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I think duck season should open in December in Texas
#6994340
12/13/17 11:12 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 271
Bluesea112
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 271 |
I don't think you could find a single person who would disagree that the first split of duck season sucks in Texas. The birds seem to migrate later and later each year, and we don't see them until the second half of the season is almost over.
According to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt ducks. I don't think it says which 60 days we can hunt them. I think TPWD needs to start duck season in December next year to match the later migration pattern we are seeing due to global warming.
Am I alone in wanting to start duck season in December, or do we have enough for a revolution?
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994345
12/13/17 11:40 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830
beaversnipe
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830 |
They should open dec 1 till febr 28 with a split dec 24-31 Feb 15 - 28 male ducks only.
#globalwarming #nofakenews
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994392
12/13/17 12:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 927
DUKFVR
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 927 |
I've had a great 1st split. No complaints here.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: beaversnipe]
#6994431
12/13/17 01:06 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,038
Greekangler
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,038 |
They should open dec 1 till febr 28 with a split dec 24-31 Feb 15 - 28 male ducks only.
#globalwarming #nofakenews Male ducks only- you know that would work.............NOT
Take a kid Huntin
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994439
12/13/17 01:10 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,038
Greekangler
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,038 |
I don't think you could find a single person who would disagree that the first split of duck season sucks in Texas. The birds seem to migrate later and later each year, and we don't see them until the second half of the season is almost over.
According to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt ducks. I don't think it says which 60 days we can hunt them. I think TPWD needs to start duck season in December next year to match the later migration pattern we are seeing due to global warming.
Am I alone in wanting to start duck season in December, or do we have enough for a revolution? It’s called hunting not killing some years are better some are worst. We were up over 100 percent vs last year. I disagree. It’s a federal mandate to close by the end of January bird start pairing up then all they could do is basically eliminate the five day split open five days later
Last edited by Greekangler; 12/13/17 01:11 PM.
Take a kid Huntin
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994441
12/13/17 01:10 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387
john paul
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,387 |
I don't think you could find a single person who would disagree that the first split of duck season sucks in Texas. The birds seem to migrate later and later each year, and we don't see them until the second half of the season is almost over.
According to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt ducks. I don't think it says which 60 days we can hunt them. I think TPWD needs to start duck season in December next year to match the later migration pattern we are seeing due to global warming.
Am I alone in wanting to start duck season in December, or do we have enough for a revolution? Where do you hunt?
I'm with GK because I like salty old dudes.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994481
12/13/17 01:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 190
WreakinHavoc
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 190 |
I disagree with you, the first split was jam up for us and a lot of others that I know of... Definitely should not be changed... then hunting would be to easy for a lot of people.
Last edited by WreakinHavoc; 12/13/17 01:40 PM.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994625
12/13/17 03:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 87
Avian Assassins
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 87 |
I'm also going to have to respectfully disagree. We had an incredible first split. Some years are obviously better than others but this one was a little better than last years which was our 2nd best season to date. I think that they have got the season dates nailed down pretty good personally. Love the mid November start.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994653
12/13/17 03:39 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 18,572
ducknbass
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 18,572 |
As a general rule every year it's one of many things. Too hot Too cold Too wet Too dry Too early Too late
Just go find em.
Last edited by ducknbass; 12/13/17 04:05 PM.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994657
12/13/17 03:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 25
Yetiguy
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 25 |
Global warming...gimme a break. Somebody has been drinking the Hollywood, Liberal Kool-aid.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994667
12/13/17 03:52 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830
beaversnipe
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830 |
set aside politics, yes, I think our planet is warming up pretty fast the last 50 years, its definitely not cooling.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994681
12/13/17 04:01 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 492
RiverRunner
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 492 |
I don't think you could find a single person who would disagree that the first split of duck season sucks in Texas. The birds seem to migrate later and later each year, and we don't see them until the second half of the season is almost over.
According to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt ducks. I don't think it says which 60 days we can hunt them. I think TPWD needs to start duck season in December next year to match the later migration pattern we are seeing due to global warming.
