Author: Webmaster

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Little Bay 12-09-2007 14:53
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Snow on the ground, cold temps, ice and low tides first thing in the morning to contend with. Hunted Saturday and Sunday, saw more ducks Sunday, saw more hunters Saturday. Never saw a goose on either day which seemed strange, I know there are some around. Ducks consisted of mostly mallards and some blacks. Buffleheads were a constant and some Goldeneyes were whistling around too. Our shooting consisted of knocking down a few pass shoots and a few decoying birds, missing both kinds of shots at other times and of course the usual missed opportunities from looking in the wrong direction. Overall we did not see any large morning flight either day. Most boat ramps remain open in spite of snow and ice.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 11-25-2007 12:12
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
The Wednesday opener saw a fair number of ducks around the brackish water. Tides have been low in the AM keeping many boats from getting out. Lots of geese roosting in the brackish rivers overnight but I have not seen them using any local fields. Black ducks as or more plentiful than mallards in the locations we hunted. Spent most of the day hunting on Saturday, slightly late start as we waited for the water to come up so we could get out. We saw 80 to 100 ducks fly out in the first half hour while we waited. Very few moving about the rivers for the rest of the day. We only had one shooting opportunity at ducks. We found two crippled geese on our way in. Wednesday we watched a couple of guys again with no clue on range estimation as they consistently took 100 to 120 yard shots on ducks. No other boats were out in this area on the first Saturday of the season. Hunter activity is extremely light. Birds are without a doubt rafting up and not being pushed around. Cold temps at night should keep inland ponds frozen and hopefully more birds will start showing up on the salt water as time passes.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2007-11-25 12:15]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

conticut river vt side 11-25-2007 07:55
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
this is for thurs morning went out had to break out ice on river bank to set out decoys got all set up and saw only 6 ducks go buy had one come in and got it a nice mallard thats all didnt hear any geese at all and then went for a drive and checked allt he fields down to lancaster area and saw nothing at all no ducks or geese. talked with afew hunters who hunted local in gorham area and they are very discouraged also this yr not alots of birds one hunter is thinking of giving up on waterfowling because of the decline. not sure im going to go that far but again this yr not a very good one up north not sure why and with gas being so high and everything almost frozen up already might be a early season up hear also wait and see maybe try next weekand not sure yet but if not glad to see guys down statte are doing well take care all and bye for now

[Edited By Msg&son on 2007-11-25 08:00]

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Cheshire county 11-22-2007 10:13
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 35-40 Degrees
I hunted the same spot today as I did yesterday. 15 minutes to get a limit of mallards and blacks. It is really on!

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Cheshire County 11-21-2007 14:41
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
I hunted a flood control area today. Only saw seven ducks all morning. Lucky for me only one of them left. 4 Mallards, 1 Buffie and 1 Merg.

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Seacoasy 11-19-2007 05:16
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted the coast Saturday for sea ducks. Great numbers this year. I think they are catching on yo the big whitr boat trick though. I’m hoping my layout boat arrives this week for some serious sea ducking. Don’t forget that the seaducktion hunt is coming up Dec. 8&9.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

groveton 11-04-2007 08:56
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
went to a field and set up in it and in a pudle saw one duck fly by that was it saw large flock of geese they where in a field norht of me lifted up and went inot that pond on vermont side where they always go and where they are safe from hunters. about 200 total. went for a ride and saw nothing after that either so this ends the first part nothing to write home about this yr wow hope second season brings better. at least i got my fall turkey son lost his ran away. turn to deer i guess for now see ya soon.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-29-2007 07:21
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 45-50 Degrees
There is no truer addage in waterfowling than “be where the ducks want to be”. Scott and I got it right on Saturday morning and in a span of 15 minutes or less we put 7 mallards in the bag. They were trying to land on top of our position with only two decoys out. I was shooting a 20 gauge and even with IC choke it was almost too much gun, ranges were short. There is good shooting for both ducks and geese for those who have done their scouting. Scouting is critical and you need to be at the right place at the right time. Hunting activity remains light and as a result birds at rest are rarely disturbed to take flight beyond the usual morning activity.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2007-10-29 14:50]

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-22-2007 07:28
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Slow but steady shooting prevails. The patient and persistent waterfowler will be rewarded with opportunites. Wood ducks can still be found and more mallards are in the area. Geese are moving from roost to feeding. Saturday found Scott and I wating for geese but shooting ducks. Sunday we changed fields had three small flocks of geese work our decoys before we filled our limit. I heard a little bit of shooting in the distance yesterday and heard none Saturday. Hunter activity seems incredibly light as both areas we hunted have generally had competing hunters nearby on the weekend. Not this year.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-15-2007 08:51
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Geese remain plentiful and on the move, a good number of birds moving about locally and I have seen several high southbound migrating flocks. Wood ducks, teal and large puddle ducks are also providing good shooting. I have not seen many hunters out and have not heard much shooting in the distance.

Saturday morning I had something happen I had not seen before while goose hunting. I shot a big canada goose and it was a dead fold in the air. As it fell to earth it collided hard with another goose that was flying well below it and leaving the field. It hit the escaping goose square and nearly knocked it to the ground. It was strange to watch.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

up north 10-14-2007 11:24
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
well hit the river this morning and saw 2 ducks thats it lots of geese flying north then coming back down ina hr or so that was it for today the are finihsing cutting corn in most places but still need some codl weather to bring new birds down lots of hunters about but no shots. as for sat went to a field and hunted and saw 9 woodies thats all got a few shots off nothing to show for them and no geese at all on sat , but lots of hunters again that day. did have snow on the mountains though sun morning. turkey season this week so hit the fields for somthing else this week till next weekand good luck all.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-08-2007 10:57
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 60-65 Degrees
This year is starting off much better than last year in my observation. Ducks are much more plentiful now than last year at this time. A good cold snap should bring more. Geese are extremely plentiful. Most of my hunting has been jump shooting wood ducks and when I get the lead correct I have had good results. I have had shooting every day out. Yesterday Scott and I had two flocks of geese set in to our decoys and we both shot a limit. Geese were moving throughout the day. Hunting pressure has been light as we have only heard a few distant shots each day.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

