Category: New Jersey

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Make Peace 10-28-2012 20:56
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Gunned Makepeace Saturday and water was already up with out Sandy. All the shooting was at legal then nothing at all. Gunned with Big Bill and the McGowan clan. Billy picked up a black and Jaybird a couple of woodies. Woodies were everywhere at legal and gone.

The flood tides from Sandy will get the birds all scrambled up and I don’t expect any birds still out in the salt meadows with all the flooding for opening day. Would have been some great mud hen – rail bird shooting but we gave that up years ago.

Be safe in the storm!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-23-2012 22:27
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Gunning open day with Big Bill and the McGowan Klan was reminiscent of times past. As was expected, Bill pulled off the miracle shot on a hen pintail. I have given up trying to figure out how he does it – every time. Strange to hear young Jason and Jimmy talk about their kids and families – they were the kids. All in all it was a good day even with our buddies that set up 100 yards from us and their bad affliction with skybustingitious. We shot mostly teal with Larry getting a nice BWteal, retold old stories (some with a new twist and facts) and made some stories to tell next time out.

Back out today with Big Bill. Woodies were everywhere and talking up a storm. Had the teal come in 5 minutes before legal and all we could do was sit and watch them get antsy and fly off after a minute or two – just could make shooting time and sunrise work. We had a (7) woodies land out 70 yards and talked them into coming in. Here they come 70 yards, 60, 50, 40 and someone up on the impoundment dike decided to stretch their barrel on a group of teal 100 yards out. Bang goes the shot up goes the woodes and bang bang two hit the water. Back on the call and a drake made a swing back up around in the altitudes but Billy didn’t let me down bang and down he came dead. “Yoo Bill how did you make that shot” – “oh I just lead him out about 8 feet – that’s all.” Amazing is all I can say. A drake black jack filled out the bag and after that first half hour – NOTHING.

Around 9am the migrant Canadas started flying over and flying over and flying over – head to jump the Delaware bay. They flew all day. As for white geese – I would have expected them to bew flying too but I only saw one flock of maybe 20 birds – they must be traveling the Delaware again this year and not the coast.

And thanks Bruce for the CMCDU window sticker – sorry we didn’t get time to see each other in person and chat.

‘Tis the season and a good one it is starting out to be!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Lakes Bay to Griscom Swamp 10-15-2012 19:38
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Brant started too arrived last Tuesday 10/09 in Lakes Bay and they are still arriving. With them came buffleheads, shovelers & sprig.

GWTeal have piled into Griscom and the BWteal have all but vanished; typical. Many local mallards are around right now but after the first shot they will be sitting up at the Mall until after dark. We will have to wait on the ice to get them – but it looks very promising for late season. Cottontops, sprig and blacks are here but not in any significant numbers. I am not counting on them to make my opening day.

Oh yeah, south zone opens this Saturday October 20th. Hope to be gunning with the McGowan clan and big Bill.

I will be trying black cloud close range #3’s. God knows that I need the pattern they are boasting out of the shells – I have not been out this year practicing shooting blackbirds off the corn as in past years.

Good Luck on opening day. Sunrise for Griscom is 07:14am with a low tide @ 08:33am and some cloud cover. Should be a slammer.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Tuckerton Decoy Show Tip Seaman County Park 09-20-2012 23:17
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
30th Annual Decoy & Gunning Show
Saturday and Sunday
September 29 & 30, 2012
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission is FREE

Free Shuttle Bus Parking at the Pinelands Regional High School, Tuckerton Seaport, and Freedom Fields County Park

Contests include: Skeet Shooting, Decoy Carving, Retrieving, Duck and Goose Calling, Gunning Displays, Model Boats, Art & Photography, and more!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Salem to Cape MayCounty 09-20-2012 18:28
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey! Corn is coming down and the black geese are following in behind. Out and about and many corn fields are being cut in Pittsgrove, Woodstown and Elmer right now. All the fields that were down had birds in them – just waiting for the call backs to get permission. GWteal have shown up in good numbers in Griscom and Cedar Swamp. BWTeal are still hanging in there and it looks like a banner opening day right now. I’ll get to test out the Black Cloud Close Range I bought down in the Savannah Bass Pro Shop a month ago. They read good but the proof will be in the shooting.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Mannington Meadows to Griscom Swamp 09-10-2012 21:49
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!
Season is upon us – a typical September Canada Season that is. If you are not where the birds are going – you are not going to pull them in.
Gunned opening day with the McGowan Clan. Jay had scouted the birds for the week before and secured permission from the land owner – so we were in like Flynn. Well that was until they cut the corn field Friday a mile south of us before opening.
We pulled a half dozen pairs over into the stools but the big flocks were going to the corn and that’s where they went!
I have been putting in the scouting time for the black geese and with it running into a large number of BWTeal – numbers like back in the late 70’s early 80’s. Most of them are out in Griscom Swamp. I hope we have a late frost. It doesn’t seem to matter how many BWteal are around – if we have a heavy frost the week before season (which always seems to happen) they will all have moved out and south. Also pushed up a good number of local mallards – they fill a nice mixed bag limit better than just all teal.
Don’t forget the HIP number and stamps!!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Woodstown Salem County 01-22-2012 16:48
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey!

Well we thought we had them figured out – snows that is. Jason sat and had 10k land in the field – he secured permission from the farmer but we had to wait a week to hunt his fields. A week went by and there we were with +25 dozen decoys in the snow and freezing rain Saturday – ready to kill a bunch.

But as it always goes with snows – you have to be in the field they want to be in. There is no charming them in this late in the season like Canadas. In the week that went by, they moved a mile down the road to another corn field and would not commit to our spread. You would have a dozen or so peel off the jag but turn right around when the main group keep the straight and steady course. Disheartening to see 5k or 6k go over you and land just down the road and you with no chance for a shot.

Will be scouting Friday for Saturday from now on – we are not going to allow any time in between!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Middle River – Griscom Swamp 01-08-2012 18:08
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey!

Well south side is history; the last day was as the rest of the season – a black duck day. Had scouted the day before and seen some green heads but I guess the ice thawed enough Saturday that they didn’t need to travel out to the meadows. Don’t know if I’ll get over to the Coastal side but if the weather stays like this, I will be painting the black n white on the Canada stools to concentrate on them. Also had a friend tease me with the possibility of getting some snow goose hunting in this year – has been at least 10 years since I had the whole snow out and in a field cross state.

Seems you wait forever for season to get here and once it’s here it’s all over in a blink!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

MacNamara WMA 01-03-2012 20:39
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey!

Friday the 30th gunned MacNamara WMA in Tuckahoe. Gunned the middle impoundment – Many sprig but they did not cooperate and were held up in the middle of the impoundment. Did manage a black duck an had some high flying mallards take a long distance look but that was it.

Took a ride scouting to see where the mallards are hanging – did see three pair in the dog training impoundment in Corbin City. Also saw a trio of buffleheads in the middle impoundment in Corbin too.

Saturday gunned MacNamara WMA in Tuckahoe but in impoundment 3. Had seen some light colored ducks moving that way the day before and was hoping they were mallards and not just black ducks. Had a dozen birds come in for the morning but they were all black ducks.

Monday they were calling for a gale, I figured the birds would be looking to get out of the blow so I gunned behind the island impoundment in Corbin City. The birds like to get up behind the island and get out of the wind. Well they were there! Shot at 705 am when two pairs pitched right in to land in the stools. Had +75 birds commit and come right into the stools for the day but all were black ducks. I did manage to flag in some high flyers to try and mix the bag but all were black ducks. Well I did have some Hoodies come in but I don’t waste the shell or the bird when it comes to Hooded Mergs. Wrapped @ 11am.

