bird hunting

When I show up to a public-land hunt area, even if the location seems to be void of other hunters, I treat the dirt and the birds on it like they’ve been hounded to death. I’ve used what I learned to harvest pressured public-land birds with my stick-and-string. Here’s what you need to know.

There are so many possibilities and rigging your decoys should provide you years of service with little or no frustration.  Time should be spent hunting not untangling decoy lines. 

You likely have read about every possible scenario for waterfowl and specifically duck decoy spreads.  The J-hook or “J” spread, the “U” spread, the “L” spread, and finally the “X” spread.  Add to this the “C” spread or total chaos spread and that should about cover the possibilities.  I have used them all and what I have learned over the years is if the ducks want in, they will come in, regardless of the wind direction, exposed hunters, poor sets, or movement. 

Recently at a Midwest waterfowl show, I saw the new Lucky Duck 4 Slot Motion Backpack and I was amazed at the attention it drew.  Hardly a single person walked by without handling, exploring, commenting, and eventually buying one of three versions. 

If you are willing to expand your definition of the word “game” there is one critter that will allow you to keep your wing shooting on point and keep your dog retrieving during this drought, the Rock Dove or more commonly known as the street pigeon.

It just so happens that the same wetlands that are frequented by ducks are also inhabited by another small, but fun water-bound species, the Snipe.

One of the updated models is the Upland Ultralight All-Terrain, which I’ve been using in 20 gauge. It’s lightweight, it’s beautifully constructed, and it comes up on-target every time game flushes. Read on for a close look at all the features as well as a few things that could be better.

The take away from this hunt was to always be flexible. I had my mind set on taking a nice deer with my muzzleloader, but because we took advantage of an opportunity that does not always get offered, I was able to have a new and unique experience that still put a lot of meat in the freezer and made for some awesome wing shooting.

The new Flambeau Gunning Series is an appreciated differentiation to any decoy spread. Give yourself the advantage of decoys that look great, ride with attitude on the water and provide excellent action in light and heavy wind, wave, and current.