maidstone vt. 10-08-2007 10:35
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
well river was really low on sun had a few wood ducks come into the decoys before shooting time they left when was close to time ended up getting one to come back after got her and a banded one, heard maybe 4 shots down river, saw only 7 other ducks and one flock of geese up high and heading south, went for a ride and didnt see anything at all except few hunters around and now know who is hunting the field in vermont that i was hoping to hunt on sat they where there yesterday to, oh well hit them again this weekand maybe with the cooler weather and rain might help.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

lancaster 10-06-2007 18:40
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 40-45 Degrees
well wanted to sart in a field in vermont but people where there this morning so went to a big field in lancaster instead. got set up and had some shots at a big flock of woodies that was it for ducks, heard lots of geese had one loner come into the dekes but no luck ,had 2 nice flocks land out of decoys and flushed them both up. also had a flock of snows go over us to much fog this morning to see them but heard them and they where low. no many other shots or hunters about need cold weather to push ne birds down most loclal birds chot up or gone now already. going to hunt the river in vermont tomorrow morning only going for 1/2 day. good luck to all and be saf. Mark

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

lancaster 10-05-2007 13:51
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 40-45 Degrees
no work for me and son had day off so to the marsh we went, went to same place as last sat with the boat saw a few ducks green wing got one saw few flocks of geese but noting much to hot and water is really low going to a field tomorrow see what happens from there. land owner took the gate down and fields are mostly all cut now to.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

maidstone vt. 09-30-2007 13:19
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
well went out for youth weekand this weeknad as for today set up in the river fog was bad but son got a few ducks got his first banded a nice male woodie, saw lots of geese flying around kept landing in a corn field nuy us that is not all cut yet but some of it is cut flushed 2 flocks out for son to get a shot at noluck there saw few other hunters. on sat went to a bog in lancaster in the boat and set up there had 3 large flocks of ducks come in lots of mallards and blacks but no luck for my son on sat saw a bunch of hunters that day and i would saw buy this weekand most of corn fileds will be cut also, was nice to see a gate across the road where we hunted on sat now might not get so busy in there when people have to walk in now i hope. but have our plans set for this weekand coming up filed hunt for sat and river hunt for sun good luck to all and be carefull see u in the field. Mark

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

strafford 09-22-2007 18:18
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 50-60 Degrees
well went out with son this morning and fog didntlift till almost 9 am ughhh, and to make matters worse didnt see a thing or even hear a honk at all. saw few ducks flying around and 9 in bog behind us. went for a drive after to see if worth going out tomorrow and checked all the spots and no gees to be seen or found at all and not a lot of ducks either. on the bright side a farmer has started cutting his corn though so that might be good for next weekand youth hunt not sure yet have 2 places picked out now as is see what happens on sat first. well good luck to all and see u soon.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 09-18-2007 10:16
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
Observed a fair number of ducks while out crow hunting this weekend. A good number of mallards were using a pond near our hunting location. i suspect they are bein fed. Geese are bunching up and on the move in the area. Typical for this time of year they spend the day at Tuttle’s Red Barn in Dover and fly to and from the evening roost with determined regularity. I am seeing enough ducks moving to be much more hopeful about what the regular season will bring this year.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

stratford 09-10-2007 14:22
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
well took day off because of the weather and decided to give it a go. set up in a field that has ahd geese in it this yr and not one that had big flocks but might not have gotten the hunting pressure that im sure another filed did this past opeing day and weekand. fog rolled in around 630 or so heard a few geese in a bog and had 3 fly in but flared on me layout blind still to new i believe. then pushed one goose out of a bog thats it. no hunters and no shots, went for a drive and saw a small flock on side of road in a fresh cut ahy field of course it is posted they must be able to read. other than that nothing like usuall the get educated to fast fromt he pressure and doesnt take them long to change thier habits. oh well thats why it is called hunting. going to loudon this weekand so no hunting till next weekand then get ready for youth weekand and regular season, i will say we need some rain water is getting low the bog behind me was real low can walk out there quit a ways. if it stays as is ducks will be on the river and in bogs that ahve water thats for sure. good luck to all and be good and good luck see ya later. Mark

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley 09-05-2007 12:00
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
I got out on the early goose opener bright and early only to be totally skunked. No geese, no other hunters, only a lonely crow and a curious raven.

I’m not sure where the local birds are hanging out and that’s what I get for not scouting!

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

scouting 08-27-2007 13:14
– – –
well went again this weekand around looking for ducks and geese and turkeys again. again seem lots of differant flocks of geese but all in differant parts of the same fields so are moving around alot one flock was a lot bigger than last weekand. saw lots of turkeys again they had lots of llittle ones this yr still lots of small poults. as for landowners one said no it is for employess only and the owner for his fields and one didint contact me back so i take that as a no also oh well it is there right. but on the bright side found a way into a little spot again that i hunted for yrs but the last 2 hadnt been able to get to so am excited about that. see ya all soon and take care.Mark

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

scouting 08-19-2007 10:43
– – –
well yesterday went scouting the area for geese saw a total of 7 differant flocks ranging in sizes of 70+to 8 stopped and talked to landowers to start getting my permission al set up so far so good not sure how much will get to hunt my son has hunter ed the first weekand so not sure what we will do yet maybe do evening hunts instead we will see going to go out next sat again to keep looking around. hope everyone has had a good summer so far see u soon. Mark

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

08-07-2007 11:32
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
This is a good time to start working those calls if you haven’t already! The season is really just around the corner and you don’t want to sound as bad as I did just the other day when I tried out the ole calls!

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Ct River Valley 06-27-2007 10:07
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
No hunting going on right now, everybody is thinking of haying and fishing. The pond down the road has several big broods of geese all growing and fattening up nicely. The farmer left them a stop of unmown grass to feed in. Beautiful sight.

Hope y’all are having a great summer.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

looking around 05-04-2007 17:06
– – –
well out scouting for turkeys last month or so and seen lots of pairs of geese moving north and lots of juves also bunch up around the area nice to see, last sat son did it again we got a nice tom 21 and 1/2 lbs what a beauty bigger than his one last yr now i need to get one for me. going out this weekand and going to try to find one have a few more spots to try still from scouting out 5 areas so we sill see but it sure is ncie to see waterfowl again coming through. well take care all and have a safe summer

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Isles of Shoals 01-14-2007 21:43
Cloudy, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
I finished up my sea duck season Saturday with a trip to the IOS. Lots of ducks and lots of fun. Good mix of every type of sea duck. We also observed quite a few puddle ducks flying south (and a few north) but none even gave our dekes a second look. Looking forward to next season already!