Am I alone in wanting to start duck season in December, or do we have enough for a revolution? First, according to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt....THAT IS INCORRECT. Central Flyway gets 76 or so days and the High Plains Mallard Management Unit gets 90 or so days. Pacific Flyway gets 107 days, Mississippi & Atlantic are the flyways that only get 60 days. Secondly, pushing the season back won't do anything as per the same treaty you are talking about mandates ALL seasons shut down no later than Jan 31. So, pushing the season opener to December won't do anything but take huntable days away from us. I could see pushing the season start back a couple weeks if we only had a 60 day season, but that is not the case. TPWD does everything they can within the Federal Frameworks to give us duck hunters the most opportunity to hunt ducks. The only thing I am seeing right now that I don't like or agree with is the 5 day split in the North Zone...really wish they would go back to the same split as the South Zone. Starting a week later in November and only shutting down for a 5 day split hasn't been all that great. Really miss the 2 week split where the birds actually get a true break and build. Makes it like having another opening day as the birds are really comfortable and dumb...aka EASY hunts. As far as no ducks in the first split...that is very subjective. If you are hunting ponds in N TX, I could see that. Typically, pond hunting in N TX gets good around Thanksgiving or the first week or so of December. Personally, my group averages about 4-5 ducks per person on each hunt during the first split....typically kill about 150-200 birds in the first split. I only hunted 5 times during the first split this year due several fishing trips during the first 3 weeks of season. We still killed 65 ducks for a 5.4 bird per man average. I see folks complaining about season dates and folks wanting to push it back. IT SIMPLY WILL NOT HAPPEN DUE TO FEDERAL FRAMEWORKS NOT ALLOWING DUCK HUNTING PAST JANUARY 31, so quit complaining about the dates and take advantage of the days we have to hunt!
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: ducknbass]
#6994690
12/13/17 04:09 PM
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 190
WreakinHavoc
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 190 |
As a general rule every year it's one of many things. Too hot Too cold Too wet Too dry Too early Too late
Just go find em. agree...always something You find the food, you find the birds. Yes, earlier in November the birds have a broader migration area due to the northern states holding birds not being froze over, but heck we killed a 4 man limit 5 man limit of big ducks in 80 degree weather.. and none is private personally think if they push the dates back like you mentioned there would be a decline in duck numbers.
Last edited by WreakinHavoc; 12/13/17 04:09 PM.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: RiverRunner]
#6994697
12/13/17 04:16 PM
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 190
WreakinHavoc
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 190 |
I don't think you could find a single person who would disagree that the first split of duck season sucks in Texas. The birds seem to migrate later and later each year, and we don't see them until the second half of the season is almost over.
According to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt ducks. I don't think it says which 60 days we can hunt them. I think TPWD needs to start duck season in December next year to match the later migration pattern we are seeing due to global warming.
Am I alone in wanting to start duck season in December, or do we have enough for a revolution? First, according to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt....THAT IS INCORRECT. Central Flyway gets 76 or so days and the High Plains Mallard Management Unit gets 90 or so days. Pacific Flyway gets 107 days, Mississippi & Atlantic are the flyways that only get 60 days. Secondly, pushing the season back won't do anything as per the same treaty you are talking about mandates ALL seasons shut down no later than Jan 31. So, pushing the season opener to December won't do anything but take huntable days away from us. I could see pushing the season start back a couple weeks if we only had a 60 day season, but that is not the case. TPWD does everything they can within the Federal Frameworks to give us duck hunters the most opportunity to hunt ducks. The only thing I am seeing right now that I don't like or agree with is the 5 day split in the North Zone...really wish they would go back to the same split as the South Zone. Starting a week later in November and only shutting down for a 5 day split hasn't been all that great. Really miss the 2 week split where the birds actually get a true break and build. Makes it like having another opening day as the birds are really comfortable and dumb...aka EASY hunts. As far as no ducks in the first split...that is very subjective. If you are hunting ponds in N TX, I could see that. Typically, pond hunting in N TX gets good around Thanksgiving or the first week or so of December. Personally, my group averages about 4-5 ducks per person on each hunt during the first split....typically kill about 150-200 birds in the first split. I only hunted 5 times during the first split this year due several fishing trips during the first 3 weeks of season. We still killed 65 ducks for a 5.4 bird per man average. I see folks complaining about season dates and folks wanting to push it back. IT SIMPLY WILL NOT HAPPEN DUE TO FEDERAL FRAMEWORKS NOT ALLOWING DUCK HUNTING PAST JANUARY 31, so quit complaining about the dates and take advantage of the days we have to hunt! 2 week split would be do wonders... I am a weekend hunter except for the last two weeks of December, and I think the 2 week split to include a weekend will help everyone out. Not including a weekend doesn't necessarily give birds a rest.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: RiverRunner]
#6994704
12/13/17 04:21 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 18,572
ducknbass
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 18,572 |
I don't think you could find a single person who would disagree that the first split of duck season sucks in Texas. The birds seem to migrate later and later each year, and we don't see them until the second half of the season is almost over.
