some winds to move them. In addition, the jet stream looks to be setting up to turn north in the Pacific then dip south in BC which offers a chance to initiate the migration. Let’s see what the next few weeks bring.

-Hugh

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Fir Island 10-28-2008 14:24
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
I finally got to hunt with my Uncle Frank this weekend, the one responsible for introducing me to this sport and exposing me to some amazing days in the field. We more or less scouted since the weather has not made the change to “ducky”. We headed to Fir Island to find an amazing number of Snows and a few Canadians. They were moving nicely between the refuge areas and the bay from around 8:30 on. There was very little duck activity along the shoreline with doubles and foursomes but no large groups. The season is early and the weather is good for scouting and enjoying being out there and the conversations with good hunting buddies. As waterfowlers we are not the norm. We wait and hope for rain, wind, and snow…and we wake up early to greet it!!! The weather will come, it always does and so do the birds. Enjoy each day in your pursuit and remember that sometimes it is not about how many birds you get but about the people you get to be with that make for the greatest memories.

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 10-24-2008 10:51
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
We seem to currently be sitting in between the shell shocked locals sitting tight and the fresh birds influx. With this nice weather extending into the foreseeable future (7-10 days), we will have to wait our turn. There are some areas with short morning flights and others with almost none. Birds seem to be sitting on small water enjoying the sun…can’t blame em.

Yakima Valley reports sound to be the same. I’m sure in a few weeks we’ll be cussing the cold, but we dearly need the jet stream to turn south to force birds into the region.

Watch for changing water levels in ponds and streams now that irrigation has been shut off in most areas.

-Hugh

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Skagit 10-20-2008 21:23
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Hit the South Fork of the Stilly again this Saturday. I am seeing a good variety of birds including teal, mallards and widgeon. There was very little pintail activity which is normal for this time in the season, but was glad to see some larger groups of widgeon working in the latter part of the morning. Tides were better this weekend but want to remind people new to boating in the Skagit area that the tides move quickly there and there are many shallow areas well out in the bay…don’t get caught napping, or pack a lunch.
Fairly good number of snows however they have only begun to arrive. Some people have had success hunting off the river. Rumor has it that the snow hatch was down by almost 20% but a good return on veterans who made the full trip last year. Fewer juveniles and greater numbers of crafty season two flyers means larger spreads and better calling…they have issued their challenge. As is being reported on the east-side, we need a change in the weather. Today was ducky with wind and rain which is better than nothing…but nothing major in the area of temps for the foreseeable future.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 10-20-2008 09:37
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Weather isn’t much help. Indian summer and no cold or jet stream to push birds down to speak of. Mostly locals hanging on, but there may be some new birds trickling in. There seems to be a slight increase in Wigeon activity in the region. The Moses Lake area seems to be very bird active, particularly on the western region.

Hard to tell when birds are willing to decoy or just flying through any more. I have seen a lot of wishful shooting in the first two weeks of the season. Guys shooting at 100 yds or more. Back in the day….if you heard a lot of shooting it meant that birds were decoying and the shots were reasonably close. Any more it seems that a lot of shooting only means birds are flying…who knows how close. As the weather gets colder and the roads get worse and the days get shorted, the knucklehead hunters tend to drop off. Looking forward to that time. The long range forecast, however, doesn’t indicate that poor weather will get to E. Wa. any time soon. The beautiful fall with its mild temps is expected to continue through next weekend. Highs in the 60’s and lows in the mid to upper 30’s.

Travelers should take advantage of the great harvest going on in E. Wa. Apples are coming down now and road side stands are busting with earths bounty. Take 10 min. and getcha some.

Also, beware the Indian John Hill rest stop will be closed in the near future for repair. Refer to the DOT web site for detail. Maybe Indian John is enjoying the Indian Summer.

Chin up and carry on….and would it hurt to let em get a little closer?

-Hugh

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

North Columbia Basin 10-18-2008 22:48
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Rolled the dice and hit the firing line above Stratford, hoping to get lucky on some Lesser Canada Geese.