Maybe it’s the weather and the mallards are held up in the drainage ditches – but for all of the black ducks I have seen the last two weeks I haven’t seen any of the (what we call ) “red leggers,” the “Canadian” black ducks that seem to be on steroids. They are twice as big as any other black duck and have the orange red legs. All the birds I shot or had come in over the set were small in stature and had the black orange legs.

Well Saturday is the last day out on the South side – maybe some of this cold will move more birds into the area to mix the bag

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

MacNamara WMA Tuckahoe Impoundments 12-29-2011 21:34
– – 35-40 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey!

The ice made all the difference this morning by forcing the birds to go to the hole I opened. A drake sprig, two greenheads and a Suzy, the predictable black duck and a drake GWTeal – was the first time I limited since teal season!
Back to 40 for tomorrow AM but cold is coming and so to the ice!

Don’t forget that 2012 license for Monday!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Cedar Swamp and California Creeks 12-26-2011 20:28
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Saturday I gunned the Corbin City impoundments. Popped a black duck @ first light and there were ducks trading the river early. By 9am nothing the show was over. Not too many ducks but many duck hunters – many duck hunters. I cannot remember when I saw so many people out duck hunting since maybe the early 80’s.

Today they were calling for wind with gusts of 25-30 and the tide was high @ 1030. I figured the ducks would be moving inland to find some shelter. So I gunned the fork of Cedar Swamp and California Creeks. WHAT AN AIR SHOW! Black ducks flew all morning long – evan as I was picking up at 11am. I easily had 75 birds come right over the stools and had another 200 land around me. I periodically popped a shell to spook them off and keep them moving. They didn’t help me with the incoming birds. They stopped looking at my spread and were going to the big groups of live ducks that were quacking their heads off. I was no competition for them. You would figure with so many birds a mallard would have squeezed in there but no, no mallards, not at all. I didn’t see a white belly or a wing bar on any of them. Trust me I had the gun up and EXAMINED every duck that came by. One of the pains was getting back to the truck. What normally takes an hour to canoe took almost three. I fugured I would get a break with the wind and tide late in the morning but it didn’t happen. I could make next to no headway and I thought I was never getting back – speaking of backs, the other pain today is in my back – but the air show was worth it!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Cedar Swamp Creek between the bridges 12-17-2011 18:35
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Last weekend we got shut down gunning the impoundments by some sky busters – so off to Cedar Swamp today. Nice we made the change. Mixed bag, black, two green heads and two GWTeal. A little beat up canoeing against the tide both ways but a good time with many memories gunning cedar stump creek.

Snow geese flying up in the altitudes all day – even now at 730pm the buggers are flying overhead to make the jump over the bay.

Not much of the season is left so make the most of it. Merry Christmas

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

MacNamara WMA – Corbin City 12-06-2011 18:06
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

What a Ho hum year. No weather to stress the birds and move them down or around. If it were not for a black duck in the first half hour each time I was out, I would have not shot the gun at all. Looking for some ice to make a difference. Maybe I’ll buy a pheasant stamp? No that’s not happening. Maybe late season Canada season will make the year. I should paint the stools while the weather is so warm. Hope you’re doing well.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Atlantic County 10-24-2011 19:49
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Late year this is. Saw the first jags of snows yesterday, had expected them a week ago. The same goes for brant. Spied the first brant today in Lakes and Scull Bay.

The GWTeal have been hit or miss. Just not adding up to be the best start of a season.

Maybe there will be early ice, which will make it all better!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Cedar Swamp Creek/ MacNamara’s 09-18-2011 23:23
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Wow what a difference this weather is making. Three days ago I couldn’t find a GWTeal, today the wind stopped and they were everywhere I went. Just unbelievable! Spooked all of the birds I saw but NO BWTeal mixed in. I figured with the salt line so low on the river, I would see a few but no luck. Did spy a dozen Sprig in the impoundments.

September Goose Season is a bust for me. Have not had the time to chase them and they tease me every night going over the house just after legal shooting time.

If your hunting white geese and need to add to your rig I have outlaw silhouettes, wind socks and several different brands of shells I would let go REAL CHEAP … just drop me an email

Tuckerton Decoy Show is Sept 24th and 25th – maybe we will see you there?

License, state stamp, federal stamp, and HIP number – Then scouting and some luck! South season is almost here!!!

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2011-09-18 23:24]

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

McNamara’s WMA 08-23-2011 20:34
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

September Goose Season is almost upon us. Pulled the decoys out and did some touch up on the black heads and the white butts.

Geese are starting to congragate in some good numbers but September is September. You hav e to be where they are going – so scouting is a must.

Over all the season should be good. The feds have a good video on the “excellent” conditions we had this year.
http://flyways.us/status-of-waterfowl/video-report

Tuckerton Decoy Show is Sept 24th and 25th –
maybe we will see you there?

license, state stamp, federal stamp, and HIP number. thhen some luck!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Cedar Swamp Creek 12-28-2010 19:03
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Greeting from the flat lands down Jersey

With all of the iced up ponds gunning the open water up Cedar Swamp Creek has been some of the best shooting in a long time. Black ducks, black ducks, and more black ducks I couldn’t tell you how many we had on the water at one time. You have to be quick picking out the white bellies or the wings bars because the mallards will slip right on by. With so many REAL birds on the water you only get one pass. We tried jumping them up to better the odds only to have the next flocks peeling off to follow the distance birds to places unknown.

Even if it’s a one black duck hunt the aerial show is worth the time and effort.

Have to get the new license this week for the annual January 1st hunt – see you up there Frank

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 12-08-2010 22:39
– – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Greeting from the flat lands down Jersey!

What a day. Took me longer to get out break the ice and pick up then it did to shoot limit! One shot one duck – mallards, a black and a sprig. I bought a lottery ticket getting lunch!

Of course it will have warmed up by Saturday (my next day out) but rain and warmth… I’ll take it

Merry Christmas

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2010-12-08 22:39]

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 12-06-2010 22:43
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey

White Geese, white geese, and more white geese were jumping the bay yesterday and today. I was hoping some would hold the jump and come down in Griscom with the wind but that didnt happen.

It has been a good year so far with Mallards and Grays being the bulk of the bag. I like this skim ice in the morning – gives them few options except the holes with the stools LOL – ducks and ice are like fish in a barrel.

Merry Christmas

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-19-2010 17:47
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey

Geese, geese, and more geese are jumping the bay and heading to points South. They are predominantly black geese but you do hear the occasional bark of some snows – not like it use to be in the mid 90’s when the snows would fly straight from sun up to sun up during the peak of their two big migrations.

Opening day proved to me that it takes practice before you get there and try and hit GWTeal. Took a box to get four and they died with a single shot. Maybe a heart attack from because I couldn’t find much for shot in the meat.. A twist and a turn and they were movin in the wind! A twist and a turn back and I realize just how old I am getting to be.

I was surprised to see a lot of cotton tops – widgeon. They didn’t come low enough for a shot but knowing that they are there will get me to add some blocks to the rig and carry my call. Did see quite a few blacks, mallards and sprig but they didn’t give a second look. It will take pressure from the elements to get them into the spread.

This was the 36th opening day for me. It was not the best day but we didn’t and haven’t been skunked yet. Next time out could tell a different tale – – – –

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp CMC 10-09-2010 19:41
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Geese –Geese and more Geese were making the jump on the bay today to Delaware and beyond. Black Geese flew all day and the white geese were spotty at best.
GWTeal have arrived too. Out and about today and we did spy a fair amount of GWTeal but where are the BWTeal? I would have thought they were already here – must be out on the Delaware bay side because they are not on the Ocean side of the peninsula LOL.

