Category: New Hampshire

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Waterfowl Season Hearing August 23, 2006 08-18-2006 08:58
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Grafton County 11-13-2005 10:33
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Got out Friday morning and actually saw some birds! Bagged a mallard and a woodduck. Odd seeing woodies this time of year, but there is still plenty of open water all over, and temperatures into the 50s during the day.

Seeing lots of mergs around as well, a good indicator that there is a least some migration happening.

Only saw one flock of geese, but I was able to work them pretty well right up until the cupped wings moment when they saw something they didn’t like and took off. No shots fired…

This is it until the split kicks back in on the 23. Guess I’ll have to go deer hunting.

Posted By:
ducksnpucks
Guest

Pow-Wow River 11-12-2005 20:14
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Just woundering if anyone has been out here in the last few days.Any birds seen? Ice? Many places starting to freeze up.Hope we can get Thanksgiving out of the island zone.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

flooded field in lancaster 11-07-2005 18:56
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
this is for sunday set up in a field again with my son and put out 2 dozen duck decoys and 3 1/2 dozen goose deocys out for the morning. well saw about 50 to 60 ducks first thing and nothing wanted to worked the spread not sure why the seagulls and crows didnt mind flying over us so not real sure got a few shots off thats all. went for a drive after later in the mroning jumped 4 geese out of a hole up north nothign dropped then leavign that place got a flat on the truck gotta love that that ende my day right there. talked with one of my friends and he went sat and didnt see much at all. looks like the alst batch of birds have gone south for now need more weather to push more down for this weekand hope to get out once more before this weekand closes it not sure if sat or sun but one day i will and the other take my rifle out for a walk. good luck to all bye for now Mark

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-28-2005 04:30
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
During my short drive home and an errand after work I observed mallards at three different locations, places where I haven’t seen a duck all year. That made me think we have some new birds in the area and that the migration has picked up to some extent. Also observed at least one more cornfield being harvested. Seems like a lot of things came late this October. If you are not out deer hunting this weekend you may find some of the best hunting thus far in the first half, well we can only hope.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

flooded fields in coos county 10-24-2005 19:02
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
well sat was cold 28 degrees and fog fog wow set up in a puddle in a corn field had lots of big ducks fly by few set down got a nice male mallard and saw tosn of geese but none wante dnaythign to do with our decoys except ahd 2 come in after fog lifted got them one had a band. went scouting in the afternoon didnt see many to much water out there wow. as for sun went ot same feild and saw lots of geese again but this time all headed south not as many ducks this time. had one flock of 30 or so geese come into decoys and after allthe shots they all flew away just got more educated ughhh. oh well it sure looked good. still lots of water and more to come and the weather was rain and snow mixture already so this weekand shoudl be good am goin g muzzleloader hunting on sat will see maybe go duck and goose for sun wait and see. hope everyoen is doing good and be safe water is going up again 1 to 4 inches tomorrow maybe even snow. good luck to all and also didnt see any other hutners either so who knows.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-24-2005 08:03
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 45-50 Degrees
The change from last week is as follows:

Geese have begun migrating and there are more of them as a result.

Big ducks remain scarce.

Wood ducks have moved south.

Saturday morning I offered to help with a nearby Hunter Education course field day and gave up what appeared to be a good morning to hunt however Sunday’s weather was just what a waterfowler wants, wind and rain.

In the place where I had been seeing 50 to 75 wood ducks I only found 7. I suspect the cold snap and storms that came through last week caused them to head south.

I saw two big ducks, both blacks and they tried to land in a puddle in the field I was hunting, I managed to bag one.

I quickly left that spot and headed to another field to set up my goose decoys. I had 2 dozen in place by the start of the magic hour; 7:30Am to 8:30Am. That is the time geese traditionally arrive in the fields to feed. Fifteen minutes into my goose hunt seven tried to land without circling and I took two with two shots. As I picked up three more flocks went by looking over the field and my best guess was a total of 100 birds or more.

I checked in with a friend at Fish & Game to see what he was seeing and he made similiar observations. My friend is a biologist and a long time waterfowler and he reported a rather disturbing statistic to me over the phone; we are down to 1900 duck hunters statewide. Not seeing anyone out, not hearing shots in the distance, now you know why. I can remember when I started waterfowling in the mid seventies, duck hunting was popular and we had 15,000 duck hunters across the state at the high point. Two years ago we were down to 2700 and since then we have lost another 800.

Why? I suspect like everything else related to hunting that is due to a mix of factors. Increasing regulations, loss of places to hunt, and let’s face it waterfowling is an expensive sport to particpate in. This decline has some terrible consequences because without the participation revenues don’t come in to protect and manage habitat. I wish I had a suggested solution to the problem but I don’t. I thought when we got down to fewer than 3000 duck hunters we were down to the hard core but apparently not. Let’s hope we have hit the bottom and the trend starts to reverse because if it does not the consequences to those who love the sport will not be good.

With the muzzle loader season for deer starting next weekend this may be my last post until the second half opens next month. Good luck and good shootiing to those of you hunting right up to the end of the first half.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2005-10-24 08:09]

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Sullivan County 10-23-2005 17:26
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
I let the cornfields rest on Friday and worked the water spread. Saw a fair number of woodies and teal, a handful of mallards and a common merganser. Lots of Canadas were headed to cornfields but none cared to stop and rest for a spell with my dekes.

Saturday morning I hunted a new cornfield but didn’t have much luck. Saw only a couple small flocks of geese and the only one that wanted into the field approached just as I was getting in the truck after picking up to leave! I hate it when geese are late!