Things looked good early on. There are over 30,000 geese stacked at Stratford Reserve, to include a 100 or more snow geese an a few specklebellies.

Unfortunately, there are few places to shoot from. There is public access north of the reserve and south of it on hills above the lake. If the geese go over you on the way to feed – or back – you are in for shooting. If not, you get to enjoy the sight of lots of geese flocking and flying to places other than over you.

Only a few scattered flocks flew over hunters this morning. I was on the south firing line with 10 other hunters and my son. I only got one shot at a goose some 50 yards off and only one hunter on the line scored, tagging two geese. Most of the birds that did fly our way seemed educated, flying out of range.

A nice way to spend a morning – though it would have been nice if there would have been a few more geese flying our way.

If you can do some scouting and find out which wheatfields the birds are flying too – get permission from the owners – and be there the next morning – it could be some good hunting for the next few weeks until these birds scatter throughout the basin and to points further south.

John Kruse
www.northwesternoutdoors.com

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 10-15-2008 21:23
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
OPENING DAY REPORT:

Set up Duck Camp south of the Job Corps Dike at the north end of Potholes Reservoir for the opener. A fun weekend and I enjoyed having my son along for his first duck camp but boy…it sure was cold in the morning! Woke up Sunday morning to a hard frost and was grateful for a pre-shoot campfire.

Saw a few more people this year. Hunting was a mixed bag. I observed more flocks of mallards and teal, but there seemed to be less widgeon, gadwall and pintails. Two of us only managed 5 birds in two days, though my poor shooting definitely contributed to that low average.

Talking to others I found similar success. Another two hunters also downed 5 birds in this area over two days and a group of three hunters only managed 6 ducks on Saturday.

However, WDFW Biologists doing checks reported a slight increase in hunter success as well as hunter numbers this year, with waterfowlers bagging 2.8 birds per hunter on an opening day survey.

Finally, buy a some goose loads. Good numbers of Lesser Canada Geese are in the Upper Basin now.

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Sagit Bay 10-12-2008 20:31
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
What a great feeling to be back chasing the birds. I hunted the South Fork of the Stilly north of Port Susan. Some resident ducks including Widgeon, Teal, and Mallards. The early Snow Geese are here. Don’t forget you must obtain written authorization from the state to hunt them and record your harvest on your card immediately after taking possession of the bird. I also heard of limited success in Snohomish County both in the bays and in the valleys with morning action and birds returning late in the afternoon. I must say that what seems to be a yearly event on opener around here, I saw some very poor displays of hunter and boater/fisherman ethics and etiquette. Hopefully they are the once a year folks.
Enjoy the break, catch up on your sleep, and hope for some real hunting weather!!!!

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

[Edited By mike-schireman on 2008-10-12 20:33]

[Edited By mike-schireman on 2008-10-12 20:33]

Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor

Heading to Skagit 10-10-2008 15:45
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Well the moment we have all been waitning for is upon us! I’m heading out early for a good seat for the boatlaunch circus:)Safe hunting and straight shooting to you all and I will try to post early in the week. Looks like bluebird conditions with very light wind. There seems to be plenty of local birds and hopefully the chill in the air will get them moving.

Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Central Washington 10-08-2008 22:24
– – –
The Latest WDFW Forecast – from their Weekender Report:
______________________________________

WDFW waterfowl specialist Mikal Moore of Moses Lake predicts an average year for waterfowl hunting, which opens Oct. 11. In the Columbia Basin, the waterfowl capital of eastern Washington, that’s good. “While local breeding mallard counts were up 10 percent,” she said, “wetland conditions in southern Alberta were not conducive to early duck production. However, some late spring precipitation after the May survey in Alberta may have resulted in a successful late-hatching cohort of ducklings. Columbia Basin farmers have set the table for migrating ducks and geese with record acreages of wheat and corn. Now we just need the weather to cooperate and keep that food available for the birds when they show up.”

(WDFW Biologist) Rich Finger says that judging by the arrival of early migrants, duck hunting should be good for the opening weekend. “Waterfowl migration typically peaks around mid- to late-November in the Basin and, like last year, we have plenty of grain corn to keep them around as long as deep crusty snows don’t drive them south,” he said.