We did enough chores today so we are getting out in the Kayak after church to a see what’s up in Cedar Swamp and Middle River.

Not long now!!! BANG! BANG!

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2010-10-09 19:41]

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp CMC 10-01-2010 21:48
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

Hard to believe Sept Canada Season has come and gone, as always, if you were where they were going – you did well. If not- then not.

The drought has put the hurting to some of my honey holes. The water is so low that there are more stumps and mud than water. The rain over the past couple days has helped quite a bit but there is still a long way to go to make it right.

I spied some GWTeal, Sprig, Blacks and Mallards when scouting this week but the numbers are low. In years past BWTeal were heavy right now but they have been few and far between lately and this year is no exception.

Times they are a changing. Hunting now some 37 years, so many of the places I have hunted are now developed and fewer people have a positive attitude about gunning. If that wasn’t bad enough, now my long time gunnin and carving friends are moving south to kick back in the sunset of life. Best wishes Knoll and Richie – just watch those gators when wading about.

The Feds have an on line video – the 2010 Status of Waterfowl Video Report. Nice to hear some positive news as season gets here. http://www.flyways.us/status-of-waterfowl/video-report

Have fun and enjoy the heritage we share in the meadows

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp CMC 12-28-2009 19:41
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Wow is all I can say – it doesn’t get any better than this – the ice made the difference this week. I was only able to get out two days and they were cold but very productive. Amazing just how many mallards there are around when the drainage ponds freeze up. With the river open they didn’t want to go far so it was open hole in a pond and keep the gun handy. I ended each day with a limit of mallards, a black and a pintail. Only carried six stools two green heads and the rest blacks, open water in a pond (used an H2O magnet on each stool to keep it open) and they just came right in. If I had carried a floater or two and a couple of full body Canada’s I think I could have scored. The birds came by but would not come down to the call … no vacation days left so it’s New Years day and Saturday with the cold again. Looking forward to the shooting … Happy New Year

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Out n About 12-20-2009 18:40
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Tis the Season …. Well the snow n cold has moved in ducks, white geese and black geese. Checking out Great Egg this morning, I saw my first flocks of broadies. One flock had at least a half dozen drake cans mixed in – no missing them! I did spy a large flock of sprig this afternoon working Middle river and pairs of black and mallards just jumping around the meadows. I know I am putting in vacation time tomorrow to hunt this week Up in Absecon, I saw a bunch of ducks and a half dozen flocks of blacks geese bailing in at dark off Rte 9 – New Road between Meadow view and Ohio Ave. Just before that I spied a jag of black geese looking for a place to land along English Creek… Between the birds and a low tide rising – have to get out there. Have a Merry Christmas

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 12-10-2009 20:30
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey! I love this weather; “big” ducks abound right now out in Griscom and on Scull Bay. Of course the best I can do is glass them just before the sun goes down. I think I will end up flipping a coin to go to the brackish or salt meadows. I have seen a +30 bird flock and a +40 bird flock of sprig working the meadows from middle river out to swan pond. I am not sure if they are coming into the impoundments yet. Out on Scull Bay I have been seeing two dozen pairs and trios of blacks and greenheads at day break as I go to work … what a tease. Hope you can get out – it is a real chore for me right now

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp CMC 11-29-2009 22:14
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Greeting from the flat lands down Jersey! Well Saturday actually felt like season. The wind definitely gave the birds the advantage. I had one shot for one duck for each flock that came in. I also had one shot and no ducks for three other flocks that came in. It was strange to shoot a juvenile woody and a couple of black jacks this time of year. Both usually have left for parts south. I guess the weather hasn’t moved them out or other birds in. I uploaded the woody’s pic. Just click my pic and it will be displayed.

I did see two nice sized flocks of sprig, a six pack of cotton tops and quite a few pairs/ trios of blacks and green heads traveling the meadows. Couldn’t persuade them to come over and say hello. It was nice to see birds around. Also had a flock of Canadas drop in form the altitudes and land about 400 yards off. I could hear them with the wind so I am sure they could not hear me against the wind. Forgot to bring a flag along – it will be the last time that happens.

Hope we have ice soon – cuts down their options, gets them hungry, and brings them right in!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp CMC 11-26-2009 22:14
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Greetings from the flat land down Jersey! Should have slept in today … thanksgiving. The spot I was hoping to gun was a sea of flashlights so I broke one of my own rules and gunned a different spot I didn’t scout. All I needed to make this a perfect day was ducks and bug spray. A sprig came in early before legal, a high flying black around 730 (who was just looking), and three Canadas that talked to me as they circled a dozen times only to fly off. I was entertained by a pair of swans that weren’t liking my swan decoys. They made all kinds of noises and displays. Then they swam full speed towards them to within a foot and just stopped and looked. You could almost hear them say … “My God they’re only decoys.” Then they paddled off and didn’t look back. Just like me. Hoping Saturday is better. Gobble Gobble

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

McNamara WMA, CMC 11-22-2009 20:58
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Greetings from the flat land down Jersey! The Nor’easter really changed the game. Birds I was watching (and waiting to get time off for) are gone. Yesterday, the couple of flocks I did see moved late morning were large and headed inland up river on a mission. I should have slept in. The majority of the teal are gone (if not all of them) and the two pair of blacks I spied did not want to have anything to do with my rig or anyone else’s. I think the only saving grace this year is going to be the coastal zone. It doesn’t go out until January 26th. I started pulling out the bay rig and washing off the cob-webs. A little weather with a little luck and late season should make it all right. I may even shoot brant this year. Last time was ’89 and I had one taxidermied… swearing not shoot them again … I think swearing may have a 20 year expiration date. Well turkey day is coming and the way it going right now, the butterball may not be the only turkey that day. Gobble Gobble

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscon Swamp 10-24-2009 20:14
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – Over 70 Degrees
Greeting from the flat lands down Jersey! Well my shooting didn’t get any better from last week and the GWTeal were a little smarter today. Picked up limit of the little buggers but we’ll keep the number of shells a secret! I think it took me longer to pick up the hulls then it did the decoys. Did see more “big” ducks this morning but they weren’t interested.
Ken N advised me that the Tuckahoe ramp is closed for repairs till 10/27. We guessed that those in the DEP scheduling the ramp repair (for this week of the year) are crabbers and not duck hunters. Thanks Ken.
A couple of people asked me if I had any tips for gunning the impoundments. One thing that I was told by an old timer some 30 years ago was to have a couple of white goose decoys to mimic the swans – off to the side and not too close to the spread. He told me that his father told him to use white decoys from the era before the impoundments. It seems that trumpeter swans used the meadows down here even before the mute swans took over. They act as an attractor from far off and the ducks feel more confident – that no one is hiding in close proximity. Even though the swans are not on the menu, they do not hang around if they see movement of any kind. With their size and height advantage, they see everything. I always gun with a pair of swan decoys just outside. Does it matter? I would say yes. I have had more success bringing high flyers down with the swans decoys then without them. The other thing I have learned is to use feeder decoys and a chuckle call. I carved most of my decoys. Some are wooden with heads tilted forward or my corks without their heads and I only used the bodies. Too many guys highballing it and decoy spreads with all of their heads up – they learn real quick to beware. Another thing is to not put your decoys to close to the bank. I would say no closer than 20 yards. There are a couple of other things I do but I will save them for another day. Well this is from my experience – you welcome to share yours.
I loaded up a pic of my spread – well part of the spread. I hunt two groups this is the front group. You can see my two swan decoys and a swan off in the distance who swam over and took a snooze. Was he surprised when I walked out of the frag 🙂
Just click on my pic and it will come up with my contact info. See ya out there

