Category: Iowa

Posted By:
getduck
Web Member

central Iowa 11-11-2012 19:25
– – –
just heard a report from North central. The same as Lindo saw. lots of new birds.

357 not 911 UCMDUX

Posted By:
Lindo
Guest

Central IA 11-11-2012 19:08
Cloudy, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Waited for the rain and mist to pass before heading out this am, but sure glad I did. Headed out around 11:30 and sat until about 4 o’clock. Strong winds pushed many new birds into the area. Saw PLENTY of mallards and a few divers here and there. Some snow geese and specs seen, but very few canadas moving around. Was absolutely amazed at the amount of ducks that I saw and how they were working was flawless. Could have easily ended with 2 limits of mallards and extras but bad shooting, and eager dogs ended us at 7. Ended the day with a limit of mallards plus a few extras.

‘Twas a GREAT day in the GREAT outdoors.

Posted By:
getduck
Web Member

central Iowa 11-11-2012 18:07
– – –
Hunted the water both Friday a.m. and Sat a.m. I thought we would see a small push of birds ahead of the front. Missed again, darn. We did see TWO flocks of fresh ducks come onto the water on Sat morning. No geese.

We need a serious change in the the weather, our luck, or something. Didn’t hunt this a.m. because of the rain/forecast. I worked outside most of the dday and did not see or hear anyting fly over. Good Luck to all and be safe

357 not 911 UCMDUX

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

central north of Des Moines 11-11-2012 17:01
– – –
Waited for rain to end and then spent 3 hours Sunday afternoon on hilltops watch for any flight. Glad I had plenty of good food and drink. Expected to see a bunch and I did. Bunch of hawks. In the 3 hours I saw 25 mallards on a hwy borrow pit, 5 juvy snow geese just getting exercise, and two other flocks of canadas. One landing on the new sewage pit at Collins. Plus one flock of snows way up. Now this is all on the flyway to Red Rock and even though we haven’t much water the ducks should still be traveling traditional routes. Maybe the snow wasn’t enough to move them, or maybe they flew the big Mo. but sure nothing here yet. I was going to hunt sw Iowa with an outfitter Tomorrow and Tuesday but family situation stymied that. Tonight’s temps will seal what few small ponds we have for a while but more warmer weather ahead.

Posted By:
Lindo
Guest

IA drainage ditch 11-06-2012 21:34
Cloudy, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Saw A LOT Moving today. Local canada geese I’ve been seeing had moved out. Also Saw several large flocks of snow geese and even more specks flying high to the south. Had some ducks around, but no shots were fired. Lots of teal, a few woodies, and some mallards, but nothing stacking up. Hoping that after this weekend we will start to see more ‘normal’ weather patterns start to push the ducks down.

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

Skunk river valley 11-06-2012 17:36
– – –
Spent the entire afternoon till 4:00 hunting my thanksgiving turkey in the Skunk river valley north of Des Moines. Although it felt like a ducky day, looked like a ducky day, smelled like a ducky day I never saw a single flock of ducks or geese in the air or on the little water we have. Good thing the gas price went down for you that can tour to other areas. Oh, struck out on the turkey too. They start changing their habits this time of year and I’ll have to adapt. Saw big bucks this morning on the way to the casino. However, all way out in the open with a doe or two. Hard to bowhunt those beauties.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

Southern 11-05-2012 07:20
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted sun up to sun down Saturday. We had a good time. Only came in with 14 birds. Mixed bag, shoveler, mallards, teal, and GW. We lost a total of 6 birds in the thick cover. If you add up the number of shots we missed that we should have made and the lost birds we should have easily had a 4 man limit. Most of the birds we seen were stale (refuge wise) and were not willing to work. The birds we did see and work we called our butts off on. The only way the had the ears turned on was if we were calling like crazy. The dog did great. Out of the 14 we placed in the boat she retrieved 12 of them. Not too shabby for a 14mo old pup. I am hoping to get out Sunday here locally and then return to the southern part for 3 days the following weekend. Good time, good friends, looking forward to doing it again. Good luck to you out and about this week. JB

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 11-02-2012 08:26
– – –
Good luck. Things are real dead around here from all reports. I’ve got low expectations for the weekend. Rain was my only hope for decent hunting and that seems unlikely now.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

10-31-2012 14:28
– – –
I am looking forward to getting out this weekend. I am dreading the “Crowds” that swarm to the public spots but if you are like me and do not own/lease any private land you are kind of limited on options. Sounds like we have had a good to fair number of new birds arrive over the last few days. Hopefully we find ourselves on the “X” and get some good shooting in. Good luck to you all this weekend and be safe, JB.