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

coos county corn fields 10-17-2005 17:04
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 45-50 Degrees
well we set up in a corn field on sat with everything we had almost 9 dozens decoys and had no takers at all one big flock flew by and up and other couple landed infield but near the crows they are doing that this yr not sure why maybe they know the crows are scittorish.but nothing saw few flocks of ducks not alot. on sun tried to hunt same area but turned into lake lancaster wow lots of rain and wind holy smokes set up in field as best we could and got a visit from fish and game seems moose hunt was slow on sun. hehehe and they said same thing not many birds just yet. say a few tried stalking up on a flock of geese ina field i got the grutn part of it pushed them to the other 2 hunters of the group no luck but wet me. lots of water right now will hit them again this weekand might get snow flurries up here tonight so mayeb they might start moving we will see. take care and good shooting all. Mark

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Grafton County 10-16-2005 16:40
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
We need a weather catagory for “Cloudy, torrential downpours and Near Category I winds”. That describes Saturday to a T.

I took a buddy cornfield goose hunting in the morning and saw loads of geese. None of which felt like working our field! We did have a pair of geese transit our airspace and we sure scared the hell out of em for doing so. They promised to never get close to us again and kept going.

There were a fair number of new ducks in the area, mallards and several large flocks of teal. First sign of any migration I’ve seen so far.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Grafton County 10-16-2005 16:34
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Shooting light on Friday the 14th found me in a cornfield for the first time this year. About 7:45 the geese started moving from the roosts and 4 flocks veered in my direction one by one. For some reason they wouldn’t work and kept going. After things quieted down I moved my blind to the other side of the spread so I’d have a better view when the birds came back.

It turned out to be a good idea, that and making sure my dog’s head stayed IN the blind this time. On the return flight the first two flocks, 1 small and one large, blended forces and started to circle. This turned out to be their mistake and those Federal BB Ultra-Shoks did their duty.

The geese were locals. I saw no ducks at all.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-16-2005 08:05
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
The bottom line; it’s mid Ocotber and big ducks and geese remain scarce and wood ducks plentiful.

Called a couple of former coworkers at Fish & Game and they are reporting the same thing. One bioligist reported the usual mid October migrants (geese) from Canada are holding in Canada.

The recent rain of biblical proportions has created ponds in every depression so ducks have a lot of places to sit. The biggest group of mallards I have seen have been along the highway.

Saturday the morning flight or wood ducks was strong but my shooting was weak. Sunday morning I set up for geese in a small cornfield hoping the wind might get some birds moving. The first three I saw showed little interest and kept going. Shortly after a group of fifteen came from the North. Nine of them broke off and joined another three coming from the east that had started to work my decoys. On their second pass the lead three had cupped their wings and lost enough altitude to make for two relatively easy shots from a 92 year old double barrel. Nor further birds observed, very few shots heard in the distance.

Turkey vultures are migrating, had 31 of them overhead at one time, weird to see so many large birds flying without moving their wings at the same time.

Let’s hope that as the days grow shorter and the temps cooler the birds grow more plentiful.

Several larger cornfields in the county remain unharvested.

Remember next weekend, 10/22-10/23 is the youth deer hunt, it’s a good idea to have a piece of blaze orange clothing to wear on your walk in and out of the fields and ponds.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2005-10-16 15:14]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

back to the same feild 10-12-2005 20:01
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
well on monday went back to that feild again we hunted on sun water went down alot in the river and the puddle we hunted had some woodies come in got one son missed a nice black, had geese land in the field but not near me so flushed them out was like 20 of them, say lots of small flocks of geese going north think they where residents going to eat. they showed up to finish cuttting the feild so hope to hunt that this weekand for geese. take care all and good luck . Mark

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

fields fllooded 10-09-2005 18:27
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 50-60 Degrees
well where to start took long weekand off because son had no school on fri so lets start there. saw 13 ducks and 60 geese most in a posted pond. and real warm not alot flying around and found a note from ducks and pucks on my truck hope next year or later this year to catch up to him. on sat the weather changed saw few more ducks got some shots off lost one nice male mallard in a bog, and saw tons on migratory geese all going one way. today set up in a corn field ina puddle only safe place to be connetcut river was real high to dangerous to be around. did well son shot his first male woodie and we got few others saw lots of mallards and blacks big flocks and loads of geese still going the same way far from here. have tommorw off also so going back to same feild again to try our luck, on the bright side not lots of hunters out in this weather either didnt hear hardly any shots at all? so will let u know about tommow tomoorow night and looks like might be getting together with my friends for a goose hunt next weekand to try to get some of those migratorys. good luck to all and be carfull with this high water. see yas in the field Mark

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-09-2005 17:16
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted alone Saturday and my shooting was more stellar than on opening morning, took two out of the three woodies I shot at. Did not see any big ducks except for some mallards in puddle along the highway while driving home. Scott drove home from his annual PA deer hunt. This is the 13th year he has done this and he mentioned to me that while hunting and during the drive home he saw very few geese in PA and NY where in years past he would see tons of them at this time of year.

Sunday morning Scott and I went back to the spot I had success and he took two woodies while I got back to missing again. When the weather service issued a flood warning they meant it. The river had risen at least four feet overnight and was raging torrent.

Finally saw some geese moving as we walked out and did hear some shooting in the distance. I can’t be certain but I think most of the birds were headed to some protected fields in the next town.

Pretty odd weather to say the least, no frost in the seacoast yet, and none predicted for this coming week. I have mixed feelings about it, a good cold snap or two would push some birds down but with home heating at record prices how do you wish for that…….

And on another note, a small and well known honey hole near Dover, which had been bordered by some beautiful fields now has a huge starter castle in the middle of those fields…….as some would say “that’s progress.” Every year we seem to lose more and more to progress don’t we?

