Author: Webmaster

Posted By:
Cedar Point MJC
Guest

Brdgehampton, NY 12-21-2009 17:05
– – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
Hunted Long Pond on Saturday,opened a good size hole in the ice, put out the decoys and enjoyed a memorable hunt. We bagged a nice mix of ducks and geese. All totaled we had 13 ducks and 10 geese and a tip of the hat to the weather which really helped. My buddy was able to get out in the storm Sunday on a layout hunt and did well. Good luck with rest of the season.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

eastern long island. 12-20-2009 19:27
Cloudy, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Hunted saturday morning the 19th before the big storm. At first light we had 4 black ducks come right in and we killed 2. After that we had 6 mallards decoys right in and we killed 4 out of 6. After that it was non stop until about 9am. Wind was right and birds work perfectly. We passed on allot of shots because so many birbs were pitching in under 20 yards. We ended up with 8 mallards and a 3 man limit of black ducks. We were back out in the afternoon with a new group and 5 hunters this time. My boats holds 3 guys and we towed two ponds boxes cause we were figuring it was going to be red hot. From 1pm to 4:30pm it was prety much non stop. We had a 1/2 hour window where it was snowing really hard and birds didnt move but other than that we had non stop action. We had a 5 man limit of black ducks and 8 mallards. what unreal shooting. We were all pumped to hunt sunday morning. with the snow storm. My truck and boat were buired in 20 plus inches of snow. I couldn’t get my truck or boat out. PLus the roads weren’t plowed. I don’t know any one that was able to get out and shoot on eastern long island this morning. SOME spots had over 24 inches. I know the geese have no where to go. they were flying all morning. Hopefully I can get out of work early one day this week. how did everyone else make out. george did u hunt on saturday????

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Mid-LI 12-18-2009 08:45
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
There is some ice in and around the ramps and creeks this AM. The ramps themselves are iced. Bring soome ash or cat litter with you for safe footing and tire traction… . Hunt safe. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
Cornbread
Web Member

Mid-LI 12-14-2009 14:21
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
A good number of puddlers have arrived about the island in the past two days. I saw very good numbers of Mallards today. Diver numbers are also on the increase. Happy Holidays to all, GNR.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

eastern long island. 12-13-2009 14:48
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Tech, is an amazing thing. I am actually writing this report 33,000 feet in the air on a southwest flight headed south for work this week. I hunted thursday morning on a fresh water pond thst usually this time of year is loaded with birds. in 3 hours of hunting we killed 5 mallards and 2 teal. Very few other birds visited the pond maybe we saw 30 birds all morning. Numbers are way down from what I have seen. I hunted friday again another fresh water pond with similar conditions and all we managed were 2 gesse. There numbers are also way down come pair to last year. Hopefully the cold weather up north will push some birds down. I will be back home for next weekend to hit it hard again. More reports to follow. George how are you finding things. We have been focusing on puddle ducks and geese and action has been minimal. thank you….

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2009-12-13 14:49]

Posted By:
hunter101
Web Member

LONG ISLAND,NY 12-12-2009 09:43
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
We had some good action this week on the 2nd opener. we had Rich,Ernie,morris and fred out. They missed some early Mergansers that decoyed into the spread at shooting time. Then it got quiet for some time. we moved to sea duck hunting during mid day. The guys did well on Old squaw and nailed a scoter. we set up for the afternoon hunt and had action with geese but they were only able to knock 1 down. A good time was had by all.

Good hunting!
Capt.Dennis
D.C.OUTDOOR ADVENTURES inc.
WWW.HUNTFISHNY.COM

Licensed New York State Hunting/Fishing guide

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

EASTERN LONG ISLAND 12-09-2009 16:42
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
HUNTED TUESDAY MORNING killed two mallards very slow, hunted tuesday afternoon, for one black duck. Hunt Wednesday morning, zippo.Hunted wednesday afternoon for one drake mallard. All and all extremely slow. Very few birds around and what birds are around aren’t interested in our rigs. Iam surprised how call shy and non instested these birds are. Going to hit it hard tomorrow, it’s really suppose to cool off so hopefully that will change the birds way of thinking. All 4 hunts were done on tidal waters with a low profile blind boat and cork decoys. I have been calling very little and it still hasn’t made a difference. we’ll see what tomorrow brings. Hunt hard and hunt safe.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Mid-LI 12-06-2009 08:23
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Morning…. . Migrants have been arriving to both the north and the south shore of LI this past week. Both diver and puddler numbers are on the increase. Do your HW. Enjoy all the aspects of waterfowling…. . Hunt safe and BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
whistlestopper
Guest