______________________________________

I’ll be camping on an island at Potholes Reservoir again for the opener and am taking my 11 year old son to “Duck Camp” for the first time. Should be fun – but Hugh is right – it looks like it’s going to be chilly in Central Washington with lows at freezing and highs around 60 degrees.

Good luck on opening weekend and be sure to post how you did!

John
www.northwesternoutdoors.com

[Edited By John-Kruse on 2008-10-08 22:27]

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 10-08-2008 09:51
– – –
Scouted the greater western CB last weekend and found duck numbers a little light. Weather is changing dramatically and colder weather is making it’s presence strong. Lows in the mid to low 30’s and freeze warnings are up for fruit growers.

Stay warm and post up.

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Central Wa 09-25-2008 13:32
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Cooler temps have caused a lot more bird activity through the Basin and Yakima Valley. Birds are taking to wing early and late in the day over the past few days. Dove are still fairly active in spots and I hear the res. is still very good in spots.

Quail numbers look to be very strong in most of E. Wa. and that season opens Oct. 4th except on the Yak. Res.

If you’re looking for last min. materials for the opener check out craigslist. Decoys, clothes and boats are starting to show up regularly.

-Hugh

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Central wa 09-12-2008 11:10
– – –
Well, I didn’t think I was gonna do this again but I’ll give it a try and see how it goes. Hard to believe that one of the top water fowling states has dwindled so much from what it once was on this website. I realize it isn’t the people that post here that are the problem, but the management of WFC that the problem lies with.

Anyway, here we are on the brink of another season and just like any new season hopes are high for some fine times and memories ready to be made. As I read on other states boards there are some folks that like to go on and on, while other are pretty tight lipped. Needles to say Washington hunters trend toward the tight lipped end of that spectrum. You always have to take the things written on line with a grain of salt, but those that have been around a while, or those that you know aside from WFC, you can judge more fairly. Hopefully those that would like to add to the discussion of hunting and the aspects that surround it will be willing to truthfully share this season on this page. It’s a fine line between bragging and informing sometimes. Nothing wrong with showing photos and sharing stories, but I’d like to see an increase of information in order to see trends. I don’t give, and wouldn’t expect, detail to a spot where a guy is doing well or has the potential of doing well. Just the general region, like “Moses Lake” or “Columbia River between point A and point B” or something like that. Or an observation of bird activity like “no AM flights” or “lots of birds an hour before dark” These kinds of reports can be helpful without giving up any detail. So my attempt will be good, general info. as well as weather forecasts for the region I am in a lot, change of bird activities and any other topics of interest that may be useful. Hope you can join in.

The biggest change this year looks like the elimination of the Can season. To a guy like me it’s disappointing. I usually get between 10 and 15 a year. I’m sure now that it is closed I will have hundreds in my red head line.

The bird numbers in Central Wa. looks very strong. Geese are taking wing in the early morning at a dramatic increase over the last week or so and with a lot of irrigation still running the ducks are easily seen all over. The youth weekend should be pretty good with a little effort put in before hand. Blue wings and even some Cinnamon teal are around and if the temps stay warm a guy may luck out even in mid to late Oct. Overnight temps are getting very cool with possible record lows in the tri cities this coming week. Daytime temps are still in the upper 80’s and low 90’s Gas prices are dropping just in time for all the driving we have to do. Now is a good time to clean up and get things ready to roll. Less than a month to put it all in order. Good luck.
-Hugh

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Washington State 08-11-2008 20:33
– – –
WDFW Establishes 2008-2009 Waterfowl Seasons.

Portions of the WDFW News Release issued moments ago!

JK
http://pacificnorthwestoutdoors.com

________________________________

LYNNWOOD – Waterfowl hunting opportunities will be similar to last year under seasons adopted by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission at a meeting here Aug. 8-9.

Under the 2008 waterfowl seasons, the statewide duck hunting season will be open from Oct. 11-15 and Oct. 18-Jan. 25. A special youth hunting weekend also is scheduled for Sept. 20-21.