__________________________ What would Jack Bauer do?

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 01-08-2007 09:30
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
2006/2007, The 60 day season that never really started. Scott and I went out Saturday morning and I shot a black. We had one other chance but the birds dipped below the tree line and we lost sight of them.

The Fish & Game Arial survey revealed we had only 1000 ducks on the bay as of last week. Seems odd to find out there were 3 times as many geese, I remember a time when a goose was a trophy and hard to get!

Scott talked with one of our friends who is an avid waterfowler, has good equipment and time to use it. He shot 6 ducks this season before calling it quits. Scott and I didn’t fair a whole lot better shooting 20 between us.

Temps in the seacoast hit a record of 72 degrees on Saturday afternoon and Sunday it was in the 50’s. I had given some thought to closing out the season by going hunting on Sunday afternoon. Given the Arial survey info, our continued poor success, I decided to use the nice weather to clean and put away equipment. I must admit I had been reading the forums and W-P Sullivans signature statement made me think “there is a fine line between duck hunting and staring at your dcoys like an idiot.” We had too much of the latter this year. I hope we never have another year this poor again.

Here’s to hoping 2007/2008 will be better. Good luck and see you next year, Pete

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 01-04-2007 09:24
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
It seems Saturday 12/23 was a fluke. Scott and I have not gotten into the birds again like that since. During the Christmas week we once again saw non-existent morning flights come off the bay heading inland to feed. Maybe we were just in the wrong spot to see them? Another day I sat for half the day in a place where ducks are normally seen trading abck and forth, again virtually nothing. Last weekend we might have had a little bit of shooting but an inconsiderate hunter armed with only a shotgun and a canoe set up 200 yards dwonwind of our decoy spread. He repeatedly shot at out of range birds that were coming to our decoys. Some people!

I visited some former coworkers at Fish & Game last week as well and I was sorry to hear that we are now down to 1200 duck hunters statewide. That is 10% of what we had in NH’s heyday of only 30 years ago. Certainly part of the problem is birds rafting up rather than being pushed around by lots of hunters.

We have one more weekend to go and temps are expected to remain mild. Without any weather forcing birds to the brackish waters I am expecting the action to be slow. The 2006/07 season has been one of the poorest I can recall and the 4 or 5th “down” year in a row for Scott and myself. Maybe we are losing our touch, I don’t think so. As Scott often says, “you can’t shoot what is not around.” Let’s hope the 2007/08 season brings us more ducks.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 12-23-2006 18:26
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
They have arrived! We finally have some ducks on the brackish water, a month late but they are here. Scott and I took 8 birds this morning (and missed a bunch more). The big surprise of the day was me shooting a hen wood duck. December 23rd and we have a wood duck in the bag, go figure. I guess that tells you something about the warm weather and the effect on this year’s season.

I had a sense it was going to get better for us this weekend. First was the report of a large number of ducks in one spot last Sunday. Then oddly enough I was sitting in my hot tub on Thursday night about 9:30PM, tipped my head back and noticed a large group of ducks fairly high up, coming straight out of the North, I figured they were migrants and that possibly the “push” was finally on.

We heard a fair number of shots from other parties this morning so the action was not just limited to our location.

I am looking forward to days after Christmas as I am on “vaca” until 1/2. Kind of nice not having ice dragging the decoys away which is often a problem at this time of year.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2006-12-23 18:35]

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley Area 12-19-2006 18:01
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 35-40 Degrees
Friday started out with the thickest fog I have ever hunted in. Unreal trying to keep my bearings while setting dekes from the canoe in pitch black pea soup.

I ended up with 3 drake mallards and should have had the fourth except for …. ummmm, the sun got in my eyes…

There were a pretty good number of puddle ducks around but no geese.

Saturday was my last day of the season and I put a bud on his first ever mallard. Always a good time. I ended up potting a nice fat black duck to end the season. Dog did great retrieves all year and except for the warm weather and not enough migration action, it was a good one.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 12-18-2006 08:34
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Ducks remain spotty in my observation. I did get a report from a friend who said that a good number of mallards, 50-60, were within sight of a local boat ramp yesterday morning. He also walked the edge of a fresh water river yesterday afternoon and never put up a duck. Yesterday afternoon I motored 2 1/2 miles on one river before putting up a puddle duck. When I did it was a group of about 40 blacks. Not a one returned. I did see a harbor seal and small groups or buffleheads. Yesterday it just felt strange, Dec 17th and temps in the 50’s. Eel grass is still standing when normally it has been flattened by ice by now. When I got home I was washing the mud off my boots with the hose and noticed a dandilion in bloom on my lawn. Cooler temps are supposed to be coming later this week, as always hoping things improve but we have only 3 weeks to go on the coastal season.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

dalton to maidstone 12-18-2006 06:06
– – –
well on sat started in dalton then checked the fields and river all the way up to maidstone vt. saw 6 blacks in lancaster on the river that was it. didnt get any shots at those tried to but no luck. saw a bunch of turkeys in both NH and VT. saw only one other group of hunters. so after that didnt bother with goin out on sun at all. i must say it was below a poor season for sure, real sad and glad its over now, no big flights of birds at all and ones we did see just kept flying so oh well see whats happens next yr. i hope it doesnt keep getting worse. well merry christmas to all and happy new year also. take care and be well. Mark St. Germaine

