Category: Connecticut

Posted By:
webmaster
root

02-06-2009 12:21
– – –
HARTFORD, CONN., January 16, 2009 – The 12th annual Dodge Truck Northeast Fishing & Hunting Expo is coming Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, 2009 to the Connecticut Convention Center on 100 Columbus Ave. in Hartford, Conn.

The 2009 Expo features hundreds of booths showcasing the latest products for both fishing and hunting enthusiasts, and is designed as a great outing for the entire family. More than 70 hours of seminars from nationally known fishermen and hunting experts are included in the cost of admission. The full schedule and more information can be viewed at www.fishinghuntingexpo.com

Expert Fishing presenters include: NECN, ESPN 2 and World Fishing Network’s “Mad Fisherman” Charlie Moore; Fly-fishing expert Dave Brandt; Robert Mead; Tom Baltz; Capt. Rich Tenreiro of TV’s Northeast Angling; Capt. Bill Brown; Al Gag; Capt. Lynn Smith; Capt. Jim White; Capt. Blaine Anderson; Marla Blair; Bruce Marino; videographer Mike Laptew; Capt. John Planeta; and Capt. Bruce Millar.
Expert Hunting presenters include: Kate and Peter Fiduccia a/k/a The Deer Doctor, host of Outdoor Channel’s “Wood n’ Water” series; Del DelMastro; and Hal Blood.

“Attendees will discover the newest fishing, hunting and outdoor equipment by some of the top manufacturers and can purchase a variety of products,” explains Event Organizer Kristie Gonsalves of North East Expos, Inc. “They can meet charter boat captains, check out new models of fishing boats, watch shows about falconry, raptor biology and conservation featuring live owls, hawks and falcons at ‘Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience’, enjoy the Northeast Big Buck Club’s Score Your Rack exhibit, view one of the world’s largest antlers at ‘Odie Sudbeck’s Awesome Antler Collection’, pan for gemstones, and see many demonstrations on fly casting, fly tying and archery.”

Hands-on activities include: skill testing on a fishing simulator, fishing at a Catch & Release Trout Pond – if you catch a tagged fish, you win a Shakespeare rod and reel, a Laser Shooting Range, and Kids’ Bass Casting Competition sponsored by the Connecticut Bass Federation Booth. On Saturday and Sunday, the Sagittarian Archery School will offer free Archery Lessons.

“Dodge Truck Northeast Fishing & Hunting Expo” at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. (Exit 29A off Interstate 91, take Columbus Blvd. Exit and Convention Center is on your right)
Hours: Friday, February 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, February 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $10 adults; $2 for Children 6 to 12; and Free for children age 5 and under. Admission Payment by Cash Only.

Event is sponsored by Dodge Truck and the Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen. Media sponsors are On the Water magazine, WFSB Channel 3, and Country 92.5 WWYZ.
For more information, including schedule of free seminars and events and driving directions, contact North East Expos, Inc. at (860) 844-8461 or visit www.fishinghuntingexpo.com.

Posted By:
woodyhunter
Guest

02-18-2007 11:21
– – –
anyone in ct hunt ducks anymore?

i used to live and hunt there in the 60’s and 70’s with my dad in and around marlborough.also on the salmon river in or near hebron i think(or east haddam) and the ct river,near hartford and at the sound!
next year id like to relive a few of the spots we hunted when i was 12 anyone know of decent ducks in any of these areas?

im a pa resident now and am only looking to do this one time so i wont be stealing anyones spots,just like some insight on ducks and the hunting oppurtunities available nowadays!
thanks in advance…
i would offer a trade a hunt.we get great goose numbers early and late and have 8 and 5 bird limits all season.also great smally fishing on the susqy in the summer,take care and hope u all had a great season.

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 01-08-2007 09:40
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Partner and I gunned all week shooting only puddlers with ok results for the conditions.We could load the boat with junk ducks but choose not to do so.At weeks end we have moved to different spots north and east to find what we expected,that all the birds are inland with no ice.The fog in the coastle areas we hunt have made for poor hunting.Hope the rest of you are doing better than we are.Larry

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 01-02-2007 14:54
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
I’m back from Deleware and conditions there are no better than here with warm temps.We got birds every day but no snows.Locally my partner and I scratched out 1 merg,1 mallard and 2 blacks today with some wind.Seems to be alot of golden eye,buffs and mergs around.Last week my partner gunned with different guests every day and got low #s but no skunks.Larry

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 12-26-2006 13:42
– – 45-50 Degrees
I have taken a day off here and there due to warm conditions but my partner has hunted nearly every day since my last report.We did get skunked 1`time but other wise a couple of birds a day.Like every one we hope for some cold weather.I will be in Deleware for the next week and hope to kill some snows.Next report after the new year.Good gunning to all.Larry