st lawrence river valley 11-30-2009 18:21
– – –
I have hunted almost everyday this season, now is the toughest time we have had all year killing birds. I line on the canadian border and we don’t even have birds right now, a few divers, but no puddle ducks to speak of. We had good numbers two and a half weeks ago but they have left town, I dont know where they went because everyone south of us is still crying the blues. I have hunted a long time and i have never seen dec 1st be such a ghost town on the st lawrence river unbelevable. good luck to the rest of you.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

eastern long island. 11-30-2009 07:25
Cloudy, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
We hunted hard. Friday afternoon the 27th, Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning with minimal results. For 4 hunts we killed 4 black ducks, 3 mallards and one brant. Even with really windy conditions, I saw very few birds flying. There are still a ton of migrants up north that haven’t begin to move due to the warm weather. I am off from work dec 8th thru 15th and intend on hunting every day. I hope there’s some cooler weather by then, I haven’t seen any gadwalls, wigeon, pintails. We have been seeing a few teal on the bay but very very small groups. Hunt hard and hunt safe. Thanks.

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2009-11-30 07:26]

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Mid Long Island 11-24-2009 06:25
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
There is a fair number of local birds about the island. Migrants are not showing in signifigant numbers. Enjoy you time afield. Take time to enjoy all the aspects of waterfowling. Think safety first. Note the new CG rules regarding PFDs… . Enjoy your time with family and friends. Have a safe and Happy Holiday, GNR.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

eastern long island. 11-23-2009 08:28
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Scouted eastern long island by boat yesterday. Black duck numbers were more than I expected. Very few mallards, didn’t see any teal or gadwalls. Good numbers of geese. Nothing was flying all birds we saw we pushed up. It’s going to be hard hunting with warm temps and no wind. Hunting all day wednesday will have reports to follow.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Mid LI 11-21-2009 08:30
– – –
Went north yesterday. Some local birds. Did not see a lot of migrants, if any. Will try to get to the west today. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Mid LI 11-20-2009 05:33
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Paul, I will be heading north, then west, and then south to scout later today. I will report back by tomorrow morning. GNR/

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

western long island 11-19-2009 19:41
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
George in western long island there are good numbers of geese, brant and mallards, compared to the rest of the island. Numbers are down to date, but western long island seems to be holding more birds. Looks like were going to be traveling west for opening day. I am going to be scouting eastern long island this weekend in my boat. reports to follow.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Mid-Suffolk, LI 11-18-2009 06:41
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Mid-island, north and south, is showing a few puddlers and divers but the numbers are down for this time of year. The bulk of the migrants seem to still be to the north. Local geese numbers are solid. No reports of Brandt mid-island. Hunt safe and enjoy the total experience…. ,GNR.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

scouting eastern long island. 11-17-2009 12:50
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
A few more black ducks have shown up this week, but very few other birds. The island is being on numbers compared to this time last year. Upstate, NY has zero geese. I was up in Millbrook this past weekend and there aren’t even any birds to hunt. Brant have started showing up in numbers in the great south bay with black ducks and geese. Still over all puddle duck numbers are down considerably in eastern long island. We need some harsh weather up north to get these birds moving. Last year it seemed like it happened over night so I am still optimist. I will be hunting 25th, 26th, 28th and 29th. I will have more reports to follow.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

