Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 01-06-2013 09:15
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Big water in central Ohio still open, small ponds and marshes all frozen over. Still no serious migrations in the area. From Marion to Circleville and West Jefferson to Pataskala – no ducks in serious numbers. However, tons of ducks and geese between Circleville and Chillicothe. Its as if they passed Central Ohio southbound. Best bets now are the Scioto and Ohio rivers to the end of the season. Quarries in the Circleville area are packed with ducks and geese staging to head further south. Corn fields in the surrounding areas around Circleville producing well. Deer Creek (lake) is frozen but the river is open and small groups are up and down the river.

Time to head south.

Ever since the north-south zone split moved from Rt 30 to I70 central Ohio has been shut out of the migration. It was a bad move and needs re-thought for next year.

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 12-31-2012 09:26
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Still slow in central Ohio over the past week. Few ducks on Buckeye Lake, some geese in the area in corn fields. Headed to the Ohio River this past weekend. Lot’s of ducks and geese. Must still be local birds or those that have been hunted hard this year. Very educated and giving the spreads a really good look before commiting. Still lots of open water outside of the river so they have been in flooded fields which are producing much better than the river.

Probably counted several thousand birds. Our group took 11, another 17.

Full chokes and 3″ or 3-1/2″ a must. Ducks are all targeting well off-shore and shots are long.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

central 12-25-2012 12:08
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Migrators moving in, water still frozen. Large groups of mallards and geese throughout the area. Should be a great weekend.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 12-24-2012 12:11
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Hunting over the weekend was slow once again. Local ducks and geese, no sign of migrators. Corn fields in the north central area productive with large groups of mallards but no sign of them on marshes or lakes.

most small ponds frozen over but with the milder weather this week and the rain, they may open-up. Lakes were also starting to freeze over and low water levels will create a new problem here in central Ohio. In the past when small ponds and marshes froze the birds all headed for the big water. But with water low-levels lakes in the area are freezing just as fast. Birds will most likely pass central Ohio for the Ohio River and further south.

This will make for a very short season (if any) once the migration starts.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

central ohio 12-20-2012 20:18
Cloudy, High Winds – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Hunting from marshes to fields, rivers and lakes all slow.

Hopefully this storm will push some birds down to us!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

12-18-2012 16:07
– – –
DID IT AGAIN,,, MALLARDS AND BLACKS. GOOD SIZED FLOCKS (10-40 BIRD PODS)….

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

NORTH OHIO 12-14-2012 05:30
– – –
GGREAT DAY ALL DAY LONG YESTERDAY,,,, NEW BIRDS.

3 GUYS = 2 GW DRAKES, 10 ,MALLARDS 3, WIGEON AND A BONUS HAIRYHEAD !

SECRET TO KILLING THESE NEW BIRDS….. NO CALLING, A LITTLE PEEP HERE AND THERE AND MAYBE A LITTLE MALLARD DRAKE. OTHERWISE, THEYJUST PLOP RIGHT INTO THE DEKES ON THEIR OWN….. time to put away the highballers girls…

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

NORTH OHIO 12-14-2012 05:30
– – –
GGREAT DAY ALL DAY LONG YESTERDAY,,,, NEW BIRDS.

3 GUYS = 2 GW DRAKES, 10 ,MALLARDS 3, WIGEON AND A BONUS HAIRYHEAD !

SECRET TO KILLING THESE NEW BIRDS….. NO CALLING, A LITTLE PEEP HERE AND THERE AND MAYBE A LITTLE MALLARD DRAKE. OTHERWISE, THEYJUST PLOP RIGHT INTO THE DEKES ON THEIR OWN….. time to put away the highballers girls…

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

12-11-2012 09:27
– – –
I hunted my lake and swamp this past weekend… I watched 500+ geese and hundreds of ducks leave the roost in the morning (after the fog lifted). Set up where a bunch were sitting in the reeds and only a few came back. Got several and that was it. Had decent amounts of small divers flying back and forth all day long, but the puddlers must have taken off for greener pastures. Birds just know when it is time to migrate and “they gotta get to where they are going when that time of year arrives.”

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-30-2012 19:30
– – –
is anyone hunting all of these birds??? No one is saying anthing, nor are they helping one another appareantly.

If you want assistance, PM me and I will help you out.

Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-28-2012 19:14
– – –
NORTH TO SOUTH AND WEST TO EAST……THIS STATE IS COVERED IN DUCKS AND GEESE.

ANYONE ELSE DROPPIN THE HAMMER OUT THERE IN OHIO??? DETAILS, STORIES???ANYTHING,,BEUHLER…FRYE….

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-20-2012 05:27
– – –
Had a pretty good in Sandusky the other day. Mallards,Spoons, Greenwing. Lots of Canadas. I spoke with a buddy of mine that has a home on Lake St. Clair,,, he says there are hundreds of thousands on St Clair right now…. they are hammering mallards,redheads and cans especially. The water is almost nonexistent in the entire area from MI to Walpole. Lake is down several feet, you can walk forever he says and it is not even waist high. No one is hunting there, no one can get their boats out. Walpole Reservation canals are all dry, no one hunting there either (unless you want to walk miles to a blind b/c they can’t use the boats).
As soon as we get a snap, I am thinking these birds will come on down. That lake will freeze easier and quicker this year, plus there is only so much food. The clubs don’t even water and there are minimal crops.

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-05-2012 06:45
– – –
THIS IS THE BEST OHIO HAS EVER HAD,,,IF YOU’RE NOT GETTING THEM BIG TIME… THEN YOU’RE NOT DOIN IT RIGHT. THIS IS THE MOST WATERFOWL WE HAVE EVER SEEN, PERIOD.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 10-28-2012 16:10
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
Ahead of the front and hurricane weather ducks are slow to work. Steady rain today with higher than average winds and choppy water made lake hunting a challenge. Managed to get some buffleheads, wood ducks, and a few mallards to work, but numerous high flying flocks never gave us a good look, and if they did, they just moved-on to their intended destination. Larger spreads working much better, especially those at 100+ deeks and 6+ mojos. Smaller spreads not creating any excitement or interest.

Glad the “fowl” weather is hitting us between the first and second split. Next opener should be perfect timing with the current migration pattern.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-28-2012 07:20
Cloudy, High Winds – 40-45 Degrees
SOME OF THE BEST HUNTING WE HAVE EVER HAD IN OHIO. HUGE MIGRATION WEEKEND WITH THE NW WINDS AND SNOWSTORM FRONT COUPLED WITH THE FRONT FROM THE HURRICANE. LARGE FLOCKS OF SEVERAL SPECIES ALL DAY AND ALL EVENING. THEY CAN BE WORKED, BUT ARE FINICKY. SPECIAL CALLING AND LOW QUACKS. GADWALLS,MALLARDS, WIGEON, BLACKS. CALLED TO OVER 75 FLOCKS EACH CONTAINING ANYWHERE FROM 20-75 BIRDS. THEY ALL CAM FROM TWO SPECIFIC FLIGHHT PATTERNS AND WORKED NICELY WITH THE RIGHT CALLS. TIME DOES NOT MATTER. IT WAS ALL MORNING – EVENING. STEADY STREAM EVERY 15 MINUTES.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Lakes 10-20-2012 17:39
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 50-60 Degrees
Great South Zone opener, lots of Wood Ducks and some Mallards. Hunted larger water from a boat and did well, 3 Woodies, 2 Mallards, 1 Bluebill.