As part of the hunting package, the commission closed the canvasback season this year and delayed the start of the scaup season until Nov. 1 to address population declines for those species. Special limits for hen mallard, pintail, redhead, harlequin, scoter and long-tailed duck will remain the same.

Goose hunting seasons vary by management areas across the state, but most open Oct. 11 and run into January 2009.

The goose and duck hunting seasons approved by the commission, which sets policy for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), are based on state and federal waterfowl population estimates and guidelines.

Posted By:
westsidequackwacker
Guest

01-26-2008 00:08
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
temps in the teens and low 20’s perfect!!!
last days of the season.big fat greenheads and big bull sprig good luck all

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 01-25-2008 15:28
– – –
Last kick at the cat looks like cold temps will be slightly moderating through the weekend but snow may well be on the backside of the weekend. Most water, except the rivers, are locked up tight. Birds are concentated in groups so it seems to be feast or famine.

Bundle up and stay dry.

-Hugh

Posted By:
birdk9
Web Member

Umatilla-Plymouth-Columbia River 01-21-2008 00:30
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted Washington side Saturday and Sunday. Lots and lots of birds in the area. Ducks and all kinds of geese, light and dark, all up and down the river. Birds were moving all day Saturday and slowed down in the snow and aftermath on Sunday. The river and side channels were open. All the small water away from the river was pretty much solid.

River back to Portland still holding large numbers of birds on Sunday afternoon. Big rafts of divers up and down the river. Goose numbers were best way out east.

Good luck the rest of the season.

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 01-18-2008 10:09
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Temps are cold and getting colder. Ice is not only on ponds but roads and boat launches too.

The birds that are around are big and fat. Doesn’t seem to be too much flight right now. High pressure and little wind. Seems that Gadwalls have shown up in parts of the basin in good numbers.

This weekend, Jan. 18-20 sportsman show at TRAC in tri cities. The one in Yakima at the Sundome in Feb. 15-17.

Stay warm and dry.

Posted By:
westsidequackwacker
Guest

north sound to ridgefield 01-17-2008 19:27
– – 35-40 Degrees
hey all only a week or so left to go lots of birds here on the westside have been killing limits all season long lots of sprig and wigeon around and mallards are pleantyful..lots of bluebills golden eyes and scoters out in the nisqually..good luck all in the last closing days!!!! shoot em in the beaks!!!!

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

WESTERN WASHINGTON 01-09-2008 21:24
– – –
WDFW NEWS RELEASE

WDFW seeks nominations to fill positions
on waterfowl policy group

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations to fill four open positions representing western Washington on its Waterfowl Advisory Group.

Established in 2003, the 20-member volunteer group represents a diversity of waterfowl recreation and conservation interests throughout the state and provides recommendations on duck stamp habitat project proposals, season recommendations and other waterfowl management issues. The policy group also serves as an important communication link between WDFW and its constituents.

The group, which is structured to represent both sides of the state, is currently seeking members to fill four recent vacancies representing western Washington. Each term, which is renewable, lasts two years.

To be qualified, advisers should have a broad interest in waterfowl and be able to communicate effectively with the public. While the advisory group meets twice a year, members are also asked to periodically provide comments on written materials. Due to WDFW budget constraints, advisers are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Any group or individual may submit a nomination, including self-nominations. Nominees do not need to be affiliated with an organized group. Nominations must include:

The nominee’s name, address, telephone number, and email address.
The nominee’s affiliations, if any.
Experience, including years and type of experience.

The name, address, and telephone number of the individual or organization submitting the nomination.

Nominations must be mailed by Feb. 15, 2008 to Don Kraege, waterfowl section manager, WDFW, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, Wash., 98501-1091.

For more information, call Don Kraege at (360) 902-2522.

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 01-09-2008 12:47
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
The past few weeks in the basin has been good and poor depending on which day you are out. It seems apparent that the ducks are spread out over a large area mostly concentrated in the North PH reserve and farther north along the Columbia and south toward he Tri-cities. The weather has been fairly consistent with the exception of a few windy days. The past few days has seen a lot of snow in central Wa. and if it covers up enough crops the birds may move and concentrate.