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp CMC 10-18-2009 22:06
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings and salutations from the flatlands down Jersey! The Southern opener was wet and wild. The Nor’easter didn’t let anyone down with the wind, the high tide and the rain and the teal had no place else to hide. The birds started flying late but in fifteen minutes I had (6) GWTeal in the kayak. Not many big ducks flying. Only saw two pairs of blacks and a trio of sprig. The cormorants were on the move. As the wind would stop wave after wave of them would go by. There were easily 500 to a flock and I saw maybe (3) dozen flocks taking advantage of the push across the bay. Snows were flying and I had stools out, but they were moving to cross the bay and had no intentions of coming down. If the weather holds this should be a great week!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp & Lakes Bay 10-13-2009 22:28
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey! Spied the first brant and buffleheads of the season today in Lakes Bay. Not the big jags of brant yet but they are here.

Snows and Black geese flying over this evening for about three hours to make the jump to Delaware. If the weather holds I will add a couple of dozen white stools to the rig in hopes of any straggler juveniles. Feel like a kid just before Christmas.

Saturday cannot get here soon enough!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Scouting Griscom Swamp 09-29-2009 18:48
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey! The GWteal are here TODAY! Out and about in Griscom and spied GWTeal, BWTeal, sprig and some cotton tops. Bumped up GWteal and a dozen Woodies between the bridges on Cedar Swamp. I have to see what I have left for shells. If opening day is like last year, between the acrobatic teal and my shooting I will need a couple of boxes for the 17th.

Looking for a site to get tides, sun rise/set and moon rise/set times … check out http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/index.html It is a bit of a pain to find your location, but once you do, save it back as a favorite and you can predict tomorrow or next month.
Griscom Swamp north of middle river
http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi?site=Tuckahoe%2C+Tuckahoe+River%2C+New+Jersey&units=f
They offer a map with longitude – latitude information.

Always out there ….

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Scouting Griscom Swamp 09-26-2009 20:41
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey! GWTeal have started to show up. Jumped three groups around +20 birds and another half dozen groups under ten birds. Most of the birds were on the Mayslanding side of Middle River. Spied no BWTeal. Sunday is the last day of the Tuckerton Show … not so busy Saturday so there will be bargains on Sunday especially with the forecast of rain. I hope to be there around 3pm to get the deals!! The canoe is painted and the Kayak is grass … the countdown is on to opening day!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

2009 State Reg Changes 09-18-2009 21:17
– – –
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey

– Beginning in 2009, the artwork for the New Jersey state waterfowl stamp and the paper stamp will be discontinued. Waterfowl hunters 16 years and older are still required to purchase a state stamp, which is now a “certification” rather than a paper stamp. The certifications are available from a license agent or from the Division’s license web site, where they can be printed on a home computer.
– The wood duck daily bag limit will remain at 3 birds. This will be the second consecutive year with these regulations.
– The brant season will be closed during part of the duck season in all zones. The brant daily bag limit was reduced to 2 birds.
– There will be a Conservation Order season for light geese from Feb. 16-Apr. 10, 2010.
– The canvasback season will be open for the duration of the duck season with a 1-bird bag limit.
– The scaup season will be open for the duration of the duck season with a 2-bird bag limit.
– Special regulations are permitted during the September Canada goose season (September 1-30, 2009) – Electronic calls, shotguns capable of holding no more than 7 shells, and hunting hours extended to 1/2 hour after sunset are permitted. Note that this allows hunting ½ hour later than during other waterfowl seasons. This will be the third consecutive year with these regulations.

See you out there

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 09-14-2009 17:15
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey! September Canada season has not let me down – it is just like any other year. If you are where the birds are going you shoot limit – if you try to just set up and sucker them in – they aren’t the sucker! Found a water roost and bush wacked five right as legal was going out. The overcast cloudy conditions made them move before it was to dark to see. In talking to some friends, we all are in the same boat with the farms that we have been hunting the last 15-20 years. The farms are now houses, malls or playgrounds and the geese have learned to live between domestication and wild. Just need a dark, threatening, rainy day and we will get another chance at them. As for teal, I can count them on my hand – they are not here yet at all. Best for the season!

Posted By:
Tony Senn
Web Member

Delaware Ducks Unlimited Blue Hen Classic 01-26-2009 14:41
– – –
Delaware Ducks Unlimited
Presents the
13th Annual Ducks Unlimited Blue Hen Classic
at
Hopkins Game Farm
March 13, 14 & 15

**Guarenteed $25,000 in Prizes including 30 Guns**

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 13

Small Gauge Events
20, 28 and .410
Entry – $50 per gauge/50 targets
Payouts – $10 per shooter per gauge
returned to class
Master through E – 1st, 2nd, 3rd (50/30/20)

Preliminary Event

Entry – $105/100 targets
Shells are included for this event
Payouts – HOA & Master through E
HOA – Benelli Nova & 1 case of shells
1st in class – Benelli Nova
2nd in class – 3 cases of shells
3rd in class – 2 cases of shells
4th in class – 1 case of shells
5th in class – 1 case of shells
Concurrents
1st in class – 2 cases of shells
2nd in class – 1 case of shells

Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15

NSCA 5-Stand – Squadded
Entry – $55/50 targets
Shells are included for this event
Payouts – Master through E
1st, 2nd & 3rd
Ducks Unlimited Merchandise

Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15

Main Event – Flight time required

Entry – $230/200 targets/100 targets daily
Shells are included for this event

Payouts – HOA & Master through E & Hunters
HOA – Beretta 391 & $300 cash
1st in class – Beretta 391
2nd in class – Remington 1187
3rd in class – Tri Star Viper
4th through 6th in class
Exclusive Ducks Unlimited Merchandise
Concurrents
1st in class – 3 cases of shells
2nd in class – 2 cases of shells
3rd in class – 1 case of shells
All events are NSCA sanctioned.
Target fees included in entry fees.
HOA- not eligible for Class or
Concurrent prizes.

Lunch will be available daily for purchase.
Prizes and awards for the Preliminary Event
and Small Gauge events will be presented
Friday evening after all events are final.
Refreshments will be served.
An Eastern Shore Buffet Dinner will be
included for all competitors Saturday night.
Entertainment will be provided by the
Cripple Creek Bluegrass Band.

For More Information Contact-
Hopkins Game Farm-(410) 348-5287
hopkinshunting@gmail.com

Tony Senn- (302)422-5068
tsenn@ducks.org

Posted By:
MKGF
Web Member

11-20-2008 12:50
– – –
any reports from the southern zone? Del.Bay area?

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-19-2008 20:28
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey,

There was no let down opening day, the teal poured in. It just took me 16 shots to make 6. The slightest movement in the blind and the acrobatic show was on! They just tipped with the wind hawken in their face and were GONE! I just could not get the gun in front of them fast enough. I would pull the shot and knew I was behind and going to miss. It was ugly!

Snows and Migrants were on the move today making the jump to Delaware. I heard more of them than actually saw of them. Spied one flock of +250 snows on the ground, another group of +500 were in the marsh by Middle River and a group of migrants (are they some little geese) maybe +200 not 5 minutes from my home in cut corn. They did not hang out very long and were gone an hour after I saw them.