Wood ducks and teal are remaining in the area with the mild weather. Next week will warm up in the mid 70’s so expect no changes just yet…

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-20-2012 12:42
– – –
HUNTING IS GOOD,

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-09-2012 11:41
– – –
in the words of Michael Buffer……..

LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE !!!1

Early migrants are bopping south, including Ringnecks and Woodies form the North. Greenwings have made an entrance into Ohio with the cold weather this week.

It is fixin to be a good opener, so good luck everyone and be safe out there . keep a look out for reports as we progress.

AS,
Out

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 09-01-2012 21:07
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Great opener, although thunderstorms were in sight they just missed us to the east. Perfect spread in an outstanding location. Up at 3:00 am, in the water at 5:00 am, shooting time 7:03 am. Our group left the marsh at 9:45 am with 16 Teal. Doesn’t get much better than that!

Area hunters who had scouted before the opener today all seemed to do well. Most marshes and lakes are very low but the ducks are out there in good numbers.

Cold front and storms moving through will slow things down in central Ohio over the next few days but should pick up again by mid-week.

Cooler temperatures will certainly help and start pushing birds. Looks like a good start to the 2012 season.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

08-30-2012 07:51
– – –
Cooler than normal evenings have the early birds on the move. Smaller bunches of geese are beginning to move around as well as good numbers of Doves for the upcoming weekend.

There are reports of numerous pods of Teal heading into Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, including a good amount of Greenwings. Further South, there are several reports from Texas and other Southern states saying good numbers have already arrived with more on the way. It just goes to show that a few cool nights is all it takes for the Bluewings to pick up and leave the North. Teal should move in and out of Ohio over the next several days and will hopefully provide some great early season hunting.

What is everyones plans for the weekend??

AS

Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

08-24-2012 08:14
– – –
SEASON DATES AND LIMITS ARE OUT.

ALL YEAR LONG 3 GEESE THIS YEAR IS A WELCOME CHANGE FINALLY !!!!

SAME ZONES AS LAST YEAR….
North Zone 2nd split opens 11/24 (right after thanksgiving and then shotgun on monday…. a true blast and blast weekend/week this year) Talk about packing the trucks for “double duty”.

Teal, Goose and Dove opens next weekend,,, who’s all doing what and where ????

Let’s have a good season everyone, it should be a good one.

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

08-20-2012 06:19
– – –
Thanks Al….I am getting ready as well. Sorry about the boy my friend. Good luck to you and the fam this year…. I will check for the Du calendar as well, that is very nice.

I too am thinking we are going to have a lot of rain this fall.

Lets keep each other posted,,,,,

AS Out !

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 08-16-2012 18:59
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Well, it’s been a long, hot summer and a difficult one. Our retriever (Sir “Seth” Alexander) of 10 years passed away in May from cancer after only two weeks from being diagnosed. It was a hard loss for the entire family and will result in a full season without my best hunting partner.

On the positive side I received a phone call from Ducks Unlimited last week that he will be featured on the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Calendar in October; if you are a DU Member watch for yours in the mail. A fitting tribute to such a great dog.

On the scouting side, Central Ohio ponds and lakes are lower than they have been in a decade. The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a wet Fall Season and that will certainly help. Local marshes are ready for the teal when they start migrating south and some marshes have small groups of teal on them now.

Local Canada Geese are plentiful if you pattern them closely. A boat for the big water will certainly help; coves are full each night with flocks of Geese.

Same as last year, the weather will tell the tale and shape this season for better or worse.

With the change still in place separating the North and South Zones along I70, Columbus and the surrounding area will offer both opportunity and challenge. The key for Central Ohio Waterfowlers will be permission and scouting above and below I70 to keep options open and steady hunting throughout the season.

More to follow as we approach September 1st… Anthony, we can always count on you to post first each year, it’s as sure as the migration!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

08-09-2012 09:05
– – –
The clock is ticking,,,,, is everyone getting ready for 9/1 ???? This will be the first year in a while where Goose, Teal and Paloma opens together…. should be a fun several days.

My thinking is that a lot of Bluewings will come thru Ohio this early season….

Anyone else have anything to say?

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

07-20-2012 08:00
– – –
Well here in Northeast Ohio it rained, FINALLY…. after days upon days of 100 degree weather and no rain… it is damp outside to say the most. Crops are not looking too good in Ohio this year unless they were in early enough to get a jump start on the growth. There is a massive population of birds this year, so if you have the water,,,you should have the birds (and a lot of them). If this drought keeps up, then I expect large flocks of birds this year concentrating in wet areas and lakes. I am heading South this weekend to do some work and shall report on water conditions upon my return.

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

06-18-2012 07:51
– – –
There are a lot of geese /goslings this year.

I have seen many a group with goslings that are almost full grown as well as a lot of brand new hatchlings. With last years mild hunting season weather, my thought is that some geese began the process early, while others were on normal timeframes.

I have not kept up on the ducks and their hatches as of yet, so I will keep you posted as soon as I get to it.

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

06-18-2012 07:50
– – –
There are a lot of geese /goslings this year.

I have seen many a group with goslings that are almost full grown as well as a lot of brand new hatchlings. With last years mild hunting season weather, my thought is that some geese began the process early, while others were on normal timeframes.

I have not kept up on the ducks and their hatches as of yet, so I will keep you posted as soon as I get to it.

AS

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 01-30-2012 18:14
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 35-40 Degrees
Well, another season comes to a close. Here in Central Ohio the hunting was OK overall, but not the banner year many other parts of the state experienced. Moving the North Zone down to I70 was a mistake (in my opinion) because it shut us out of ducks far too early and just when they were arriving.

Some of the old haunts produced decent shooting but the weather (as it always does) was a key factor in the number of ducks we saw here in the Central part of the state. Cold freezing temperatures and snow came too late and the big push south helped those in southern Ohio but hindered those in the central areas. Flooding also produced far too many areas of standing water throughout central Ohio and kept ducks from seeking water in local creeks and rivers, it also kept the water moving fast and gave ducks a reason to stay put in grain fields.

Time to start thinking about next year; cleaning equipment, and scouting new areas. Only 7 months and a few days until the early Teal season, hopefully another good year for duck production, and better weather conditions…

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

central ohio 01-25-2012 20:43
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 35-40 Degrees
Approaching the end of the season, geese are everywhere. Warmer weather will not help in the final days. Shot a double-banded neck collar goose Sunday. Buckeye lake doing well.

