Ridgefield / Vancouver Help

[cue772]

I took a drive up to Ridgefield today to survey the land a bit, however we cannot venture into the hunting area to see what it was like in there. I took a look at the map but wondered if anyone had some more info..

Moved to WA from SW Oklahoma a few years back.. and grew up duck hunting every chance I got. It's time to get my daughters out to hunt and figured Ridgefield would be an easy place to start around here. I'll be throwing out no more than a couple dozen from the bank w/ no retriever. I'm also getting our applications sent out for Dec and Jan.

Question is.. IF we were to actually get drawn, what blinds are better in that area for what I explained? The girls wont be hunting yet.. but first exposure is important and I'd like to get them (and myself) into some action.

Thanks for any info !!

[h2ofowlr]

You won't need a dog at Ridgefield unless you sail one into the tall grass.  You have to hunt from designated blinds.  They don't plant it and it is all natural vegetation.  Sauvie’s Islands offers planted crops and lots of feed with lots of hunting clubs.  You can go on line and see the harvest totals for Ridgefield and that will help show which blinds are getting the most birds.  That doesn’t always guarantee the best spot, but a decent indication.  Best of luck

[cue772]

Great info.. thanks h2o. I have heard/read some good things on Sauvie's Island.. maybe something to look into for future hunts as I havent even looked at the costs of out of state.

Ridgefield is a starting point.. I'll have to put more work in next year as I hear hunting pressure is really high here. I am hoping moving further away from Vancouver may open up some more opportunities. There seem to be quite a few smaller lakes and ponds east of Camas.. however I am not even sure they are open to hunt. Maybe further NW.. closer to the Gray's river area.

Anyway... I need to join a local club and meet some fellow hunters, keep my kids involved as well. Thanks again!!

[h2ofowlr]

Join Washington Waterfowl Association.  There are some guys that can help you out.  They are more likely to help you out in person as some of the internet folks are hit and miss as they don't like their spots disclosed to all the random lurkers. 

[Fishnclifff]

PM sent

[cue772]

Good suggestion h2o.. I actually have some info on Washington Waterfowl Association. Sounds like a good opportunity to get involved.

I am giving myself the last week of Nov to bring home a late season backtail, then its all ducks.
Thanks for the information guys.. good luck on your hunts!

[Spuddieselwwu]

Hate to piggyback on your thread here - but I have the same question. 

I'm from farther north, but father in law lives in the Kelso/Longview area.  He's interested in getting into duck hunting with me, so I figured I'd take him out over thanksgiving time when I'm down there.  I'll scout out ridgefield in person prior to heading out, but any advice via PM would be much appreciated for a starting point.

Thanks!

[cue772]

No worries... but it looks like hunting is only open on Tues, Thurs, and Sat and will be closed Thanksgiving day, so you might want to double check availability of the area when making plans.

[Spuddieselwwu]

Thanks - yeah I'm thinking the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  We'll give it a shot maybe.  Thanks for the help!