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Sullivan County 10-06-2005 21:29
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – Over 70 Degrees
This year I ended up hunting opening day with neither sons nor my usual hunting buddy, so it was just me and the dawg at first. A couple guys showed up late and I let them hunt on the island as well since it was way too late for them to relocate and there was plenty of room.

We saw more mallards than any year I’ve hunted in this region. They just kept coming. I was glad to have the company since they didn’t have a dawg so Clipper got to do a full day of retrieving for us all.

I’ve heard a lot of geese this week, but none of them have been interested in landing on water. Must have other things on their mind. Its not the draw of corn, I know, since nobody in the valley has really started cutting. I’d give that another couple weeks or so.

Its been extremely foggy over here all week. The second day I had to stay within 10 yards of the bank in order to not lose my bearings! Be careful out there.

Posted By:
shawnpieterse
Web Member

Contoocook river. 10-05-2005 07:46
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 60-65 Degrees
We were all set up and ready about 15 minutes before shooting time. There were lots of beavers swimming around, but we flushed no ducks on our way out. I was a little concerned at this, but what are you going to do. There was some light fog early, and no wind at all. At 6:15 we fired up the spinning wing duck, and started hearing shooting. First we had some woodies come in and one dropped. After some looks out of range by more Wood Ducks, the Mallards started to come in. We dropped 3 Mallards and that was it. Early season lousy shooting is as good an excuse as any, so I’ll run with it. We could have done better, if we were on target more. All in all a fun opener, and looking forward to more.

Posted By:
Bill-Quinn
Supporting Member

wakefield 10-04-2005 18:46
Cloudy, Heavy Fog – Over 70 Degrees
well hope every one had a good day and returned safe we started out today in pea soup fog and when we got to are spot there was someone there this guy was very nice he let us hunt are spot i wish there was more people like him (a real class act) thank you . it was very foggy at first about 9.am we started to see ducks i winged one we saw about 100 ducks in all we managed a few but the best part was when i called in 6 geese and ryan my 8 yr old took down his first ever bird that one is on the wall i dont know if any of you have ever seen a kids face after that but man was that the best i wish i could do that every day for someone (by the way that goose was shot with a 410)not a bad day we’ll try are new spot out agian this weekend till then (be safe and keep gunning)

Posted By:
Bill-Quinn
Supporting Member

10-03-2005 16:09
– – –
well its the night before and were all set to go but i bet i woot get any sleep to night taking my little buddy tomorrow its going to be his first time duck hunting with his own gun ryan is 8 now and i think he’s ready to try his luck on ducks it wont be long and he’ll be sitting in one of peter’s classes well every one have fun and be safe and take a kid hunting (be safe and keep gunning)

[Edited By Bill-Quinn on 2005-10-03 16:11]

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-02-2005 11:48
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Went out crow shooting and duck scouting again this AM. Farmers are just now starting to bring in the corn. Do not take for granted the fields you like to hunt will be harvested before the opener, check first. Wood ducks were plentiful this morning with dozens of them zipping this way and that. NO big ducks and geese were scarce, only saw a flock of a half dozen moving this morning. With corn fields either just being cut or not cut at all the birds have not gotten into the habit of visiting them yet.

Under good to know information, written permission is required to hunt on any land belonging to the University of NH (UNH). Written permission can be obtained at the UNH police department (not Durham PD) by showing a hunting license and photo ID.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2005-10-02 11:49]

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Ct. River Valley 09-29-2005 16:55
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Hunted geese the next to last day of the early season. I got out there around 3pm but didnt see any geese. I did see a good number of ducks cruising past, woodies and teal plus a handful of mallards.

I also had a nature lover admiring my goose dekes – took pictures of em and everything. hehe… He was pretty embarrased when I stood up. I love doing that…

Season opener on the 4th! See y’all out there.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 09-25-2005 08:20
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Went out crow shooting this morning which gave me a chance to observe some waterfowl activity. Saw only a handful of ducks moving at first light, mostly woodies. Saw only one small flock of geese moving on the horizon. Did not hear any shots from the river so if youth hunters were out they were not having much luck. On the way home checked one roadside pond that usually holds a few mallards and there were none. I hope this is not an omen of things to come.

Posted By:
Bill-Quinn
Supporting Member

WAKEFIELD 09-24-2005 20:37
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
TOOK MY 8 YEAR OLD SON RYAN FOR YOUTH HUNTING DAY. THIS IS HIS FIRST TRIP OUT WITH HIS 410. TOOK OUR DUCK BOAT OUT TO THE RIVER SET UP THE DECS AND WAITED PATIENTLY FOR 3 HOURS. HADA FEW PASSER BUYERS ADMIRING THE DECS AND ACTUALLY THOUGHT THEY WERE REAL AND WERE TAKING PICTURES. WE GOT A GOOD LAUGH AT THAT. JUST WASN’T OUR DAY, SO WE THOUGHT! AFTER WE HAD PICKED UP ALL OR DECS AND STARTED HEADED IN WOULDN’T YOU KNOW IT WE HAD DUCKS AND GEESE FLYING OVER US. MY SON GOT A FEW SHOTS OUT BUT JUST COULDN’T GET A HIT. ALL AND ALL IT WAS A GREAT DAY JUST OUT ON THE WATER JUST THE SON AND I ENJOYING LIFE THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE. CAN’T WAIT TILL NEXT TIME.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Durham 09-11-2005 15:33
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
A buddy and I and his boys attended our first Duckers Day in Durham on Saturday and we had a great time! The weather was perfect for wandering around looking at dekes, calls, boats and stuff. Wagon Hill, where the event is held, is a gorgeous place. I suspect it must have been quite an estate at one point and was donated. Beautiful place.