Probably heading to the Ohio river for the final weekend. Al reports for central Ohio are slow.

Moving the zone line south to I70 hurt us this year. Very bad idea, we will have to see what the 3 year average holds in store.

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

central 12-25-2011 17:28
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
Hope this cold snap pushes the ducks and geese across central Ohio soon and before the 1st. It has been hit and miss here in central Ohio with limited action on local birds. No real push with migrating ducks and many of our local fields, lakes, streams and ponds are not producing well for this time of year. The change in zones from SR30 to I70 is not helping. If you are at the bottom of the north zone the season will close before the ducks get here.

We need more weather and snow!

[Edited By Al-Faber on 2011-12-25 17:29]

Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

NWand SE Ohio 12-23-2011 13:49
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
New birds and old birds are all over with the good northern winds and cold front.

Bluebills, Cans and Reds in the Bay. Mallards and Blacks in the marshes.

Merry Xmas and Happy Kwanza

Posted By:
NateB
Guest

SW Ohio 12-23-2011 08:47
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 40-45 Degrees
Lots of ducks and geese in the area. But very hard to decoy, even when we were on the X from the previous day. So many places for them to go eat that if any little thing bothers them they will go somewhere else. Seem decoy and call shy. Need some cold weather, and some dry weather. With all the flooded fields, birds can go eat and just stay in the field all day then go to roost. Getting a new blind for Christmas, totally different concept cannot wait to try it out.

NB

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

12-12-2011 07:32
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
All I can tell you is this; There are more ducks and geese in Southern Ohio than I have ever seen in my life. Mergansers,Bluebills,Ringnecks,Goldeneyes,
Mallards and Blacks Ducks out the wazoo.

Posted By:
mjpmike
Web Member

medina,county 12-08-2011 02:03
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 35-40 Degrees
A ton of canadas hanging around with large numbers mallards,just not moving very much need this next cold snap and some northren winds too get them moving around and off the small local ponds

Posted By:
mjpmike
Web Member

north medina,county 11-22-2011 01:55
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
Large numbers of pudle ducks and dark geese came across the lake this morning,mallards as many as 50 per flock,geese to many to count.birds were very shy.mallards responded well to a drake whistle. More of you should post info,a lot of us are taking kids out and could up to date info…..share the wealth

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

private property wood slough 11-21-2011 10:11
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 40-45 Degrees
BEST SPLIT OPENER WE HAVE EVER HAD. Divers are plentiful in NW Ohio and the Mallards and Blacks are well underway in Eastern Ohio. All migrators from Canada, huge Mallards and Blacks, bright orange and red legs,,, big full plumed ducks. They would come in groups of 5-15 from way up. Only a certain call would work, but they would drop and spiral like Snow geese and right into the spread. Set up with the wind on our face too (just the way it was in my favorte spot). Every 10 minutes on the button.

Thats all the help you will get from me as no one else is helpiing anyone out this year.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-14-2011 08:19
– – –
The migration is finally under way in Ohio. It has been hit and skip from day 1 with the ever changing weather patterns and various fronts of all kinds throughout the entire state. It appears that Canada Geese have been migrating into Ohio moreso than the ducks the past two weeks.
My partners group hunted in Sandusky on Sunday and did fairly well, thanks to the divers. A few mallards were taken, but most of them stayed out in the Bay and rafted all day long. There are a lot of divers around. They shot several Bluebills and Redheads, which is always a nice little treat compared to the usual puddler shooting. Lots of mergansers were scattered throughout the bay as well. There seems to be more divers than puddle ducks out that way as of now. Report from Lake St. Clair is that there are a record amount of new birds (all shapes and colors)there right now, so hoefully they will begin funnelling down to our state in the near future.

AS Out!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-01-2011 13:30
– – –
The opening weeks had its up and downs. There were and still are plenty of birds from Northern Ohio to Southern Ohio, but as we all know weather and timing had plenty to do with it. Opening weekend ws plagued by 50MPH winds out of the West which made decoying birds extremely tough. Wood ducks numbers in Southern Ohio were very high along with the local Mallards and several smatterings of Wigeon and Green Winged Teal. To round things off, there were a few bunches of Black Ducks in Southern Ohio, which was very weird for mid October. To the North, around Sandusky, we got into the usual Mallards, Greenwings and Black Ducks with the split rounding off on bunches of Ruddies, some Redheads and even Bluebills to the Western side of Lake Erie (which is very early for them as well). In my opinion it hold true that when the populations of ducks are way up… then you never know what kinds you are going to see, know matter how early in the season it is. Odd thing though that after the opening week in Sandusky,,, there were less and less Mallards then ever as the days passed. Word is that many local Mallards and Gadwalls were heading South early on this year, sticking to River and large creek systems as opposed to the usual marshes, rest areas and sanctuaries. All in all for the Northwest, Mallard kills were way below normal despite some reports of high numbers. As an example, I scouted around the Sandusky Bay bridges one day and saw a plethora of Ducks,,, had to be 30K. We hunted the next day and they seemed to have completely disappeared… no one knows where they went and why, they were just gone. Many cornfields have not been harvested yet,,,, high winds and then more rain and high rivers must have spready out all of the birds. The rest of the season should be excellent as long as they keep coming and coming. Good luck everyone,,,it’s time for Deercamp for a couple of weeks.

AS

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 10-29-2011 15:02
Cloudy, Occassional Rain Showers – 45-50 Degrees
The first few weeks here in Central Ohio have been pretty good, mostly depending on “ducky weather.”

Opening day was great on public land. Lots of hunters keeping the birds moving made for some exciting shooting. My good friend and fellow Army Officer had the chance to take his 11-year old son on his first duck hunting adventure. With his apprentice license (a great way to introduced youngsters here in Ohio) he was able to lock his 20 Gauge on 2 Mallards and his first Canada goose. Nothing beats opening day to a new season like watching a young hunter have success on his first hunt…an inspiration to us all…..

After opening day we have hit small farm ponds, the big water and local fields and marshes with good success on Woodies, Mallards, and especially Geese. Low overcast days with some precipitation are the best days to catch moving birds.

As the weather is getting colder activity is steadily picking up. Look for birds on reservoirs and other obvious locations and follow the flocks at first and last light. Get permission from land owners, and hunt the following day. A sure-fire way to be successful. As bean and corn fields are starting to get cut, the birds will be even more predictable, easier to track, and provide better shooting.

Do your homework (scouting) and hunt every possible day. It is still looking like a great year for waterfowl, don’t miss it!

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-11-2011 12:38
– – –
Synopsis for opening weekend:
1) Don’t skybust…. duh

There was some colder, windy weather last week up North that had birds on the move. Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Migratory Bird watchers spotted many different types of birds from the North including several flocks of Scoters and Black Brant along Southern Lake Erie. Yes, I said it and you heard it. Check it out in last weeks Plain Dealer online article under “bird watchers”

We should see the usual local Mallard families which ahd a good hatch in Ohio this year.