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 12-10-2006 17:56
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Duck numbers and hunting pressure remains light in the brackish waters. Only saw one other party on Sunday. No other trucks at the ramp. Seeing more geese than ducks but duck numbers are a little better than last weekend. It’s still not where is should be for this time of year and I would call it poor. This morning there was virtually no morning flight by our position, three birds moving early was it. Birds are not being pushed around or bumped into the air by boats moving about. A good tactic, if you see a number of birds at rest, make them move without firing a shot. Quickly set up a few decoys where they had been and wait for some to return. Shot a banded mallard in the PM by doing that.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2006-12-11 04:51]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

maine 12-09-2006 19:44
– – –
well all got back today from my hunt with Penobscot bay outfitters and i must say first class and top notch. was my first time sea duck hunting and i must say wont be the last, i have never seen that many ducks before in my life we are talking thousands of eiders no lie, i got my 2 day limits of 5 each of birds got a banded hen and having her and a male eider mounted. then today did a oldsquaw hunt ended up getting 1 male and hen plus a hen and male white winged surf scoter am having the drake oldsquaw mounted also. was very interesting to hunt ducks that way and no calling at all, the guides where great, the accomidations where great, the food was excellant. and the shooting was fabulous. 3 days i shot about 75 rounds, so when they say 2 boxes a day they are close and to suggest improved choke also was a wow. but i used mod with my 10 guage and did just great. while the rest of the group all shot 12 guages. well taking tomorow off so will hunt next weekand i hope but in gorham area everyhting is almost froze over so we will see. take care all and be well. Mark St. Germaine

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Hamton Beach 12-09-2006 16:31
Cloudy, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Hunted sea ducks today and there were tons of ducks. Few Eiders, but lots of Scoters and Oldsquaw. They were more willing to decoy today than they have been all year. I also saw lots of ducks and geese heading south. There was plenty of shooting coming from the Hampton estuary area too. Quite a bit of it was before legal shooting light. If you hunt sea ducks get out there. If you don’t have the means to go, send me a PM, we’re always looking for another hunter to go along.

[Edited By shawnpieterse on 2006-12-09 16:32]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

up north 12-05-2006 17:14
– – –
late again as for sat went to groveton in a field in a puddle that just kept going up lots of water fromt he storm say lots of mergs again heard a few geese and jumped 2 flocks one there and one in whitefield, son got some shots of in whitefiled but that was it for sat. what a change on sun snow on the ground breezy and cold out with ice forming and lots of water still set out in the same field but in a differant puddle because of all the water couldnt get to the other one, shot on merg saved some fish, didnt see any geese got some shots on some blacks that came into the decs no luck though went for a ride and didnt see anything but high river water and ice forming , and as of today with the temps im sure by this weekand everything will be frozen but the river again. leave for tomoorow to sears port maine for my sea duck hunt hope to do good there will be back sat sometime so maybe will hunt sun not sure yet. but will let u know how i did and good luck to all this weekand. and i agree the ducks have either changed there pattern or there where not that many this yr not sure but not a good season at all.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 12-04-2006 08:20
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Hopefully there are some waterfowlers in NH enjoying success but this weekend I was not one of them. I had hoped the hight winds predicted for Saturday would force birds to smaller sheltered waters. Maybe it did but not to the smaller sheltered waters we were hunting. The morning flight that came off the bay in our direction was fewer than 10 ducks. Last weeks balmy weather did nothing to push ducks into the bay. I have heard reports of a good number of mallards being spotted in the fresh water lakes of the towns north and west of the bay. Hopefuly as the weather turns colder this week, the lakes will skim and ducks will move into the brackish waters.

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Southern NH 12-02-2006 12:17
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
Holy Wind day! I was hoping that this weather system would have pushed some birds south in large numbers. I saw one flock of geese and one flight of ducks that are in the same resident pattern that they have been in for a few months. What is it going to take to make it happen around here?

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

up north 11-28-2006 16:35
– – –
sorry it late guys, well on turkey day went to the field in vermont heard a few geese saw a few ducks no shots at all then went for a drive and only saw mergs lots of male americans. on fri went to groveton to set up in that field but when we got there 2 guys where there so went up the river on vermont side up near maidstone on a rock bar saw some blacks and son got a few shots off at some mallards again heard geese but saw none at all then went for a ride again and didnt see anything at all. on sat coldest morning so far up here single numbers went up on the rocl bar again in the river and didnt see anything at all nothing flying didnt hear any geese either. not sure why they either havent come down yet or changed because of the hunting pressure did see lots of hunters all days. all the puddles are frozen now so its just the river, with the warm weather this week and big rain storm coming in for fri maybe this weekand will be better hope so to save this season because it has been a sad one up north here. take care all see ya soon.

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Milford NH 11-24-2006 18:05
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
I hunted a cut corn field hoping for some new birds. Due to a comedy of errors, the first two flocks of geese passed us by, the third flock didn’t pay any attention and the one flight of ducks were not to be diverted from their intended destination. The first flock of geese were coming in in stealth mode and we didn’t notice them until I shot a crow that wouldn’t leave. Then the geese started to sound off and flew away. The second flock of geese caught me “trolling” for geese ie:taking a leak (works every time). The most disturbing thing of the day was that we didn’t see any high flying flocks of migrating birds. Where are they? We’re running out of time.

Shawn

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 11-23-2006 16:17
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Opening day brought a pleasant surprise, more ducks than I anticipated. However gunning has been spotty. A fair number of boats were out yesterday and today. On both days we observed hunters who either didn’t fire a shot or did not bag a bird. Like real estate, location has been everything and as always a little bit of luck thrown in goes a long way. For the two of us success came because we happened to be in the right spot and looking the right way at the right time. Missed opportunites came frequently too, and some were rookie mistakes. You would think after 30 plus years we would be beyond that, it happens to everyone. Low tide in the morning hampered the ability to get boats out and for some hunters just a few minutes late meant losing out on the days best shooting. So far the morning flight has brought the best gunning of each day. Black ducks have been dominant but mallards are around as well as some teal. Geese seem plentiful.

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Sea coast near Hampton Beach 11-20-2006 15:28
Cloudy, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted for sea ducks on Sunday off of Hampton Beach. The water was a little rough so the shooting was tough. We saw mostly scoters, a few eiders in the mix and the old squaw started to show right before we left around 0900. There are lots of birds out there, but with the water as rough as it was, I think they had a hard time seeing the dekes since they fly so low. We also saw quite a few puddle ducks flying high as well as a couple of large flocks of geese all heading south. I’m looking forward to getting out there with some flatter water so that we can deploy the layout boats. Good luck out there, and be safe!
Shawn

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Pre Season Observations 11-16-2006 07:11
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Geese are coming off the Bay and heading inland in waves this morning. Steady, every ten minutes or so another flock can be heard.

