So I've decided that it's time to tackle a new waterfowl challenge. From what I've read in my research, it might be my biggest challenge yet. Between the crowds, getting lost in a flooded forest and the rules and regs, it sounds like I'm in for a beating. Honestly, I don't know why I'm gonna do this to myself after I'm just starting to figure out these coastal birds down here, but hey, I guess I'm a sucker for punishment. Not to mention, I'm not getting any younger and I figure I might as well get started now so when I'm old and decrepit like most of you codgy ol' sons of guns, I'll have this all figured out
Any tips and tricks any of yall would be willing to share? Wisdom to pass down to an adventurous young man? Not to mention, if any of you seasoned vets would be willing to trade knowledge and spots first hand, I'd love to put you on some salty ol' pintails and wigeon, or divers if that's your preference.
I have done lots of successful trips to other states for birds I knew nothing about on public lands I knew nothing about. Unfortunately Arkansas is not one of them. So though I have made some long fishing trips to AR, I have no duck hunting spots to share.
When I am planning an on my own hunting trip I usually do a search on half.com amazon, ebay, etc. for hunting or public land guidebooks. Just search for Arkansas hunting, Arkansas wildlife management areas, Arkansas waterfowl, etc. on those sites. Older out of date books can usually be picked up for dirt cheap and though out of date, can still give you some ideas and information much more detailed that is published online. I also like to subscribe to one or two of the state's hunting magazines if I know a year or two in advance I am doing a road trip there. There are always long forgotten smaller hunting locations or hidden accesses to big ones to be found that are not the overcrowded talk of the day.
Don't rule out any WMA or other public land waterfowl hunting drawn hunts. They can be a stepping stone to learning where to go next. In my trips across AR I have found the locals some of the most friendly and most helpful on where to go when making conversation at the local cafe or hardware store. Even while pumping gas. Make it a point to start up conversations in these places, especially with the older gentlemen.
And when you have places in mind, call the area wildlife manager, biologist, or game warden. Call them now and again before your trip. Before calling, I have even mailed a snail mail letter with questions and a large self addressed stamped envelope more than once before. I have maps of places in my files that were mailed back to me with primo hunting spots marked on them. Keep those phone numbers with you on your trip. Always call back and thank them.
I know it is not always possible, but be flexible if you can. Migrations, weather, and hunting pressure always changes. This especially since your after a specific type of waterfowl hunting, not just any waterfowl hunting. Using real time information and tips you get from others, sometimes it is best to pick up and move to an entirely different part of the state if the first day or two is a bust.