Birds have moved in and out of many areas fairly quickly over the past six weeks. Even the “legal” baited corn complexes have seen numbers fluxuate.

The forecast with snow on the ground is for snow through Thursday then cooling temps with clearing skies. Possible snow again on Sat. Highs in the low 40’s and lows in the low to mid 20’s. Roads are crappy, be careful. Any hopes of frozen water opening up may be limited now with a blanket of snow on top. Birds are still around, just being cagey.

Here is an easy one worth while trying. Get a packet (about $1.10 @ Safeway)of McCormick’s pulled pork seasoning. Follow the directions for pulled pork on the back of the packet. All you need is catsup, brown sugar and vinigar. I used red wine vinigar. Substitute goose or duck for the pork. After you have let it cook in the slow cooker over night and pull it apart with forks, be sure to put it back in the slow cooker for another hour or longer. Very good and very simple.

If you didn’t see the news on the kid that got shot hunting geese in Toppenish on Sun. it was a little frustrating. One kid (17 or 18) shot another while the shooter saw something move in the bushes. Shot his partner in the face at about 30 yards. Happened about 5 PM. According to news reports no charges will be filed…..Why? Shooting after shooting hours, reckless endangerment? and a few other options. If the news reports are correct I don’t understand the lack of charges. It will continue to happen if there isn’t a penalty for dangerous behavior. Maybe I’m too black and white.

Any how, hope you have some success the last 3 weeks.

-Hugh

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Central Washington 01-04-2008 00:15
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
SNOW AND COLD MAKES THINGS INTERESTING

Spoke with three local guides as I prepared my weekly radio show (The Great Outdoors – KPQ 560 AM – Wenatchee). Here’s what they had to say about Central Washington Waterfowl Hunting:

Jerrod Gibbons – Okanogan Valley Guide Service – Jerrod reports goose hunting has been good this season but fresh snow is making things more challenging. He recommends looking for uncut grain fields and orchards in Okanogan County. If you find those, you may well find geese feeding in them.

Jeff Zender – The Columbia River Water-Fowler – Jeff says duck hunting is pretty good on the Columbia between Brewster and Wenatchee. He noticed there are fewer redheads and canvasbacks being taken this year, but on the bright side, there does seem to be a healthy population of wigeon available.

Levi Meseberg – Mar Don Duck Taxi – www.ducktaxi.com – Levi says fresh snow and ice has some ducks heading south and others congregating on the open water still available. Goose hunting has been consistently good all season and should stay that way in a couple of fields Levi and his guides favor at this time of year.

I don’t have any reports from McNary or Umatilla NWR but suspect these places might be worth a look given the weather here in Central and NCW Washington. All of these guides are quality ones (Yup – I’ve been out with all of them) but some only have a few openings left for this season so you may want to contact them sooner than later if you want a guided hunt.

Good luck!

John Kruse
http://pacificnorthwestoutdoors.com

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Home 12-25-2007 01:29
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

I also hope everyone has a great new year and good shooting for the last part of the season. Nice to hear things are going well from the posted reports. Work – and a book I’m writing – have kept me out of the field for a month now. Definitely need to get out again!

JK
http://pacificnorthwestoutdoors.com

Posted By:
mossberg-mudhen
Guest

Brewster 12-22-2007 20:26
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Awesome hunting. Lots of birds and a lot of guys out moving them around. Snowed all morning we were able two scratch out two limits and a goose a piece. Mallards, widgeon and lots of divers. My young year old chocolate lab Samson made his first goose retrieve and several duck retrieve. It made my day and he liked the snow. I will be hitting Lake Roosevelt tommorrow.

Call…Decoy…Lead…Pull…Follow through..Retrieve…Clean..Eat!

Posted By:
mossberg-mudhen
Guest

Brewster 12-19-2007 23:16
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
Great day on the water! Lots of Redheads, and Widgeon. Action all morning. All three of us limited but no geese flying. Dogs enjoyed the retrieves as did I.

