Winchester Ponds?

[CP]

Never hunted there before but I will be next Sat.  Anyone willing to give the scoop on how it works there?  Pm if you like.

[eastsidemallard74]

It's hard to find, actually went out there yesterday to scope out. Your referring to the reservztion area, correct?

[Badhabit]

If you go make sure you bring something to break ice. With lows into the teens there could be some ice built up. I've already heard some wild stories from the reservation area. Guy who was not the first in line took off before everyone and guy who was first in line caught up with him and explained which blind he was going too and he better not find Mr. earlybird in the blind he was going too. Guys walking in early.

[CP]

Yes, the reservation area.

By early do you mean before 4:00am with a reservation or before 9:00am without one?

I hate to drive that far just to show up to a fight for some ducks.

[EWUEAGLESHUNTER]

I think with this spot they should have the 5 parking spots allocated for each bind, spot one gets blind one etc... then have spots 6 and 7 for guys who just want to come in and set up with ground blinds. There is ponds all over the place and plenty of room for an extra two guys who do not want to use the blinds provided. Then you do not have the whole conflict of who gets what blind.

[Mfowl]

I have not been back there since they made it by reservation. As stated it is hard to find, especially in the dark! Its still a bit early for the birds to be on the refuge there but if the weather cooperates you should do fine. If its a bluebird day you'll likely just be bird watching. Good luck! Have fun!

[eastsidemallard74]

Yesterday there were only 3 blinds that ithink were being used, but 7 cars.  The weather is supposed to get cold, and if it does their shallow water so they may freeze. If you Jane a reservation and someone's there, call the game warden, they will be removed, and you don't have to hassle with it.

[HoofsandWings]

I think with this spot they should have the 5 parking spots allocated for each bind, spot one gets blind one etc... then have spots 6 and 7 for guys who just want to come in and set up with ground blinds. There is ponds all over the place and plenty of room for an extra two guys who do not want to use the blinds provided. Then you do not have the whole conflict of who gets what blind.

You do not really need a blind there. When I hunted it earlier this season, I hid in the reeds. I did real well.
Some of those ponds are real long and the blind is at one end.
There are some ponds without blinds.
When the wind is wrong, the blinds are useless.

[EWUEAGLESHUNTER]

Ponds are all frozen rock solid, not even worth the drive out to check it out. Dont waste your time here.

[HoofsandWings]

Put out a blue tarp and put the decoys on them.

[huntingfool7]

   Except skip the blue tarp.  Use clear contractors plastic. 

[gasman]

  Except skip the blue tarp.  Use clear contractors plastic.

Does that really work 

 

[HoofsandWings]

  Except skip the blue tarp.  Use clear contractors plastic.

Does that really work 

 

Three of us shot a limit a few years back.