eastern long island. 11-12-2009 06:57
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Hunted youth weekend Saturday NOV. 7th and 8th. Hunting a fresh water pond from a ground blind we had 4 youth hunters between 13 and 15. One being a girl. At first light we were covered up with mallards with zero wind the birds didn’t work how we wanted them to. coming in for all directions and seeing us in our V shaped ground blind facing the water. We were hoping for more teal and woddies but it was all mallards. We saw one small pack of teal and no wood duck’s I can’t believe there gone already. We end the morning up with 4 mallards. Easily could have killed 10 if our shooting was alittle better. Back out in the afternoon now with the sun and wind at our backs the birds worked much better. For 4 youth hunters we killed 6 mallards. All birds were shot at under 20 yards. They worked perfectly. I think we had 20 or so mallards in under 20 yards decoying, cupped and committed. Kids had a blast and my dog got some work. Sunday morning was even sunnier and less wind. We only ended up with one drake mallard but a great time had by all. Take a kid hunting and pass on the tradition of this great sport we all love.
THANK YOU, regular season is right around the corner and there are very few birds in our area. All we can hope is it cools off. If not it’s going to be a disappointing beginning to the season.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern long island. 10-31-2009 07:36
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
Youth weekend starts the 7th and 8th. Myself and my buddy bryce are taking two youth hunters to a fresh water pond in watermill. It’s loaded with wood ducks and teal right now. Should be an awesome time. One youth hunter is 15 and the other is 12. We just started seeing mallards and black ducks show up at this pond this week. Will have full reports next weekend after we kick our season off. Hunt safe and take a kid hunting. For me it’s one of the most rewarding parts of our sport.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 10-27-2009 06:05
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Hats off to the officers and comittee members of the South Shore Waterfowlers Association for putting on a great hunting heritage and cultural event, The Annual Duckboat Show and Waterfowl Festival at the Cedar Beach Marina, Ocean Bay Parkway, Babylon, NY. Also hats off to the Co- Sponsors Ducks Unlimited Inc. and the Town of Babylon. Check out the SSWA web site at www.sswa.org. Get envolved. Promote our waterfowling heritage. Take a friend hunting. /// Birds are starting to arrive about the island. Think safety first. Enjoy, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 10-24-2009 07:22
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
GREAT Duck and Goose RECIPES at Deltawaterfowl.org/magazine/ at the bottom of the page under ….Chef…Archives…. . // Join Delta Waterfowl today… . // South Shore Waterfowler Duck Boat Show and Waterfowlers Festival tomorrow…. . Hunt safe. Enjoy your time on the water, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 10-19-2009 13:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
This Sunday is the SSWA Duck Boat Show and Waterfowlers Festival at Cedar Beach. Take the family and or a friend…. . Enjoy our great hunting heritage… . GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 10-17-2009 07:23
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Some Sea Ducks have appeared within the last week around the island. Numbers are very low. The most action has been on the south side of the island in the ocean. High winds have made it way to dangerous to attempt gunning these birds. Forcasts continue to reflect high winds and high seas for the upcomming week. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 10-01-2009 06:01
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 60-65 Degrees
Ocean County Waterfowler and Baymens Show (Tuckerton Decoy Show and Calling Contest) was very good . Not so much used equiptment as prior shows, other than boats, but many carvers, product field reps, guides, and goods dealers were in attendance….. . Got to handle a new Binelli Vinci…..demoed by one of there reps… . Action is of a new design. Easier to take apart and clean. Action springs are no longer in the stock. People were able to shoot it . Been in development for 7 years. Very impressive. The Benelli rep said he had shot over 2500 rounds through it in Argentina with testing trials. All very good and very dependable as is all Benelli products…. . The lineup of duck boats….. was impressive. Great food and live music… . A good time was had by all. BWTBWTB, GNR. PS The grand passage has begun.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

09-23-2009 04:37
– – –
Tuckerton NJ Waterfowlers and Baymen’s Festival this weekend….. Sat. and Sun. ….ENJOY. BWTBWTB,GNR.

[Edited By George-Ruland on 2009-09-23 21:52]

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 09-18-2009 06:16
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Fishing continues to improve around the island… . Enjoy the fall run… . // Tuckerton Show….. is the weekend after this. Enjoy. SMSMO and BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 09-12-2009 05:00
Cloudy, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
Reports of some false albacore at the point. The bait is on the move on the north side… Bass to 30 lbs have been jiged at the Elbow. Surf action is picking up…,,,,….. /// Reports indicate that the dark geese are out early and back late… . Best harvests have been in the sweeet corn and on the sod. Hunt safe. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 09-11-2009 09:19
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 60-65 Degrees
Fishing around the island is changing into the fall mood rapidly. The weather has been dominated by NE winds………as of late. If and when the weather breaks get out and give it a try. Congrats to Hughie for his 51 plus bass over the weekend…. . Enjoy.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern long island. 09-09-2009 06:25
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Well, the weather was cooler than I had expected with a slight 5 to 10 north east breeze. On the drive down to the pond I pushed about 35 geese out of the field and another 45 to 50 out of the edge of the pond. All birds flew to the south of me. I set up a dozen big foot floaters along the shore and 6 full bodies on the bank. Tall grass about 20 yards away was high enough to conceal my pond box and the dog. We hunted from 5pm until 7:30 and didn’t see one goose fly. There are a decent amount of wood ducks around. They kept us entertained. Well it was nice to get out, will give it another shot this week. My guess might be that they aren’t going back to this pond until after dark. Did have a few mallards and teal buzz the rig as well.

Thank you.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern long island. 09-08-2009 08:41
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Well the long island opener is finally here. Got a small pond with about 100 birds living in it hopefully they pay me a visit after work. Will have full report tomorrow. Pond box and deeks are already in truck. Just gotta pick up the dog on the way out. Cool weather should make the hunt alittle more pleasant. Well see if they move any better.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

09-06-2009 06:21
– – –
Great look’n web site. Go FF…. . Well done… .