Call…Decoy…Lead…Pull…Follow through..Retrieve…Clean..Eat!

Posted By:
Kwack Wacker
Guest

Res. Yakima Valley 12-18-2007 13:39
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
good bird movement Sunday morning, was just not where they wanted to be, seemed to be lot’s of Gads pushing through and the front of the diver push.

We’ve got it all figured out for Sat. morning and I think we will limit as long as the birds don’t get ran out with this cold.

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

columbia Basin 12-17-2007 13:27
– – –
Well, as it ended up, the snow and ice that were predicted never showed up and the Indian John Hill rest area opened up on Fri. PM. That’s what I get for listening to the news.

The birds were kinda quiet. had to work harder than normal. Sun the flights in the western basin were were very quiet for mid Dec.. I ended up getting a hen and drake Ruddy in the mix. Didn’t think they were around in Dec.

3 or 4 weather systems are expected to move through this week. Possible snow every day. Temps in the mid 20’s getting up to the mid to upper 30’s. Not a lot of melting expected of those frozen ponds. Fresh birds would help.

Leaving for a few weeks. Have a good Christmas. Hope the Hawks are still playing when I get back.

-Hugh

Posted By:
Kwack Wacker
Guest

RES. 12-15-2007 19:52
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
we got 13 today jumpshooting, mallards, wiegeon, teal. shot 7 for 7!
deccent # of birds in valley not where we were at this morning, heard good reports in other spots that I will hunt tommorow.

Posted By:
Kwack Wacker
Guest

Yak valley 12-14-2007 13:55
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
the snow tonight is great for our morning program on a private drain ditch!

Good luck this weekend, there is PLENTY of birds on res. and if ya got open water you should be well in business!

[Edited By Kwack Wacker on 2007-12-14 13:55]

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 12-14-2007 12:14
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Much small water is frozen throughout E. Wa and with the good number of birds around there should be good opportunity since the birds will have fewer choices. I have seen the pattern of late day flights over the past week to 10 days so for those of you that do the Patrino and leave before it’s over, might be missing the best part of the hunt.

I saw the red plane, like many of you over, the last weekend doing the bird counts, and reading the results of those counts I have to raise an eyebrow. I’m sure they did the best they could with the limitations that were acknowledged in their report, and I know these are only the birds visible at the time of the flight, but I know for a fact that there are far more divers and wigeon in the basin than they saw in their fly over. On Sunday, the plane flew over me in a snowstorm at which time I could hardly see my decoys. It had to be impossible to get an accurate count. What I’m saying is that don’t let low numbers in the area you want to hunt discourage you. The numbers are still strong in the basin.

What may discourage you is the weather forecast for snow and freezing rain for the span beginning Fri. PM and continuing through Tuesday the 18th. Allow extra time for travel and associated delay. For those of you traveling over Snoqualamie Pass, be aware that the Indian John Hill rest stop is closed both directions until Dec. 17th because of water pipe repair. (odd time of year to do this). Be sure to take care of business in North Bend, top of the pass, Cle Elem or Ellensburg.

-Hugh

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 12-13-2007 11:47
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
WDFW PROCLAIMS – THE NORTHERNS HAVE ARRIVED!

Here’s some news from the North Central Washington portion of the WDFW Weekender Report published today. This should come as no surprise to those who have been venturing afield lately:

“NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON – HUNTING:

“The northerners have arrived,” said Mikal Moore, WDFW waterfowl specialist in Ephrata. Recent winter storms have moved ducks and geese from Canada into the Columbia Basin, providing opportunities for waterfowl hunters.

The last aerial waterfowl survey of the North Basin by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and WDFW was conducted Sunday, Dec. 9. Moore said surveying is usually scheduled during the week to avoid weekend hunters, but weather conditions forced the Sunday flight. Randy Hill, USFWS wildlife biologist, said some hunters may have been initially annoyed by the survey plane’s low passes that day, but bird movements ultimately created additional opportunities for hunters.

