Do you know your ducks?

[Kola16]

I know that there is always new duck hunters every year. It is VERY important that you know your ducks. There is a limit on some, and some that you can't shoot period. Some new waterfowlers will go out, and shoot at anything, even swans    http://www.hunter-ed.com/wildlife/waterfowl.htm

[Atroxus]

Well I can tell the difference between a swan, a goose and a duck, and I could recognize a mallard on my own. Apparently I need to do some more studying before our hunt though to figure out which ducks are illegal to shoot and what they look like.

[pjb3]

Very good topic

[windygorge]

i wished they would freeze frame like those in the picture.  the only way i can tell is how they fly.  or if the sun is just right.  early morning, forget color identification.  they all have a distinct way they fly.  but you won't know that until your out in the field and learnin.   the way i identify, is .....flight, sound (if any), then color.   

[Hilltop123]

Ya I know my ducks.....

[Kola16]

i wished they would freeze frame like those in the picture.  the only way i can tell is how they fly.  or if the sun is just right.  early morning, forget color identification.  they all have a distinct way they fly.  but you won't know that until your out in the field and learnin.   the way i identify, is .....flight, sound (if any), then color.   

90% of the time, I can see color. But yes, that is a good/best way. Also body shape, and size.

[runamuk]

Ya I know my ducks.....

[windygorge]

i wished they would freeze frame like those in the picture.  the only way i can tell is how they fly.  or if the sun is just right.  early morning, forget color identification.  they all have a distinct way they fly.  but you won't know that until your out in the field and learnin.   the way i identify, is .....flight, sound (if any), then color.   

90% of the time, I can see color. But yes, that is a good/best way. Also body shape, and size.

yea, body shape is in there to.  forgot to mention that. 

[quackattack90]

And to all the new guys out there, MAKE SURE you know the difference betweent a SWAN and a SNOW GOOSE!!!! I've seen it happen twice in the past three years of new people shooting swans and getting all excited because they think they have shot the worlds biggest snow goose.
KNOW YOUR BIRDS!

[Kola16]

  but you won't know that until your out in the field and learnin.   

My first year of duck hunting was interesting  It took me a little before I could tell if it was a duck, or a cormorant  (Before I had decoys) I would hide from those stupid cormorants for a minute, and they would get about 80 yards from me, and I would finally figure out that it wasn't what I wanted 

Don't get frustrated, you'll get it eventually  

[windygorge]

  but you won't know that until your out in the field and learnin.   

My first year of duck hunting was interesting  It took me a little before I could tell if it was a duck, or a cormorant  (Before I had decoys) I would hide from those stupid cormorants for a minute, and they would get about 80 yards from me, and I would finally figure out that it wasn't what I wanted 

Don't get frustrated, you'll get it eventually  

    I KNOW!!    i can't tell you how many times i tried calling comorants in.   

[Skagit_Hunter]

And to all the new guys out there, MAKE SURE you know the difference betweent a SWAN and a SNOW GOOSE!!!! I've seen it happen twice in the past three years of new people shooting swans and getting all excited because they think they have shot the worlds biggest snow goose.
KNOW YOUR BIRDS!

When you carry your snows out swung over your shoulder.....And their butts are dragging on the ground. You might have a problem....

[Kola16]

And to all the new guys out there, MAKE SURE you know the difference betweent a SWAN and a SNOW GOOSE!!!! I've seen it happen twice in the past three years of new people shooting swans and getting all excited because they think they have shot the worlds biggest snow goose.
KNOW YOUR BIRDS!

When you carry your snows out swung over your shoulder.....And their butts are dragging on the ground. You might have a problem....

 

[h2ofowlr]

You will see swans that get shot this year on Fir Island due to people not knowing how to identify them.

[runamuk]

And to all the new guys out there, MAKE SURE you know the difference betweent a SWAN and a SNOW GOOSE!!!! I've seen it happen twice in the past three years of new people shooting swans and getting all excited because they think they have shot the worlds biggest snow goose.
KNOW YOUR BIRDS!

When you carry your snows out swung over your shoulder.....And their butts are dragging on the ground. You might have a problem....

 

  agree and if you can't tell a snow from a swan please put your gun down...they are vastly different birds even at great distance