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

09-02-2009 05:59
– – –
The grind is on upstate… . Check photos on line… . LI opener is on the 8th., as well as, the Lake Champlain area. Bug spray or head nets….for the island . Don’t forget the camera. Enjoy your time afield. Enjoy the total hunt. Bring ice and a cooler. Breast your birds right away and place on ice. Eat them fresh. Freezing ruins the taste and overall quality. Grill till med. rare, let rest for 15 min. enjoy. The recent cold push had the birds and fish moving into a fall mode. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

08-30-2009 19:33
– – –
All are reminded to obtain a new duck stamp and register with HIP at www.ny-hip.com or by calling 1-888-472-5447. LI problem goose starts Sept. 8th. Consult with this years DEC and Federal Migratory Bird Huntiing Regulations. Think safety first. Enjoy the great out of doors, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 08-28-2009 17:50
– – –
NOTE:a new Navigation Law for this year beginning Nov. 1st will effect waterfowl hunters using mechanical and manpowered water craft. All vessel operators and passengers ,(duckboats, kayaks, canoes etc….), under power( “underway”) (even floating…paddleing, etc..) must be wearing a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device. Fine will be $100. At anchor or on land is NOT “underway”. Hunt safe, Gnr.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Central Suffolk 08-26-2009 08:23
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Over 70 Degrees
Good to hear from you Paul. I am feeling very good this year and looking forward to the upcoming season. // Local geese have begun to group up a bit. I saw good flights yesterday AM. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern Long Island. 08-25-2009 10:54
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Looking forward getting on some local problem geese in a few weeks. Numbers in a few of my spots seem alittle higher than normal. I think clutches this year were above normal for our area. Hopefully weather cools off. I wasn’t able to get out last year due to warm temps. I am hoping this September is cooler than last. Going to start working on the duck boat this week too. George how have you been? I hope all is well.

thanks.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

08-14-2009 01:51
– – –
Hunting licenses go on sale Aug. 17th. Turkey Season will be from Nov. 21st to 25th. Permits are $10… . Limited areas of harvest. Check with the DEC Regs… . BWTBWTB, GNR. PS TAKE A FRIEND OR RELATIVE HUNTING OR SHOOTING.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

08-09-2009 05:31
– – –
Tentative season dates are available from the DEC… . Licenses go on sale shortly… . Actual dates and bags upcomming. // Fishing around the island remains very good. S,ABWTBWTB. SM and MO, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

07-31-2009 21:33
– – –
Preparation is underway for the early problem goose season. Often the fact that geese are more family oriented at this time can make it difficult to decoy them. Dark geese tend to not land with other family groups and or hang out just by themselves. This can often make them go to a nearby area… instead of to your decs. Check out the habits of the families in your areas. Sit one member of your party by the decs and one in a likesy spot near by. As larger food sources such as corn is cut and become available they often will start to get more gregarious… The more you scout the better you do… . Bring some bug repellent for the knats… . Safety first. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 07-23-2009 02:59
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
The scup still remain in transition in most areas. Bass mid island tend to be a night event. Blues are spread out on top sipping sand ells mid island. Some fluke are showing north but pretty much all shorts. Moriches seems to be void of bait fish at this time. Night fishing e and w on the south side has been a steady pick with some keepers. Bigger fish are to the west and east. Keep a tight line, GNR.

[Edited By George-Ruland on 2009-07-23 03:00]

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 07-19-2009 04:29
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Good morning New Yorkers. The sun in shinning on our back yards. What a beautiful morning. By the way…. duck numbers are up. // Time to prepare for problem goose. Scout, bring along family and friends….. . Enjoy the great outdoors. When afield fishing or hunting, take what you use. BWTBWTB,GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 07-12-2009 05:42
– – –
The Scup are in transition, smaller Bass and Blues are spread out and following the sand ells, Larger Bass are to te East and NW chasing porgs, ells, and bunker. // Local ducks are molting and early problem goose is just around the corner. Scout now and later. BWTBWTB, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk 07-08-2009 09:01
– – –
Some bass over 50 lbs were taken on the east end this past full moon. The bite was slower than last year at this time but many fish in the mid to high 30s were taken also. Some keeper bass have been taken on both the north and south shore the past week but the majority of big fish hve moved east. Nite tides with ells have shown the best action. The Scup are spread out but plentiful. Summer flounder fishing has been slow… . Enjoy your time on the water. Safety first. GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 07-04-2009 11:15
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Over 70 Degrees
Happy 4th of July to ALL. Have a great holiday with family and friends. Live free,GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 06-30-2009 19:51
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – Over 70 Degrees
This years South Shore Waterfowlers Duckboat Show and Waterfowl Festival will be held on Sunday October 25th (rain date Sunday Nov. 1st). Exhibitors and vendors(open to the public) are reminded to put this event on your calendar now. Applications for vendors and exhibitors are available by calling Curt Matzinger at 1 631 661 0379. / Anyone interested in joining the South Shore Waterfowler should send dues: 1 yr $25; 2 yr $45; 3 yr $60; to South Shore Waterfowlers Association PO Box 217 Brightwaters, NY 11718. Include name, address, phone number, and e-mail.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 06-29-2009 11:36
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Over 70 Degrees
Time to work on your shooting game now. Get out and improve your success on the water and marshes next season. It can make the time a field even more satisfying. Practice both point and sweep shooting techniques. Try Sporters, Trap, Skeet, and Five Stand, or throw your own…. . Get some instruction from your friends and or the instructors at your area courses and ranges. / Take what you use, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 02-09-2009 10:38
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Just a reminder that The Antique Decoy Collectors Show will be held in Patchogue on Feb. 28th 9am to 4 pm on Railrosd Ave.,one half block south of main street on the east side at the Patchogue Manor( the old K of C Hall). Parking in the municipal lot behind. Decoys, art work, calls….. ….. . Enjoy.