Wood ducks should be the most abundant as they have been settling into Ohio from Southern Ontario.

Green Wing Teal are coming thru and should provide some sporty shooting.

Ring necks have been on the move this year as their population had a nice jump in numbers as well.

Some good flocks of Pintail and Wigeon have already settled in to Southern Missouri from the Central States, so look out for some of those as well.

All in all it should be a very good opener if you do your homework. Cooler weather is finally coming our way for the First push of early migrants that our on the proverbial “time schedule of migration”

Good luck everyone,,,spread out and give each other some room. With the high amount of birds this year… you all shouldn’t have to fight over them and try to outdo one another. If everyone stuck on the same page for once in their lives, all involved will have good shooting all season long.

AS Out

[Edited By Anthony-Santoli on 2011-10-11 12:39]

Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Scouting 10-05-2011 07:14
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Ducks in pretty good numbers. Teal made it here in Central Ohio just after the early season but have stayed in the area and will hopefully remain here until the 15th.

Geese in great numbers also, but still not making it out to fields and staying on grassy areas.

Set-up and ready for the 15th. Everything looks to be shaping up for a great first split!

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

09-20-2011 08:25
– – –
Finished off the early season with a pretty good head start. I truly believe that this is “the year of the duck” actually of all waterfowl and migratory birds for that matter. We dove hunted last weekend and I can honestly say that there were more doves on my property than I have ever seen in Ohio,,,in fact it was the best shoot I have had since I used to head to Ole Mexico. There were honestly hundreds of Doves and the flight would last for 2 hours. Ducks are plentiful and Geese are at the top of the charts as well this year. Snows had another banner hatch and the flights are expected to be exquisite this season.

Good luck to everyone and be safe out there… don’t get overexcited and do anything stupid/unsafe. I’ll keep everyone posted weekly from here on out.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

09-06-2011 08:47
– – Over 70 Degrees
very good opening weekend overall.

12 Ganders (1 band)
Some teal
some doves.

Teal are and have been moving thru for 2 weeks now. We got into 3 packs as well as pods of 20. Scouting is essential, but more than that is being there. Teal are there 1 day and gone or replaced by new ones the next. You never know where they are going to come from and which direction. They just appear and dissappear. Good luck
AS

The best part were the 3 total jackhole azz idiots that were way down from me calling in and shooting at Woodducks…. I saw 1 wounded woodie floating around the lower bay as for the rest,,,, these guys couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn. BTW thanks for educating my Woodducks azzholes !!! If I see you out there again, I guarantee my buddy the game warden will be next to me just waiting on ya.

[Edited By Anthony-Santoli on 2011-09-06 08:48]

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio Marshes 09-03-2011 17:47
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
What a disappointing opener! Hot and humid weather has not pushed any Teal our way. Throughout Central Ohio Teal are scarce and hunting was poor today. Spoke with several groups of hunters in different areas around the Central part of the state and several Wildlife Officers, all reporting little to no activity. Some had even resorted to shooting rails. Next week’s cold front may produce some activity, but for now I think I will target some local Geese!

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 09-02-2011 10:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
One day of waiting remains….

Teal are in the area but in much smaller numbers than predicted. Marshes are at an average level with water, but far more mosquitoes than waterfowl.

Lots of local geese from a very successful breeding season, but we will need to get them off the golf courses and out of their apartment complexes to begin playing…

Should be an interesting weekend opener with the hot weather!

Doves opened-up yesterday, some areas (like mine) were terribly slow. Others in the central Ohio area reported pretty good numbers. State Parks were slow; much of the good shooting was on private land.

It did appear that ODNR may have cut sunflowers a little too early on state lands and the birds had already moved on. We’ll see over the weekend in the afternoons.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, it’s all about ducks…. finally!

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

08-26-2011 08:55
– – –
Good Morning All:

Cleveland Plain Dealer this AM, article by Dufus Egan:

# zones this year,,,, Lake Erie Marsh, North and South.

Your thoughts??? Love em or Hate em ?

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

nowhere…..yet !!! 08-25-2011 09:19
– – –
Workin around the property the other day:

A whole lot of woodies,,, the young of the year are startin to fly around with mom and dad in their little groups.

Some geese flyin around, probably heading to cut hay/grass fields.

A nice pod of Mallards; looked like 2 sets of parents with 8 young ones flyin around.

3 Blue Wingers in the shallow marsh bay at the back of my property.

Bunch of Doves flyin to and fro.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 07-29-2011 14:08
– – Over 70 Degrees
Scouting

When you are hunting ducks and geese you should scout to determine which areas the birds like to rest in, and which areas have the proper food sources in them before the season begins, especially if you are leasing land. If you are hunting on water check to see which of the nearby wet areas have water in them, and which wet areas the birds are using as resting areas. If you are hunting on land check nearby fields to determine what crops are growing in them. Farmers often rotate their crops; what may have been corn one year may be beans, wheat, rice, barley or alfalfa the next year. It pays to know well in advance which fields have the right crops in them.

One of the best duck hunting techniques my Dad taught me was to scout several areas before I hunted. He used to take me out the week before the opener to watch the big slough I mentioned at the beginning of this article. We would sit on a hill about a quarter mile from the slough, where we could watch the entire two miles of cattails with a pair of 7×35 binoculars. In the evening we could see the ducks moving from the lake to the small opening where we used the canoe, or to the larger opening where we sat on the ‘rat hives. We’d sit there until dark, watching the ducks as they landed in small groups until there were several dozen ducks on the water. It usually got me so pumped up I couldn’t wait until the opener.

Dad would also take the family on “Sunday Drives” after church on Sunday mornings. The drives were supposedly for quality family time, and we always had fun driving around the country, following any dirt road that we came across. But, I realize now that a lot of that driving was so that Dad could check out every pot hole, pond, slough and lake in the county. He wanted to know which areas had produced ducks that year, and which areas still had water in them, so he knew where to hunt when the duck season opened up.

We had done it so many times when I was young, and as I got older, that I didn’t need to think about where I should hunt, I knew where the ducks were. That’s how I choose the small hole in the cattail slough on opening morning. And that’s how I knew what the ducks would do now, because I had seen them do it several times before the season opened.

Flight Patterns

Ducks often have preferred corridors they like to fly in as they move back and forth to feeding and resting areas. When you are scouting ducks you should try to locate these corridors, so you can set up in or near them during the hunting season.

Geese often fly out into the wind and keep going until they find a field to eat in. Local geese establish patterns and often fly out the same way each day and feed in the field until the food is gone. Then they find the nearest available field and feed in it. This pattern continues until the food sources are exhausted or until a major wind shift causes the birds to fly out in a different direction. Migrating geese that are new to the area often follow local flocks to feeding fields, but they may go off on their own. The best way to determine where ducks and geese are feeding is by scouting the night before you plan to hunt. Follow a flock as they leave the roost and note the field where they land. If they are not hunted that night, and if the food is not gone and there is no major weather change, the birds often return to the same field or near it the following day.