The central basin and the lower Columbia River pools were surveyed, but deteriorating weather and potential for fog cut the survey short for Banks Lake and the Columbia River from Grand Coulee to Rock Island. “We feel fortunate to have a partial December survey after being weathered out the last two years,” Hill said. “And the northerners have indeed arrived.” Five survey locations had more than 25,000 mallards, and three others topped 15,000. On the Sunday survey, the ducks were concentrated at reserves and three non-hunting lakes and/or flooded cornfields. Notable was a lack of wigeon, although much of the river was not surveyed, said Hill. “Divers were found mainly on the two Columbia River pools and totals are well below normal because the surveyed area on the river was limited,” he said.

“We still have lots of Canada geese in the area, although the survey doesn’t reflect that,” Hill said. Large flocks were moving to cornfields as the survey was beginning and most geese were missed. As an example, Columbia National Wildlife Refuge has had about 10,000 geese, but only 75 were counted on the survey. “The abundant corn acreage is mostly harvested now but several fields are still standing across the north basin area, so unless we have additional snow or ice to cover corn stubble fields, both ducks and geese should remain in good numbers,” he said.

For all the survey numbers, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/eventopp/events2.htm.

Goose hunters throughout the region, where goose hunting is available only on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays, will get several extra days with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Dec. 24-25, Dec. 27-28 and Jan. 1, are open to goose hunting in that zone. The season runs through Jan. 27.”

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and good hunting!

JK
Http://pacificnorthwestoutdoors.com

Posted By:
Kwack Wacker
Guest

Yak. valley 12-10-2007 14:00
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
2 of us limmited easily Saturday morning and other hunters in the area did as well, shot all mallards saw alot of pintail. A TON of birds in area and alot of new birds.

Sunday was slower on the shooting part, but there was a ton of “ozone” birds flying actually more than Sat. and saw a good # of pintail. We shot 9. Things were starting to freeze up and I’m sure it’s all frozen today, gona make things tuff again except for the Yak.

Watch those Sunrises and Whack ’em!!

[Edited By Kwack Wacker on 2007-12-10 14:02]

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin 12-06-2007 10:57
– – –
Big warm up has changed bird patterns significantly since the weekend. Birds are still around, they have become very wary, maybe wind blown makes them that way. Hard to say that any have moved on but they are patterning differently.

Beginning Thursday night the weather is expected to turn clear and cold through about Mon. Small, open water should refreeze. Temps dipping to the mid teens by Sat. Plan accordingly.

-Hugh

Posted By:
Kwack Wacker
Guest

Yak valley 12-05-2007 13:54
– – –
Warm weather made things interesting, dad and grandfather should have killed limmits yesterday afternoon but they shot horrible (50 rounds)!!!!!

This weekend should be good if the now open water does’nt freeze again.

Posted By:
Kwack Wacker
Guest

Yakima valley 12-03-2007 14:03
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 35-40 Degrees
3 of us shot 13 on Sat., we were in wrong area and friends on Yakima river did very well. Hugh is right there was alot of birds moving on Sat, especially baldpates. Saw and killed more woodies this weekend then any other this year. Hunted the same spot friends did really good at on river Sun. but it’s amazing some times how much a night can affect # of birds, most seemed to have moved out over night. Deccent # of ducks/geese in Valley ya just have to be in a really good spot (open water) although I don’t think thats gona be much of an issue after Wednesday this week, If the Yak comes up so will it’s tributaries (toppenish creek) and that is when we really get in business. The only problem then is too much water, I don’k think that will be the case though because we really don’t have that much snow. Anyways I would rather have too much water than ice out conditions.
Good luck this week it should be good warm winds after a stretch of cold could get em’ movin if ya got water.

Watch those Sunrises and Whack ’em!!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin/Yakima Valley 12-03-2007 13:47
– – –
As expected, the weather played a huge role in the weekend hunt. New birds showed up strong on Sat in the basin and Valley. The guys I checked with that hunted yakima were done with 3 man limits quickly on Sat. The open water in the western basin provided the same result. My party finished our 2 bird Can limit by 8 and had plenty more to fill the bag to 21 by mid morning. Lots of flights all day. Sun weather slowed the process with wind and rain and as it ended up, staying home to watch the Hawks was more enjoyable.