If you haven’t gone to Ducker’s Day I highly recommend it. We drove for nearly 2 hours to get there and will definitely be there next year.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

field 09-11-2005 14:55
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 60-65 Degrees
well this goes for tues and sat and sun. on tues myself and 2 buddies went out for opening day except for the heavy fog which didnt lift till like 930 we did ok we got 9 that morning, sat no fog till later in the morning and we got 5 more 2 with bands, as for today just 1 had a band on it only saw 2 all day not many moving and moving at weird times so far this season, sometimes late mornign to early afternoons. but there are lots of juveniells this year. so will hit them again next weekand for sat only and see what happens good luck to all. on a bad note havent seen hardly any ducks at all, that is not a good sign. bye for now
Mark

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

9/10 – DUCKERS DAY IN DURHAM NH 09-09-2005 05:31
– – –
I just got a card in the mail yesterday advertising Duckers Day. It is being held Saturday 9/10 at the Wagon Hill Farm on Rt4 in Durham NH. It starts at 10AM. In the past there has been a small admission fee and in the past exhibits included, duck boats, decoys, waterfowl art, retriever demonstrations (in the water and on land) and falconry. I personnally won a nice print or NH’s first state duck stamp in a raffle and have picked up other nice prints for very low $. Kids have the opportunity to do crafts (making paper ducks) and building nesting boxes. It can be a good time and the weather is expected to be beautiful.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2005-09-09 05:32]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

scouting 08-31-2005 21:24
– – –
well went around this past weekand and saw quit a few geese loooks goiod so far will check more this weekand

[Edited By GFD@jujube on 2005-08-31 21:26]

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Entire State 08-12-2005 10:52
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees

Looks like the 2005 season dates are posted on the NH F&G site. Its all pretty much like last year except I note that early season goose bag limit has gone up from 3 to 5 birds! Must be a lot of golf course geese around.

Here is the link to the information:

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_waterfowl.htm

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Ct River Valley 06-17-2005 12:23
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – 50-60 Degrees
It seems early to me, but I’ve already been seeing Molt Migration flocks of geese headed north. All those unpaired juvies bunch up and make nice big flocks that will migrate past our shotguns come fall.

Anybody else seeing flocks of geese? How is duck repro going in your area? I’ve seen some large broods this year.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

West central NH 05-24-2005 19:18
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 45-50 Degrees
I’ve been encouraged by the number of birds seen returning home this spring. Both ducks and geese can be seen in quantity on just about every body of water, and all of them seem nicely paired up. They don’t seem to need viagra!

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

looking around 05-11-2005 19:45
– – –
well lots of mallard pairs in the area and seeing woodies also wich is nice ot see also quite a few goose pairs in the gorham area again this year and a wet may has got the pudles full for the birds so far seen lots of snows making there way back last month wish see that many during hunting season but oh well thats all for now 4 months till sept goose hunting woooohooooo!! bye for now mark

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Lebanon Area 03-31-2005 23:58
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
I saw my first returning flock of geese of the year yesterday! It was about 30 birds in a long, lazy string headed north. Its a beautiful sight to behold.

Posted By:
jonny g
WFC Sponsor

03-14-2005 16:52
– – –
just wanted to let everyone know that the Daniel webster chapter of DU this having its annual banquet April 30th at the Canterbury Country Club, in Canterbury NH
(of exit 18 route 93) please email me if anyone is interrested. $75 for couples, $50 singles.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

keeping tabs on birds 02-09-2005 18:51
– – –
well looks like the wintering flock is a little smaller this winter in the gorham area, but still lots of mallards and few blacks also and so far so good on the water being open and them finding feed. but hope we get some more snow or could be a dry spring as of now. but gots lots of snow coming in for tonight into tommorrow so that might help out a little wil have to wait and see. bye for now all mark

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

2005 MOOSE HUNT LOTTERY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE 01-28-2005 16:15
– – –
Not waterfowl related but thought anyone checking in might be interested in this…

CONTACT:
Kent Gustafson: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
January 28, 2005

2005 MOOSE HUNT LOTTERY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

CONCORD, N.H. — If you’d like to try for a chance to hunt moose this fall, it’s time to enter N.H. Fish and Game’s 2005 moose hunt lottery. Applications for this year’s hunt are now available online at http://wildlife.state.nh.us or from license agents statewide. The application fee for entering the moose hunt lottery is $10 (nonrefundable).

“We encourage people to apply online if they can,” said N.H. Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist Kent Gustafson.

In 2004, more than 15,000 applicants entered the lottery for the chance to win one of 525 permits issued for the moose season. Lottery winners are selected through a computer-generated random number draw; the drawing for the 2005 hunt will take place on June 17. Those who are lucky enough to take part in the hunt have an excellent chance of success: about three-fourths of permit holders harvested moose in 2004.

Your chances in the lottery can improve with time. Unsuccessful applicants accrue one bonus point for each consecutive year in which they apply for the lottery. Applicants must apply each year to keep the bonus points improving their chances in future years. Applicants lose all accrued points if they do not apply for the lottery one year, or if they are offered and accept a moose permit. This is the second year of the bonus point system.

New Hampshire’s moose hunt is nine days long, starting the third Saturday in October. This year, it runs from October 15-23. Each permit-holder may select another hunter of any age to accompany him or her on the hunt. Only one moose may be taken per permit.

Applications for the 2005 hunt must be postmarked by midnight, May 27, 2005; delivered to N.H. Fish and Game headquarters in Concord by 4:00 p.m. that day; or submitted online prior to the 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time deadline that day. Hunters who are offered a permit must pay a $100 resident or $300 nonresident permit fee, as well as hold a valid New Hampshire hunting license. It is not necessary to have a current hunting license to enter the lottery. Hunters who receive a permit are not eligible to take part in the lottery for the following three years.