The first split looks very good right now!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp out to Lakes Bay 10-11-2008 17:39
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey,

Just like a bus schedule the birds are showing up. The teal are finally in strong with flocks in the 100-150 range right now (http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2176/20081003150plusgwtealre5.jpg)
Sprig and cotton tops have shown up this week but I wouldn’t buy any extra shells just yet.
Out on the salt meadows, brant are showing up and should be in thick by week’s ends. More birds were in Scull Bay than Lakes Bay. That will change.
Buffleheads are here now too. They were in Great Egg off Longport. A bunch of Scoters (maybe 500) were rafted up in Great Egg this week just inside the inlet.
A little different for this year are the Ruddy ducks that have appeared out of now where on the river and there seems to be more and more harbor mallards out in the meadows – maybe they will be there opening day too.

October 18th can not get here fast enough!

Posted By:
Tony Senn
Web Member

Delaware Ducks Unlimited 10-11-2008 16:10
– – –
The Ducks Unlimited Waterfowler’s Hunter’s Parties are Coming!!!!!!!

Due to the popularity last year and wanting to have enough room for everyone, this year we will be having TWO WHP’s. One upstate and one downstate.

Each one will have more than 60 Dozen Decoys, 5 guns and other assorted hunting gear.

Tickets are limited to 200 at each location so act fast…..Tickets are only $25.00!!!

Locations-
North- Odessa Fire House
South- Moore Farms-Cokesbury Rd, Georgetown

Date for Both-
Sunday November 23, 2008 The day between Deer and Duck Season

Time for both-
12-Noon to 3:00 pm

Price- $25.00- Includes light appetizers-beer-sodas and a free 1 year membership in DU!!

Don’t forget, you automatically are entered into a raffle for a shotgun just for WEARING CAMO!!!!!!!!!

For tickets call-
North- Lou Caputo 302-388-1474
louis.caputo@pnc.com

South- Tony Senn 302-422-5068 tsenn@ducks.org

Tickets available online at-
www.ducks.org/WHP

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 09-29-2008 00:00
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey!

September Canada season has been a bit of a disappointment but being out and about our hopes are up with the arrival of all of the BWTeal in Griscom. The Nor’easter stopped and they were here! I was seeing small groups 10-20 birds but yesterday it was 50-200 birds in a group. And the local greenheads seemed to have done well this breeding season … but I fear they will be just like the local Canadas – once they are shot at, it will take ice to move them back into the meadows. Southern opener is just around the corner – can not wait!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Cape-Atlantic County 08-27-2008 20:23
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey!

September Goose Season is almost upon us, running Sept 1st to Sept 30th. Some BIG changes this year … you are permitted electronic calls, shotgun capable of hold 7 shotshells, and shooting hours run to ½ hour AFTER sundown! Might be a little late to curb the resident flock but may even out the playing field a bit.

Remember hunters 16 year and older need Federal Duck stamp, State duck stamp and HIP number with a current hunting license to engage in migratory waterfowl hunting.

Some other changes is an increase in the Brant season and bag limit, reduction to Scaup and CLOSED for Canvasbacks. Check out these and all of the regulation before you go afield at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artmigratory08.htm

Almost always out there …

Posted By:
MKGF
Web Member

02-15-2008 14:28
– – –
I heard 3 guys died in Cumberland County hunting for snow geese. Is that true??

Posted By:
saboo301
Web Member

02-15-2008 10:44
– – –
Anyone down go after the snows? Want to come down and try my luck. Willing to swap a hunt if anyone is interested. If not any info you could pass a long would be appreciated!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Cedar Swamp Creek 11-28-2007 19:58
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey! Gunned Cedar Swamp between the bridges Friday and Saturday – Pair of Woodies and a Black both days. Hooded Merg’s seemed to fly by all day. Only saw five teal. Thay had a plan and I was not part of it.

Snows are on the move jumping the bay tonight. The flight started just before dark and has been going none stop five hours now. They have been high flying and barking in all directions. Wish that I could be in the meadows of Griscom tomorrow AM … I am sure that there will be stragglers that settled in for the night and suckers for a white spread at sunrise.

Well maybe they’ll hang in until Saturday …

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 11-17-2007 20:44
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Greetings from down Jersey! The teal-fest is over. A few GWteal around but it was nothing like two weeks ago. Quite a few local geese on the move today … I am not sure if it was the wind, the Yo-buckers or a combination of the two. I did manage to convince a pair to stay for my dinner. The flights were blacks and mallards. No high flying mass migrations of Snows or Canadas yet this year … may be traveling the Delaware and not the Coast. Already praying for ice : )

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Cedar Swamp 11-03-2007 23:39
Cloudy, High Winds – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from down Jersey! Today was a bit of a chore against tide and wind in the canoe. The adventure paid off. I had a great air show of birds bailing in from the Eastern side of the parkway. Seems the Black ducks did well this breeding season. Had GWTeal buzz the decoys four times. I didn’t manage to have the gun shouldered in time to get off a shot. Did bring home (2) Drake Woodies, a Black and a pair of Mallards. Must have had +300 Blacks in and out of the stools – could not find a wing bar or a white belly to make limit. The dip in temp they are calling for should make it interesting on the bay this week. May just turn into striper season!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-31-2007 12:04
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from down Jersey! The southerly flow kept the birds from jumping the bay last Saturday but the rain it brought with it was no fun. I was glad for the warm temperature because I was wet straight through to my birthday suit. Limited with (5) GWTeal and a Gray – six ducks – six shots. Also another 22 shots on (7) different flocks with NO KILLS – I could not believe it. Single bird – dead with a single shot. Have 30 sprig drop in and hang on the 18 yrd line and three shots – not a feather. Or a +50 flock of teal – three shots – four shots – not a feather – didn’t even hit a bird I wasn’t shooting at. Must have been the rain in my eyes … maybe the mud on my boots … that sounds good doesn’t it? Haven’t flock shot that bad since I was 15 years old!

The about face in the wind direction and temp drop this week moved 70% of the Teal out of Griscom Swamp and most certainly carried them across the Delaware Bay to the more – southern wintering grounds. Have to wait on the arrival of the “big ducks” to flock shoot again. The northerly winds did bring with it brant, brant and buffleheads. The coastal boys will have some good shooting open day after all. Make sure to check your brant’s hinny. If they are white it means they haven’t started to eat the sea cabbage and are the most delicious waterfowl on the face of the planet. So just keep telling yourself “The brant just arrived”, “The brant just arrived.” Then when you eat them and they should taste like the smell at low tide in August … know that they must have went rancid in transit home. That’s what always happens to me – even if I pack them with dry ice. SO I stopped shooting them in ’88.

This weekend Coastal opens and South Zone closes. I will be 5 miles into the South Zone from the parkway. Let me thank all of the Coastal boys in advance for chasing the ducks inland to me and not hunting the South Zone close. I almost forgot … you welcome Bruce for the scouting information.

Almost always out there …

Posted By:
patrick flaherty
Guest

Delaware River near Lambertville 10-23-2007 11:50
– – –
Was up from MD visiting a friend and we did a 8 mile kayak trip down the river. Started somewhere near Lambertville and pulled out right before route 95. Saw tons of geese loafing in the shallows and rocks. Counted 23 mallards hanging or flying up the river.
Thought about getting a hunting license and hunting around the Chester area in a swamp I used to hunt. Always held good numbers of birds. I was severely dissapointed to see the lack of rain had diminished it to a small steam barely wide enough to get my poke boat through. So I guess that is out of the question.