Posted By:
Mike-Joynt
Field Editor

Clear Lake /Ventura area 10-29-2012 11:20
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Birds are migrating through, scratched a few out Fri. – Mon. A few High flocks of snows went over Sun.morn. Hopefully they keep on coming.

Posted By:
getduck
Web Member

central Iowa 10-27-2012 20:56
– – –
17 flocks of ducks and 3 flocks of darks moving high and South this morning in the first 90 minutes. They never looked down or broke a wingbeat to the hail calls. one flock of spooky gaddies worked five times and finally had some make a fatal mistake and that was it for us this morning.

357 not 911 UCMDUX

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

10-26-2012 17:49
– – –
Watched birds moving south last night.Flocks after flocks.Today been watching them move all day and expect them to move through the night.Lots of birds moving, should be a spot open somewhere at the public places and Im gonna miss out.Going after rootys tomorrow seen more last weekend then we did ducks so hoping for a good opener.Be safe

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 10-26-2012 11:45
– – –
Good migration over the last few days. Lots of pintail, gadwall, and divers with fair amount of mallards mixed in. Limits yesterday of “others” rounded out with mallards. Easier limits today of mallards and our bonus ducks.

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

10-21-2012 19:53
– – –
Yes jeffbet03 it was VERY packed we went through riverton and cars were parked outside the parking lot.If more people thought like me (I do not think of going to riverton opening weekend)then there would be places to park lol.What a joke,we need at least one more place like riverton.
Not a very ducky weekend for us,1 gwt at willow slough which by the way you can put a boat in but you can prob walk anywhere in the lake,very low. 1gwt,1woodie at another place in NW IA.Not many ducks were even seen.Pheasants were all over the place so people should have luck on there side this weekend.
My thoughts and prayers towards them hunters and there families. Hey “the things we do for a duck” Hey. Be safe out there

Posted By:
Mike-Joynt
Field Editor

Clear Lake / Ventura Area 10-21-2012 18:02
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 40-45 Degrees
All I can say is Teal mayhem on Sat. tons of birds, Sun. was a total bust very few birds flying.

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 10-21-2012 17:07
– – –
The boat hit a bouy in the dark.
We had a nice opener. Mallards, woodies, spoonies, greenwings, and honkers. Teased by widgeon and pintail, too. Gonna get slow now until we (hopefully) get the cold front they’re calling for at the end of the week.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

Central iowa 10-21-2012 10:18
– – –
We tried the same marsh that we hit on the early season and no luck! The water had dropped down about another foot. Poor, little cover and maybe witnessed 50 ducks. Somehow we still had 2 other groups out there. That place is shot for the year. We won’t be going back unless we get a lot of rain. I shot 2 coot just to give the pup some retrieves. By the sounds of it riverton is ram packed due to the lack of places to go. I have yet to even put the boat in the water this season….next stop, Riverton. KCCI is reporting 2 duck hunters killed and 5 injured over on the Mississippi. My heart and prayers go out to the friends and families. We all love chasing these birds but always keep safety at the forefront of your mind. I dont know exactly what happened, just saying. Be safe, and lets hope for some big help from mother nature!

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

10-20-2012 23:40
– – –
Any body find a parking spot at riverton?????lol

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

10-18-2012 15:43
– – –
Solid work goose patch!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing…….I’m geared up and ready for the south opener!

Posted By:
goosepatch
Web Member

10-18-2012 07:23
– – –
Yes Bill it was but the other side of the state from you, we were up north on the Mississippi.