Hunting Sites

When you are hunting ducks you often want to hunt on water that the ducks use for resting/feeding areas. When you are hunting geese you often want to hunt in agricultural areas the geese are using as feeding areas. Once you locate the resting or feeding areas you need to ask permission to hunt from the landowner. If the feeding area is leased, someone else got there first, or the owner doesn’t allow hunting try to get the nearest available field. When I hunt ducks and geese on land I try to get a field that is closer to the resting area, and shortstop the geese before they get to the area I can’t hunt.

When you are choosing a feeding area take into account what I call the “angle of dispersal.” Even though the ducks and geese all come from the same resting area they tend to fan out as they leave, spreading them selves out. The farther you get from the resting area or refuge, the greater the angle of dispersal, the fewer birds you see and the fewer birds you have a chance to decoy. Try to stay close to the resting area/refuge if the birds are willing to come in. In areas with a shooting line around a refuge the birds often fly high to avoid the hunters. In this case they may not want to come down until they are well away from the roost or refuge line. It may be better to get farther away, in an area where the birds are willing to come down.

Hunting Rights

With duck and goose hunting becoming more popular, it’s getting harder to find places to hunt, especially for geese. If you know of a traditional goose feeding area, or a duck resting area, try to secure hunting rights to it well in advance of the season. By offering to help the farmer with his work he may give you exclusive rights or at least permission to hunt with him. Dropping off a few geese every time you leave is a nice gesture. Sometimes the only way to get access is to lease the land. If the price is high you may want to get a group of friends and secure a lease with an option for the following year. With more hunters every year a long-term lease may be the best option. If you don’t secure hunting rights well in advance, someone may outbid you and you may lose the property. I’ve found that a combination of a written lease, the present of a few birds, or a gift certificate for dinner for the landowner and his wife, and the offer to help with the farm work goes a long way.

Be sure to find out if you can post “No Hunting” signs, dig pits if you agree to fill them in; which fields to stay out of; if you can drive on the fields; and where the buildings and livestock are. Be considerate. Driving on wet or muddy fields and crops can ruin them, and relations with the landowner. Be sure to close all gates, pick up all trash and shotgun shells, and don’t leave decoys or blinds in the field where they may get wrecked by farm equipment, or wreck farm equipment, after the season.

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Ohio River & Tributaries 01-17-2011 11:29
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Hunted the river this past weekend with friends. Lots of birds (both ducks and geese). But weather did not cooperate and they remained very high.

As usual, birds are very weary of boats, blinds, and decoys this time of year and now is no exception!

It’s all in the details.

Watch birds when calling, aggressive calling is not working right now. Get their attention and respond when they call-out. Once they circle and see your spread, quiet down. If they want to come in, they will. If not, they wont.

No amount of calling (good or bad) will make a difference.

Everyone has an opinion on this, but that was our experience this past weekend. Shot 2 Geese, 5 Ducks (Goose was banded).

Good luck, be safe, the river and smaller connecting streams are VERY LOW, LOTS of rocks and tree stumps close to the surface right now.

Met Matt Clark, the Scioto County Wildlife Officer while on the river. Very nice, respectfull gentleman, enjoyed meeting him.

Good hunting, only a few days left….

Al

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central 12-22-2010 08:29
– – –
Holiday Treat- Here is a great way to introduce friends and guests to wild game with a tasty hors d’oeuvres recipe for the holidays…. Good hunting! Al

Duck Camp Hors d’Oeuvres

You can make it with duck, but it’s also excellent with pheasant, ruffed grouse, venison, mourning doves.
Start by mixing up some seasoned flour. In a Ziploc bag, combine 1 cup of flour along with half a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin and whatever else you want to toss in to spice it up.
Next, in a cast-iron skillet brown:
• 3 slices of bacon, diced
When the bacon is starting to soften and give off some fat, add:
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Allow the onions to brown, then remove the onion and bacon to a plate. Dust the bite-sized chunks of the meat you’re using in the seasoned flour. The breast meat from one pheasant, two mallard-sized ducks or about a pound of venison will work. You could even mix and match.
Add to the skillet a tablespoon each of:
• Olive oil
• Margarine
Increase the heat and add the meat to the skillet. When the meat is thoroughly browned on all sides, remove it to a plate and deglaze the skillet by pouring a quarter of a cup of bourbon into skillet and scraping up the browned bits in the bottom with a spatula or wooden spoon.
When the bourbon has nearly evaporated, add two cups of stock, preferably a stock made from the meat you’re using. If you don’t have a homemade stock, use a cup each of canned chicken broth and low-sodium beef broth.
Bring the stock to a boil, then stir in refrigerated roux until thick. Roux is made by melting butter over a very low heat and stirring in an equal amount of flour until thoroughly mixed and starting to give off a nutty aroma. Place in a Ziploc container in the refrigerator until needed.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce heat and return the meat, onions and bacon to the pan to reheat.
Spoon onto a platter and serve with crackers and cheese or garlic toast.

Enjoy, Happy Holidays!!!!

Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio Fields and Streams/Rivers 12-22-2010 08:27
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 25-30 Degrees – Ice
Ice has taken over all small ponds, streams, Alum Creek Reservoir and most of Hoover. Ducks and geese still in the area and taking advantage of corn fields and what little open water remains. Reports of large flocks of ducks and geese just south of Columbus down route 23 (as usual).

Birds still decoy if you can get to the field they are headed for in advance. Scouting and chasing them down one day, then hunting the next seems to be the best strategy right now.

Floating local streams and rivers produced well until the freeze. Friends were shooting them up on the Olentangy and Scioto just prior to the ice lock.

With no end in sight to the cold weather, most of us will start to hunt south towards the Ohio River. Divers and geese should remain in the extreme south zone of Ohio through mid-January if the Almanac holds true on weather.

We need another large push of ducks from Canada…. a good friend from Ontario informs me that Canadians are holding birds with grain to prevent them pushing south during the hunting season. I hope he is wrong about that!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

sandusky 12-06-2010 08:48
Cloudy, High Winds – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
CM:

Not defensive at all my friend,,,,I wanted to just see if you were askin or not….(you didn’t use and punctuation so I did not know)….

Funny thing though,,,,this past weekend,,, we got a hen woody up in the Bay. Came right into the decoys and landed,,, she was a young bird, easily this years hatch,,must of got lost along her way or something b/c that is by fay the latest that I ever seen a wood duck in Ohio.

Got 5 man limits of redheads also this weekend.

Migrationwise, they have been funnelling down all season long since October. No 1 big push at all,,,just small trickles each time we’re out. Divers even came early,,,,Cans and Bluebills…. Redheads are here now.

