Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor
Columbia Basin 01-02-2009 18:45
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Ice
Slowly drove to the Columbia Basin this morning after we got another couple of inches of snow last night.
First stop was Winchester Wasteway, which was frozen in several places – to include the general area around the Dodson Road Access Area. After a short hike to confirm there was no open water in the area I headed down to Frenchman’s Wasteway and hiked a couple of miles through the fresh snow with my lab for the better part of the day.
Almost zero ducks flying, though there were a few geese moving about on this non-goose day. I did jump a few mallards (less than half dozen) and a small flock of bufflehead. Peppered one of the mallards that my lab retrieved and missed my first attempt at the buffleheads. Fortunately, they were not too bright and came right over me for a second attempt so I could make up for my first gaafe. Missed the drake but got a hen.
Drove over to Mar Don Resort and found things to be quiet, likely because Potholes Reservoir is now frozen. I was able to talk to one of the owners (Marilyn Meseberg) who told me their guide service has been doing great field hunting for geese with limits every day.
Weather was sunny, no breeze, and as I said, precious few ducks. I suspect most of them are on the Columbia River or further south.
Happy New Year to all!
JK
www.northwesternoutdoors.com
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
Quil Ceda Marysville 01-01-2009 21:04
Cloudy, Light Rain & Drizzle – 40-45 Degrees
Happy New Year to all!!!! The hunting on the Westside has been epic for a lack of a better word. The snow and cold weather pushed the birds to the bays…and WOW were they there. This kind of hunting made everyone feel like a champion caller and every decoy spread was perfect. Now that the weather has changed the birds have scattered, with most heading for the standing water of the valleys. Best of luck to everyone…finish strong and enjoy every moment…I know I have.
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
Open Water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 12-25-2008 02:55
Cloudy, Snow Flurries – 25-30 Degrees – Open Water
Well, the weather man has delivered all that we asked for this Christmas. The bays are flooded with a mixed bag. The Snows’ are everywhere…I have done my best to cancel migrations. The duck hunting is at its pinnacle. As some of the old timer’s have said…this type of hunting only comes around every ten years or so…so get it while it is hot. Temps are due to change so get out there and enjoy.
All the best to you and yours…Merry Christmas and happy holidays. A special thank you to all those I have spent this year in the blind with and those I wish I had (R.W. Cannon…your seat has been saved).
Let’s finish it strong folks!!!
Take care,
Mike Schireman
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
The Bay/River of your choice!!!!! 12-16-2008 15:12
Arctic Blast – 10-20 Degrees – Open Water
Well here we go ladies and gentleman…the weather has changed!!! Time to move out of the fields and on to the open water with the birds. The bays will be the places to be in for the next week or so. As my counterparts on the eastside have stated in their reports…be careful out there…and watch your dogs (if you decide to hunt them) for the first signs of trouble. Enjoy the scenery and those northern birds…it is what we have been waiting for.
Mike
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor
columbia Basin 12-16-2008 09:37
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Below Zero
The bird counts/report may good on the numbers, but with this intense freeze the distribution has already changed. mallards and pintails look to be making short trips between open water and grain. Up to 3 times a day, and not feeding for very long before getting back to water.
In the last 3 days I have sen Blue Bill and Red Head numbers increase in the rivers. The only water that is going to be huntable is going to be moving water or very warm spring fed pools. With lows below zero not much will remain huntable. I have, for the first time ever, seen irrigation ditches with running water freeze up! I’m not too sure I want to subject me or my dog to -3.
4-8 inches of snow is forecast for the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin on Wed. Remaining very cold with lows below zero through Sat. Snow is expected again on Sun. Frostbite occurs within 5 min on exposed skin, including a dogs nose. Bundle up.
-Hugh
Posted By:
John-Kruse
Field Editor
Columbia Basin 12-10-2008 21:19
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
Cold weather could make things interesting this coming week. As waters ice up the wasteways and canal ditches with running water along with spring fed ponds may be good bets along with field hunting.
Here’s the latest waterfowl report from the WDFW – hot off the press!
___________________________________
WDFW waterfowl specialist Mikal Moore of Moses Lake reports strong numbers of ducks in the Columbia Basin, although not as many as last year at this time when conditions were more wintery. Ducks, especially mallards, are heavily concentrated on reserves such as the Winchester Wasteway, northern Potholes Reservoir and portions of Moses Lake, particularly on the north end near the mouth of Rocky Ford Creek.