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 12-15-2006 13:26
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
My partner and I gunned today for 2 blacks and 2 mallards.Conditions are tough with no weather but we continue to scratch out a few birds every day.Saw some brant but not open until Monday.Hoping for some help moving birds with the Saturday guys out and around tommorrow.Larry

Posted By:
bigwaterdogs
Guest

12-12-2006 12:14
– – –
Glad to see somebody writing in. Glad to hear you are seeing some ducks as well. The warm weather has got me really discouraged. I hunt the big rivers mostly and have not gone out because all the back ponds are still wide open. Have shot a few mallards while goose hunting at first light but not like years past when we had the weather.

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 12-11-2006 15:41
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
My partner gunned all last week with good results.The cold weather brought the gads and some other non local birds.Today we got 5 mallards in what I would consider blue bird conditions.Do we have any VFE’s that will post here or are they all gone?Larry

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 11-30-2006 09:56
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 50-60 Degrees
Another good day for partner and I in warm foggy conditions with a sw wind 10-20.1 dm,2geese,hen/dr golden eye and a dr surf scoter.Wonder if the sea bird are starting to move down.Larry

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 11-29-2006 12:35
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 45-50 Degrees
Numbers have been off the last couple of days but consider the hunts to be great success.I have taken my 1 1/2 year old yfl on her first hunts and she has performed well.Yesterday my partner and I shot 2dr. mallards and 2 geese,both banded, the first time we have ever shot bands together.Seem to be a few geese around on poor weather conditions.Larry

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 11-23-2006 09:52
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Wind and rain this morning but worth the trip 8 mallards and a black total for my partner and I.Yesterday we took his 8yr old son with us when he got home from school and got 1 mallard and the boy had a good time.I have started to see some mergs and buffles but don’t think all the blacks are here yet,just my observation of the area.Larry

Posted By:
Larryduxnbux
WFC Sponsor

south zone 11-21-2006 14:37
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Shot 3 handed today for a triple limit of mallards(1 hen) and 3 blacks.Not much posting here so lets try to get started.Larry

Posted By:
jim plungis
Guest

Lake Champlain 10-13-2006 07:31
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – –
I went up for opening day last Saturday..too early for the big ducks, but lots of divers on the lake, N.Y. side. Lots of shooting all morning, maybe ’cause it was the first saturday opening on a long holiday weekend, (Columbus Day), got some mallards, but the best shooting was inland a short way on teal.Some of the knowledgeable hunters did really well on teal in the waterways on the Vt. side.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

2006 Season 01-22-2006 22:44
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
I just spent some time reading the past Field Reports and I realized that I am the only one reporting.

Is there anybody out there?

P. Floyd

[Edited By DukDad on 2006-01-22 22:45]

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Giulford Marsh 01-22-2006 21:48
– – –
Well there goes another season. Screaming Teal and I hit the marsh and harvested two Blakies. One was a cripple from another hunter but who knows when it was hit because there was no one else in the marsh with us today.
On the Sound was another story as we heard gun play all day long as everyone has flocking to the Creek for closing day.
See you again next year.

Keep Your Lable UP,Tud

[Edited By DukDad on 2006-01-22 21:54]

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford Marsh 12-29-2005 22:59
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
THE DAY AFTER XMASS HAS ME IN MY USUAL SPOT, IN FRONT OF SCREAMING TEALS DOOR(LOCKED OF COURSE)LOOKING FOR SIGNS OF LIFE. NONE BEING FOUND I HEAD IN FOR A SOLO FLIGHT THAT CHARLES LINDBERGH WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD OF.

AGAIN THE GEESE CAME OUT FOR BREAKFAST AND AGAIN I CAME HOME WITH A POST XMASS DINNER. BLASTED AWAY AT THE BLACKIES THE REST OF THE MORNING BUT ALL AT FEDERALS NO MONEY BACK GURANTEE RANGE.

[Edited By DukDad on 2005-12-29 23:03]

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford Marsh 12-22-2005 16:12
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Our scouting paid of again as we set up ready for the morning flights of geese. Sgt Scup Jr made a cameo appearance and oh what a treat that was for me and the the “H” (H now stands for Hen). It took all of Sarge’s will power not to send his customary volley of three at the first high fliers that came in a dawn. Patients being a virtue we waited for the geese in front of us to get ready for their morning constitutional. When they did the carnage was impressive as four of the Honkers came down in a blaze a glory.

Patients though is a fleeting virtue as illustrated by my trip up the river with the good Sergeant, even though I carried the canoe (without the slightest complaint) the trigger happy Traffic Cop felt compelled to shoot his and my limit of Blakies (and a merry Christmas to your Good Lady as well).