Moose permits are issued to both state residents and nonresidents. The number of permits available to nonresidents is capped, based on the prior year’s sales of nonresident hunting licenses; generally, about 10 to 15 percent of the permits are issued to nonresidents. The overall odds of being selected are usually about 1 in 25 for residents, and 1 in 75 for nonresidents, some of the best odds in the nation for moose hunting.

All proceeds from the sale of moose hunt lottery applications and permits are used to support New Hampshire’s comprehensive moose management program, which includes education, research, protection and management. The state’s current moose population is estimated to be about 6,500 animals. N.H. Fish and Game is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources.

Posted By:
glitterperegrine
Supporting Member

01-23-2005 00:18
– – –
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:
Scott-Haight
Guest

WILDLIFE ACTION GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS 01-22-2005 05:49
– – –
CONTACT:
Marilyn Wyzga: (603) 271-3211
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
January 21, 2005

WILDLIFE ACTION GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS
Grant Application Deadline: February 28, 2005

CONCORD, N.H. — Teachers interested in starting wildlife habitat projects can apply to the Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program at New Hampshire Fish and Game for start-up funds. The program provides mini-grants of up to $300 — or $600 with matching funds — for projects allowing students and educators to enhance habitat for people and wildlife. The deadline for submitting proposals is February 28, 2005. For a proposal packet, write to Marilyn Wyzga, Public Affairs Division, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301; email mwyzga@wildlife.state.nh.us; or call (603) 271-3211.

The Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program is designed to support student environmental action that can be measured in acres improved or protected for wildlife. Activities can include hands-on schoolyard or community habitat improvement or projects influencing community attitudes about maintaining or protecting wildlife habitat.

The grant program is funded by the Conservation License Plate fund, through the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program at Fish and Game. Each applicant may request up to $300, or up to $600 if a dollar-for-dollar match can be provided by the school or organization for any amount over the initial $300. A match is not required for the first $300.

Grants are available to educators working in cooperation with Project HOME or Project WILD. Project HOME is an award-winning schoolyard habitat program coordinated by Fish and Game. Project WILD provides teachers with wildlife materials through interactive, interdisciplinary workshops about wildlife and the environment.

Who can apply for the Wildlife Action Grants?
* Project HOME facilitators;
* Teachers and educators trained in Project WILD; or
* Any teacher with a member of one of these programs on the project team.

“We’re looking for student-driven action projects that will directly benefit wildlife,” says Marilyn Wyzga, coordinator of the Project HOME schoolyard habitat program at Fish and Game. “Projects with the best chance of long-term success involve schools assembling a team of staff, students, community members and resource professionals.”

Examples of past projects funded by Wildlife Action Grants include:

* South Londonderry School replaced a section of blacktop with plants appropriate for creating a wildlife habitat garden and outdoor classroom. This includes fruit-bearing bushes and conifer shrubs and perennials, as well as bird feeders, birdbaths and bat houses.

* The Community School, of Tamworth, developed a Songbird Habitat Improvement Project, with bird nesting boxes, an expanded butterfly and hummingbird garden, fruit trees, a winter birdfeeding station and a water feature.

* The Milan Village School is reestablishing a habitat area that was removed to make way for a new school addition. The new habitat area includes native trees and shrubs, as well as bird boxes, to supplement outdoor classroom elements.

Grant applications will be evaluated by staff from Project HOME and biologists and educators from the N.H. Fish and Game Department. Grant recipients are required to evaluate the progress of their project at the end of the school year. Recipients may apply for grants in subsequent years if additional funding is necessary, and also may apply for funds for new projects.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON PROPOSED ORFORD BOAT ACCESS PROJECT 01-21-2005 11:03
– – –
CONTACT:
Richard Tichko: (603) 271-2224
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
January 21, 2005

PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON PROPOSED ORFORD BOAT ACCESS PROJECT

CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department seeks public comment regarding a proposed public boat access project in Orford at an open house set for Tuesday, February 8, 2005, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. and again from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Rivendell School in Orford, N.H. The proposed project, involving the State of New Hampshire and the Town of Orford, would improve the functionality of the existing town-owned boat access facility on the Connecticut River for boaters and anglers.

The “Open House” session is not a formal sit-down hearing. Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend at any time during the specified hours to hear about the proposal, review the conceptual plan, ask questions and provide comments.

The N.H. Fish and Game Department also will accept written comments and suggestions relative to this project, if postmarked by February 23, 2005; email to chenderson@wildlife.state.nh.us, or mail comments to:

N.H. Fish and Game Department
Land Resources Bureau
Statewide Public Access Program
11 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

*** SEASON CLOSED *** 01-12-2005 04:26
– – –
Well the 2004/2005 NH Waterfowl season is now closed( 1/10 ). Hope everyone had a good year. I didn’t hunt NH as much during the second season as I have years past as I was having really good success on my favorite Massachusetts salt marsh. Spent my time down there this year. Still I got out quite a bit in NH during the 1st season and had a great year.

Glad everyone made it through the year safe. I didn’t hear of any loss of life, or major outdoor acidents, this year around the Bay which is always a good thing.

Now is the time to either pursue ducks and geese in other states as I do or pack all your gear away and start dreaming of next year.