[Edited By George-Ruland on 2009-02-26 07:59]

Posted By:
stockbru
Web Member

East end of Long Island 01-15-2009 15:02
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
Went out Sat 1-10-09 and pick away a some sea ducks in the morning. We came back mid morning and shot lots of geese, Mallards & Blacks in some corn fields

Just a great day waterfowling. It doesnt get any better

Also shot some nice geese this morning in the snow. Good fun

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 01-06-2009 08:56
– – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Not allot of reports comming in from around the island. Have not seen all that many hunters out and about the island the past couple of weeks. High winds have been hampering the shooting, especially on the open waters. Good amounts of puddlers, divers, and geese about the island prior to the holidays. The bright spots have been geese to the east and Brandt to the west. A few ramps are frozen in. Take care launching in and around the ice. Scout, hunt safe, and BWTBWTB, GNR. HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern Long Island 12-20-2008 18:22
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
well guys due to some family matters I haven’t hunted much in the past couple weeks. What great numbers of birds we had moved south with that cold spell we had a couple of weeks ago and I have heard from the locals that it has been really slow. Friday night NE winds at 25 and snow are predicted all weekend. We were ready to get back at it. The morning hunt on Sat. the 20th was alittle slow with 2 black ducks and one mallard. With conditions getting worse and 2 new hunters we headed to the same spot….. At 2pm birds were already on the move. From 2pm till shootimg time we had non-stop action. We had a 4 man limit of black ducks and you could have killed all you wanted .. They were swimming in the rig all afternoon. Killed 2 teal out of 4, killed one widgeon out of 4, killed one pintail out of 3 and killed 4 out of 4 mallards… Was hard due to low light conditions picking out the green. So we missed a few mallards due to the fact of waiting to id, since we were already limited out on blacks…. Hate to say it but we also missed out on a couple of pintails thinking they were not what they were. We shot well but it was tough calling the shots. These are all new birds so get out there tomorrow it’s on fire……. Birds are on the move, hunt all day and hunt hard you will get on them…..Thanks………..

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2008-12-20 18:30]

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Western long island. 11-28-2008 06:36
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
Well opening morning went as planned. Conditions were fair at best. We had a steady 15mph west wind at our backs and the cloud cover was better than expected. We had a 5 man limit of brant by 9:00am. Mixed with 5 giant Canada’s one was banded with a yellow neck color and 5 puddle ducks. 2 Gadwall, 2 black ducks and one drake mallard. The second black duck came in while we were taking pictures next to the boat… NEVER UNLOAD YOUR GUN while your decoys are still out…. What a great ending to a perfect morning with some really good friends.

Thanks.

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2008-11-28 06:37]

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern Long Island 11-20-2008 19:49
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Birds are on the move with this cold weather. Many geese and black ducks have shown up just in the last 24 hours. Colder temps up north should push birds down this whole week. Brant numbers are on the rise and finally we are starting to see some mallards in the salt marshes. Salt water creeks this morning had some skim ice, which should help us pattern these birds better……. Will have another update after Saturday afternoon……. Please feel free to respond if you are on LI and seeing any changes in movements or populations… I think we are going to have less hunters and less information this season given the current economic state. Thanks………

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2008-11-21 05:39]

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 11-16-2008 09:46
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Brandt, puddlers, divers, and sea ducks continue to arrive about the island… . Reports from the north shore indicates some good nunbers of Gadwall. Scoter are beginning to filter into the mid sound areas. Note the change to 3 goose hunting areas on Long Island this year, each with different dates and bag limits… . Scout and enjoy your time waterfowling. Hunt safe, GNR.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

scouting eastern LI 11-16-2008 07:49
Cloudy, High Winds – 60-65 Degrees
Scouted mostly salt water on 11/15.sat Black duck numbers are up from last weekend, considering the warm weather.If I had to guess I would say the numbers doubled. Only saw a hand full of geese in the marsh. Buff numbers are up along with some golden eye’s… Only a few pairs of Mallards , I think they were locals. Did not see any teal, wigeon or gadwall. Time spent in boat was about 4 hours….. Gonna get cold up north this week, I am looking forward to seeing what it brings our way. Thanks, should have more numbers and info towards the middle of the week.