I told the Hen that next time he sees him road side chase him up the curb a bit

Keep Your Lable UP,Tud

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Gulford 12-19-2005 13:31
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Made two trips to the marsh were we came upon 200 ducks and another 100 geese.Took a blakie and headed home.
Lots of birds here this time of year.

[Edited By DukDad on 2006-01-22 21:52]

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Stony Creek Islands 12-11-2005 21:13
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Just the way we like it , cold inland so the ducks feel the need to hit the open water of LIS.
Good flights of Blacks and Mallards at first light .Then the usual stragglers the rest of the morning.
We made a lot of noise and went through a box of shells and came back with a little bit of everything.

[Edited By DukDad on 2005-12-11 21:14]

Posted By:
Hunter391
Guest

Housy 12-10-2005 13:44
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
Seems the snow we had in the past couple of days really jump started the action. Duck were around and willing to commit if guys would let them, and the geese that wanted to come in did. We ended up with a pair of geese and a pair of BDs before we darn near got stuck with the out going tide.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford 12-06-2005 15:49
– – –

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford-Marsh 11-22-2005 09:26
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
OPENIG DAY SOUTH ZONE AND THE USUAL SUSPECTS (MALLARD MAN & SCREAMING TEAL) ARE BUSY SO I HEAD OUT SOLO.
NICE FLIGHTS RIGHT AT SUN UP AND I SCORE MY BLACKIE. BY 0700 THE HUNT AND FLIGHTS WHERE OVER.
I DID SEE A GROUP OF 20 GEESE LEAVE THE MARSH EARLY, I HOPE THEY ARE STILL THERE BY THE END OF THE WEEK.

Posted By:
Richard-Foxx
Guest

Bad News for the Atlantic Flyway 10-20-2005 09:07
– – –
As most of you know, I was Sea Duck Hunting with a few members of this site the last 2 days.

As hunting goes, during lulls in the action conversation starts. We talked about a variety of topics one of which was the direction and the recommendations of the Atlantic Flyway Council.

Some of the recommendations that they wanted to implement this year was “Hunter’s Choice”. I can guarantee you that this will be a hot topic again next year.

Hunter’s Choice would be this. We will have a 4 bird limit. This could be all “4 limit birds” like Mallards.However, there would be no restrictions on hen Mallards so theoretically you could shoot 4 Hen Mallards. Teal, Gadwall’s, Wigeon and Shoveler’s would also fit into this category.

A bird with a 2 bird limit like Bluebills, Wood Ducks and Red Heads would effect you like this. You shoot 2 Bluebills. No more 2 bird limit specie’s. No Red Heads. No Wood Ducks. Now you can only shoot 2 Mallards, both of which could be Hens. You could also finish off this limit with the other 4 bird specie’s, Wigeon, Gadwall’s etc. Or, Merganser’s.

Your 1 bird limit specie’s, Canvasback’s, Black Duck’s and Pintails. Shoot a Can, no Pintail. Shoot a Pintail, no Can. Shoot a Black, no Pinatail or Can. You now have three birds left to fill you bag.

One of the disturbing things to happen this year is that Merganser’s now count against your daily bag limit.

The Flyway Council Rep from Ontario wants to increase and ease restrictions on Snow Geese as they are destroying their breeding habitat, farmers crops and marsh’s. For some reason, there is tremendous opposition to this from this Council. Why?

We have only a few strong voices for the hunters, one of whom is Paul Castelli the Head Biologist from New Jersey who is their Flyway Council Representative.

There are a few other hunters on the Flyway Council but none who speaks with the knowledge of the resource and conviction to work with hunters like Paul.

We need to fight this trend to restrict our hunting rights. If this is implemented next year it will decidely impact your hunt and make up of your bag.

This type of Daily Bag Limit will severly restrict yours and my hunting rights and opportunities.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Chester 10-18-2005 10:54
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Back to our opening day spot but not the same flights as before. We did have our chances though on a few singles and doubles that came in and we each went through a box of shells but no ducks to show for our poor shooting. I did manage to harvest a Canada so we were not skunked.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Chester 10-14-2005 14:48
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Opening day again finds us at our favorite Beaver Pond. As we try to push the thoughts of Beaver from our minds we begin to focus on the Woodies we know are coming. Woddie did not disappoint and for a change neither did our gunning as we ended with 4 drakes and a hen. A pair of Canadas came in late and here my gunning did fail as they sailed right down Broadway to the sound of three poorly aimed shots

Posted By:
Hunter391
Guest

The Housy 10-13-2005 16:39
– – 50-60 Degrees
Rain rain and more rain!
My boots are still wet.