Peace and be well.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Little Bay 01-07-2005 12:06
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
New Years Day found Scott and I hunting Little Bay. Flight activity was minimal. There was no morning flight of birds leaving the bay and heading inland. A group of about 20 mallards came from the direction of Newington and I managed to scratch one down. That was is it aside from a bufflehead that got too close to the dekes. Almost no gunfire was heard in the distance. Sunday January 2nd I took a ride around to see what was happening. Chapmans landing was open but ice downstream blocked any access to the Bay. With the ice at Chapmans I did not expect to find Adams Point open but it was. From what I could figure seven separate boats had gone out. It made me wonder if that many were out the day before. The season is rapidly coming to a close. I bought a new truck this week and it is being wired for trailer lights today. Hopefully I will be ready to go this weekend but we shall see what the weather and family obligations bring.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Great Bay/Hampton Marsh 01-06-2005 05:49
– – –
As of Wednesday afternoon the Bay and Hampton Marsh had really opened up. Not sure how this snow storm today( Thursday )is going to effect things? Season is almost over but if this storm doesn’t lock the Bay & marsh back up again folks should be able to hunt until the end. Good luck to all and be safe.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Scouting 12-26-2004 15:18
– – –
The only thing I could do today was a make a quick road survey around 10AM. People were out and bustin ice to get at the birds. Two out of the three rivers I scouted had hunters on them. Saw some birds here and there, a couple of dozen blacks and a few mallards on the Oyster along route 4. Nothing on the Bellamy and a few hunters made it out on the Salmon Falls but at least 150 feet of ice and moved in or formed behind them. Sheets of ice are an incredible pain as they tangle and drag decoys along. One pond where the birds get fed regularly held only 40 to 50 ducks which is not much for this time of year.

I sure would like to have gotten out more but my father (who was in a nursing home with alzheimer’s) fell and broke his hip shortly after my last report. I was at his side when he passed away on Tuesday and I have had a hard time finding the desire to get out. Time heals all wounds and I am sure I will try to get back at them if the weather and ice allow.

Be safe!

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2004-12-26 15:20]

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

*** ICE OUT *** 12-22-2004 18:21
– – –
Hunted in Mass this AM and was iced out. On the way home I did a road tour of the Hampton Marsh and the Bay. Looks like the Bay is locked up while Hampton Marsh is about 75% open. The only launches I found accessable were Hilton Park( barely )on the Bay and the Hampton Harbor main launch.

Hampton Marsh looks like the only real viable option at this point as it is not all clogged up with pack ice. The Bay is full of huge sheets of ice and could pose some real serious issues for decoys as well as boat safety issues.

Hopefully this forecast warm front and rain will help us out?

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Great Bay 12-13-2004 15:38
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted the Bay Sunday afternoon. Had some snow flurries and cloudy weather, plus a pretty good West wind( much more than the weather guy said! ). Felt like a duck hunt.

Tried a new spot I have always wanted to try. I am a creature of habit and always say I am going to try that someday but end up going with my traditional, tried and proved, spots. With a middle of the day hunt however I decided to try one of those “maybe one day” spots.

Jumped up an incredible amount of geese heading in( one of the reasons I always wanted to hit the spot )and quite a few ducks. Also put up a very large flock of Lesser Scaup. Got set and in short order had a couple drake Mallards in the boat.

Unfortunately, with no real shoreline cover and a big flood tide my boat ended up bobbing around like a bathtub toy just when the geese all came back and my day ended with the 2 birds. All in all however it was nice to hit a new spot.

Definitly a LOT of geese using the Bay. Some stay all day and roost and feed there while others head out to feed( some stay out all day others come back within a few hours ). If you have a big spread of floaters and a decent blind there are plenty of geese to be had!

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Brackish Rivers 12-13-2004 07:26
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
My friend Scott and I got out after a two week layoff, seems both of us have a lot of “stuff” going in our lives. Saturday morning seemed like great weather and there were a few more ducks around the brackish water and a lot more geese. I took a black duck early and Scott got a goose. We jumped a group of blacks and mallards under some oaks as we motored home so we quickly headed over to that spot, threw out two decoys and waited for some to come back, none did. Usually setting up in spot where the birds were forced to leave as an “inconvenience” rather than shooting is a smart move as the ducks tend to drift back within 10 to 20 minutes. Oh well. Ever optimistic I am hoping this week’s predicted cold weather will put more birds in the salt water.

Posted By:
ducksnpucks
Guest

Kingston 12-11-2004 21:04
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Hunted a local pond this A.M..Not much movenent.Birds decoy and CALL shy.Don’t understand why guys don’t realize this!The less calling (good or bad) that is done,the more successful the hunt will be.Birds decoyed but flaired at calling that was too loud.A feed chuckle and a soft “three quack” will keep them interested without flaring ’em. Just what I noticed today. Good luck, Pete

[Edited By ducksnpucks on 2004-12-11 21:05]

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Seacoast, NH 12-09-2004 03:12
– – –
Well, I haven’t hunted NH now for a while. Have been hunting the salt marshes of Massachusetts. Made some calls however to check on bird numbers with friends who have hunted the various areas of the state over the last week and with my commercial fishing/lobstering friends.

Inland waters nearer the coast are starting to close up after these last few days of snow and cold( although with this warm front moving in they probably will reopen for a while anyway )and the birds have moved out to the coast. The Bay and marshes along the coast are holding more birds.

Although not covered with ducks there are good numbers none the less and a lot of geese right now. The ducks are call and decoy shy however so effort is required to get prime shooting. With so many geese that is easier.

On the Sea Duck front there are good numbers of birds. Coastal NH waters are still holding good numbers of Scoter( all 3 species ), Oldsquaw, and the Eider numbers are starting to build. Best success has been reported off Rye Harbor, Little Boars Head, and when safe the Isle of Shoals.

Be safe and shoot straight.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley Area – Ct River 12-04-2004 16:14
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
My youngest and I got out after em this morning, and saw a fair number of puddle ducks and a few flocks of geese. Unfortunately, VT deer season is over and apparently, NH deers hunters all scored their deer already. This meant all the fair-weather waterfowlers were on the river in huge numbers. I’ve never seen that many duck hunters on the river. Ever. There were so many hunters we left early.