AS

[Edited By Anthony-Santoli on 2010-12-06 08:49]

Posted By:
callmaster64
Web Member

12-03-2010 18:35
– – –
Anthony-Santoli It was a question not a statement dont be so defensive. I had seen you were killin wood ducks from one of your recent reports was the reason for the question. Im from northern Indiana and we had a bunch the first 2 weekends of the season and they magically dissapeared. As far as that goes i hunt a club over here and other places in the area and we havent had squat as far as migrators of anything in this whole area since week 2 of the season. As of nov. 30 starting to see a few migrators and alot today but dont know where there going do to all the ice. Its been a rough year over here to say the least. Gonna have to cut open a hole in the ice and give it our best with the little time that we have left. Good luck with the rest of your season.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 12-02-2010 13:18
– – –
Sorry to everyone for not posting earlier but its been a busy time here in Central Ohio.

The waterfall and strong crop season has produced waterfowl well throughout Central Ohio. Local ponds, marshes and lakes have all experienced good shooting for ducks and geese.

Ducks have been more broken-up than years past with smaller groups and pairs more prevalent. Therefore, smaller spreads & groups of decoys are working better. Also, once you get their attention with a loud hail call or a few strong honks for geese, button-up and stop calling. They have proven to be call shy, yet have dropped right in on our small number of decoys. These appear to be local ducks and geese just for that reason.

Once duck season closed in the south zone, shot two geese each night for the entire first-split of the goose season.

With more weather from the north and larger groups, we will see the migration and push begin, and with it, the need for larger groups of decoys and stronger calling. (just my opinion and 15+ years of experience here in central Ohio) I know you will all have your own thoughts, follow your instincts, its more about self-confidence and what appears to be working for you than anyone’s advice….

PS, Hope you all had a great deer season as well. Shot a doe and 10-point on opening day. If you get “Wild Ohio” ODNR’s quarterly magazine (Winter Issue), check out my recipe for Cajun Venison Kabobs featured inside the back cover. It works VERY well with waterfowl also!!! Here is the link to “Wild Ohio” Magazine online:

http://www.ohiodnr.com/Home/WildOhioMagazinehome/tabid/18274/Default.aspx

Back to Ducks & Geese!!!

Good hunting, Al

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

12-01-2010 07:54
– – –
CM:

Are you askin me the ???? or was that a statement?

I haven’t seen a woodie in a while…. we had tons of them for October and first part of Novemeber..most I have had in years actually.

AS

Posted By:
callmaster64
Web Member

ohio 11-24-2010 19:32
– – –
still shootin the woodies in the northern part of the state or in the south.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-23-2010 07:38
– – –
Synopsissofar:

best woodie shoots in several years
mallards -ok seen better seen worse
we have shot pintails,ringnecks,gadwalls,ruddlers,bluebills,cans,shovelers,blacks,teal(still),woodies,buffleheads….

overall hunting has been pretty good from A to Z so far,,,,PS we have been shooting Cans and Bills since beginning of November for those who think there have been no divers this year. good luck,,,,bla bla bla

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-03-2010 12:38
– – –
TONS OF DUCKS.,…..

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

11-01-2010 10:25
– – –
Here is a report for Ohio:

Duck hunting is good for both puddlers and divers. Birds have constantly been moving thru Ohio for a week now,,,,get out there and find them (there is my helpful hint) instead of just waiting for people to tell you everything on the internet (since no one else is saying or doing anything around here anymore)
Am I tired of reporting and helping people out? (Yes I am)

Will I keep reporting? (Yes because that is what I do for everyone else)
Ohio has everything right now from Mallards,Gadwalls,Blacks,Buffleheads,Mergansers ,Canvasbacks,Redheads,Pintails…..

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-26-2010 11:22
– – –
Good season this far:

Mainly woodies, but that is what I have been concentrating on thus far.

Big Blow coming,,,,,more birds coming.

Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-12-2010 12:20
– – –
Good luck to everyone on opening weekend. Duck hunting should be good throughout the state with a semi-cool front coming from due North. Local Mallards are looking pretty good along with a lot of Green Wings present throughout the state at this time. Early migrants such as Pintails,Wigeons and Ring Necks should be making their way to our areas as well. Everyone be safe and shoot em up.

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-07-2010 09:31
– – –
Well then, so much for that cold fron that came thru LAST WEEK. Looks like it is back to warm weather for a few days. There should be good amounts of both ducks and geese for the opener next week. The Lake Erie marsh region waterfowl counts jumped way up from the previous survey. Mallards, Greenwings make up the bulk, with some Ruddlers and Wigeon to fill in the gaps. Goose numbers seem to be building up not only in NW Ohio, but for most of the State as well. I am seeing groups of Geese each day now. From the MN and MI reporting centers, Woodies and Ringnecks have been building quite rapidly over the last several days so I believe that we shall see some of those as well. Our local Woodduck numbers are very very good this year, so the small streams and creeks should be teeming with them,,,yes I said teeming. Still no one has reported on any youth weekend outings, which doesn’t surprise me anymore with the number of posts on here these days. Once again as usual, if ya need any help or have any questions, ask away. I am on here every day during the week and will report in on every Monday fo the season. Good luck yadda yadda yadda

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

10-04-2010 12:11
Cloudy, Snow & Rain Mix – 40-45 Degrees
Big cold blast out of the Northeast has settled in over the last few days. This is what you want the day before the opener. The crew was up in Sandusky yesterday checking on the blinds and getting some work done. Needless to say not much was done,,, 40MPH NE winds and driving rain. Water was very high (3 feet over normal).
I have witnessed a lot of Geeese flying around, small flocks, bigger flocks… hitting the rivers and cut cornfields. Haven’t seen as many ducks as the last 2 weeks,,,but I am sure they are around… probably just hiding out of the wind and rain for the time being.

Did anyone take any Youts out over the weekend,,,if so how was it for him/her?

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 09-23-2010 07:20
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 60-65 Degrees
Fairly good opener for the Early Season. Shot 4 Teal and a Goose on opening day. 3 Teal the following day. Decent numbers this year, saw lots of other ducks as well.

Mallards, Blacks, and even Canvasbacks in the area.

Should make for a very exciting first split. Agree with Tony, weather will be key in pushing ducks our way!

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

09-21-2010 07:39
– – –
The early teal season came and went once again. My group shot some geese early on, then concentrated on the little buzz rockets for the remainder. All in all, not bad… worked out the kinks, missed some birds and also shot several bluewings and some greenwings. I didn’t hunt the last weekend for Teal, but when that Northern front came rolling in for a few days, the teal came with it and then moved on soonafter. I am starting to see flocks of geese flying around along with other types of ducks. While teal hunting one day, a flock of wigeon must have migrated down with them early on. They were flying around the marsh in a V pattern; dipping and diving while landing only for a few moments at a time as if they did not know where to go next. The mallards and flying around very well now and there is also an abundance of woodies this year. I think we could be in for a good season all in all. Just remember new birds will migrate down right before and right after any type of front. If you are waiting for the large flocks of Northern Mallards and Black Ducks to arrive this year, you better hold your breath with the North Zone closing extremely early this year. Most other birds migrate on the lengths of day as of on a clock, so whent he weather begins to change and the winds shift, you should probably be out there because new birds will come with those changes. I’ll be scouting my properties in Southern Ohio this weekend and will get back to everyone upon my return.