Along with the soaked my nephew and a buddy and myself ended up with two BW teal a pair of mallards and a BD. I was planing on taking today off to hunt also but my stuff wont be dry enough to wear hunting till Saturday.

Dan

[Edited By Hunter391 on 2005-10-13 16:42]

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

North Carolina 01-28-2005 08:42
– – 35-40 Degrees
Sorry to tease you all but just posting a report from a migrant. Been out duck hunting this week in North Carolina. Not doing too poorly overall. Here is a report form the last week of the season.

Tuesday got a pair of green heads in a beaver swamp. Geese stayed just out of range and had hoodeds bombing in and out of the dekes all day. Should have had a limit of mallards but just couldn’t connect on a couple of shots. Can’t believe I didn’t see a single woodie as the marsh was loaded with them last week.

Picked up a limit of ringers and buffs on a local lake on Wednesday. Got lucky enough to be the one with the most shooting on the lake that day.

Thursday was blown out by high winds so I spent the day scouting for next year. Tons of bills, cans, and reds! Can’t wait.

Friday…sleep!

Saturday will be back out chasing bills and ringers.

Good luck with all of the snow and cold temps in your quest for geese.

[Edited By Wade-Stober on 2005-01-28 08:50]

Posted By:
Gotgeese?
WFC Sponsor

01-27-2005 09:58
– – 10-20 Degrees – Ice
Well the late goose season is here and I haven’t gotten out YET! Everything’s frozen up and just when I think we’re getting a break in the cold, it snows 15 inches and then another 4 inches two days later.

So, needless to say I haven’t been killing any geese.

Anyone else even getting out?

-Glenn

Posted By:
glitterperegrine
Supporting Member

01-23-2005 00:00
– – –
Help a little girl out everyone.

Mackenzie Maier needs a postcard from you! Mac is a 4 year old with very serious cancer. Her goal is to collect a postcard from every state in the US. Please help her reach her goal by mailing her one today!

Her address is:

Mackenzie Maier
23037 Magnolia Glen Drive
Valencia, CA 91354

They have a website with a guestbook and pictures of her with Santa at:

www2.caringbridge.org/ca/mackenziemaier

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Northeastern CT 01-13-2005 16:54
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 45-50 Degrees
“Wonderful” (Heavy on the sarcasim) day for a goose hunt. No ducks around in good numbers so we put a full crew together and decided to chase some geese on the last day of the north zone.

Tough day! No wind, dead calm, and HEAVY fog! All of that on top of pressured birds.

Originally planned for two spreads in two different fields. After some last minute cancelations we setteled on one big spread. 27 dozen decoys later and rotating bodies through the field we ended with one bird short of a seven man limit. Not a bad way to close out the season.

Hopefully the forcasters are right and we will get a good freeze this weekend to help with the duck scene. Good luck to all with the rest of the season.

[Edited By Wade-Stober on 2005-01-13 16:55]

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford 01-11-2005 17:08
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Set out after work but no luck.The snow was falling steady so there was not alot of movement from our featherd freinds.

Posted By:
Gotgeese?
WFC Sponsor

Fairfield County 01-10-2005 10:27
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Hunted 1/8 for Canadas down along the shore in Fairfield County. Got a couple and a common merg.
The strangest part of the day is that we were checked not once, but TWICE by DEP officers!

Oh well, guess I’m glad they’re out there.

Good luck to all and hunt safe.

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

NE CT 01-02-2005 10:36
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Went out for another goose trip today in the corn fields. Action was sporatic with birds that would work the spread. Easy to tell that the birds have just about seen it all and have been heavily pressured! Shot a 6 man limit and finished with 3 bands. Overall a good day.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

New Haven County 12-02-2004 19:15
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Have made three trips so far.

Slaid the geese with SOD but haven’t had a
duck come anywhere near me yet.
MM is in a “family way” (more accurately Mrs.MM is)so we may not hear much from him this season.
Come to think about it we don’t hear much from anyone on this site anymore.
There was a whole lot more chatter back when it was “Free”……Remember?

[Edited By DukDad on 2004-12-04 16:01]

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Scouting Eastern CT 11-29-2004 21:51
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
Spent the day scouting for ducks in Eastern CT…….Don’t bother. Go chase Bambi and the ringneck chickens. Numbers were terrible for this time of year. Biggest group of birds seen were 6 hooded mergs on one of the rivers. Hopefully we will get some cold weather SOON!

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Lebanon 11-28-2004 18:51
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Chasing geese again on Saturday. It was almost a waste of time. We heard 5 other parties on Saturday morning an most of the birds didn’t want to have anything to do with anyone! Almost all of the groups did scratch down a bird or two but the overall numbers were depressing and the few that are there have OBVIOUSLY been pounded! Elected to only shoot at committed birds and got 4. Watched another group educating everybird that flew by. Poor day overall.