We are less than a week away from the opening of the second half and we experiencing some abnormally mild temperatures and lots of rain. Long range forcast does not include a cold snap. My duck sightings have been spotty and when I have seen them it’s been in odd places like flooded areas next to a highway. Until the weather takes a turn for the worse I believe hunting the brackish waters of the Bay and rivers that feed it will be spotty. There is lots of open fresh water around and the birds are going to spread out.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

groveton and lancaster area 11-07-2006 16:48
– – –
well on sat went to the field in vermont and it was cold out had to break ice of the puddle in the field saw 1 duck that was it and then jumped about 60 or so geese out of a corn field just couldnt get close enough belly crawling to them. on sun went to groveton in a field same thing had to break ice, saw 3 good flocks of ducks and tons of geese all going to a pond on the vermont side ,i think most where residents. water still high and freezing up so we will see what happens when it opens back up in a few weeks might just be field hunting when it does. Not sure why but not alot of ducks around this year i get the feeling that they might have changed there migration a little it seems to happen from time to time every few yrs. am seeing lots of male mergs already and you dont see those till late in the season so who knows. i hope everyone else had good luck and hope you all have good luck second season. am excited for dec am going to maine on a guided 3 day sea duck hunt so we will see what happens there. bye all for now , deer hunting this weekand and work around the house to keep the wife happy.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

11-02-2006 16:28
– – –
well last weekand took the muzzleloader for a walk in the rain no luck there and didnt even bother going out on sun either with the high water and winds im sure nothing was moving around to much plan to go out this weekand supposed to be nice with cool mornings so we will see

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

flooded field 10-22-2006 16:38
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
well wanted to go to groveton this morning but when we got there the river went up even higher and instead of a puddle was a lake so ended up going to lancaster instead in a flooded field. figured we would see some birdes and we did all going south, with all the water around and no hunters about it is hard to find the birds and they sense the other front coming in for the begining of the week so not a good day at all or weekand for that part. on sat set up in the field in vermont again in the rain and blowing snow the randolpd and jefferson area had like 3 inches on the ground. still had high winds for the better part of the morning and also only saw 4 geese and like 10 ducks and that was it. not good at all they are calling for rain and snow till wed. up here in the north country and rain for sat again already so who knows what that will bring. just hope everyone else is having good luck. be carfeull around the high water the conneticut river is flowing over its banks up here. be good all. Mark

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-16-2006 09:49
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Geese were on the move and looking to feed Saturday morning. We saw many small flocks coming to the fields. We were able to observe hunters in one field shooting time and time again, apparently unable to quickly hit their targets or shooting out of range. Often we would hear gunfire as we watched flocks over that field at twice the hieght of the trees. It it too bad that a few spoil it for so many by “educating” flock after flock before taking their limit.

For those that are interested crows are migrating in a big way as well.

Geese were around on Sunday morning but nowhere near the number of flocks were spotted as the day before. I would chalk that up to a combination of blue bird weather and an education from hunters lacking in wingshooting skills.

A few more big ducks were seen but the frosts and front that came through last week may have pushed some of the woodies south.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2006-10-16 09:49]

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Ct River Valley 10-15-2006 18:42
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Mark and Peter hit the mark with their reports of migrating geese. We have been seeing flocks of 100+ Canadas headed south. I was even able to turn one of them but they just didn’t want to finish. Must be my calling needs some work? 😉

Local birds are pretty scarce, having moved on with this last batch of cold weather. Still seeing some woodducks and teal blasting through though.

Corn field goose hunting has been hard work – the birds seem smarter this year! It’s really tough getting the flocks to finish into gun range. I suspect that successful goose hunters this year will have invested in good full body dekes and will have practiced their calling a lot.

Good luck out there.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

puddle in a corn field in coos county 10-15-2006 17:26
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
well went to what i hoped my little honey hole when the rains come in and make puddles in a corn field i know of , that didnt happen saw one black thats all, saw few flocks of geese and they had no intention of coming in my spread at all either. had another group of guys i know in the next field up that where set up for geese to and didnt hear any shooting from them also. so was a early day for me today. as for sat. went back to the field in vermont again besides being frosty, the fog was horrible worst than last weekand had one nice flock fly over us but couldnt see the decoys because of the fog and they where low could hear the wings but not see them, saw a few ducks my son got a male mallard that was it, the front worked to good the local birds left and no new ones came in just yet, more rain slated for mid week so we will see what happens for the weekand most of the fields are all cut now. am working in shelburne and have been seeing flocks of geese migrating everyday down there so maybe i might stay close to home this weekand who knows glad to hear everyone is doing good and having fun. btw drove in blowing snow this morning on my way down to the field brrrrr! good luck and take care Mark St. Germaine

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Geese on the move 10-12-2006 06:44
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 45-50 Degrees
Geese have been on the move this week in a big way. I have observed many flocks of high flyers headed south indicating their migration is well underway. While walking into work I heard a couple of flocks this morning, around 7:30AM, that were low and headed inland to feed. It would be a good day to be out this morning.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

West Central NH/VT Border 10-08-2006 18:56
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 50-60 Degrees
It’s been an exhausting but totally satisfying week here on the NH/VT border. Opening day was productive as usual with near limit of wood ducks and mallards. It gets darned near mathematical when you start figuring out what type of duck you can shoot to round out your limit, especially when our birds are in eclipse phase or not far from it.

As usual, the local birds started out stupid but became pretty intelligent within a couple of days. As Pete pointed out, Wood Ducks are plentiful all over. Pre-season scouting showed a very large population of local mallards, but after opening day they became scarce, just like they always do. Canada Geese are our salvation here in the “Far From Stuttgart-150 ducks is a bad year” regions. There are geese all over the place. Hunt em in the corn, on rivers, lakes, where ever you like to hunt best. The geese will be there. This year they are big, fat and friendly.

If you haven’t made friends with your local farmers yet, you are behind the 8-ball. Get on it. Take them a whole plucked prime goose or duck or some venison and take some time to talk about the weather, crops, LOCAL politics and how much you appreciate them keeping their land open for hunting. Most of these folks like hunters and wish they had more time to do some themselves. Offer to take them on a hunt when it’s convenient for them. I bet you’ll not only get some takers but perhaps some new friends as well.