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

no hunt/viewed from Council Bluffs 10-17-2012 19:30
– – –
Was that a public spot goosepatch?Sounds like your barrel should be polished.
Tonight at sunset some birds were high and moving south Few bunches of ducks and one nice flock of specs. Can anyone tell me the water conditions at riverton or anything on it?didnt make it there to check it out,pm me if you want.Any info appreciated

Posted By:
goosepatch
Web Member

10-17-2012 13:25
– – –
5-man limit in 30 minutes Sat. 4-man limit in 30 minutes Sun. 2-man limit in 90 minutes Mon. BWT, GWT, WOODY’S, MALLARDS, AND GADDIES. If you scouted they were there.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

North Central 10-15-2012 07:19
– – –
Saturday ws nothing to brag about. Managed to take home 3 BWT. Seen good numbers of woodies still hanging around. Seen some mallards, 98% of the birds would not decoy or even give us a look. Looking to get after it in the south next weekend. JB

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

western IA 10-14-2012 13:19
– – –
Saturday, hunted around Onawa with cloudy and ssw breezy conditions.Set out to our spot just after the storm passed around 6am.The morning flight happened really quick then got pretty quiet with birds here and there.Had a lot of good size flocks that didnt want anything to do with spreads.Birds would pass not caring to much about the spreads most of the day.Less blue wings and more green wings were seen, most of the ducks seen looked to be gwt.Limited out at 11am,3 guys 18 birds all killed over the decoys.1 spoony,1woodie,bw,gw with one drake green wing.Did not make it out for sunday.Good Luck the rest of the season in the north.

Posted By:
Mike-Joynt
Field Editor

Clear Lake / Ventura 10-13-2012 19:35
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 40-45 Degrees
What a crappy day birds didn’t work, rain was a pain. We will try tomorrow.

Posted By:
Mike-Joynt
Field Editor

Ventura / Clear Lake 10-12-2012 21:07
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 40-45 Degrees
Godd luck to all North zoners tomorrow, keep an eye on the weather, lots of lightning arround 9pm here.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

10-10-2012 07:05
– – –
I wasn’t able to obtain any info on Big Marsh so I had to resort to good ole windshield time…….to my assumption and I am sure it comes at no surprise……DRY! Good luck this weekend to the hunters venturing out in the North zone. JB

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

10-05-2012 10:45
– – –
Can anyone report as to water levels for Big Marsh?? I am really struggling to get the drive up there in. You can send me a PM if you would like, thanks! JB

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 09-30-2012 13:15
– – –
I spoke too soon about the drought ending in my area. We’re losing water fast with no rain in sight for at least a week. Never thought it would go this dry again after two weeks of regular showers. Tons of woodies at the blind this morning. Millet and smartweed is loaded with seed just waiting on water.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

09-28-2012 11:39
– – –
Thanks pal! It sure is nice having a dog do the work! Now if I could just teach her to set decoys!

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

09-27-2012 20:58
– – –
love your new picture jeff

Posted By:
getduck
Web Member

Boone County DU Banquet-Oct 9 09-26-2012 21:14
– – –

——————————————————————————–

The Boone County DU Banquet is coming up. It will be Tuesday, Oct 9 Doors open at 5:00

19 GUNS at this Banquet, including the Browning Maxus Dinner Gun, if you are looking for one of them.

Dinner is pork loin FREE BEER. there will be a cash bar

This will be held at the Boone Community Building at the Fairgrounds.