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Northeastern CT 11-25-2004 17:50
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Went out for the opening day of Goose instead of duck hunting due to the DISMAL scouting for ducks. Good move. After a long morning and lots of uncooperative birds we limited out with 8 birds.

Day 2 Better forcast so we went out with hope of more cooperative birds. If they were there we could not see them in all of the fog. Wind never materialized so things were still difficult. Still managed to scratch down enough birds to pull off another limit. Looked mostly like local birds that have been shot hard. Need some weather to push some new birds in!

Day 3 Happy Turkey Day!

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

SouthEastern CT Goose 10-15-2004 18:17
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 60-65 Degrees
Rough day but was still productive. Had 6 geese and two ducks on the ground by 0800. Very rough to see most of the birds as it was too foggy. Didn’t sound like there were too many birds around either. Your probably better off chasing ducks anyway right now

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Post Season Scouting 03-01-2004 19:42
– – –
The birds are moving and now is a good time to shoot with a camera and do some post season scouting for next year.

Posted By:
Gotgeese?
WFC Sponsor

Connecticut 01-29-2004 10:21
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 0-10 Degrees – Ice
Anyone doing any good with South Zone late season geese? My spots are pretty much frozen solid. Not looking for locations, just whether others are getting out or not?
Good luck and stay warm to those who are going out!
GG

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Norwich Again 01-10-2004 17:22
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Below Zero
Couldn’t make it out to our first 2 choices for out last day of North zone. Settled on a narrow stretch of fast moving water for a 2.5 hour hunt. Managed to get 3 big ducks and 3 divers. Not bad for an afternoon.

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Norwich 01-09-2004 17:09
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 0-10 Degrees – Ice
GOTTA LOVE WINTER!! Went out to a local river this morning (Luckily it was still open) and 4 of us limited on Blacks and Mallards in a fast and furious hunt. 2 others hunted down river to pick up a couple of blacks and a hand full of divers. Too bad the river will be froze shut tomorrow. Good luck to all those that are braving the cold.

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

CT River 01-02-2004 08:10
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Dismal way to start the new year. Not a shot fired as the weather didn’t cooperate with a stiff breeze right in our faces. The good news is that we did see lots of new birds moving down the river. Hopefully a sign of good things to come.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington Valley 12-31-2003 17:26
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
With the warm weather thaw, focused on local geese. Had a large crew out, including several CWA guys from down state. Wade, you missed a good hunt!

Geese were around in decent numbers, and we were set up right on the “X”. 7 guys took 14 birds by 9:30am. Pup made a nice retrieve of the last bird by breaking skim ice. Jan 3rd is last day for geese in our area. Hoping for cold weather and some ducks.

[Edited By Dave-Proulx on 2003-12-31 17:27]

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Scouting SE Coastal CT 12-30-2003 21:23
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
This warm weather sucks! With the 50 degree temps the birds have scattered and are in small bunches. Did make it out hunting this afternoon for 3 birds. 2-4′ waves make for tough shooting. Hopefully more cold weather is coming.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington Valley 12-24-2003 14:37
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 40-45 Degrees
3rd soaking rain hunt in 3 weeks. Good news is ducks and geese hanging in. Took 3 mallards and 3 geese, including a banded goose. Warm weather is opening up backwaters and ponds a bit. Hoping for return to cold weather.

Happy Holidays to all.

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Casco Bay, ME 12-22-2003 20:22
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
We had our annual Eider Hunt in Casco Bay this past weekend and it was poor for Eiders. Luckily there are plenty of Oldsquaw and Scoter around to make it worth it. We managed to only get 33 birds in 3 days with only 1 Eider. If your headed up that way keep going north as the birds have not reached Casco yet.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Same area 12-20-2003 17:45
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Setup for geese across from the only open pond around. 4 hunters, 2 labs. Birds decoyed very well. Finished by 8:30. Saw several large flocks of ducks flying the river, so I’m hopeful that shooting should hold up through Christmas week.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington Valley 12-17-2003 20:35
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 40-45 Degrees
Had a rerun of last Thursdays’ hunt in the rain. Still plenty of birds on the river.
Took 6 mallards, 2 blacks, 4 geese. Rain is melting icepack on fields, so geese should hang around awhile.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington Valley 12-11-2003 14:43
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 40-45 Degrees
Two of us got out today in the rain and took 7 mallards and a Canada goose. 8 month old lab made some retrieves, but also sat still in the canoe when we chased down a cripple on the river. He finally jumped out when he spotted the drake on the riverbank, but didn’t tip us over in the process. All in all a good day.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington Valley 12-07-2003 11:11
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Hunted local golf course in Sat storm. Kicked out a big flock (200+) at daybreak but blowing snow limited flights. Managed 5 birds in tough conditions. There are several big flocks around if you can get at them.
Also saw good numbers of ducks along the river as a result of freeze up of backwaters. Have to get after ’em this week.