AS

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Marsh Scouting 08-31-2010 12:11
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
HOT! Marshes are full of bugs; don’t forget your bug spray Saturday!!!!

Foliage is still mostly green and the water is warm. Birds moving a great deal at first light and dusk, but not much movement in-between. They like the shade and cooler areas.

Heavy grass is also a favorite, walked some thick areas and kicked up quite a few pairs.

Should be a good opener, especially for Canada Geese. Large water had good numbered flocks in coves.

Dove starts in the morning! Will be in the fields at 0430 to lock-down a spot.

2010 is off and running…..

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Marsh Scouting 08-31-2010 12:11
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
HOT! Marshes are full of bugs; don’t forget your bug spray Saturday!!!!

Foliage is still mostly green and the water is warm. Birds moving a great deal at first light and dusk, but not much movement in-between. They like the shade and cooler areas.

Heavy grass is also a favorite, walked some thick areas and kicked up quite a few pairs.

Should be a good opener, especially for Canada Geese. Large water had good numbered flocks in coves.

Dove starts in the morning! Will be in the fields at 0430 to lock-down a spot.

2010 is off and running…..

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

08-26-2010 06:49
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
OKAY…LOTS OF RESPONSES ON THAT LAST ONE…Looks like me and Al will keep this going this year.

Anywho…. we have had a few small cool fronts with the dark high clouds come thru the past few days. Teal have been moving into the Erie marshes out west and I have noticed more and more doves each day with the cooler weather. It does not take much to move Blue Wings South,,,a cool wind and some dark clouds is all it takes to push them.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

08-18-2010 09:06
– – –
What are your thoughts on the new season dates for the North Zone this year for the second split????

The first split ends Nov 14th this year,,,,1 week break and that’s it. The second season runs from Nov 20th-Dec 19th.

I suppose I am indifferent on the matter. November has been the best overall for the past 3 seasons up North…. but I have had all of the best black duck shoots right at the last few days at the end of each year. (not good Black ducks either,,,, I am talking the premier, full colored, size of geese adult Blacks) and flocks of them.

This also means that during deer gun week,,,,there is some of the best duck hunting of the season.

AS

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

07-22-2010 11:31
– – –
I headed up to my buddy’s boat in East Harbor yesterday for a fishing expedition, so on my way there I made my way thru some of the Erie marshes… there is a good amount of both ducks and geese. Lots of hens and little ones were swimming about. Water levels are up and the marshes are in beautiful conditions for being a hot summer.

Ohio Duck and Goose Hunting Report Archive

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central and NW Ohio 06-19-2010 12:09
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Central Ohio getting lots of rain this Spring and Summer which should create and foster ideal nesting conditions.

Just back from Camp Perry up on Lake Erie and conditions seem great there also. Noticed Fowl Fooler Inc. for sale if anyone is interested in an outfitting/decoy/call business:)

Will miss Captain Charlie, he once helped me improve my calling when I stopped in to purchase a call.

Wonder how conditions on the Gulf will effect the duck habitat and populations in wintering areas. I am told the next DU magazine will have several articles on the subject.

Time to scout, get permission slips lined up, clean the decoys and prep the boat!

Be safe, teach a youngster to hunt & respect the great outdoors…and pass on the hens…!

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

05-05-2010 08:16
– – –
All in all the bredding grounds appear to be in excellent shape for all of the little ones. Although a few parts in Alberta,Saskatchewan are not so good,,, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Montana are looking A1. The powerhouse of the Missouri Coteau region is set for a pristine hatch of waterfowl this year. Parts above Ohio in Ontario ar enot so good this year, but other parts of Ontario are in pretty good shape as far as nesting goes. The lake Erie marshes are full of ducks and geese and I have also noticed on my journeys throughout the state that ducks are spread out. Some parts of the state remain very wet, while others are dry. I am also thinking that Snow geese will have a good hatch this year.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio Scouting 04-29-2010 14:48
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Large numbers of Geese in the area, more than usual for this time of the year. However, far less number of ducks.

Rainfall has been sparse, needs to pick-up.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio Scouting 04-29-2010 14:48
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
Large numbers of Geese in the area, more than usual for this time of the year. However, far less number of ducks.

Rainfall has been sparse, needs to pick-up.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

04-13-2010 08:27
– – –
Been seeing good amounts of birds this Spring. A lot of have actually settled on my areas and paired up to nest. Several pairs of geese, several pairs of mallards and gadwalls… good amount of woodducks paired up as well.

Posted By:
bridgeman
Web Member

Ohio River below Rome, Ohio 01-24-2010 17:28
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
Duck Hunt 1-23-10
After my no duck day yesterday, went to Rome Ohio River mile 384. My partner went to bed at 9:00 pm and his wife said do not disturb when I called to set up our hunt Friday nite. The man is 79. Had a great breakfast of pancakes, bacon and egg at the Alberdeen Yum Yum. Wane(a local) was there and was being harassed by a friend. I did learn the the Aberdeen Police had a guy spread eagle on the ground on 52 last nite. I have decided to take my model 12 instead of the 1100 today. Drove to Rome and was at ramp by 9:30 to see I was second. River at 35 cloudy Downstream breeze, yes I said Downstream. On the Ohio River the only time the wind blows it is from the west or US. As I was putting the boat in I hear Geese directly across from me. Got out the binocs and found them. I said to myself, good grilled Geese. As I was just ready to get started , in the Geese were making a racket, I look up and here comes Mr. Decoy hunter running up the Ky bank and scares up my grilled Geese. Must be pretty boring when you are already moving at 9:30 am. They run up about .5 miles and pull into the bank and start putting out decoys.

I decided to run up maybe 2 miles to let things on the Ky bank settle down. Ran up the Ohio bank and crossed over and started down. Beautiful float conditions. I saw nothing on the float back to Rome. I then sighted the decoy hunters decoys below. You can always tell decoys though binocs because they never move, or flap their wings. I started up the 10 to motor down and say hi. I spotted down and up for ducks flying so I would not screw them up. I saw their blind but they hid behind and did not say Hi. I motored on down and started floating. I know they were there because I could hear them talking when I started floating. Guess they didn’t want to talk. My partner refuses to talk to other hunters. One day I asked him why, and he said they are the enemy, I don’t talk to the enemy. I floated down for 2 miles and nothing. Then I spotted 3 blacks, but they swam out and took off. They were locals who have seen the floating log before. Same thing happened to the next 2 blacks I saw. The same with 2 blacks and 4 mallards. The blacks swam right out to the middle. The mallards started back in, but they took off when the 2 blacks took off. I kept on going down. I got up to take a pee, I just leaned over the side and when I finished two blacks jumped up right besides me. I did not shoot because I like to float them then shoot, not just shoot. What is unreal is they sat there while I took a pee while all the other blacks swam out and flew away long before I was in shotgun range.