“The Frenchman and Wanapum reserves aren’t holding as many birds because there’s only about 30 percent of normal ice cover for this time of year in those areas,” Moore said. “Columbia River waterfowl hunting is not great, at least not for the diving ducks because they’re still so spread out.”
Goose hunting, on the other hand, is excellent. Moore reports reports that geese are using corn stubble, winter wheat and even alfalfa throughout the Basin’s agricultural lands, where hunters need to secure access permission from private property owners.
“Without snow cover, the geese are not concentrated in any one area,” Moore said, “so it takes some scouting to be successful.” Moore noted WDFW’s Corn Stubble Retention Program has acquired “Feel Free To Hunt” access to some private lands in the Basin and maps are available at the northcentral region office in Ephrata (509-754-4624, 1550 Alder St. N.W.)
“Conditions for waterfowl could – and probably will – change dramatically in the coming weeks,” Moore said. “With snow and colder temperatures, more birds will come into the Basin and be concentrated in more areas.” Watch for new postings of North Basin Waterfowl Surveys on the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/eventopp/events2.htm .
Access to about 2,500 acres south of Potholes Reservoir may be closed through Dec. 16 while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to restore Columbia National Wildlife Refuge land damaged by fires this summer. The closure covers lands west of Marsh Unit 1 and the Falcon Lakes, south of O’Sullivan Dam, east of Corral Lake and north of Upper Goose Lake in Management Unit 1. Some land north of Upper Goose Lake and around Corral Lake also is included. For up-to-date information on closures, call 509-546-8300.
Big game (deer, elk, black bear and turkey) hunters are reminded to report harvest within ten days of a kill or, if unsuccessful, by Jan. 10, 2009, to be eligible for special hunting permits next year. All big game hunters must submit hunting reports by Jan. 31, 2009. See page 15 of the Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations pamphlet for all details.
_____________________________________
Good luck hunting!
JK
www.northwesternoutdoors.com
Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor
Columbia Basin 12-09-2008 09:26
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Bird numbers still decent in the basin. Goose numbers way up in most places. I have seen an influx of Canvassbacks in the past week. Be sure to ID correctly.
Winter weather is expected beginning Friday in most of E. Wa. Possible snow showers Sat through Mon. Temps cold but not bitter. Upper teens for lows but highs not getting above freezing.
Didn’t seem to be as many hunters out last weekend. Might be a bit of the typical post-Thanksgiving lull. Hunter numbers usually stay light from now until the week after Christmas when it picks up a little bit.
Dress Warm
-Hugh
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
Snohomish Valley 12-01-2008 11:51
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Sorry I have not been posting but busy days have kept me out of the blind for a bit. I did get a chance to hunt the Snohomish river valley this past Sunday. LOTS of birds working down the valley. They seem to be heading out just after shooting and headed toward the bay for the day. Still very mild here and we are in dire need of a cold snap…sunglasses and light jackets should not be an everyday part of your hunting outfit. If I had the time I would be heading to the east side of the mountains. Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day.
Mike
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor
columbia Basin 11-25-2008 11:05
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
Birds have redistributed over the past few days with the colder weather. Sounds like there has been a complete bug out from Ellensburg and it is feast or famin in the Yakima Valley. The basin is holding birds better, but the fog is a factor with the continued inversion which is expected to continue through the long weekend. It may help to check the DOT road cameras in the area you want to hunt to see how long the fog is hanging around. It is likely to get thicker as the inversion progresses.
Tried my new layout boat for the first time this past weekend. Certainly a different experience to be able to hit the bird with the barrel of the gun as easily as shoot them.
Happy Thanksgiving
-Hugh
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
Snohomish County 11-19-2008 12:52
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Well the birds seem to have stayed inland as there is plenty of standing water left after the flooding we have had. The bays were nearly void of ducks in my area but it sounds like it was better up north towards Skagit. This lull in birds is fairly typical for this time in the season and should start to turn in the next few weeks. It appears that we have some rain and wind on tap for Thursday so hopefully it signifies a change…yes, wishful thinking! On the upside, I woke up to a heavy frost today on the truck. Keep your fingers crossed and your calls ready.
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
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