yes, it is that terrible, in my opinion- if u do your research, you can find private areas to hunt-

just takes driving, the internet, and lots of time

Consider it an adventure...it's good to get your heart pumping! Been doing it for 40 years, all public. Yes, I wonder who's going to be there, where groups are going to set up, etc...always have options. I've met alot of good folks and a few boneheads, same as all walks of life. Like Pittstate said, the rewards are large!

You have to think outside the box and find ways to get some shots in. This is my sons (13) first big year duck hunting on some heavliy hunted public lakes, so I'm trying to explain how we have to smarter than the rest of the Barney's.

He complains when we get up early, walk over a mile thru the mud carrying shells, decoys, gear, etc to set up and get a few good shots. But it is all forgotten when he drops that first bird 5 mins into the hunt.

It's all Good

I don't get why your hunt was ruined. Was it because they were standing there laughing and setting up their decoys the whole time? Or was it because they were close to you?

Makes me thankful am on private land.

I think you should just quit.

If you are already complaining this much you shouldn't bring any extra stress into your life.

consider deer hunting or domino playing

I agree, just quit before you drive yourself crazy, it is really not worth it, nobody on here likes to eat ducks anyway.
Just find you some private ponds and jump'em.

Just hang up your gun and have Will C command birds to fly over your house and die - he has that power. Slemp will clean & cook them for you.

MS1454 - The hunt was ruined because they were standing out in the water throwing out decoys at and a little after LST. They made no attempts to hide and quiet down. Now granted this is my first year hunting but from what ive realized so far is, the ducks wont come in and land if they see you standing there holding a shotgun waiting to shoot them. I know they are just birds but this late in the season i think they are catching on by now that people are out there trying to kill them.

Hayraker- Thats the worst advice i think i have seen thus far. Just quit? Thats a great way to promote the sport, i know you would like less people on public land but do you really think telling me to quit is going to make it less crowded for you? I dont really think one post of me venting about my first bad encounter on public land qualifies as "complaining this much". I hope you feel big for posting your sarcastic comments towards me.

Looks like the rudeness isnt restricted to public land, ive got some leads to some private leases i plan to get on for next year. Since i hunt alone mostly i hope to invite some other THF members to come hunt along with me, and its a good thing i know who not to invite out.

Don't listen to the tongue in cheek jackwagons here. Public is great. Period.

It's competitive so you've got to have some thick skin sometimes. But keep scouting, getting in early, watch who comes and goes, and go a lot.

It will pay off. Nobody screws with somebody with kids out there. That's a fact. Kids with an adult out there is holy ground.

Get them out there!

I gotta disagree with that. A few years ago I had a guy begin to set up on a small pond after legal 40 yards away facing me. I got there at three, and when I stood up from my cover to let him know I was there, he continued to throw out decoys. My 14 year old brother in law at the time was there with me. When I walked over to the guy and mentioned that he would be shooting right in our direction he said "I'm a good shot". I'm kinda embaressed to describe what happened next, but I doubt that piece of work will repeat his actions...


but yes public land can be Awesome at times, especially during youth weekend for the kiddos.

1st it wasn't advice, just a suggestion

2nd I don't hunt public or promote duck hunting

3rd deal with it, it's not a new situation

I wasn't there so this may not be the issue but you need to allow for the possibility that they were new to duck hunting also and didn't know better.

This is to a point very true. People will see me with my son, and go out of their way to ask him if he shot anything, etc. and just be friendly in general. Most of the time I won't even shoot, so he will have all of the opportunity to knock one down. Just wish it was not such a fight getting him out of bed that early.

Come on, tell us what happened! I'm thinking he went Nolan Ryan on you if your embaressed!!!

nice try

Rough day on the hay field?

I was just hackin on him.

hahaha- funny actually

Don't feel bad, last weekend, I decided to get the spot I wanted. I got up at three got to the lake before 4 hiked a mile to the spot I wanted, turned the corner and saw 2 boats that had camped out all night.

I walked 9/10 of a mile back and set up near the access point and killed a couple. The weekend before, I had guys try to set up within shotgun range. I had been there since 4, they showed up at 6 and set up across from me. I explained that they were in range, they did not care. I offered to hunt together, they did not want to. Eventually after arguing for 10 min they left. Not sure what their problem was, but they sure could have dealt with it easier...

And me hackin back at you.

Dealing with Barney's are just a part of it. If you can hike a mile through the woods, somebody else can too. Sometimes the ducks are at spots that are easily accessed, when you hunt those, expect crowds. Have had 2 bad experiences with Barney's this year. Both showed up after I did, both skyblasted and flared birds from me. I choose to just take it on the chin and deal with it....I don't go to the duck marsh to get stressed out and try to fight someone. Good luck, and just try not to do that to other groups.

25 yards is well within your shooting range. I'd just open up on anything coming near there spread.