I just delivered a gorgeous November 2005 head shot goose to a farmer. That goose got fat and tasty on my favorite corn field. I kept it airtight and sealed frozen at 5 degrees so that it would be good table fare even now. It took me nearly 2 hours to gut, pluck and process. Those folks are going to remember me the next time I come around asking to hunt their fields. Farmers are your friends.

On a side note, I seem to have rediscovered pheasant hunting, and fortunately for me, my duck dog likes it as well! This gorgeous weather keeps the ducks sitting tight, but it sure makes for an incredibly pleasant afternoon saunter through the fields and thickets.

Hope your early season is going well.

[Edited By Jerry-Nicholson on 2006-10-08 18:58]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

same place 10-08-2006 18:12
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
well the fog wasnt as bad this morning, saw not as many wood ducks but still saw alot of them saw more mallards today than yesterday, and only saw 4 geese which i missed i did end up with another wood duck and a mallard for today which wasnt t o bad only hunted till 9 am had things to do. but the weather forcast is for a big rain storwm end of week which should help, and the fields are still being cut so we will see good luck to all.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-08-2006 15:51
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Wood ducks are in good supply this year. Scott and I got into them hunting one of the local rivers. The water was down and we were able to easily traverse the river as we needed to in chest waders. Woodies were all we saw and we expected to find big ducks but did not. We heard some geese flying low and several flocks are using grass fields for the feeding area. Some cornfields have been cut. Things should continually improve as the days shorten and freezing temps become the norm each morning.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

corn field on vermont side 10-07-2006 18:43
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
well the scouting paid off set up in that field and it didnt take long at all right at shooting time the wood ducks started coming in got some shots off at those and also some mallards then the geese started coming in lots of different flocks all in all saw about 40 to 50 geese and 60 ducks majority wood ducks ended up with 2 geese and one female wood duck my son shot alot but missed but it was one of the better opening weekend hunts in a long time that is for sure i know i shouldnt but am going there again in the morning. because didnt see much anywhere else except whitfield again jump shooting. good luck to all and be good Mark

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

scouting 10-03-2006 16:34
– – –
well the fields are getting cut by this weekand a good group of them will be done im sure have one scopped out for sat. scouted it last sun am going to check it out again fri afternoon again but pretty sure where im going there on sat morning im sure the other places will be busy so might do some good. good luck to all and be safe. mark

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

all over the north country 09-24-2006 16:36
– – –
well took my son out for youth weekand this weekand, and on sat went to a bog up north set out some decs and had one fly in he missed it, saw a few others land out of the decs to far out then went for a drive and puddle jumped for the rest of the day finally found some birds in whitfield he got some shots off saw 5 geese int he river also thats it for sat. On sun just did puddle jumping started in gorham and went west from there and again didnt see anything till whitefield area jumped some geese out of one area and he got some shots off at some woodies in that area then went to another place and he got a nice wooddie on a passing shot, he upgraded to my 20 ga pump now so taken him some time to get used to it. even after thhis weekand its not looking promising for this season water is down everywhere and still not alot of birds either not sure why. guess we will have to wait and see what happens thats all . good luck to all and see u in the fields. Mark ps. ducks&pucks ill keep my eyes open for u when u are up this way also bud.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 09-21-2006 10:12
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
There seems to be plenty of resident geese around right now but as always the trick is getting at them.

To me it seems there are more geese moving around than years past. The fields in front of the UNH dairy center have been full of birds. I have seen birds coming and going from the direction of Tuttle’s Red barn as well.

Corn remains standing making it difficult to find a place to hunt them. Talked with a friend last night who reported that hundreds of geese are rafting on Great Bay.

Ducks flights have been spotty.

The youth waterfowl weekend is this weekend.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

09-14-2006 00:45
– – –
Duckers Day 2006 was held at Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, NH on September 9th. My buddy Mark, his family and I attended again this year and had a great time. It’s amazing that there is a daylong event totally dedicated to us waterfowl hunters right here in NH. You’d expect this in Stuttgart, but its unusual here.

Saturday was a beautiful day – sunny, warm and dry. One of the highlights for me this year was the number of folks that brought their retrievers. There were dogs everywhere. You just can’t go wrong when you’re surrounded by hunting dogs. The retrieving demonstrations were excellent – I’m surprized that they really make the demo retrieves with a degree of difficulty and distance. Very good dog work and handling.

The decoy vendors there really point out the New England waterfowling heritage. The carving and painting harken back to a more distinguished age. Incredible stuff. Deke carvers have a gift…

A traffic situation on Rt 4 prevented us from heading westward for home so we ended up having an early dinner at Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery. Of course, being next door to Kittery Trading Post meant we had to go spend some money! My buddy bought his kids a sweet .22 rifle. His wife picked up a nifty little .38 snubby for concealed carry. I was amazed to find some 3″ #4 .410 bismuth and bought up a pile. I still have my first shotgun and intend to whack some early season ducks with it.

We should all plan to meet at next year’s Ducker’s Day!

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

conneticut river valley 09-11-2006 16:13
– – –
sorry its late all, well as for the opener on tues. we did ok we got 6 of them one was banded say the whole flock of about 150 to 200 birds looked encouraging for the weekand. Well that was the wrong thing to think on sat had fog and no geese at all heard one small flock that was it and they ddint even come close to us, went scouting after that and say one small flock of 15 or so and they where on the wrong side of the road and didnt see any ducks at all either, then on sun tried again and this time saw some geese like 40 or so but they where migrants and they where up high and going south already not a good sign at all, had one loner come in and my 11 yr old son shot this first canada goose nice 30yrd shot with the 20 gauge am so proud of him. went scouting again and didnt see any geese and a few ducks thats all and that is from dalton to almost stewartstown. not sure where they went or they know something we dont but right now not looking to good at all for either hunting. am thinking that the geese have been educated now and have moved on after getting shot at just that once now not sure, well i am going to the races this weekand so no hunting for me at all then next weekand is youth weekand so unless something changes thats it for me for goose season for now. hope other people have better luck and a good season. bye all mark st. germaine