For tickets or questions, please send me a pm

357 not 911 UCMDUX

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

West Central IA/public 09-24-2012 18:53
– – –
Saturday. Lots of birds in the area bwt,gwt(didnt see a drake),grey ducks,some mallards,hollywoods,woodies,seen one group of pintails.Ended with 27 for 5 guys.Mostly bwt few gwt,1 wood duck,1 grey and the rest were spoons.Birds were still flying when we left but breakfast after a great hunt always sounds good.7 or 8 groups of hunters all together at the place, very spread out so no complaints on how close someone was.Very good time and what a way to start out the season. Sunday. Different story,hunted a place I never hunted before.4 groups all together there.Lots of birds flying around before shootin time but they were leaving come shooting time,pretty calm.Managed to get 6,3 in the deeks and others my brother walked for to get some ducks moving called it early had to get back to coach youth football. The season started off great, my boat is ready to hunt out of,Bring on the rain and the rest of the season. Good luck be safe

[Edited By Bill Puncher on 2012-09-24 20:22]

Posted By:
Mike-Joynt
Field Editor

Clear Lake 09-24-2012 15:11
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Fair number of Ducks arround (Teal, Woodies, Mallards)not the greatest opener but not the worst either. Do your scouting home work and birds can be had.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

public-west central iowa 09-23-2012 20:42
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
What a great time! We pulled a morning hunt and boy was it a tid bit chilly! We managed 4 teal and called it a morning at about 10:30. The morning was pretty slow. Once 14 guys between 3 different groups started unloading it didn’t take long to clear the ducks out. As you can imagine with it being public land it was very crowded. Unless we get some serious water it will be that way all season. Luckily the other big group we talked to before midnight were some good sports and worked with us to make it enjoyable for everyone. The 3rd group of guys walked in at about 4am to no spots to blind up in. They ended up just lying on the edge of the water very still just hoping for pass shots to no avail. We were the last group out there by 930 and decided to call it around 1030. Went back to the camper for a nap, football, and some grilled pork chops. We went back out around 300 for an evening hunt and were the only group out there. The evening hunt turned out to be real fun time as we scratched out 14 more birds. So we totaled our Saturday with 18 ducks. Out of the 18 birds my 13mo old pup sucesfully retrieved a total of 14. The other 4 we dumped deep in the cats and she had too tough of a time getting through them so I had to go help her. Overall I am extremely pleased with her 1st duck hunt. After 2 hunts in 1 day I was wiped out. I decided to use today to relax and prepae for an interview I have tomorrow morning. Overall it was a great time and I am excited to chase some Canada’s for the next couple of weeks.everyone have a great week….JB.

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 09-22-2012 13:21
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Most bluewings we’ve killed in a long, long time. Five guys, near limits, about half woodies, half teal.

Posted By:
outdoorsman1985
Guest

east central 09-21-2012 20:27
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
spent a good portion of the day scouting around a four county area. Went by several public areas……some r dry but those who have water look good and have a fair number of ducks. Last place I stopped had two groups of guys already at the ramp. Public ground as usual will be a mad house. Found a spot a while back that is private and sat there this morning to see what was going on…… Lots of wood ducks along with a mixed bag of teal and gray ducks… hope they r still around tomorrow. Good Luck to all and be safe!

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 09-21-2012 10:42
– – –
lotta ducks, lots

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

Almost Go Time 09-20-2012 11:55
– – –
Leaving tonight to let the fun begin. I want to get out there, get the camper parked, and then be able to scout and watch the morning flight……I am hoping to see more birds there than what I did last Sunday! Again, good luck to everyone out there and be safe! JB

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

09-17-2012 13:17
– – –
Surprised this morning just how low Big creek lake is. Still huntable areas but not out of a big blind boat. It would stand out like the Ruan building. Going to be a challenge. Suprising that I had to swerve around pheasants on the road. Haven’t had to do that in years. Neat to see.

Posted By:
BirdDoctor
Web Member

Winnebago County 09-17-2012 07:51
– – –
I have put in a pretty poor effort into scouting this fall. Hard to get excited when every pothole you’ve hunted over the last 3 decades is bone dry. This will be the 1st opening day in 42 years that I will miss. The two or three places that have some mud and water will be swarming with hunters and I would just soon avoid that. Maybe the regular opener will be more promising, but I am not holding my breath. Fall turkey, deer and pheasant will have to suffice to satisfy the outdoor itch this year it looks like.