My mother-in-law just moved to Barnegat and I plan on scouting that out sometime in the future for next season.
Until then, I am hunting in MD.

Ray, I am jealous. I miss the float hunting for woodies.

Good luck up there.
patrick flaherty

[Edited By patrick flaherty on 2007-10-23 11:50]

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-22-2007 21:45
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Keep putting in the two cents … maybe raise it to a field-editor?

Some pics from today down Jersey… just had enough light and time get out the meadows to see if I should plan an outing for tomorrow am. Well I will be there because the birds just waiting to jump the bay. Today they here and tomorrow … with the right front … they will be gone!

http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20071022tuckspookld3.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20071022tuckmanyvg4.jpg

Everyone I talked to who gunned the Southern Opener from South River to Cedar Swamp and back out to Swan Pond hade limit by 9am no matter how many guns were in the blind! 90% teal in the bag … BWTeal & GWTeal

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2007-10-22 21:46]

Posted By:
Marshmudd
Guest

Along the DE Bay 10-22-2007 11:04
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – Over 70 Degrees
Ray, thanks for putting some kind of posting on this site. (I’ve been, checking it reguarly just to see if it still gets posted). Just want to put my 2 cents in. Went out opening day, got 5 GWT. loads of them coming over for the first 1 1/2 hours, hit others that the dog couldn’t get because of how far out they glided (or the tide took them). Not many big ducks, did manage 1 Black. Saw a bunch of Blacks a few Mallards and a couple of sprig. Hope some cooler weather moves in, maybe more bigger ducks will arrive with it.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-22-2007 06:18
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey! The southern opener was fast. I had limit by 7am. GWTeal and BWTeal were moving all morning. Just kept dumping into the decoys and drifted out. It did not matter that I was standing there taking their picture. Posted up is a pic – the only decoy is my swan and a video. I spooked them and they still landed back.
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7839/20071020tuckdriftersuc3.jpg
http://www.pickle.com/a3nav.do?Id=18063&pn=3

The sprig, widgeon and mallards took their time to make an appearance. Kept them out of my bag limit of (5) GWTeal and a Widgeon.
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3133/20071020tucklmtrw8.jpg

I will be drifting this afternoon for Woodies and back in the meadows Tuesday. I can not see them moving south despite the pressure with this warm weather … but I am sure they will be quite a bit smarter about just what they land into. Maybe we will see you out there …

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2007-10-22 06:18]

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-18-2007 15:55
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey! Normally, I would be worried about a heavy frost this week pushing the teal further south just before the season opener. Not likely, might have to spray down with bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Cotton tops, sprig and GWTeal have been arriving all week. Photo posted of my honey hole for opening day! http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20071018059am2.jpg. Season just can not get here quick enough! Some brant and buffleheads have shown up on Lakes Bay – but no real numbers. Seems they are a week behind schedule. No snows or black geese spied making the jump on the bay south. Saturday should be a fast action day! Best of luck!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp; Middle and Great Egg River 10-02-2007 22:53
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey! September goose season was pathetic. The “near” drought hurt the corn bad. The horse corn fields didn’t reach waste high and were mowed not harvested. Ponds were dust. Needless to say, the big resident flocks move to greener pastures. I just couldn’t get permission on the new farms. It wasn’t worth the effort to gun for the few family groups that were moving the Great Egg.

Out and about, BWTeal have been stacking up the last three weeks. Only a few GWteal have made an appearance so far. The local mallard families did well with 4-5 ducklings surviving the broud. Sprig are around but not in any number. Cotton tops (Widgeon) showed up this weekend pretty heavy – traveling the meadows off Swan Pond. Barring a frost, opening day is looking pretty good.

A good show up in Tuckerton, Tom Knapp is the best. Just not in love with the Benelli gun. Wasn’t the busiest and there were bargains on Sunday …

A streeetch pic posted of some birds out on Middle river. http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20070929tgwtblkmldspr03tp0.jpg

Time to start pulling out the rig and retying knots!

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

CMC and AC 08-17-2007 21:21
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey! The almost drought has most of the retention basins growing grass not mosquitoes this year. A good thing for the September season! It has forced the birds out into the “wild” for a place to roost. I use to pray for heavy clouds to catch them going into roost before gunning was over for the day. Out and about they are dropping in their normal 15mintes after sun down … going to be lethal for a while until they figure this out. One thing to note, the light level is such that if you are gunning in this last 15 minutes you will need to set up facing west or they can get lost in the low light and background. Spied maybe two dozen blue wings scouting, will be grassing out the kayak this weekend! Don’t forget the stamps and the hip number with the license.
Scouting photo … just love it … http://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20070816tuckahoe018wm8.jpg
Hard to see the teal and local ducks … always out there

Posted By:
mwolfe
WFC Sponsor

lakes bay 08-10-2007 19:09
Arctic Blast – Over 70 Degrees
cant wait to bag some canadas 20 more days

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

State of New Jersey 07-17-2007 20:14
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down Jersey… Was out and about with the state banding Canadas. Seems the Nor’easter in the spring had a real effect on the broads this year. The gosling’s maturity rate went from full sized adult feathered to yellow fluffy softballs. The ratio was about a third full sized feathered to a third full sized in dark down and a third football sized in yellow down. The weather may have influenced their maturity but not their mortality. Broads were still in the five to seven range.

REGULATION CHANGES THIS YEAR FOR SEPTEMBER SEASON ONLY

At the recommendation of the Atlantic Flyway Council, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has approved the use of special regulations to help curb the growth of Resident Population Canada geese, beginning in 2007. The special regulations are optional. The following new regulations apply:

• Electronic calls are permitted.
• No shot shell limits in shotguns (unplugged guns are permitted).
• Hunting hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. Note that this allows hunting ½ hour later than during previous years.

Season dates: Sept 1st – Sept 29th
Daily bag limit: 15

HUNTERS NEED TO REMEMBER THAT THESE SPECIAL REGULATIONS ONLY APPLY TO THE SEPTEMBER CANADA GOOSE SEASON. In particular, hunters that choose to use unplugged guns during the September Canada goose season are reminded to reinstall magazine plugs before pursuing other game species.

A big thank you goes out to the biologists that put in the field and analysis time to produce the studies that keep both the hunters and waterfowl population on track. The US Fish and Wildlife Service scrutinize all of the data and are not easily convinced to make changes. Again thank your for your dedication and passion to the sport and the resource.

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2007-07-17 20:17]

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2007-07-17 20:20]

Posted By:
nodntry
Web Member

pedericktown 01-26-2007 13:48
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
hunted last weekend for geese finally got some weather limited out 4 guys by 7:30 on friday and saturday what a way to finish the year

Posted By:
buckwrapper
Guest

Alantic City 01-05-2007 13:31
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Was down in Alantic City the other day hunting Brant with Ol Barney Guide Service and boy we hit the mother load. The Brant are everywhere.

Posted By:
big gooseman
Guest

northwest jersey 12-06-2006 16:18
– – –
Last three days plenty of new geese in area. Gear up 15th is just around the corner.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 12-04-2006 17:46
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Tis’ the season to be jolly! Geese, Geese and more white geese are on the move. Last night and again tonight they appeared as the sun set. With Clear skies and moon light, they are moving down coast to jump the bay for Delmarva. Black geese were only flying the early morning. The ducks should not be far behind as the ice gets settle in up north. GWTeal are back in good numbers out Griscom. I haven’t seen more than one or two at a time the last two weeks …this morning I was done gunning in an hour and they were four of the six birds. Next day out is Thursday …it should all come together just nicely. The ice up north should move the birds with clear moon light skies at night. The day will start almost dead low rising the morning and keeping them moving and looking for a meal … feels like Christmas already!