According to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt ducks. I don't think it says which 60 days we can hunt them. I think TPWD needs to start duck season in December next year to match the later migration pattern we are seeing due to global warming.
Am I alone in wanting to start duck season in December, or do we have enough for a revolution? First, according to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt....THAT IS INCORRECT. Central Flyway gets 76 or so days and the High Plains Mallard Management Unit gets 90 or so days. Pacific Flyway gets 107 days, Mississippi & Atlantic are the flyways that only get 60 days. Secondly, pushing the season back won't do anything as per the same treaty you are talking about mandates ALL seasons shut down no later than Jan 31. So, pushing the season opener to December won't do anything but take huntable days away from us. I could see pushing the season start back a couple weeks if we only had a 60 day season, but that is not the case. TPWD does everything they can within the Federal Frameworks to give us duck hunters the most opportunity to hunt ducks. The only thing I am seeing right now that I don't like or agree with is the 5 day split in the North Zone...really wish they would go back to the same split as the South Zone. Starting a week later in November and only shutting down for a 5 day split hasn't been all that great. Really miss the 2 week split where the birds actually get a true break and build. Makes it like having another opening day as the birds are really comfortable and dumb...aka EASY hunts. As far as no ducks in the first split...that is very subjective. If you are hunting ponds in N TX, I could see that. Typically, pond hunting in N TX gets good around Thanksgiving or the first week or so of December. Personally, my group averages about 4-5 ducks per person on each hunt during the first split....typically kill about 150-200 birds in the first split. I only hunted 5 times during the first split this year due several fishing trips during the first 3 weeks of season. We still killed 65 ducks for a 5.4 bird per man average. I see folks complaining about season dates and folks wanting to push it back. IT SIMPLY WILL NOT HAPPEN DUE TO FEDERAL FRAMEWORKS NOT ALLOWING DUCK HUNTING PAST JANUARY 31, so quit complaining about the dates and take advantage of the days we have to hunt! I used to take that Monday after the split off yearly to go hunt a lake that is was closed for a draw deer hunt that weekend. Some of my best shoots.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994706
12/13/17 04:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 111
SeaAggie2015
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 111 |
We actually had a decent first split this season. Don't get me wrong, We had 2-3 days of zero birds, but that was just a matter of hunting blind because none of us could get out to scout.
In my opinion, I think TPWD does the best with what they have to work with.
Noah Blackmon
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994743
12/13/17 04:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830
beaversnipe
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 23,830 |
I remember not too long ago, the Oklahoma season running 1 week past the N Texas season. I guess Texan birds were still trying to pair up behind the 7/11, go figure. having said that, that last week in Oklahoma was ALWAYS REAL good hunting
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994756
12/13/17 05:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 176
RockDocJoe
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 176 |
I agree, the few times I made it out during the first split, I saw plenty of birds. Several large groups at or before sunrise, and then a handful of single or double birds until about 8:30.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994793
12/13/17 05:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,448
BDB
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,448 |
Admittedly this season first split has been off for me but last 3 years its been good. Folks are deer hunting, still fishing etc. First split can be real good. The opener last year of the second split....you'd think you were in Ark on a timber hole hunt...all on Tx public. 10 green heads and 2 Woodrow's for me and buddy.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994794
12/13/17 05:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045
David Maas
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,045 |
Week of Thanksgiving and run to the middle of February would make me happy
NRA Endowed Patriot Life Benefactor GOA Life Member TSRA Life Member NSCA Life Member
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6994860
12/13/17 06:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,203
Blake E.
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,203 |
I will hunt ducks anytime it's legal and like it. The end.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6995033
12/13/17 09:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,370
Duck_Hunter
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 12,370 |
I don't think you could find a single person who would disagree that the first split of duck season sucks in Texas. The birds seem to migrate later and later each year, and we don't see them until the second half of the season is almost over.
