Teal are on the move in the northern parts of the flyways and it won’t be long before the waning, dog days of summer give way to the sound of whistling wings and the report of a shotgun blast.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com
A taste of autumn can be found on the winds of a late evening chill in the north, and the count down to the opening day of Dove, early Goose and Teal seasons has begun. For those who are holed-up in the confines of an air-conditioned den, now is the time to awake from that off-season hibernation and begin your preparations for the coming season.
Guns need cleaning and ammunition patterned. Blinds need thatching and some may need repairs. Decoys should have a through scrubbing to remove unwanted mud, and a touch of paint in all the right places can improve your success.
As our members and readers begin their “gear check” for the season, WFC would deeply encourage each and everyone to make a commitment to restock or finally create a field emergency kit and carry it in your boat, blind bag or hunting vest.
While cell phones are an essential safety item in the field, they are not a substitute for immediate first aid and other emergency items. A wet cell phone will not prevent hypothermia, stop bleeding, or immobilize a sprained or broken ankle in the field.
The waterfowl hunter’s emergency kit should include: a basic first aid kit; 2-3 emergency blankets; waterproof matches or lighter and a few fire starter sticks; a whistle, compass, utility knife and rope; and some aspirin and other medications. If you wear glasses, always carry a spare pair. Always tell somebody where you are going and what time to expect you home. If you are hunting from a boat, always wear your PDF and pack a dry-bag with a spare change of clothing.
Accidents happen. The difference between an accident being life-threatening or an inconvenience is being prepared. If you were 200 yards from your car, alone, and dislocated your knee because you stepped in a hole while carrying load of decoys, your gun and blind bag, what would you do if your cell phone did not work? If you fell out of your boat and the current carried it down river, and you had a 5-mile walk to the boat launch, would you make it?
In short, waterfowl hunting apparel and bags have a lot of pockets. Make time to fill those pockets with essential emergency gear and be prepared.
Planning is the key to safe, adventure filled days in the great outdoors. Be sure to review your state’s regulation for changes, season dates, bag limits and closures.
Canvasback are closed this season and the scaup harvest has been reduced – with many states opting for a season within a season. When planning a trip to another state or Canada, be sure to thoroughly review all regulations, licensing and transportation requirements for firearms to prevent delays or problems while traveling.
Over 70% of WFC readers hunt with a dog. In addition to packing first items for your companion, carry a list of emergency veterinarian hospitals in the areas you hunt. Carry MapQuest directions to those hospitals, or preprogram them into your vehicles GPS unit.
For hunters that rely on boats and ATVs, now is the time to service those engines by changing the oil, spark plugs and filters. Be sure batteries are charged and check the tire pressure on the vehicles and trailers. Be sure your equipment is running properly and starts with confidence. Sitting at the boat launch on opening morning while you listen to the sound of guns blazing in the distance is disheartening at best.
If your trailer lights, as most do, only work when the wind is out of the north, under a full moon, and after every third pothole; now is the time to replace and properly ground or rewire your trailer lights. The cost of the kit is cheaper than the fine for the traffic violation.
Yes, there is a lot to be done before the season begins, but is there a better reason to be busy than waterfowl hunting?
The season is here and Waterfowler.com’s weekly migration updates resume on the first of September. For those that are venturing into the field this holiday weekend, we wish you all a safe and bountiful hunt!
Until next week, post your field reports and share the season with your fellow hunters!