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

out for a ride up north 08-20-2006 17:58
– – –
well took a drive with the family up north in the conneticut river valley, to try to find some ammo for me man its hard to find 10 ga ammo this yr good thing i bought a bunch from cabelas but wanted some no# 4s for early season goose hunting but no luck at emersons in groveton, but did find some for my son for his 20 ga. then took a ride around the loop still real wet in the bogs still from the wet summer river is down lots of sand bars which is good. looks like most of the feilds got planted this yr only saw one that didnt. as for geese saw 3 seperate flocks total about 200 birds so it was a good breeding season for sure and some of them look like big birds saw a few ducks also so so far so good will keep in touch and looking forward to sept 5th. take care all and be well Mark St. Germaine

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Waterfowl Season Hearing August 23, 2006 08-18-2006 08:58
– – –
CONTACT:
Edward Robinson: (603) 271-2461
Julie Robinson: (603) 868-1095
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
August 1, 2006

Waterfowl Season Hearing Set for August 23

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed season dates and bag limits for the 2006 waterfowl hunting season on Wednesday, August 23, 2006, at 6:30 p.m., at Fish and Game headquarters on Hazen Drive in Concord. Comments at the meeting will be considered in finalizing New Hampshire’s 2006 waterfowl season dates.

“Waterfowl populations in the Atlantic Flyway continue to do well. In the northeast overall, and in New Hampshire particularly, mallard, wood duck, and Canada goose populations remain at high levels. As a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recommended liberal season frameworks for ducks,” said Edward Robinson, a waterfowl biologist with N.H. Fish and Game. “There are some concerns, however, about the status of black ducks, wigeon, scaup and pintails.”

New Hampshire’s proposed waterfowl season is very similar to last year’s. Fish and Game is proposing a 60-day duck season with a six-bird daily limit for the 2006 season. There are some minor changes.

Fish and Game also recommends continuing split seasons, including both ducks and Canada geese, in both the inland and coastal zones to allow early and late hunting opportunities:

The Inland Zone season (ducks, mergansers, coots, Canada geese) would open on October 3 and run through November 12, then reopen from November 22 through December 10.

The Coastal Zone season would open on October 4 and run through October 15, then reopen November 22 through January 8.
Species restrictions will continue on black ducks, scaup, pintails, canvasbacks and Atlantic brant. Fish and Game is proposing to reduce the daily bag limit on scaup to 1 bird per day; to increase the season length for canvasback from 30 to 60 days; and to increase the bag limit on hooded mergansers from 1 bird per day to 2 birds per day.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

07-31-2006 16:42
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Howdy folks. First post in a while for me and its good news. Driving past a small pond today I saw a flock of about a dozen geese. Man, did they look pretty! I suspect the Molt Migration is responsible for the flocking activity. Seems like its a little late for the MM though. Lots of geese all around this year – ought to be a good early season.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

DU Banquet – Hampton Beach 04-16-2006 06:42
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Boars Head Chapter Banquet is on April 28th, 6PM at the Ashworth by the Sea Hotel on Ocean Blvd, Hampton Beach NH. An invite is required to attend and if you don’t have one I would call 603-431-3437 and see what they can do.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

03-31-2006 17:25
– – –
well with the warm weather the local pairs havemoved north from gorham still no geese sen yet fly through but im sure the residence had a great witner over on the conneticut river vally im sure with hardly andy snow on the feilds so that might bode well. and on a great side heard ont he news that cabelas wants to build a store in hookseett how cool will that be wooohooo. hope everyone has a great spring turkey hunting is almost upon us so good luck to all. Mark

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 03-20-2006 05:22
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
Was out crow hunting yesterday morning and observed a sight we seldom see on the seacoast, Snow Geese. A flock of about 50 which included two blue geese was overnighting in the area’s biggest cornfield. They took off and flew around the area for about an hour. When we last saw them they had picked up signifcant altitude and were heading north. I can only remember seeing snow geese in this area about 5 times since the mid 70’s and most of the time it is in the Spring.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Connecticut River Valley 03-16-2006 18:07
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
This is too weird. Yesterday I looked out the office window and my back lawn was covered up in Robins! March 15 and there were dozens of Robins all over! Then today cruising down Rt 4 I saw a pair of Canada Geese in a field!

This is waaaaay to early for migration. Something ain’t quite right!

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

West Central Border 02-24-2006 17:16
Arctic Blast – 0-10 Degrees – Ice
After an up and down winter, temperature wise, it looks like Ma Nature isn’t finished with us. Temperatures are headed south in a big way this weekend.

I haven’t seen a duck or goose in a couple months, and that is as it should be. I am, however, just about ready to take a couple of last year’s fat, late season geese to the farmers that let me hunt their land. Its always good to take care of the landowners who are generous enough to share the resource.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

DU Banquet 02-09-2006 05:15
– – –
I got a card in the mail from the Cocheco Chapter of DU. They have changed the date of their annual banquet to 3/18/06. Dress is casual at Rochester Country Club, 138 Church St. Rochester NH. No stated time was printed on the card, contact phone number is 603-772-0648

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2006-02-09 05:16]

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Large number of geese report 01-06-2006 12:29
– – –
I got a report from a friend who observed what he said to be around 1000 geese in a cut cornfield on the Durham/Lee line last night. He was driving home from work around 4PM.

Although that area is in the inland zone where the season is closed it would be my guess that these birds are roosting on the Bay overnight. There is still the opportunity to shoot a goose this weekend in the coastal zone.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Little Bay and the rivers 12-28-2005 05:35
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
Ice and hunters, seems like we have a lot of both. Have hunted 3 days since Christmas eve day with some success. Lot’s of ice making for problems with decoys as ice sheets will drag them away. Decent morning flights but most movement is before legal shooting. Ducks are seemingly plentiful but staying bunched up in areas where they are not hunted. Yesterday morning I saw a duck or two every 10 minutes and then shortly before 9AM there were a few shots from a nearby river and at least 150 ducks came out and headed for Great Bay.

Spoke to a friend yesterday that had good success. He and his partner got a late start going at 9AM. I caught up to them at the launch around 1PM. They had five birds that included two banded mallards. One was a a double banded greenhead sporting a $100 reward band. Now that’s a good day! He reported a bit of frustration with all the hunters out and a lack of honor. I know what he is talking about, Sunday we had two guys set up 50 yards from us and shoot at every bird that went by from 100 to 120 yards. They didn’t seem to have a clue.