If that kind of hunting pressure continues I might just call it a year!

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Bands 12-02-2004 06:09
– – –
Green bands have traditionally been used as reward bands valued at $100. I have heard of a couple other guys locally taking them as well this year. VERY RARE in these parts! A real trophy for your friend and the $100 is a nice bonus.

The reward band program was started to try and help ensure that hunters returned the band info.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

In and Around Little Bay 11-28-2004 15:02
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
It seems that the opening day pressure along with lots and lots of fresh water being open has scattered the birds we found concentrated on opening day. Thanksgiving morning the predicted wind and rain was not there. Our pond hunt only slightly successful with Scott taking a black and later that morning I jumped a pair of mallards and shot a the hen when she came through an opening in the trees. Scott also jumped a small deer that came out in front me at 20 yards. Friday morning found us trying our luck on another river and the morning flight north out of the bay didn’t happen. We had a little bit of shooting and we started our first missing of season. In spite of less than stellar shooting Scott managed to get a black. Saturday was a down day and we got out again this morning and went back to where we had opening morning success. No other hunter activity was observed and again ducks were few and far between. I took a greenhead early and a couple of hours later scott got a banded greenhead. Speaking of bands, anybody shot a duck wearing a green band? Rumor has it that a number of ducks were banded in late summer 2004 with some colored bands, and the bands have a monetary value. I have heard of one hunter getting two mallards with these green bands and each band brought a $100 finders fee.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

conneicut river 11-26-2004 18:28
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
well went scouting this afternoon, and wow the river is up and moving fast, saw one flock of mallards in the river about 40 or so pushed them out, then found about a flock of 150 geese ont he river also, pushed them also no shots would be afraid to send a dog int o the river right now. am going to set up ina field tomorrow for geese they seem to like this spot they where in today. as for wed went out nice weather river normal but no ducks just mergs. and lots of them . well we will see for tomorrow thats all good luck to all and hope ua ll had a good turkey day. Mark

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley 11-26-2004 18:11
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Mallards, mallards, mallards! Yep, somebody got it right when they called for a liberal season. I saw more mallards in one day than I have in any other year. Lots of puddlers moving, divers arriving to liven up the deke spread and plentiful geese soared today.

I believe I’ll hit the goose fields in the morning just to give the water a break. But it was a blast this morning pulling in fresh birds and working the dog. He didn’t mind as well. “About time” is what I think he said.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley 11-24-2004 16:23
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 35-40 Degrees
For once I’m jealous of the big water hunters on the coast. Over on the bay you can see birds miles away and know where they are. Around here you’d have to rent a plane and fly around looking.

In spite of the low ceiling and intermittant showers, not much flew by me this morning other than a really big flock of geese. The birds are here though, just not anxious to fly. By the looks of it, Friday morning might be the ticket as the cold weather wraps around behind this low pressure system passing through.

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Little Bay and it\’s tributaries 11-24-2004 16:05
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
With a low tide this morning we had the opportunity get some excercise by dragging and pushing the boat through the mud. Glad we did. From 20 minutes before legal shooting to a half an hour after we had steady duck activity around us. Hundreds of ducks but the pickins were slim because 90% of them were blacks. It was awesome to see so many at once, sort of like the old days for me in the early 70’s. The bismuth handloads out of the ole Parker’s did the trick and every bird shot at was brought to bag (that does not always happen). A goose each, a black each plus a hen mallard that seemed to be trying to land on the boat. We stayed out several more hours and nothing much moved and what did move were black ducks. Worse yet we did not flush one puddle duck while motoring back to the ramp at mid day. Only saw a couple of other boats and heard a few shots from other locations, but not that much. I am guessing the poor tides kept people home. A lot of fresh water remains open and the birds we saw and shot were headed that way, the salt water will get better as it gets colder. High winds are predicted and tomorrows tides will be just about as bad. We may try some fresh water ponds first thing. Hit a rock this morning and spun a hub. Not sure which system I like better, the rubber hubs or shear pins. Break a pin and your dead where you float, spin a hun and you can limp home. Pins are a lot cheaper. Oh well that’s duck hunting. There are lots of ducks around, the blacks are here in good numbers but spread out.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Great Bay 11-24-2004 14:31
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Well, the NH opener was kind of a disappointment. Not for lack of birds but because the tide was awful and the weather was so calm the birds didn’t move much.

Tons of ducks and geese on the Bay but they didn’t move much as stated. They rafted up and sat unless jumped by boat movement or shot echos. When they did move it was in huge swarms and if they came over you it was amazing. I had one brief spurt where they came and came and came it seemed for ever although it was probably no more than a minute or so.

Saw Teal( still – was amazed ), Widgeon, Blacks( TONS! ), Mallards, some Scaup and thousands of Canada Geese. Was great seeing so many birds!

I had brought some older, slower, shells to finish off and it cost me birds unfortunately. These birds are already totally bulked up for winter. I was hitting birds hard and with no effect. You could hear it hit and I clearly saw birds rock and feathers explode off bellies but they just flew off without a missed beat. The one bird I killed, a nice Black, decoyed in nicely and was hit in the head.

If you head out again this season bring some high velocity stuff and leave the #3’s and #4’s home! I was shooting #2’s but at just 1350fps. Clearly time to load the ammo box up with 1550fps stuff!