Finally, welcome Wade! Let’s plan another hunt with the CWA crew, and this time, let’s shoot more!

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

New London County 12-04-2003 16:03
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 10-20 Degrees – Ice
Made it out to a cornfield in South Eastern CT this morning. Only 2 groups were willing to cooperate. One left unscathed while the other left a couple of birds short. Surprisingly action was slow with not many birds moving.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Middlefield \\ Guilford 12-02-2003 09:52
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
We have made the effort to get out and have seen good numbers of
Geese and ducks. But….. best told by poem.

Oh the shame four outings and I’ve come home with no game

Fowl is aplenty as the Blakies and Canadas are running amuck

Oh but for my poor shooting on my table there is beer but no duck

Tud

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Lebanon 11-29-2003 20:10
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Late start, but set goose spread in pasture by farm pond. Took 4 birds in high wind conditions. Not too many flocks flying today in wind. Saw several flocks, but they seemed like more locals . Not nearly as many geese as we saw during October. Cold and snow in north should help soon.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
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Lebanon 11-26-2003 18:43
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted state leased field for geese. Decent numbers of geese, but they wanted the next field over. One group circled, but our crew never fired a shot. Duck action slowed here as well.
Need some weather soon.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
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Goshen, Ct 11-22-2003 07:56
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Hunted Lake in NW Ct yesterday. Hoping for some geese, since AP zone opened again. We kicked out 50 before dawn, but no geese came back.We managed 2 black ducks and a mallard. Not a lot of ducks around either. Need some weather to push more birds. With forecast for 55 degrees and sunny, going to hunt pheasants today to give the dogs some exercise.

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AHeyniger
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lords cove lower CT river 11-19-2003 10:13
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
monday afternoon…didnt see anything all afternoon till the last couple of mins when a three pack crossed deep from the right, bang bang bang….NOTHING…10 mins after shooting is over we see wave after wave of 10’s, 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and many singles, doubles, and five packs pouring into the middle of the cove…pretty sight but a kick in the nuts after getting skunked. big hopes for tuesday
tuesday…went out and got set up hopeing the birds would fly b4 this big front…the front stalls out of course and we dont get to shoot the gun all day. again we had a four pack of mallies hovering over the deeks while we were 10ft away in the boat picking them up, go figure. looking forward to friday and sat. good luck all 🙂

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Middlefield 11-17-2003 08:30
Cloudy, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
Made a trip with MM in the PM. Saw a lot of birds moving but unable to bring down the lone single that came into our spread.
I spent Sun. on the sporting clay course and couldn’t hit many of them either. I’m thinking of taking the plug out of my magazine so I can fill the sky with more lead.
MM told me about the dog training video that Sgt.Scup Jr. is putting together. Sounds like only a matter of time before he is prancing around at the Westminster Dog Show. Lord knows he’s got the prancing down.

[Edited By DukDad on 2003-11-17 08:31]

Posted By:
AHeyniger
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lower Ct river, east lime shore 11-17-2003 08:30
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
wow the wind was honkin on friday and saterday, gusts up to 40. kinda sketchy crossin the river but great ducking weather. lots of birds flying around. tons of teal, saw packs of 30 or more, many 5’s and 10’s. lots of mallards and black duck too. got a shoveler on sat, pretty rare for us to go along with 10 mallards and a black duck. it was a great hunt. the wind combined with opening weekend really had the birds moving. going out this afternoon. good luck all.

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Dave-Proulx
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Canaan 11-16-2003 18:39
– – –
Hunted an oxbox creek in Canaan Sat. Saw decent numbers of ducks: blacks,mallards, some woodies. Missed a few, but we were in the wrong hole. Guys next to us had a great shoot.

Also noticed that most of the geese moved out of the area.

We’re giving this farm a rest to let the deer hunters do their thing next week. Plan to hunt either another lake in NWCt or move to Ct river.

Anyone having any luck on the Connecticut?

Posted By:
Yelloweyes
Guest

Ct River 11-08-2003 14:17
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
What are you guys seeing for ducks? At this time from what I’ve seen it doesn’t look like any new birds have moved in for next weeks opener. I’ve been looking mid state along the CT. River.

