Planning on a trip, without dogs, to hunt (early season) the public WMAs - extremely familiar with the area. Had a small farm up there and a few friends still in the area. Either looking to join a group or possibly start one. Possibly squeeze in some opportunistic duck/goose as well…

I would be interested if you allowed dogs. I'm curious to know why you don't want dogs.

Sorry for the miscommunication. I’m currently without dogs - often hunted behind flushing Labs and Southern quail with Pointers. Dogs would be welcome; however, I’d be uncomfortable with strangers hunting behind mine…

I'm not planning on a trip but I could be persuaded... My family actually owns land outside of Fargo area, and I have said for years I'm going to go up there and hunt one year. I lost my last good upland dog 2 years ago today, and he has not been replaced. But I have several friends (with dogs) in Omaha area that would probably jump in with us on the way up. Have to buy licenses for both states, but if the birds are good, it would be fun trip.

What are you thinking for dates and what area? How is the public hunting there? My experience is only Nebraska for public hunting, which feels like the wild west sometimes. Is unmarked private land still huntable, or has that changed?

Per the DNR, the 2023 bird count was exceptional.

Early October (SW) in an effort to avoid major snow/ice; during the week to avoid competing with the big city weekend transients; obscure WMA’s and WPA’s offer a higher probability for success. The challenge is identifying other activities after limiting out. When I lived up there, we’d often mix bow hunting, goose/ducks, and pheasant all in the same day depending on the prevailing weather…

way too far