Whats the best way yall have or could think to cross a river that is 15ft deep? Maybe only 20-30 ft across. I am pretty sure there is some good hunting land via satellite that I can see. Problem is there is no access on that side. Its all farm acreage and would be more trouble to access from that side. However if I can cross a river a mile's hike in I am good. Problem is how to do it. I can't really backpack a kayak in. I could buy a kayak then float down river but I'd still have to do some walking to get to an access point to put it in.

Just wondering. Be great if there was a 5 lb foldable boat. lol

Use decoys as a flotation device and kick your way over and yes I have done it

Zip Line
Catapault
Pole Vault

Sounds like a good way to make a funny story.... or die.

Carry in some 2x6 a week before your hunt and build a little bridge.
I done this also.

Decoy floating is hard core.

Building a little bridge over a 15 ft deep 20-30 ft wide river sounds like a stupid way to die.

Is that the only place to cross. Sometimes you can find places shallow enough to wade across. But you've probably already tried that if you're looking at other options.

I once had access to several hundred acres of private flooded timber. The "X" was a 20 acre "food plot" smack in the middle. The slog in through ten inches of rotten leaves, logs, stumps and 4' deep holes would make a man cuss his mom. I did it three times and said there had to be a better way.
Solution: I found a beat to hell canoe for sale for $50. It leaked, had about twenty patches, busted seats and was shaped like a banana. It stayed afloat long enough to get me and three doz deeks in. I would then sink it(it pretty much did that on it's own) and then pull it back up off the bottom for the trip out.
I didn't bother to take it home each trip. Just sunk it on the edge of the swamp after each hunt.
Used it for three seasons and then lost the lease. It's still there.
Best $50 I ever spent.

Funny you drive you car Over bridges all the time. Use your brain and build it strong. Every things good.

Notice I did not say 1 2x6.

Get a buddy and carry/drag in an old boat. Or a few buddies, carry a chainsaw for when needed. Best option, cut a dang 4 wheeler trail and drag a boat in. None of which are very hard.

I have never seen the goose that would make me go through all of that to hunt them.

Littledog I have hunted a couple of places like what you described. We called it the "Bataan Death March", we never thought to buy an old junky canoe though.

You could buy a small inflateable boat with a battery powered air compressor

Take an old beat up 12 ft john back there and lock it up.

How about a boat?

Get one of those fishing tubes and air it up.

Here you go....8 lbs, $79.

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=1170288&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=WX2*0294425000000&pm2d=CSE-SPG-15-PLA&gclid=CL77odbYgLwCFTJo7Aoda0QAKw

Look into a pool raft or a sled . Those sleds can hold some weight pack in a little less gear an you would be good . I wouldn't have my waders on an I would for sure carry a life vest ! Any way you go just think first and be safe no duck is worth losing your life over

Doc I have thought about that being the best option. Also pondered the zip line but that's almost as dangerous as the decoy floating lol.

For all that said build a bridge its not a possibility or I would have. That decoy floating idea is funny and scary all at the same time. I agree hard core. Like I said I could buy a canoe or a kayak but it'll be a mighty long paddle so i was looking for a better way.

No places to wade unless I go way out of the way. I like the $50 canoe idea but i never see any for that price even on craigslist. I'll keep an eye out.

My 9 foot kayak weighs 38 pounds. I have a swedish boat cart that uses small bicycle tires. I put solid tubes into the tires, so I don't have to worry about mesquite, cactus and such. Together it is easier to use than most game carts. Provided I have a trail or road to pull the boat cart, I find it easier to cart my decoys and gun in in the boat than it is to carry them on my back without the boat. The dog can walk along beside me and swim across the river. Once when I had a guest, I tied a rope to the kayak, paddled myself across, then had my guest pull the kayak back so he could then paddle across.

I have thought also about the sled and pool raft. If i buy a pool raft I might as well buy a fishing float. The sled I have read tip easily and I don't know if they would hold me and gear. Risky.

Sniper doesn't it get tiring dragging 38+ lbs? After a mile that would be rough.

If you can't figure out how to get across a creek you don't deserve to hunt the X

Oh really. Didn't think of that. Maybe you're right. I'll just give the coordinates to you and give up.


Thanks for your opinion.

duct tape 4-5 noodles in a bundle and straddle, put decoy bag in front and use it to keep waders out of water....you won't sink like everyone says if water does get in your waders....you will actually float so you should be fine...might get cold if water gets in though!

take a chain saw and cut down a big oak tree on the river back. make it fall across the gap and walk across.