Now the question is what will the birds do with this big warm up? My guess is that they will spread out and find a lot more feed in the wet ground. The Yakima river will rise dramatically and birds will find a million spots to sit. In the basin there is still some ice on small ponds but with temps in the 50’s and 40-60 MPH winds the thickest ice should mostly melt away soon. Winds are expected to die down by tonight (12-3) and highs back to the low 40’s and lows in the low 30’s, cooling off by the weekend.

This seems to happen every year. I saw a guy in a boat blind with decoys about 80 yards away from the boat and the boat out in the middle of the river. Stood out like a soar thumb. I sat and watched for about 20 min. I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking. I couldn’t imagine anything getting close, not even a coot. I guess it goes to show you can’t buy your way to a good hunt. I suppose it kept the birds moving.

-Hugh

Posted By:
crsjhawk
Guest

Yakima Valley Private Land/Umatilla 12-02-2007 21:05
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 35-40 Degrees
Kwacker Wacker. I am guessing you did not do as well as predicted over the weekend. Three of hunted on Friday and got 10 birds. On Saturday I went down to Patterson slough and shot a limit. The other two guys got 5 birds. Today we got two mallards and did not see very many. I think most of birds jumped the hill due to the snow and went to Umatilla. There were a lot of birds there on Saturday, and at least two other groups near me also limited.

Posted By:
Kwack Wacker
Guest

Yakima Valley RES 11-30-2007 13:53
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Limmited Wednesday and Thursday, this weekends gona be good for us as well.
It’s good right now if ya know where to be, althiugh i’ll admitt both days I was on private land.

Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor

South Central Washingotn 11-30-2007 02:14
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
My son and I toured several South Central Hunting Locales while getting photographs for my upcoming guide book. Here’s a rundown of what we saw on Saturday:

1. Very good numbers of geese and ducks on Moses Lake – and several goose guides set up in grain fields not far from there.

2. A fair number of mallards and shovelers along with a few geese and swans at the lake next to the McNary NWR Headquarters. In the nearby Burbank Slough hunting area the check station reported most people were not doing too well, though one party managed 16 birds that morning.

3. Went to the Hanford Natl. Monument. Saw a bunch of geese piling into the Columbia near the Vernita Bridge. Saw no birds flying in or out of the Wahluke Ponds in the late afternoon. No duck hunters in the area – mainly muzzleloading deer hunters.

4. Ponds and shallow lakes are freezing up this week as the snow finally begins to fall. Expect increased numbers of Northerns to show in our area – that’s my prediction at any rate.

5. Go COUGS! Awesome Apple Cup this year!

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

yakima valley 11-29-2007 15:10
– – –
For you trophy hunters… a Barnacle Goose was spotted this past week among Canadian Geese in the Yakima area. Barnacle Geese breed in Greenland and northern Eurasia and winter in Northern Europe and the British Isles. This one seems to be a little lost.

Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor

Columbia Basin/Yakima Valley 11-29-2007 12:12
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
6+ inches of snow and growing will certainly change flight patters over the next few days. Temps will stay on the snow/rain border line for a few days. As you could expect, the more heavily traveled roads will be in better shape than the back roads that most of us usually use. I would guess that flights will be occurring more often, however I have seen them fly in masse then quit quickly, then fly again in masse hours later. Scouting is very critical on days like these if you have the time.

The scouting factor is a big plus to using a guide. Some guides do anything for their clients. I was witness to that the other day when scouting a field full of geese in Grant county. There was about 2000 geese in this filed I had permission to hunt. I was looking at it about mid day when a guy from a local prominent guide service drove into the field and lofted the birds. This is why I don’t use guides. They provide a service, but this activity goes on too often and they are financially rewarded for it. It’s maddening for guys that work hard to do it right. I’ll start bringing my video camera and see if I can get some footage of it and see if WDF&W will do anything about it.

To end on a good note…. the mallard numbers look to be growing still. With the expected warm up next week (highs pushing into the 50 by Wed.) the current population should stay for a while.

Drive safe
-Hugh