Posted By:
the bull
Guest

HARTFORD COUNTY 11-06-2003 00:53
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
1/2 OF THE GUNZ UP BOYZ MADE AN EXCURSION TO AN AREA WE NAMED “THE HUB”, IN MID/SOUTHERN HARTFORD COUNTY. THE GEESE CAME IN SHORTLY AFTER WE FINISHED SETTING UP THE DECOYS AND LIMITED OUT WITHIN SECONDS. A SHORT BUT SWEET HUNT.

TONY, JASON, THANKS FOR A GREAT HUNT!

Posted By:
Wade-Stober
Guest

Block Island Sound 11-03-2003 17:25
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
For those not hunting geese and have access to a big boat! Emphasis on the BIG for boats as the current conditions on the ocean are not for the inexperienced. Two of us got 7 scoters, 6 Eiders, and an Old squaw (not to be confused with that other long tailed duck! :)) Lots of birds when you can get to them. Some of the best action we have ever seen this early in the season

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
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Canaan 11-01-2003 13:49
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Hunted corn field for first day of AP zone goose season (11/1-11/8) Hundreds of geese around, quite a few ducks as well. Limited in 10 minutes with cornfield decoy spread.

Note: Housatonic river is way up. Looks too dangerous for canoeing at current level.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
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Canaan 10-18-2003 15:01
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 50-60 Degrees
Last day of first of half duck season spent on the upper Housy. Lots of duck and goose activity. Saw mallards, blacks, woodies, teal and lots of geese. Took 4 ducks, missed lots more opportunities (asleep at the wheel today!) Pup retrieved 3 of 4 birds, his first ducks, including a wing tipped mallard that dove like a sub.

Good way to end the warm up season. Counting down days until the second half opens in November.

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
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Lebanon, Farm pond 10-17-2003 18:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Must’ve gotten some of DukDad’s overflow in Lebanon. Plenty of geese moving, we took 2, missed a couple more, had to quit at 8am for work, even though birds were flying. We were also too slow to catch 2 woodies buzzing the spread at first light. Low point was when pup found cow pies, took a few bites, then tried to kiss yours truly, yuck!

Going to hunt ducks on upper Housatonic tomorrow. Opening day pheasant hunters should move ’em around.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Marlborough-Cut Corn 10-17-2003 13:08
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
We could have shot a pile of Geese that would have made the builders of the pyramids proud, thanks to our new best friend Marlborough Man (Doug) and his magic flute.

Geese were everywhere we even had one land in our spread as we were cleaning up.

It’s amazing how easy it looks when you are guided by by someone “Born Again Hard” and motivated to harvest them honkers “with extreme predigest”.

Thanks again MM……Oh no now there are two MM’S

[Edited By DukDad on 2003-10-17 13:09]

[Edited By DukDad on 2003-10-17 13:17]

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
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Lebanon, Ct 10-13-2003 13:32
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Had a good outing at a farm pond in Lebanon. Lots of geese flying. Decoyed nicely, took our limit of 6 birds by 8:15am. 7 month old Lab pup made his first hunting retrieve and it was a goose. Dog jumped in an grabbed the bird, when he hit land he dragged the bird backwards to me. Not a very polished retrieve, but still fun to watch.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Guilford Marsh 10-10-2003 09:40
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Screaming Teal ran into Sammy at the “Shack”
whereupon most of the worlds problems were
solved. Result…..too hungover to answer the door when Mallard Man and I came to call at 0 Dark 30.
What he missed were some nice flights of Backies at first light. MM and I both took a hen each. Maybe the first time we both had a harvest on the same trip.
I did learn one thing… 3 1\2 inch BB’s at 30 yards will make Swiss Cheese out of your Game.

[Edited By DukDad on 2003-10-10 09:41]

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Pond in Goshen, Ct 10-08-2003 19:27
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Beautiful day and plenty of water in the marsh. Saw Woodies, blacks, mallards, wigeon, geese.

AP zone closed for geese, but plenty of them around. No complaints though, since the ducks decoyed well. Three of us ended up with 7 mallards and 1 wigeon. 6 month Lab pup got to watch the action and fetch some practice birds from the boat.

Have to remember today’s mild weather and warm water when we’re freezing our tails off in December.

Posted By:
whiskey216
Guest

Lake Zoar 10-08-2003 15:44
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 60-65 Degrees
Hey thanks for the call DUCK DAD!!!

I guess I am just as guilty but I told sgt scaup jr. to let you know that I was going north. I guess you guys had the smurf camping experience on again.

The fog was as thick as you know what. It took an additional hr to get to the woodie spot. once there the fog was covering all of the woodies with the exception of 2. One was retrieved and my drake went off into the woods after the dogs made their 60 yard swim to come up empty mouthed.

Some Canadas were slain as well around 11:30.