Right after that I passed a big cottonwood with a massive root ball at the waters edge. There past the tree is a drake and hen mallard sitting on the waters edge. I eased up and dropped the drake and missed the hen 2 times. I watch my drake swim into the root pile. I pulled into the bank and looked all over and could not find him. In order to wait him out I ate some cookies and coffee. In past hunts, we have had them burst out from their hiding spot if you wait long enough. This one never did come out. Started on down. Just above Brush creek island I spotted 5 geese on the bank. As I was floating down they ran up the bank, got out of shotgun range and then flew away. Very smart Geese. The green grass of Concord was still there, but no ducks this time. Below Concord a spot two ducks swimming in a good ¼ mile in front of me. I spotted where they swam in and floated down. Here it was a creek mouth. Went past it and nothing. They must have swam back in it. I started the 10 hp up and ran back just to see where they went. I could, not go up it, there was a log across the mouth. Started back down. Just above Manchester Island I spotted 2 more ducks swimming in a good ¼ mile below me. I spotted them and paddled up on them. When I got to where they were , nothing. I floated down for 5 minutes, and decided to call it a day and head back. When I started the 10 hp, 2 blacks jumped up just in front of me. They must have swam down a bit. I ran back up the Ohio Bank and in 10 miles of Ohio bank jumped up 2 blacks. Pulled out about 3:30, the other truck was gone. When I went to winch in the skiff there was a black duck wing on my winch. A present from the decoy hunters?.
Heres where it really gets bad. My normal duck truck is dead, a bad transmission (getting it fixed) so I got the suburban, the truck from hell. Both have 265,000 miles on them. Instead of going to the Yum Yum for supper, I decided to try out KFC. Meal was great, when I went to start the suburban, dead started. Bad carma for not eating at the Yum Yum. I called Debi to come pick me up. My only running vehicle is my 1972 Ford Bronco. She was not very happy about the 60 mile drive. I changed the boat over to the bronco, told the KFC lady I would be back and went home. I just got back from changing out the starter in the pouring rain, and 40 degree temps. This is its 4th starter. I wish I would have shot the white duck.

Posted By:
Darron Baker
Field Editor

S. Ohio 01-22-2010 07:29
– – –
With the warmer temps the fields are starting to open back up and if things go as planned, it could be a great way to end the season. As of yesterday we have a field holding several hundred birds. Going to scout them tonight and hit them hard Saturday.

Posted By:
Al-Faber
Field Editor

Central Ohio 01-18-2010 19:56
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Ducks and geese moving throughout the area.

Had some success in local fields but birds were hard to work and to get to commit to our spread. Made several changes and a larger spread seemed to help.

local small rivers are the best bet right now with ducks and geese loafing most of the day.

coming to the end of the season as warmer temps start moving through the area. Should be an interesting closer.

Posted By:
bridgeman
Web Member

Ohio River at Rome Ohio 01-17-2010 20:13
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
Duck Hunt 1-17-10
Took the Skiff to Rome mile 384 Ohio River. My partner decided that he did not want to sit in the Rain. Had a great breakfast at the Aberdeen Yum Yum, had 1 egg bacon and two pancakes. Slight wind low of 40 and river at pool stage, and of course rain. I changed into my waders and rain outfit at the Manchester “fort” at the downtown ramp, in the building next to the river, in order to get out of the rain. There was 1 truck at the top of the ramp. I put in at Rome and ran across to the Ky bank. I look down and ducks are swimmimg out, and I look up and ducks are swimming out. Its good to see ducks. I backed out and ran across the river and up about 1 mile and then putted down. I spotted the first group and started paddeling down. They did not like me at all and swam out to the middle of the river and then took off. The next bunch did the same thing, and a group beyond them. I decided to try the Ohio bank, to see if they were less educated. I spotted about 4 and could but could not get close to them , they swam out to the middle and appeared to be swimming across. At this point it is raining hard. I floated down the good Ohio band below Rome and switched to the Ky bank, the wind was picking up and I was hoping the bend below Brush Creek would protect me. As I ran across, I pulled the plug on the skiff to drain out some water. The first time I have done that , and it works, as long as you go .75 throttle. I putted down the Ky bank above Brush Creek Island, it was a little calmer. I wish some one could make binoculars that work in the rain, almost useless.

I spotted by eye 3 ducks below me. I could tell that were blacks. I held the boat out a little more than usual, maybe 30 yards. I got about 50 yards up to them and they decided to swim down a little. I kept right with them, and they went back into the bank. I got up to maybe 35 yards, and they came back out. We floated down together, and at last they went in. I held the boat out until I passed them, and then turned towards the bank. They had no clue, got out and sat on the bank. I eased up missed the first shot , pulled a little more lead and got the second. That was my only shot. I had to shoot him 1 more time on the water. Pulled in for coffee to warm up. I did not have on gloves , because of the rain, and the hot coffee and donut revived me. Da_ I hate rain. Started back down. Just a little up from the island I spotted 1 drake mallard all by himself. Floated down and got right on him. I eased up and no. 2 duck for the day. I headed on down and spotted a drake on the bank. Floated down, and when I was still 50 yards out he and the hen who I did not see took off. I pulled into the bank for more coffee to warm up. Pushed off. Directly across from the Island, I spotted a drake mallard. I paddeled down and he is swimming Up towards me. I got right on him, eased up and he will not fly, it is a cripple. At this point the wind starts and it was tuff floating. I got down to the Power Plant, and had enough. I headed up the Ohio bank. I jumped one group of fish ducks. Pulled out and drove back to Manchester to change out of my wadders and rain outfit at the Manchester “fort” at the ramp. Had a good supper at the Yum Yum and home by 8:00.

Posted By:
Anthony-Santoli
Field Editor

sandusky then Arkansas 01-15-2010 10:55
– – –
We finished off our North Zone split…with a massive attack on the waterfowl. Gadwalls,Mallards,Blacks and Wigeons….we took 40 birds on the opener of the second spllit….. the very next day they were all gone except for a few Blacks. That is what you call hitting the nail right on the head for exact timing. We just came back from my Uncles in Arkansas and laid down the gauntlet there for some shoots….full limits each shoot on Mallards,Gadwalls,Wigeon,Green-Wings,Hollywoods,Snows,Specks,Canadians. The club we hunted was holding over 250 thousand ducks….best hunting I have experienced this side of Mexico…best that any of them had experienced as well…it was a beautiful site to behold. The one day we did strictly a teal swat…. 7 limits of teal in less than 3 hours… estimated 40K teal in and out of the dekes. THAT’S A WRAP FOLKS…… hangin with my family for a couple weeks,,,then off to Missouri for SnowGoose Fest 2010.

See ya