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2008-11-16 07:51]

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern Long Island. 11-12-2008 06:05
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Well Guys the opener is only 22 days away. Finally got the boat all grassed and decoys touched up, now it’s time to start scouting. Peconic and Shinnecock bay have slowly seen an increasing of black ducks over the past two weeks. Buff heads and Old squaw are starting to filter into the middle of the bays. Ocean frontage and Peconic bay are holding some nice numbers of Scooters if you can get out in a big enough boat. Teal and wood ducks control most of the fresh water ponds out east with a few mallards mixed it. Most of the geese I have watch have been in cut corn fields and fresh “safe zone” ponds. I have seen very few laid up in salt water. Brant have started showing up back west in the big salt marshes. This past week has seen the most increase in numbers. We still haven’t seen a real big push of puddler’s yet. Hopefully we get some good cold weather before the opener. I’ll have more info after I scout this weekend. Thanks.

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2008-11-12 06:06]

[Edited By Paul-Visentin on 2008-11-12 06:15]

Posted By:
andy
Guest

White Creek NY 11-05-2008 09:24
– – –
Jrapp we have been hunting NY and VT borders areas and doing very well. There are more Canada’s around then ever. We have limited all 4 times out this year with 2 bands. One of our friends went out with 2 guys and shot 6 birds in 5 shots and all 6 were banded consecutivley. Lucky losers.

Posted By:
jrapp
Guest

Southern Washington Co. 10-27-2008 11:02
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This weekends goose opener was fantastic. There were a ton of birds around and they weren’t too hard to bring into the decoys. I hunted both water and field sets with multiple people and we all ended our days with limits. The highlight of the weekend for me was picking off a snow goose amongst a group of canadas on a jump shoot over water.
Curious to know if anyone else hunts upstate like I do, and how well they did. I would assume similar results!?

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 10-16-2008 12:17
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 60-65 Degrees
SOME UPCOMING EVENTS…….. Oct. 18th and 19th, Oyster Festival, Oyster Bay, Long Island. A great event….. go and enjoy… / October 26th, Duck Boat Show and Waterfowl Festival sponsored by The South Shore Waterfowlers at the Cedar Beach Marina, rain or shine… . If you wish to get a table or area to set up a booth or vend, or your intersted in entering one of the events, call Curt Matzinger at 631-661-0379 for further information. / Nov. 7th, South Bays Chapter of DU is hosting a Conservation Reception at the Bellport Country Club. Reduced rates tickets prior to 10/24… Tickets and info. 631-878-1146. Enjoy your time afield and on the water, GNR.

Posted By:
jrapp
Guest

Mohawk&Hudson 10-15-2008 14:02
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Despite the poor weather conditions (sunny and warm) my hunting buddies and I took our limit Saturday and Sunday I squeaked out a limit. Mostly teal and woodies but we knocked down 2 mallards, 1 ringneck, and 2 gadwalls amongst the group over the weekend. My personal satisfaction came when I got my first blue winged teal! Hopefully I can get out a couple more times before it closes up again. Can’t wait for goose season, there’s a ton of canadas around.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk and Upstate 10-07-2008 15:44
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Did not get many reports concerning early goose around the island, but from what I saw and heard most hunters harvested some birds during the month with better action reported on the east end over sweet corn. I was upstate during the first week and had some success, putting a few birds on the grill, although conditions were very hot with the birds sticking mainly to the water… . Reports from the 2nd and 3rd weeks indicated more bird movement with the start of corn harvesting and the return of more seasonable temperatures. Shoot more, shoot more often. Get out to the range…. The grand passage has begun. Be where the birds want to be, GNR.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Getting to be that time of the year. 10-02-2008 14:25
– – 50-60 Degrees
We’ll guys the count down begins. 57 days to the opener. Haven’t seen many birds yet, but talking to acouple friends that I have in Maine and Canada it’s starting to get pretty cold. Fall is in the air. Here on Long Island the leaves just started to change. Did some scouting this past weekend just to check on acouple spots and see if anything had changed. Saw very few birds and what I did see I thought were all resident birds. Gotta get the duck boat fixed up this weekend. It’s going to be sunny and warm so I can get some fiberglass work done. We hunted hard this past season and the boat shows it. Will have more reports when birds start showing up. I haven’t even seen any sea ducks yet. Thanks.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern Long Island. 09-08-2008 06:22
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Well, I hunted Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Both days where hotter then I would have like. Thursday afternoon I was set up at a small pond at a local farm and with 8 floaters and 2 big foots on the shore. I had a group of 25 geese come in at 5:45. Dropping two birds out of that flock they would be the only birds I would see that day. Sunday afternoon the 6th same pond . Me and a buddy of mine hunted from 3:30 to 7:15. Had multiple groups fly by and give us looks but none wanted to commit. Probably saw 100 geese total this afternoon. In maybe 8 or 9 flocks but couldn’t connect. Nice to get out there but still to dam hot. We got a tan any way…. Saw some woods ducks and green wing teal to get us entertained between the geese. Will try and get out there again if we have some cooler weather. George any luck upstate?