According to International Treaty, we get 60 days to hunt ducks. I don't think it says which 60 days we can hunt them. I think TPWD needs to start duck season in December next year to match the later migration pattern we are seeing due to global warming.
Am I alone in wanting to start duck season in December, or do we have enough for a revolution?
These are the dates for big ducks in the north zone this year: November 11-26 December 2-January 28 Are you advocating shortening the season to 60 days? That’s what you’re saying, because currently we get more than 60 days in big duck season. I’m not sure why you would want to do that. If it’s simply because there are fewer birds earlier in the season, I’m not following your logic. Let’s say the season is shortened to December and January when the majority of birds are in Texas (according to you). 1) You’re going to have the same daily bag limits. 2) You’re going to be able to hunt fewer days (even if you’re retired or a guide or somehow manage to take the entire season off from work to hunt everyday). I have 30 years, at least, of working ahead of me, so I’m mostly a weekend warrior, except for the few vacation days I take off during the season. I’d rather have more days to hunt rather than less. I don’t need to limit out every hunt (sure, I’d love to) but I also don’t want to have to shoehorn as many hunting days as possible into 60 days. So if there are fewer ducks here in November (there are) and hunting is tougher, that’s ok. I’ll still put together some good hunts hopefully, shoot some birds and enjoy myself. For one thing, it would make the lakes vastly more crowded than they already are. Second, I just disagree that there aren’t enough ducks to make it worthwhile to have the first split. EDIT: I just noticed you also started the thread about having trouble finding ducks. It seems you’re frustrated and I get it. It hasn’t been the best season I’ve ever had. It will get better, hang in there. I’m still confused why you would want to shorten the season. If you are getting skunked and don’t think it’s worth it to hunt until later in the season, then wait until later in the season to start hunting. I’d still rather be out there as many days as possible and as early as possible so I can enjoy hunting as much as possible.
Last edited by Duck_Hunter; 12/13/17 09:15 PM.
I just turned it on . I was looking bird dogs in the butt this morning.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6995113
12/13/17 10:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,291
BradyBuck
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,291 |
Best hunt of the year for the last few seasons has been opening day...so yes I would disagree.
The only reason I would want a later start is that I would like the opportunity to shoot better plumed ducks in February.
HRCH Washita's Kimber Locked N Loaded GRHRCH Firefly's Rally The Troops MH
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: RiverRunner]
#6995151
12/13/17 10:40 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,659
Hopedale
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,659 |
The only thing I am seeing right now that I don't like or agree with is the 5 day split in the North Zone...really wish they would go back to the same split as the South Zone. Starting a week later in November and only shutting down for a 5 day split hasn't been all that great. Really miss the 2 week split where the birds actually get a true break and build. Makes it like having another opening day as the birds are really comfortable and dumb...aka EASY hunts.
As far as no ducks in the first split...that is very subjective. If you are hunting ponds in N TX, I could see that. Typically, pond hunting in N TX gets good around Thanksgiving or the first week or so of December.
Personally, my group averages about 4-5 ducks per person on each hunt during the first split....typically kill about 150-200 birds in the first split. I only hunted 5 times during the first split this year due several fishing trips during the first 3 weeks of season. We still killed 65 ducks for a 5.4 bird per man average.
I see folks complaining about season dates and folks wanting to push it back. IT SIMPLY WILL NOT HAPPEN DUE TO FEDERAL FRAMEWORKS NOT ALLOWING DUCK HUNTING PAST JANUARY 31, so quit complaining about the dates and take advantage of the days we have to hunt!
I'd rather see the season be delayed a week and do away with the 5 day split.
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Re: I think duck season should open in December in Texas
[Re: Bluesea112]
#6995379
12/14/17 01:34 AM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 46
Randy H
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 46 |
Extending the season wouldn't help me. When I was growing up in the nineties, we we're selective about our limits. Greenheads only, finish on gadwalls or teal. Let a couple thousand wood ducks fly every morning without ever picking up a gun. Don't waist your limit on woodies, mallards will be here shortly. I had about 5 different places to hunt, all with tons of ducks.
For the past 10+ years, none of those places hold many ducks anymore. We don't see 10 % of the ducks in any given day that I had 15-20 years ago in range to kill.
They are simply not coming through here anymore.
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