Frustration.

[youngblood]

Alright guys. I hate to do it, but I need a hand. I just got back into town about three weeks ago. That solid three weeks have been spent scouting and searching for birds. I haven't found a thing but buffleheads and scooter. I don't shoot what I won't eat so I'm at zero birds for the year. I'm located on fort lewis and I need advice on where to look for some good hunting. I currently don't have any way to get a boat and buying one right now is asking to get scalped. So any help would be greatly appreciated. I hunt with one buddy, and we're hungry for knowledge! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

[lokidog]

Nothing wrong with Buffleheads as table fare, just need several for a meal.  Not sure what a "scooter" is?  Pretty sure you are not seeing Scoters without a boat, but I could be wrong.  If you are, they are decent eating as well, see my Salsbury Duck recipe in my merganser thread.

[ellensburgpo]

Any port in a storm Youngblood, Nothing wrong with buffies and scoters, and it's Better then sitting in the truck.

[Bullkllr]

Hate to say it, but waterfowl hunting around the South Sound area is pretty tough these days. Especially without a boat to hunt the salt, especially if you don't want divers. Most of the other "good" spots are on watered-in farm land- all private- and you'd be lucky to get in- but if you're ambitious that's where the best hunting will be. Best bet for access to some birds is probably right there on the fort, but you'll still be limited w/o a boat of some kind.

[Badhabit]

I'm on the dry side so my only suggestion to you is to get on the WDFW site and look for quality hunt, by permission and reservation only hunting areas near you. Joining WWA or DU and networking might get you some intel you are wanting. Lots of places to hunt just need to do some internet scouting.

[L-ofalab]

Drive east, hunt along creeks. The pot holes south of Moses lake and along the wasteway coming out of Moses Lake.

[bhawley76]

Get your work boots and leave your gun at home and start nocking on some doors you'll get some good grounds.  

[h2ofowlr]

Lots of boats in this state, so check CL.  Your not going to get scalped as were going into winter and many are trying to unload them.  Most reasonable time to buy.  Look at 16' or smaller for your area.  It doesn't have to be camoed as you can do that.  You have several locations on base along with the surrounding area.  Or travel a little further.  Some great hunting out towards the coast as well.

[SquirrelHunter]

Lots of birds other than buffs and divers on Ft Lewis, check out the marsh in ta2,9,10,12, muck creek in ta14,15. Rent a boat from the adventure center and s trolling motor and hit up Lewis lake.

[JBG]

Ha you speak of scouting as if it ends.  Your attitude should be that scouting is what you do.  You are a scouter who occasionally shoots some ducks.  80/20 rule in effect.  80% scouting and 20% hunting.  If all you want to do is shoot birds, save up about $300 and have a guide take you to satisfy the blood lust.

[youngblood]

TA12 is flush, but it's closed for the year. I believe they're trying to prevent us from over hunting which is fine by me. Stewards first. Seriously, that 80/20 rule is the truth. Maybe we'll see more action as it starts to freeze outside and push some birds south. Appreciate the help guys.