Thanks.

Posted By:
Paul-Visentin
Field Editor

Eastern Long Island South fork. 09-02-2008 13:54
– – 60-65 Degrees
Well guys the early goose season is open and I am looking forward to get out there. I didn’t go at all last year due to the extreme heat. The next cool evening I am gonna go to a farm where I have permission to hunt and see if I can get some work for my dog. There are allot of residents out there so as long as they are not flying after dark it should be a good little shoot. Looking like Thursday or Friday might be a possibility. Will report after I hunt. Thanks.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 07-17-2008 15:09
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Porgies, Blues, and mainly short Stripers curently dominate the north shore of the island. / A new body of large Stipers, with good numbers of fish over 50 lbs, showed up at Montauk two evenings ago. Live baits on the incoming has been the ticket. Congratulations to Justin and Hughie for linesiders over 55 pounds. / South shore inlets have been showing some large fluke this past week. Enjoy,GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 07-03-2008 06:27
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A body of Fluke has come into the south shore inlets over the past few days. Fish of up to 7.5 lbs have been taken. Weed in the bay has been a problem… . Some boats went out into the ocean yesterday to try outside as the surf has subsided a bit. No reports from the outside yet. Schoolie bass and small blues are about the bays…. but in the deeper channels feeding on Grass Shrimp and the like. There is a lack of swimming bait at present. / On the north shore Porgies are in transition between the spawning areas and their summer haunts. Bass have spread out and moved towards the east. Blues still dominate with lots of small sand ells about… . That body of fluke should be rounding Montauk and heading up int the sound shortly. On the water think safety first… . Have a great holiday weekend. Enjoy your time afield and on the water. Be where the fish and fowl want to be. Take what you use, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 06-08-2008 07:49
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Fishing on the north shore improved this past week with lots of Porgies, Blues, Bass, and an increasing number of short Fluke. Large bass are mainly still to the west being taken on chunks and live Bunker. Small Sand Ells dominate the bait scene. No reports from the south shore but I believe that the bass have spread out about the bays and have come out of the deep channels. Large stripers should still be in and around the inlets… . Fluke was improving as of last week for those using live Killies. Enjoy your time on the water, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 05-28-2008 13:11
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SAVE THE RANGE The Pine Barrens Commission and some town council members are seeking a ruling regarding the reopening of the Suffolk Trap and Skeet Range and therefore trying to close the range….on technicalities that do not apply. SAY NO to resolution 439-08. Bring your friends and family to the Brookhaven Town Hall on Wed. June 18th at 1 PM. Spread the word… . Support shooting and shooting sports, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 05-19-2008 06:08
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As of Saturday keeper Fluke are being taken from the north shore. Very few boats have been out of the south shore inlets for fluke as the surf has been to big, hence no reports from that side of the island… . Take a youngster fishing and shooting. Enjoy the outdoor experience.. , GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 05-17-2008 06:44
– – –
Have not been able to get back upstate to chase turkeys, although conditions for harvesting them should improve by next week. / Keeper size Striped Bass are now in the south shore inlets. On Wed. Guy, Tom, Richie, and I had 24 with only 2 over 28 inches (keeper size). Did see one fish in the 30lb range taken. The number of keepers to throw backs ratio should improve this week. The fish were very spread out. Live and cut fresh baits are the best bet for the larger fish. A report from Guy on Thursday evening indicated many short bass on the North Shore and no Fluke landed. / A large hatch of dark geese around the island should equate to a good Sept. season… … . Regards,GNR.

Posted By:
Mike-Bard
Guest

CNY 05-07-2008 09:48
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I’ve had trouble being in the right place at the right time myself with these spring turkeys. I’ve had limited time to get out, but no success yet.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Delaware Co. and Shinnecock Inlet 05-07-2008 05:50
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Back from 6 days of scouting and hunting the bearded devil in up state NY. Did not connect, yet, as a combination of cold temps, high winds, heavy fog, and rain kept the birds quiet and spooky… . Very few shots were fired for the first 4 days of the season in the area I was hunting. The birds have been very quiet and changing patterns for the past week and a half. Did enjoy being afield, as will as, the good company of some good friends. Did catch some fine looking trout and pickerel during the afternoons. Some really fine hatches going on, on the Delaware River and it’s East Branch. // Reports from the Penn. side of the river regarding turkey takes indicated high success rates during their prior week opener. // Cocktail blues have been hitting the south shore inlets of Long Island. Also small Striped Bass have begun to set up in the bays. Large bass should arrive in a week or so. // Take a youngster hunting and fishing. More soon… … ,GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 04-20-2008 07:46
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Support deltawaterfowl.org. This group has it’s own unique way of striving to keep us all better informed regarding the protection of waterfowl, their habitats, hunting, and hunter rights. Many interesting articles in the May issue of their publication. Join, paticipate, and enjoy…. all year long. Regards, GNR.

