Goose Hunting Pits

[eastsidemallard74]

If someone can help me with an easy answer through PM'ing me. There are/were some field pits NE of Royal Lake in the corn field. At one time they were by reservation only. Can't get an exact answer from any WDFW office. Does/can anyone answer this. The second part to this question, is along the canal bank at Royal LAke, there were some pit blinds "Leased " by FHC, are those still being leased? I'm at a loss trying to ask for help from our WDFW dept. Thanks for any help

[CP]

Yes, they were removed and reservation system is gone.  Too bad.

The WDFW does not operate that field, it's federal land, operated by the feds.

[eastsidemallard74]

The blinds in the fields were pulled about two years ago. I believe it's first come to use with layout blinds. The pits were a lot of fun, not sure on your second part.

The second group of pits were near the road by the lookout for the lake. On the canal road just east of it. Rumor was, or on their field trip that FHC takes you on, they said it was in their lease, but WDFW said no way, than I tried to hunt them 2 yrs ago, and got told to leave by a member, argued for a little bit, but not worth the hassel so I left and never pursued. On the field portion you can go lay out where ever , or is the marked areas to set up. I know it's all fly bys.

[CP]

Pm sent

[eastsidemallard74]

is that in Adams COunty near  Royal?

[Badhabit]

Is this what you were asking about?

http://www.fws.gov/mcriver/regulations/documents/columbia.pdf

[eastsidemallard74]

That is exactly the map in looking for

[EWUEAGLESHUNTER]

That field is not corn anymore actually.

[Badhabit]

If you have the map to the public land and a member of  the "FHC" tries to tell you it's leased by them.
Call the sheriff and report it as hunter harassment, let the president of the FHC explain to a judge why they would post  or claim land that was not leased by them. Over the years I've heard way too many horror stories about about an unnamed hunting club doing things that cross the line.

[eastsidemallard74]

If you have the map to the public land and a member of  the "FHC" tries to tell you it's leased by them.
Call the sheriff and report it as hunter harassment, let the president of the FHC explain to a judge why they would post  or claim land that was not leased by them. Over the years I've heard way too many horror stories about about an unnamed hunting club doing things that cross the line.

It's funny you mention this. 2 yrs ago I found a road in Grant county, that FHC had posted all over the place, and it surrounded these ponds I knew were USA or Fish and Game owned(Don't remember specifics). While on the road I ran into a local WDFW Officer,really nice guy. I asked him about it and he told me the same thing,"We've had alot of complaints about this area specifically" and he went on to mention that the property is 'Leased " by them, but not the ponds, and the road I was driving on was not either, so I was free to hunt them. Next morning got up headed out there, set up,and 1/2 hour later a "club" member comes and starts to set up on the opposite side of this 300' round lake. We had a few words, ended up hunting together after he understood what I was saying.

[Badhabit]

That area you described should be holding birds. Need to scout it from the mud boat this week to make sure though.

[scottcrb]

That field by royal lake is alfalfa I believe and yes you.have to.put your blind close to.the post in the field corresponding to the number on your parking spot . Only 3 spots to hunt there .

[CP]

The locals pretty well have that place sewn up.  They have been known to park vehicles overnight to hold spots.  You show up there at 4:00am and all the spots are taken.  The old lottery, reservation system worked great, today’s system doesn’t.

[full choke]

Reservation systems suck for waterfowl!
Get up early and get your spot...

[CP]

Reservation systems suck for waterfowl!
Get up early and get your spot...

Drive 4 hours and arrive at the legal occupy time of 4:00am only to find the spot has been “reserved” by someone parking there all night long.  No thanks, you are welcome to it.