Posted By:
big gooseman
Guest

Phillipsburg 11-17-2006 14:14
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted several cut corn fields Nov. 14,15,16 200/300 geese each day. Fields are 1/2 mile from Deleware River.Big storms hit on Thursday night, rain and wind. Friday’s hunt no birds in fields, river or sky. Good luck South Jersey here they come!

Posted By:
big gooseman
Guest

Finesville area 11-13-2006 16:42
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 45-50 Degrees
Hunted alone in cut corn and soy fields.Several hundred geese moved in from river and limited out quickly. Many fields still in standing corn. Could use freezing temps and dry weather.

Posted By:
big gooseman
Guest

Riegelsville NJ 11-11-2006 17:00
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Shot 2 man limit of Canada geese by 10:30.Plenty of geese and mallards on river

[Edited By big gooseman on 2006-11-11 17:03]

[Edited By big gooseman on 2006-11-11 17:12]

Posted By:
duker31
Supporting Member

Mannington Meadows 10-23-2006 11:31
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
saturday October 21, 2006

left the ramp at 430am and had decoys and set up in blind around 615am had ducks all over all morning and got 6 ( 3 mallard drakes 1 mallard hen 1 pintail hen and 1 widgen hen ) had to leave early son had a football game wished i could of stayed longer going back Monday morning

Posted By:
stick61
Guest

Northern NJ Wallkill river refuge 10-22-2006 17:43
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Things are starting to look pretty good. My son and I spent about an hour at the Wallkill River Refuge Impoundment on the NY/NJ border just before dusk. We saw literally hundreds of mallards, woodies and teal as well as geese. They were coming in in large groups.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

Griscom Swamp 10-20-2006 21:31
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Greetings from the flatlands down jersey! Last week the BWTeal had piled up thick but with the heavy frost Thursday, Friday and Saturday the only memory is the posted picture.http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20061002griscom001lj6.jpg

Sprig and some GWTeal have been moving in and out of Swan Pond but not in any great numbers. http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20061020spgwtealswnpdsn8.jpg

Blacks and Mallards have been moving steady on Middle and South river out to Great Egg … but I don’t give the harbor Mallards much thought until their strong hold drainage ditches freeze up.

Some high flying black and white geese moving with a nice tail wind tonight … should make the Delmarva by midnight.

We will see if more birds come in with the front tonight in the am … safe hunting.

Posted By:
stick61
Guest

Northern Sussex County, Wallkill River Refuge 10-20-2006 20:20
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 50-60 Degrees
Went out this morning got 1 woodie drake shot at a few teal. Still not many mallards flying. Going to try it again tomorrow morning. Hopefully the Cooler weather will start bringing in the mallards.

Posted By:
Marshmudd
Guest

10-20-2006 15:09
– – –
Hopefully, with the South Zone opener tomorrow, we’ll start to see more posts.

Posted By:
Richard-Foxx
Guest

10-20-2006 12:02
–

[Edited By Richard-Foxx on 2006-10-20 12:03]

Posted By:
Richard-Foxx
Guest

10-20-2006 11:30
– – –
Ray, you do a good job.

I’ll be out for the opener tomorrow.

Seeing lots of ducks and a good vareity in the south zone.

Scouting we have seen Gadwalls, Pintails, Greenwings, a few Bluewings, Mallards and Blacks.

Let you know how we do.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

2006-2007 Waterfowl Regs 08-23-2006 21:57
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greeting from the flat lands down Jersey,

The final regs are now posted on the DEP website http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artmigratory06.htm

September season is just around the corner … don’t forget to get both stamps and that HIP number before you go!

[Edited By Ray-Sands on 2006-08-23 21:58]

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

New Jersey 08-20-2006 18:12
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Greetings from the flat lands down Jersey,

The following information is a press release from the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife. Please be sure to visit their website(http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/index.htm) for any changes that may occur governing migratory waterfowl hunting before going a field.

The 2006 NJ Duck Stamp Program information is also availible on line http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/prod_stamps.htm

The NJDGW HIP information release:

Following is information regarding changes in the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). The information can also be found at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/hipprog.htm .

All licensed migratory bird hunters (those hunting ducks, geese, brant, coot, woodcock, rails, snipe or gallinules) must purchase a Harvest Information Program (HIP certificate. The web site and toll-free number previously used for HIP certification in New Jersey are no longer available. With the implementation of the new Integrated Electronic Licensing System (IELS), all HIP registrations are now handled through the online system administered by the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s contractor, Automated Licensing Systems (ALS).
Migratory bird hunters can get their HIP certification three different ways, all of which allow hunting immediately:

* Online by visiting our license sales web site, www.wildlifelicense.com/nj/
* By calling the toll-free NJ telephone sales line at 888-277-2015, or
* At any agent using the new IELS system. A list of license agents that are currently equipped with the IELS system can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/agentlst.htm. (See NOTE below.)

Hunters must have proof of HIP certification while hunting migratory birds, be it a HIP certification printed on the new durable green license stock (DO NOT LAMINATE), a HIP certification printed on a home-computer, or a transaction number obtained over the phone. This proof of certification should be carried in the hunter’s license holder.

Waterfowl Research Project staff use HIP Certifications to draw a sample of hunters for harvest surveys. The Parts Collection Survey uses wings to derive the species, age and sex of the birds in the waterfowl harvest.

There is a $2.00 fee for HIP certification. This fee is merely to cover the cost of administering this federally mandated program, which is only partially paid for by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Those obtaining their HIP certification at an agent will receive a HIP certificate on the durable green license stock (DO NOT LAMINATE) now being used and can go hunting immediately. Hunters can print their certification on a home printer and go hunting immediately. Hunters will be able to return at a later date and get a free reprint if the original gets damaged or lost.

HIP certification obtained by calling the toll-free NJ telephone sales line will cost $5.13 ($2.00 + $3.13 ALS shipping/handling fee). The HIP certification will be printed by ALS on the new durable green license stock and mailed. Hunters will be issued a temporary certification number that allows hunting immediately and can expect to receive their permanent certification document in 7-10 days.

The HIP certification being issued now is valid from Sept. 1, 2006 to March 10, 2007. For migratory bird hunting regulations see the information linked from the Regulations page.

All information collected through the program is kept confidential and is used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct migratory bird harvest surveys. As it has done previously, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also mail harvest surveys to a small, random group of HIP registrants.

NOTE: A small number of IELS agents may not be able to issue HIP certificates so it is advisable to call ahead.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

National Duck Hunter Survey Results 02-10-2006 21:47
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
The following is the National Duck Hunter Survey news release from the Wildlife Management Institute and National Flyway Council. New Jersey waterfowl biologists will participate in a full review and discussion of this survey and its implications at the Joint Flyway meeting beginning Feb 19.

Las Vegas, NV-The National Flyway Council(NFC) and the Wildlife Management Institute released the results of the National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 today at a news conference held in conjunction with the SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas.

“This survey is the first to ask a representative sample of duck hunters in every state their opinions on ducks, duck hunting and waterfowl management,” said Don Childress, NFC chair. Over 10,000 duck hunters responded to the survey.

Some of the national findings include:

* Seventy-two percent of respondents said duck hunting was one of their most important(58 percent) or most important (14 percent) recreational activities.

* Fifty-nine percent said that the duck season length (number of days in the season) in the state they hunted most over the last 5 years was “about right,” although one-third (35 percent) said the season was “too short,” and 3 percent, “too long.”

* Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of duck hunters said that the total daily bag limit in the state they hunted most over the last 5 years was “about right.” Thirteen percent said it was “too low,” and 8 percent, “too high.”

* Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of duck hunters said they spend over $250 each year on duck hunting and one-fifth (20 percent)said they spend over $1,000 each year.

* Six percent of duck hunters now age 45-64 indicated that they began duck hunting in the relatively recent past (1997-2004).

* Twenty percent of duck hunters said they “frequently” access the internet for duck hunting information; 49 percent said “once in a while,” and 31 percent, “not at all.”

Survey results are reported nationally, by the four flyways, and by upper, middle, and lower groupings of states in each flyway. This allows for comparisons among regions of the country. For example, 30 percent of duck hunters in the upper portion of the Central Flyway (North Dakota, South Dakota, and eastern Montana) said that the overall quality of duck hunting over the last five years had “gotten much better” (10 percent)or “gotten a little better” (20 percent), while 29 percent said it had “gotten alittle worse” (23 percent) or “much worse” (6 percent). By contrast, 5 percent of the duck hunters in the lower portion of the Mississippi Flyway (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee) said that the overall quality of duck hunting over the last five years had “gotten much better” (1 percent) or “gotten a little better” (4 percent), while 82 percent said it had “gotten a little worse” (31 percent or “much worse” (51 percent).

Fifteen states chose to increase the number of hunters surveyed in their states to allow for statistically meaningful state-level results (South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, Tennessee, and Wisconsin). These state results will be released on February 16.

The mailing addresses for the survey were randomly drawn from the Harvest Information Program (HIP) database and included hunters who reported having harvested at least one duck during the 2003-04 duck hunting season. Only resident hunters were surveyed.

“This survey just wouldn’t have been possible without the HIP program,” said Childress. “This collaborative HIP effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state fish and wildlife agencies is critical to waterfowl management.”

The survey report includes over one hundred pages of responses to 32 questions from hunters in 49 states. “These results are just the beginning,” said Steve Williams, President of the Wildlife Management Institute. “The purpose of the survey was to provide objective information about hunter attitudes and now it is time to put the results to use.”

The next step is for duck hunters, Flyway Councils, state fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, conservation organizations, duck clubs, and the outdoor media to begin reviewing and discussing what the results mean and how the results might be used to inform future decisions regarding waterfowl hunting and management.

“These results will be invaluable in our deliberations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will do everything we can to communicate these results to those who can use them to improve our hunting regulations and hunter satisfaction in the future,” said Paul Schmidt, Assistant Director for Migratory Birds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Funding for the National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 was provided by state fish and wildlife agencies through the four Flyway Councils,the NFC and the Wildlife Management Institute. A committee composed of Flyway technical representatives and human dimensions specialists was formed by the NFC and guided conduct of the survey. The NFC hired D.J. Case & Associates to coordinate development, implementation and analysis of the survey.

The National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 is the first of several communications strategies under the banner of “A Systematic and Sustained Conversation with Waterfowl Hunters.” A “Strategy Team” formed by the NFC and Wildlife Management Institute in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is guiding the effort.

Additional information on the National Duck Hunter Survey 2005 and a downloadable copy of this news release is available at www.ducksurvey.com.

Contact: Don Childress, National Flyway Council, 406-444-2612, don.childress@ducksurvey.com

Contact: Steve Williams, Wildlife Management Institute, 202-371-1808, steve.williams@ducksurvey.com

Contact: Dave Case, D.J. Case & Associates, 574-258-0100, dave.case@ducksurvey.com

Website: www.ducksurvey.com

Posted By:
jerseywaterfowler
Guest

coastal 01-21-2006 17:40
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Went out friday. To warm. Nothing flying and nothing saw. Tough way to end my season but it just has been to warm. Minor cold front coming in Sunday so Monday could be a good day.

Posted By:
duker31
Supporting Member

Mannington Meadows 12-27-2005 13:06
Cloudy, High Winds – 35-40 Degrees
wind out of the NW and had some birds working almost all day up until around 10:30 .. shot 6 mallards 2drakes 4hens .. came in picture perfect just like there supposed to .. didn’t see many geese .. going back thursday hope for some weather

wacken ducks – Rob Big Earl and Bob

Posted By:
Richard-Foxx
Guest

Sea Isle 12-23-2005 13:43
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
On Wednesday we gunned New Jersey near Sea Isle. Saw hundreds of Brant, A very good number of Bluebills, Buffleheads and Blacks. Did not see as many Mallards as we had expected.

Most of the fresh water ponds were frozen which probably explained the absence of puddle ducks.

The flight started early and continued very well until about 10:30 then it was sporadic till about noon when the tide went slack and the flight pretty much stopped.

We ended the day with 8 Brant, 6 Bluebills and 3 Buffleheads.

Good flights of Brant and Bluebills all day. When we killed birds and were out retrievein the ducks with the dogs it seemed that’s when the Bluebills would buzz us.

Posted By:
stick61
Guest

Wallkill River Wildlife Refuge, Wantage Twp. 12-18-2005 10:46
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 10-20 Degrees – Ice
Went out at daybreak on 12/17/05. The area we hunt is the only area of open water on an otherwise ice covered Wallkill River. Got one American Merganser, missed on three others. The ones we saw were the only ducks in the air. They were looking for any open water to land in. Didn’t even see any Canadian Geese flying. Real bad morning, but still better than work!!! Gonna give it another try next week.

Posted By:
jerseywaterfowler
Guest

Navisink 12-17-2005 07:58
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
After some rain in the morning the sun came out and the winds picked up from the west.Had one black early in the decoys and now he will be dinner. Hit a greenhead full but he kept going to sea bright even though wounded. Usually brant,buffies,megies. No bluebills that I saw. Very windy and tough going in the canoe. Lost 5 or 6 carry light red heads and blubills due to the wind and full moon high tide. Was trying to set out my gang line, having set up the singles when I got the canoe turned into the wind my singles decieded to head head out. Some to Red Bank some to Sea Bright. Did not have the guts to chase them in the open water with that wind so if any comes across them I would not mind a PM. Thank you.The highest full moon tides I have ever seen in the river yeasturday. With the wind and tide agains each other in the morning it was rough out their yesturday.

Posted By:
Ray-Sands
Field Editor

12-13-2005 06:34
– – –
Christmas greeting from the flat lands down Jersey. Had hoped he weather would have moved more ducks down our way but it is not the case. A typical season … nothing to buy extra shells for. The ponds have been freezing up but most of the creeks are moving and there is no pressure on the birds to cooperate. Red leggers have shown up in the meadows off North Wildwood but only traveling in singles and pairs. Have only spied three broad bills in Great Bay and they didn’t give us a look. Griscom Swamp is holding the usual Sprig and black numbers. Seems to be quite a few more greenheads in the meadows this year. Unlike the blacks that have been traveling in singles or maybe a trio they are traveling in flocks of seven or more. One decides to bail out last minute and every one else follows. Had on flock of nine come by wide five times. This one hen would just turn a 90 at 65 yards. Get back o the call and she would call right back and turn around. Mixed it up each time from chuckles to single quacks but just couldn’t get her to commit the flock. Then a flock of +20 GWTeal buzzed in and that ended that. Surprised to see a flock of that size so late in the season, and to have not nicked a feather.

Last night quite a few snows and some canadas were making the jump across the bay. They were taking advantae of the calm, moon light and clear skies. They started around 6pm and at 9pm I could make out not less than 5 flocks of snow and a flock of canadas going over head.

Here’s to frozen creeks and the best in the New Year.