[Edited By George-Ruland on 2008-04-20 07:47]

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 04-06-2008 08:41
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Some reminders… … . The Nassau Co. 2008 Friends of NRA Banquet is to be held April 24th at 7 PM in Baldwin LI, NY. Contact Bill at 516-379-3581. / DU and the Suffolk Co. Skeet and Trap Range are sponsoring the Second Annual Long Island Spring Sporting Clays Open on Sunday April 27th. Doors open at 7:30 AM with a 9 AM shotgun start. Special youth events and a shooting exhibition… . Call 631-924-5600 or 516-799-7923 for more info. .

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 04-04-2008 08:28
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Congratulations to the Art Flick Chapter of Trout Unlimited for their effort and sucess in installing a fish ladder on the Carman’s River in Southaven Long Island. A special Hats Off to George Costa, chapter president. Join TU, take a youngster fishing, improve you local habitats. Help all flora and fauna in the local environment, and by doing so you help the waterfowl too. / South Shore Waterfowlers are again this year sponsoring sporting clays shoots for memebers during the off season at the Peconic River Sportman’s Club. Join SSWA, take a youngster shooting…..and improve your shooting skills. See sswa.org . / The Suffolk Co. Trap and Skeet Range in Southaven Long Island is open and in full swing offering Skeet, Trap, 5 Stand, and Sporting Clays. Give it a try…,take the family shooting. They have rental guns available, as well as, shooting instruction, gun fitting, and repairs. / Had a call from Hoot the other morning regarding his Hoot Socks. He and Jim worked things out as I expected they would. I believe they flipped a coin and Jim won the Northern Hemisphere. So be it. “Hoot, you still the man”… . Save the Tundra… . AFN,GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 03-06-2008 07:18
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Well it’s time to finish some new Y-boards, start some new blocks, and break out the fishing gear . I hear that the White Perch are running in the near by creeks……, I”m sure there are some hold over trout waiting….. . Enjoy your spring. Take time to go afield…all year long. Regards, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Mid Continent Conservation Act ’08 02-22-2008 06:01
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Have returned from AR and MO areas. I was never much of a Razor Back fan but, GO HOGS! Stuttgart is indeed birdie, for sure… . Macks Prairie Wings was better than expected… . The down home cookin was great, as well as, the fine people we met. Hats off to Hoot Gibson and his crew from Goosebustershoot.com. Thanks go out to BJ West of quackattackguideservice.com who was helping Hoot out…. and was our guide while in AR . The White Devils know how to play the game but these guys proved that now and again you can get the upper hand. / It was an early spring trip due to the schedule of one of our members so we expected cold temps in MO, but not quite the cold push we encountered. Such is Mother Nature. MO was and still is frozen tighter than a crabs ass. Will try that side of the border again next year. Thanks to Ken Lamb of KO Outfitters, our contact in the Mound City area. Thanks to a particular VFE from AR, and two in MO . / Get out and chase the mesmerizing White Devil. Help support the Conservation Act in your state. Save the Tundra, Grind’m Up, and BE Where The Birds Want To Be, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Northern AR 02-20-2008 08:40
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Did not hunt Monday the 18th due to low temps and high winds. Many beautiful areas here… . Went to see Kevin’s cousin and ended up trout fishing in a river behind his place. Nice sized Browns and Rainbows. Some good action, and a lot of great fun. Met alot of good people and am enjoying my time in AR. . BWTBWTB,GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

South of Stuttgart 02-18-2008 04:45
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Shooting 2/16 and 1/17 . Had groups of 20 -200 decoying on Sat. Awesome, in the face shoot. Smaller groups decoying Sunday. High winds from the SW made for more challenging shooting. Birds still within 20 yards. Another awesome shoot. Thanks to the VFEs from AR for pointing us in the right direction. Grind’em up. Save the Tundra, GNR.

Posted By:
George-Ruland
Field Editor

Suffolk Co. 02-11-2008 06:17
– – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
Extended season dark geese remain fickled and somewhat elusive. The current freeze should help put them on the open waters, out of the safe zones. / Get projects rolling for next season now. / “…shoot more, shoot more often… ” B. Miller…. . Both the Town of Brookhaven and the Suffolk County, Southhaven, Ranges are open Wed. thru Sundays. Get out for Skeet, Trap, 5 Stand, or Sporting Clays…..work on your shooting skills and have a great time with family and friends. / Scout and BWTBWTB, GNR.