This same friend reported a large number of geese are rafted up in the middle of great bay each day. I haven’t seen many moving but he tells me they are there.

Don’t forget that Sunday is a new year and you’ll need to get your 2006 Hunting license and boat registration this week if you plan to keep going during 2006.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Rivers around Little Bay 12-18-2005 15:24
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
Winter’s wrath has come to early in my opinion, cold, snow and ice have made for tough conditions. The warm temps and hard rains of friday opened up a some spots that had been locked in with ice. I got out Sunday morning and the ducks were flying steady from an hour before shooting time until 20 minutes after and then things got quiet. During those 20 minutes steady shooting could be heard from every direction as hunters found ways to get out in spite of the low tide this AM. Although the ducks were moving, mallard, blacks, goldeneyes and buffleheads, the geese were nowhere to found. Perhaps they flew off the bay in another direction that we couldn’t see. We did see the NH Marine Patrol go into and back out of the bay. It was a good reminder to double check the safety equipment on the boat, mine was there, is yours? The boat ramp we used was iced over, there was plenty of natural sand to spread on it but keeping a bucket of sand in the back of your truck is good idea for the ramps and elsewhere. Stay safe the water is unforgivably cold, the ducks are there if you can get out to open water.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

conneticut river 12-10-2005 19:52
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 10-20 Degrees – Ice
well went out again on the river hoping for some luck but its all froze over now saw 2 mergs thats all so looks like the end for huntign up north for the yr. heard a few geese but didnt see them river still highbut almost solid all the way down through lancaster. hope the guys down south have better luck . not sure about any one else but this yr was a wierd one thats for sure not as many birds at all thsi yr not sure if weather or theya re changing there flights?? oh well merry christmas to all and happy new year also and wait till next yr i guess bye for now and take care all Mark St. Germanine

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Scouting 12-10-2005 17:22
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Scott was busy with work today and I figured access to where I like to hunt would be difficult. Sure enough boat ramps are unplowed, windrows from plows would be tough to bust through. Brackish waters are choked with ice as you get further from the Bay. May try to toboggan the boat about 200 feet tomorrow to get to water. Depends on Scott, need two for that job.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

12-08-2005 16:11
– – –
just got puter back lets see went out second season opening day frozen puddles and high water on the river saw a few ducks nothing in the decoys all stayed in river, on turkey day went out again in the snow and same thing few birds flushed a flock of geese out of a field in lacaster didnt see them till i was on them becasue of the white out conditions. went out once more that weekand and river was starting to freeze up still ducks and geese around but few and far between, heading out this weekand to finish up river is down but its codl out so we will see still lots of canadas hanging around just in vermont where u cant get to them so hope to cathc them on the river at sand bars will see and let u all know what happens take care and be well. Mark

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Connecticut River Valley 12-05-2005 18:20
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Hunted the river Saturday morning with only slightly more luck than Friday. I had a flock of mallards pitch into the dekes 10 minutes before first light and those were the only birds worth looking at until noon when we picked up. Lots of mergansers were flying around but neither myself nor my buddy like the taste of fish ducks.

I can only assume that there is plenty of food and open water north of us.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Rivers around Little Bay 12-04-2005 13:56
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Low tides in the early morning seemed to delay or stop hunter activity in my area for both Saturday and today. Some sporadic shooting was heard in the distance. Saturdays winds seemed to push birds into the area we were hunting but with no other hunters out birds were not pushed around and tended to pile up. Shooting opportunties were steady with a good mix of mallards and blacks. Divers were around if one was interested in shooting at them. Scott and I were still short a two man limit but were both pleased to include a banded mallard each in the day’s take. We also observed a mature bald eagle plying the same waters in search of food.

Sunday morning found us hunting the same location with what we thought was a better set-up, adjusting to the birds behavior of the previous day. Light snow and no winds didn’t provide nearly the same amount of activity. We both managed to bring home one today but our less the exceptional shooting, especially at one low flock of geese prevented us from adding some more to the bag. The rivers we hunted were free of ice on both days, however boat ramps can be icy after the tide recedes so be careful.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2005-12-05 10:49]

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Connecticut River Valley 12-02-2005 13:53
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
I hunted all morning Friday and never fired the gun. There was a lonely goose that flew by about a half hour before shooting light, a handful of hooded mergs and nothing else! I was sure there would be activity due to the snow flurries and dropping temperatures, but I was wrong. I wonder if the southerly winds are keeping everything at a standstill? We’ll see if this cold front changes things for the better. It was DEAD out there!

On a positive note, pretty much all the areas that were frozen out a week ago are now open again. We might actually have open water all the way to the end of the inland season for a change.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

The rivers around Little Bay 11-25-2005 11:02
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Well after a rather warm fall it turned colder than a witches you know what for the long opening weekend. Hunted Wednesday and today taking a break on Turkey day. Ducks are in good supply in this area. Quite a few more than last year this time. Scott and I have had good shooting. Mostly mallards and blacks but we did see some greenwing teal in both places hunted. Geese are plentiful but there does not seem to be as many as years past. I shot a banded hen mallard today, first banded duck for me in 3 or 4 years. Hunting activity on Wed and today was light. The birds are here for some decent hunting if you have the gear to deal with the cold weather.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2005-11-25 11:05]

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

11-21-2005 09:17
– – –
Well the day I look more forward to than Christmas is almost upon us, the opener of the second half. Did some scouting yesterday and the brackish waters did have some ducks and geese. Small groups scattered here and there. It gave me hope that we are going to have a good day Wednesday.

For those hunting the tidal waters I found and have been using the following website which is quite useful as it gives tides at various locations around the bay.

Good Luck everyone and hunt safe.

http://www.maineharbors.com/nh/tidenh.htm

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

lancaster frozen fields 11-14-2005 19:25
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
well sun was last day had lots of ice on the puddle in the field had to break that up to set out decoys, saw lots of big ducks mallards and blacks about 40 or so but none wanted to work the decoys all went into the river,othere than those didnt dee any other ducks around only one flock of geese about 50 or so must have been migrants int he field all night feeding with the almost full moon by the time we got to them to jump them they had flown out of the field, so thats all till wed the 23 taken the day off from work again for that day set up on the river or a sand bar ont he river and see what happens hopefully river stays down and not frozen. good luck all and take care mark