All in all it was a great early season hunt and a good tune up for the dogs.

See ya at cubscouts or soccer…duckdad, I will certainly give you my phone number again.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Chester 10-08-2003 12:54
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Boy did we see a lot of Woodies today. Groups of 20 to 30 buzzing our area for a good half an hour.Mallard Man and Screaming Teal both scored. The totals are a bite fuzzy because some of the birds were
lost amongst the lilly pads.
All I know for sure is that Mallard Man shot his limit and mine (ops).

Chalk it up to Opening Day excitement.

As for me… The Republican Guard could have marched a full brigade on parade though the hole in my shot pattern. If you like the sound of gunplay then you will enjoy hunting with me as I made short order of a full box of shells. No sky busting (well maybe a few were at the limit of Federal’s money back guarantee) either, I had many legitimate opportunities to come home with game. Sadly the only fowl I was going home with was the one that comes from not showering.

Chalk it up to Opening Day excitement.

[Edited By DukDad on 2003-10-08 14:21]

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Chester 10-08-2003 12:53
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees

[Edited By DukDad on 2003-10-08 13:00]

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Chester 10-08-2003 11:55
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees

[Edited By DukDad on 2003-10-08 12:59]

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Farmington Valley 10-06-2003 18:29
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Birds starting to show, just in time for the opener. Seeing good numbers of woodies, with some mallards mixed in. Corn being cut, flocks of geese building on local fields. Geese open in Eastern zone on Wed.
Its just about time!

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

Canaan 09-14-2003 20:47
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Hunted clover field, since corn is still standing and green. Got skunked. Saw only 4 geese.
Positive news was that 30-40 woodies, 12-15 turkeys, 8-10 deer and a bald eagle kept things interesting. Also got a chance to do some water work with 6 mo old Lab pup, Tucker. He had a ball and even laid pretty still in the field spread for several hours.
Now I’ll just have to work on his love of cow manure.

Posted By:
DukDad
Guest

Long Island Suond 09-07-2003 22:02
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
We had an unofficial meeting of the “Creeker Duck Slaying Society”( C.D.S.S.) today over many an adult beverage and lawn sport ( nice“Jarts” MM).

All eyes are toward the skies but no Honkers in our vicinity yet. I guess we will have to eat Chicken for another week.

Tud

Posted By:
Dave-Proulx
WFC Sponsor

NWCT 09-04-2003 19:36
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Most scouting and hunter conversations revealed wet conditions and a late corn harvest. This led to inconsistent results. Better weather this coming week should help.

Posted By:
Forum Moderator
root

02-24-2003 15:31
– – –
Dear Waterfowler.com Members,

Waterfowler.com is currently looking for more Volunteer Field Editors to participate in Waterfowler.com’s Volunteer State Field Editor Program in your state for the 2003/04 season.

Each Waterfowler.com State Field Editor will have his or her photograph and biography posted on their respective state page. Based on your level of participation we will renew your membership to Waterfowler.com website and Waterfowler.com Journal for free.

If you have time to volunteer by posting daily or weekly reports and are interested in participating in our program, please email me a short paragraph/biography which includes the number of years you have been hunting, the reasons why you have enjoyed this sport over the years, if you are involved in any organizations related to hunting and the reasons why you wish to participate in our program.

Please send your email to: vfe@waterfowler.com

Chrystel Eisenlohr
Director, Waterfowler.com VFE Program
vfe@waterfowler.com

Posted By:
hogman
Guest

L.Isl.sound 02-23-2003 16:20
Cloudy, High Winds – 10-20 Degrees – Ice
Well Braska and I didn’t make as many entries as we did last year but we hunted more and thats all that matters! Dukdaddy got his skirt in a bunch after surfing with Scaup Jr. but we truley missed some of his comentary on the last day. Once again he missed unparalled flights. It was the type of day duck slayers LIVE for! After the last time I went out w/ ScaupJr and the Blue Heron I could have packed up for the season, but to have another one just like it was a blessing! Braska was tight as always only had one strange mishap when she was straring into the face of four foot rollers and wouldn’t retreave.Guess I can’t blame her. We probably had one of the best retreaving seasons in her lifetime and she turned eight in November.4geese2woodies from the st forest,1tealfromwalleyworld,2pheasant(I missed one)24bluebills,1blkduck and 1mallard from the sound. Knowing me I’m Probably forgetting a whole trip, but she was great! She’s also slowing down which is putten a Knot in my stomach. Hopefully one of my patrners will step up to the plate and take on the responsibility of being the Guide or at least the retreavist! Thanks again Men for a great season!

Hogman
P.S. whiskey I know that little buddy of yours will be ready to help old Braska next year we just gotta hunt more together.