[Edited By BirdDoctor on 2012-09-17 07:53]

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

Final Scout 09-16-2012 20:45
– – –
I managed to get another scouting trip in this afternoon. Exactly what I was affraid of…..the spot I have been watching closely lost some birds! I was worried with a couple of those cooler nights some birds would take off. Hopefully we pick some more up between now and Saturday. I still seen mallards, BWT, and some coot. I wasnt able to get out there until mid afternoon so I figured the skies would be slow. Between Des Moines and Hwy 169 off of I-80 the farmers really have put a dent into the harvest. A great amount of corn is already out. It was this way all the way up to Hwy141. Good luck to everyone getting after it this weekend. Be safe, and remember….unless you are hunting private land it is going to be crowded. I managed to get friday off so it has turned into a 3 day hunting/camping trip for my crew. Its kind of nice towing the camper rather than the duck boat. Again, good luck to all of you…..JB

Posted By:
getduck
Web Member

central Iowa 09-13-2012 21:31
– – –
We picked up 1 1/4″ of rain last night. Can’t tell it in the cricks and I haven’t had a chance to look at the ponds. Went on a tour earlier in the week. Everyting in the Dunbar complex area is dry. Lots of new vegetation on the North Refuge and the main lake body and the barn refuge; but like most areas, no water. Even if we get some rain there will not be any hunting at Dunbar proper. The structure rework is still not done, so all boards are out. The boards are in on the Hunter Track and lots of veg. We just need tons of water. McCords pond is dry. There is a little bit of water at the North end at Snake Creek. I went up North and looked at Big Wall and got a report from my buddy that put his small seed with mudmotor on it. The North ramp/end is bone dry. Buddy walked out 100 yds until he hit mud. The water/chute at the South main concrete ramp is 12″/16″ deep for 30 ft. Then the fun begins. 3″ of water and 18″ of silt. He could run for 50′ or so then the MM would plug with all of the veg. He would stop to clear the veg, the boat would sit down into the silt and then he would fight to get back up and running but was successful. This was with a small alum pumpkin seed with a 7 HP MM. Anything bigger will really struggle.

I am seeing and hearing of quite a few darks moving. I have one pond that went from 50 ish to over a 100 in the last three days. Found another spot/field that had over 200 in it.

Good Luck to all and shoot safe in these crowded conditions that we are going to have with all hunters concentrated on the few water spots that we have.

357 not 911 UCMDUX

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

09-13-2012 15:14
– – –
Jef: the Iowa river is way too low to legally pump anything. Plus the water table is so low it would takes tons to fill a bathtub. Actually, I have nothing to do till supper so I’ll take a drive over and look around. Will let you know in a PM.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

09-13-2012 08:49
– – –
I was thinking the same thing TH….hopefully we gain twice as many new teal for the ones we are going to lose!

[Edited By jefbet03 on 2012-09-13 08:49]

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 09-13-2012 08:00
– – –
Corn is coming out FAST. Beans are getting started.

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

09-13-2012 07:59
– – –
Probably gonna lose a lot of teal with next weeks cold front.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

09-13-2012 07:54
– – –
I am continuing to see good numbers of ducks congregating here in central Iowa. I am also hearing the same from most others I am talking too. As far as scouting goes I have primarily only keyed in on 2 places right now. A spot west of DM and another one about 2 hours North. Both are looking to be promising right now. As we all know that can very easily change though. From what i am gathering and hearing the main front of the push of teal is extending from Northern MO all the way North back up into ND. I am def ready to go get out there and see what we can do. Last night I started the tune up on my mud mototr, oil, plugs, and filters. I have a minor wiring issue from the starter cylinoid to the starter. G-Devil sent me the wiring diagram but I am still a bit confused. Is anyone in the DM area that has any experience and could maybe lend me a hand in figuring it out? If you please PM me. Another thing……is anyone aware if pumps are running at all over @ OC???? JB

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

09-12-2012 11:49
– – –
Does anyone know if OC is pumping water???

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

09-11-2012 05:10
– – –
Not sure jefbet03

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

09-10-2012 20:56
– – –
You think I could float my boat in Riverton? I do have a mud motor…………come teal season?