** NOTE – if anyone lost a Mallard cork deke on the Portsmouth Golf Course/Nannies Island end of Great Bay today shoot me a PM. Be sure and give me a good description however( ie; is it a top quality grade deke by a master carver or a crude deke by a beginner? How is the head attached? Drake or Hen? That kind of info )or I won’t return it. I want to be sure it goes to the person who lost it. Provide a good description and I will gladly return it to you. **

[Edited By Scott-Haight on 2004-11-24 14:33]

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

REMINDER TO HUNTERS: DON\’T FORGET THE HUNGRY! 11-22-2004 13:36
– – –
CONTACT:
Jane Vachon, N.H. Fish and Game: (603) 271-3211
Michele Garron, New Hampshire Food Bank: (603) 669-9725
November 22, 2004

REMINDER TO HUNTERS: DON’T FORGET THE HUNGRY!

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s hunters can help the less fortunate this holiday season by sharing some or all of the game they take with the “Hunt for the Hungry” Program. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is reminding hunters that donations of whole or processed game animals are being collected by the New Hampshire Food Bank, which distributes food to more than 270 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide.

Last year, Hunt for the Hungry took in more than 1,000 pounds of donated deer, bear, moose, duck and other game meat. The program will provide packaging instructions and can pick up your meat donation. To give game meat to Hunt for the Hungry, call the New Hampshire Food Bank (located in Manchester) at (603) 669-9725.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Shores of Great Bay 11-17-2004 18:18
– – –
Made the complete road tour of Great Bay and it’s tributaries today to see just what has moved in and hasn’t with a week to go until the season reopens. I am happy to report seeing huge numbers of geese and a big increase in duck numbers. Looks like we have finally received a decent push of birds. Barring another freak Northeaster we should have plenty of birds next week.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Seacoast Inland Zone 11-15-2004 06:29
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Went back to the same spot that I hunted during the snow storm. You couldn’t have a different type of day weather wise. This time it was sunny and clear. The ONLY good thing going weather wise was a good stiff wind. As it was the last day of inland I had the itch to get out so on a whim decided to try the spot again despite the bluebird like day. Glad I did!

I was nervous at first because I didn’t see or jump a single bird during the boat ride. When I hit the creek mouth nothing as well? When I rounded the corner to my spot however I put approx 75-100 Blacks and Mallards up.

Tossed out a handful of dekes and then anchored the boat along the weed edge and threw up the Beavertail blind asap. The birds started coming back about 10 minutes later and for the rest of the afternoon we had sporadic action. The best of the day was when a flock of 20+ Mallards locked up and came in on a string to the decoys and were all fluttering and hovering among the decoys just 15 yds from the boat. Was AWESOME!

Ended the day with 3 Mallards and a Black. I actually doubled on a pair of drake Mallards with one shot and should have ended the day with my 4 bird Mallard limit which is rare in these parts. Unfortunately, one of them crashed into the middle of some major weeds and I was unable to retrieve it.

With a 12′ tide it was just way too deep to wade, the bushes were too thick to force the boat in/through, and there was NO WAY I was going to send my dog and have him possibly get hung up and drown. So, I counted that bird as part of my bag and stopped at 3:50PM when I shot the 3rd of the Mallards I had in hand.

I hate to sound preachy but I wish more folks would count downed birds they “should be able to get” as part of their bag. I took a risk hunting the spot with that tide knowing it might mean a lost bird. Thus my decision to count the bird in the bag.

Anyway, it was a great end to the first half. Saw 2 flocks of Teal during the day and even a Pintail that dropped in like a Snow goose doing the funnel thing and caught me totally unprepared( closed anyway but startled me ).

Freshwater inland bodies of water are really starting to freeze and I have my doubts that the second part of inland will be doable unless we get a warm spell. But for the bigger fast moving rivers inland may be done for the year? I usually hunt the coastal zone anyway so I prefer inland being locked up.

Word on Sea Ducks is that a few more Eiders have moved in but it is still sporadic near the shore and harbors. Best action is still out to the Isles.

Hope you all had a great 1st half.

[Edited By Scott-Haight on 2004-11-19 06:54]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

upper conneticut river 11-14-2004 10:45
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 10-20 Degrees – Ice
well if the weather doesnt warm up this week not sure of a second season here. went out this morning and most of the river was frozen over. did jump shoot a nice male mallard and a big black on the river where there was water saw about 40 or so in there. no geese at all. but we will see next wed thats all. if weather stays the same will set up in that spot on wed i think. on the bright side the mallard was bannded at least. take care all and be good . Mark

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Seacoast Inland Zone 11-13-2004 05:54
Cloudy, Accumulating Snow – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
The early season snow storm that hit on Friday around noon time was just too much for me to take so I lined up a partner and we hit a local river for the last 2 hours of the day. Was a wise choice!

Had Mallards and Blacks all over us. Jumped out a couple hundred when we arrived and then had lots of action the rest of the hunt as they came back. Was a great way to end the first half if I fail to get out again this weekend.

It “appeared”” that some new birds had moved into the area by the numbers seen. Not sure however if I didn’t just pick “the spot” though? Certainly this type of weather is going to get birds moving. Hopefully they won’t all come through before the Coastal and Inalnd zones reopen on the 24th.

The Surprise of the day came after shooting time as we were picking up. Birds were really moving around and we couldn’t help looking around and watching the show. I was stunned to see a very large flock of Greenwing Teal buzz right over us. With the cold weather we have had recently and ice starting to form on the inland ponds and swamps I was really surprised to see Teal still around.

Word from my friends who Sea Duck is the action is spotty. Not a lot of Eiders in yet but plenty of Scoters still around. Best action has occured out in the ocean along the Isles and such.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley 11-12-2004 11:57
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Birds are moving! There are lots of new divers and even a few mallards that have moved in since Sunday. I suspect the predicted weather will continue to move birds. Only two days left for the first half of the inland season and now they start migrating! Murphy’s law strikes again.

The second part of the season opens on November 24 and it will be interesting to see how much open water we have. There is already a skin of ice on the quieter parts of setbacks and marshes.