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

09-10-2012 20:56
– – –
Theres plenty of opportunities for whos willing to work anyways.If not then its worth it to wait till regular season,theres places all over just watch out for quick mud.I was up in waist deep mud trying to turn around,just to test out a decoy I sunk FAST.Didnt make it to the water.Wasnt expecting that and never been that bad before.”The things we do for a duck”. Riverton has had pumps ever since I started waterfowl hunting and its passed the boat ramp on a S curve road that takes you around the refuge.Forney finally started pumping again a year or 2 ago. Anyone who is going to try and make it out for early season be careful watch your step.

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

Nothing available 09-10-2012 19:52
– – –
For the other 80% of waterfowl hunters there will be no opportunity at all. When did they put pumps in at Riverton? And where are they located. At least decent sized flocks of canadas are migrating south this morning while I was dove hunting. Our one day dove season is a bust too. Did catch and tag about 90 monarchs today. Did see one duck in town.

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

09-10-2012 16:48
– – –
Least your boat is done jeff,Im just finishing mine. Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit has reported Riverton is pumping and may probably be below water levels for boats come early season. Forney is pumping and has little water starting to drain out of the refuge.Birds have been showing up and Numbers will be out next week. Well either way I think its going to be a good opener,there are birds everywhere. Not every spot is dry so be sure to get out and go for a walk, you may be surprised what you might find.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

Scouted W of DM 09-09-2012 21:03
– – –
I scouted a small wetlands west of town today. I was very surprised to see the amount of ducks that I did. Most appeared to be teal. The water was low enough for my pup to walk all the way across it without ever having to swim. I watched the birds for about an hour without ever having an empty sky. If it could get about another 6 inches of water it would be great. Good vegitation and a couple nice spots of good dry land cover. Im getting excited and ready to roll. At this point I have it narrowed down to 2 spots. At this point its looking like we will be doing some type of walk in hunt. Thats kind of a bummer seeing is all the time I have put into the rig!!

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa on the big river 09-09-2012 11:08
– – –
Can’t believe it but I’m hoping for the weather to stay fairly warm a while longer. Vegetation growth is exploding. Lots of new smartweed on the later exposed flats. Latest jap millet just starting to seed out some.
Lots of honkers and a decent amount of teal. Woodies seem thin but may be on the ditches until the shooting starts. Water conditions on landlocked potholes is much improved.Things look scary good for the season right now.

Posted By:
getduck
Web Member

North central 09-07-2012 20:49
– – –
We picked up 1 1/2″ of rain last night and another 1/4″ today. It did nothing for my crick, still dry. Went and checked some private ponds. One had a little water in it three days ago and now has a little more. It had 40+ ducks on it that weren’t there the other day. the other pond that was dry, now has a little bit of water backed up in the channel behind the structure. We need more rain and lots of it. Hopefully after I get my hay put up.

357 not 911 UCMDUX

Posted By:
John-Donelon
Field Editor

iOWA 09-07-2012 13:41
– – –
Just wanted to let you people know that I check your posts almost daily and appreciate your posts.I agree with you,that from what I am seeing on the other states in the past few weeks,nothing being posted.Keep up the good work.What is happening in Iowa has a large effect on what will be happening here in Missouri.

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

09-07-2012 08:02
– – –
My post referred to hunting being “scratched” before the first season even gets here. Things can change fast. We’ve ended our drought in s.e. Iowa. Got another drenching this morning. Just plant some grass seed on a hillside if you need some rain. Two years straight a forcasted “light rain” became a gully washer.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

09-07-2012 07:11
– – –
Easy there puncher, LOL….dont be chasing off the birds! I dont know that I can wait two more weeks to get out, I am ready to go now. With the boat being ready I feel like I have nothing to do but sit here and count down the days. If you look @ Iowa’s page compared to any and all other states you will notice that we here in Iowa posy WAY more during the season and off season. Good work to all of you…….I plan on doing a little bit of scouting on Sunday. I need to get out and see what kind of a pattern my new un is shooting and shoot some skeet with it.

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

09-07-2012 05:19
– – –
And your right timber hunter,it rained during winter too last year and I got soaked during december shotgun season.But that time isnt here yet.Not saying its gonna be dry especially when I see 40 for lows

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

09-06-2012 19:30
– – –
Don’t people realize it rains in the fall? We could be flooded by second opener.

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

09-06-2012 18:02
– – –
For you that hunt the Chichaqua controlled waterfowl area down NE of Des Moines be aware that the hunting has been scratched because of lack of water. We figured that since the west well is shot and low water table for east pump. Remember to get in a contribution to help fix the west pump or the place may never reopen. I can get you the info.
I said some time ago that this was the year to goto Canada. Better find a new hobby.

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

SW Iowa 09-06-2012 17:02
– – –
Not no more jeff,I scared them off hehe.Went and scouted most public spots in sw iowa.Seen a lot more then I thought I would see,nice bunches of teal and woodies.Some bigger ducks but wasnt able to see if they were hollywoods or mallards.Hardly any canadas were seen.Places that have water have good vegitation and should be able to hold water and ducks by the early season.Had a bunch of about 2 dozen teal zing by my work this morning,woke me right up when I heard that sound.All most here!

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

09-06-2012 15:26
– – –
Rumor has it that our spot we are leaning towards for the early season was full of Teal last night………hope they stay for a bit! JB

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

Saylorville Area (Scout) 09-04-2012 13:39
– – –
I DI NOT HUNT but thought I would share…..I just returned to the grind after an 8 day camping trip @ Jester Park. While around Saylorville for those 8 days I took notice to what seemed to be a good number of Geese as well as ducks. Most ducks I did see were roosting up on very shallow back waters not accesible by boat. The flocks I did notice flying were in flocks of 30+ birds. There was a constant abundance of geese hanging on the North side of the lake……..more to follow, season is almost here! Make plans now to scout hard to ensure success!!!!! JB

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

s.e. Iowa 09-03-2012 11:18
– – –
Should have the best habitat around here that I’ve seen in 40 years by second season. Two good rains before the first opener would create some awesome teal and woodie conditions. Fantastic growth of wild millet and smartweed and any jap millet that was planted should be outstanding. Come on rain.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

VFE 08-30-2012 07:02
– – –
We are looking for another VFE for Iowa….if anyone is interested please IM me………

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

FROM DNR WEBSITE 08-29-2012 13:21
– – –
No new songs being sung here……Just thought I would share what was published yesterday on DNR’s website……good luck this season fella’s!

Wetlands Drying Up Ahead of Waterfowl Seasons
Posted: 08/28/2012
Waterfowl hunters will need to do some preseason scouting to find a place to hunt if the current drought conditions continue.

Shallow wetlands are dry. Shallow lakes are low. Rivers are low.

“While conditions may change, raising the reservoirs may not happen because of the low river levels,” said Rick Trine, supervisor of the central Iowa wildlife district.

Trine, whose district includes the popular waterfowl hunting areas at Lake Red Rock, said pumping options may be limited because the rivers where they pump the water from are extremely low, including the sub-impoundments at Red Rock.

Carl Priebe, wildlife biologist for the Nishnabotna Unit, said they turned the 24,000 gallons-per-minute pump on at Riverton on August 15. He said in a normal year, it would take 45 days to fill the area. This year, he is expecting it to take 60 days.

“That’s just a guesstimate based on the West Nishnabotna River having enough water for us to continue pumping,” Priebe said. The smaller pumps are running at the Jenson tract and at Forney Lake. “The areas where we can’t pump are pretty dry.”

Given the current conditions and no relief in the long range forecast, hunters need to do some advanced scouting to find areas with water and cover.

“They shouldn’t expect to walk out the day the season opens and find conditions like they have in the past,” said Trine.

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

08-28-2012 13:03
– – –
Sold mine last fall Jeff. Winding down on the waterfowl hunting. Even sold most of my snow goose set and never thought I would do that. May hunt with some outfitters if I hunt at all.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

08-27-2012 22:13
– – –
How do you know klob??? You act like you own some property down there or something, lol……the rig is completely done and ready to go. All I need to do is throw my gun, decoys, and coffee in and im ready to roll! Now if I could just find anywhere to float the thing. Do you have any field dekes to loan me (ducks)?

Posted By:
klobkilzduk
Web Member

SW Iowa 08-27-2012 16:07
– – –
4.58 in Shenandoah……

Posted By:
hannibal
Web Member

SW Rain 08-26-2012 14:22
– – –
Sounds like parts of SW Iowa might get a little run off with this past rain. Heard reports of over 4+ inches…….that was last night before the last wave of rain came through.

We hunt in NW Missouri so that should help fill up the rivers that pump their for a short time at least. I’m assuming Riverton and Forney will benefit as well provided they have the “boards in”.

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

08-24-2012 16:12
– – –
According to the State weather people news reports the last quarter of the year is dry and we look dryer. It doesn’t look good for moisture from the hurricane because it is projected to go up the east coast. Just our luck.

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

08-24-2012 09:28
– – –
Not sure how you figure it’s the driest period of the year when the Miss. has nearly flooded during the split most of the last ten years.
Guess if you talk Sept. it could be considered a dry period but I just kinda discount the early split anyway.

[Edited By timber hunter on 2012-08-24 10:18]

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

08-23-2012 17:30
– – –
I hope that at least one of the two hurricanes comes up the Mississippi river valley and drops lots of rain. Even though the farmers and one duck hunter(TH) don’t want it. The hurricanes are our only hope as we are going into the dryest period of the year. I looked back to ’88 and did pretty well at OC. There were just little potholes in 4a and water along the dike in 1. Most hunters did not even go. I did hunt the DM river up by Luther but got zero.

Posted By:
jefbet03
Field Editor

14DUCKS 08-23-2012 07:05
– – –
Thanks for the info Howard. I planned to run up to OC in the next couple of weeks. By the sounds of what you are saying it may not be worth my time unless we get some big rain. Boat hunting this fall may not be an option. I am already looking at all of my options for field hunting, and walk in hunting at marshes with very little water.

Posted By:
14ducks
Web Member

08-22-2012 21:04
– – –
Shallow wells are dry. Chichaqua is hurting here in central Iowa. With shallow wells and there is some water, you just pump it up and it goes right back down to be pumped up again You don’t gain anything but the expense of pumping. Anyway you have to have a permit to pump so much. Taking water from rivers is prohibited if the flow is below a certain mark and that will affect Otter creek marsh big time. Sweets have just one creek coming in(Plum creek) and that is probably dry or next to nothing. Henrickson’s marsh sw of Marshalltown is dry and feeder creek is bone dry. Skunk river is wet but that’s about it. Red Rock is still at 742 but that makes the boxcar area and down toward the lake minimal especially with the siltation. You can run aground and the bottom so soft you can’t get out a push. Beware unless you are prepared to wait till spring floods. Water is being taken from Saylorville and I’m not sure the status of Big Creek. Anyway about it, where there is water it will be surrounded with hunters.
Last I heard Big Marsh bone dry.
A special note to dove hunters. You may have to get a second HIP number if you bought your license before the middle of August to be legal. Even though you bought a migratory bird stamp for ducks with the license you still have to get another HIP.
Howard

Posted By:
Bill Puncher
Field Editor

W IA 08-21-2012 21:07
– – –
A buddy of mine took a trip to South Dakota and says its pretty dry western IA and SD is just as bad.Im wondering how this drought will effect places that pump the public areas with the ground probably going to suck up most of it up. Anyone know when pumps are usually turned on im. Some places wasnt even pumped last year with same results as it is now.Teal have showed up at a WMA not far from my work since the weather dropped to teasing temperatures.What to do…

[Edited By Bill Puncher on 2012-08-21 21:10]

Posted By:
timber hunter
Guest

08-21-2012 10:18
– – –
I think it’s going to be the perfect storm for waterfowl. Lots of ducks, lots of cover, and enough water by the time it’s needed. It never rains in the fall anymore it downpours. We’ll get some soakers. I just hope the Miss. stays low.