Totally New To Waterfowl Tips for Scouting Locations.

[Odell]

First, please don't rely on the fishing pole method. I don't believe it's a good way to retrieve ducks. It's great if all of your ducks fall 30 yards from you. What's the plan when they sail or when they are crippled? Just something to think about.

I've never hunted around Vancouver but the Columbia river holds a lot of birds throughout the state so that's where I would start. Since you're not planning on hunting this year anyways, I would just drive along the Columbia and watch other groups. What are they doing? How are they set up? What makes that place better than 50 yards down the shore? I know the Columbia is probably bigger than you're hoping to hunt but back sloughs are very similar to ponds so it might be worth a shot checking them out. Right now is a great time to go see where birds are. They haven't been pushed around by hunters yet so they are where they naturally want to be.

Good luck with this year and next and have fun it's a great sport!

fishing pole is basically impossible. Without a dog you are really limited on ponds as they get deep and muddy. I'd get a kayak if I were you. Opens up a whole huge world of options.

[HaydenHunter]

First, please don't rely on the fishing pole method. I don't believe it's a good way to retrieve ducks. It's great if all of your ducks fall 30 yards from you. What's the plan when they sail or when they are crippled? Just something to think about.

I've never hunted around Vancouver but the Columbia river holds a lot of birds throughout the state so that's where I would start. Since you're not planning on hunting this year anyways, I would just drive along the Columbia and watch other groups. What are they doing? How are they set up? What makes that place better than 50 yards down the shore? I know the Columbia is probably bigger than you're hoping to hunt but back sloughs are very similar to ponds so it might be worth a shot checking them out. Right now is a great time to go see where birds are. They haven't been pushed around by hunters yet so they are where they naturally want to be.

Good luck with this year and next and have fun it's a great sport!

fishing pole is basically impossible. Without a dog you are really limited on ponds as they get deep and muddy. I'd get a kayak if I were you. Opens up a whole huge world of options.

Even a float tube will get you out there to retrieve dead ducks.

[Special T]

Fishing pole method just means you have to be extra selective about your shots. It's hard not to shoot birds that are really close but not retrievable.

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[EWUeagles]

Fishing pole method just means you have to be extra selective about your shots. It's hard not to shoot birds that are really close but not retrievable.

For an experienced hunter I might agree but for someone who has never waterfowl hunted before I would totally disagree. Most people don't really know how far they are shooting. I have been with guys before who stand up to take birds and I don't move because I think they are out past 60 yards and they considered them "In the decoys". I'm not saying you're one of those people though. As far as retrieval methods I would always so start with some type of boat (float tube, kayak, 12 ft aluminium boat) and then go from there.

[Special T]

Fishing pole method just means you have to be extra selective about your shots. It's hard not to shoot birds that are really close but not retrievable.

For an experienced hunter I might agree but for someone who has never waterfowl hunted before I would totally disagree. Most people don't really know how far they are shooting. I have been with guys before who stand up to take birds and I don't move because I think they are out past 60 yards and they considered them "In the decoys". I'm not saying you're one of those people though. As far as retrieval methods I would always so start with some type of boat (float tube, kayak, 12 ft aluminium boat) and then go from there.

Ive tried the fishing pole method, and to be honest it is a poor option.  If your in a small pothole and the birds are hovering over your decoys 10 ft off the ground it can be effective. My point is that you couldnt shoot at anything farther than you can cast which is likely 20 yards but definitely less than 30.  Low wind, and lots of access all around the pond so that you can make a retrieve. So basically you have to find the PERFECT location to make this option work.

I second the suggestion of a small cheap kayak or float tube.

[pianoman9701]

Hi All, I'm totally new to waterfowl and am very interested in it. I've already done some forum searches on here for general tips. I can do all of my own research on decoys, laws/rules, gear and how to get dead ducks without a dog(a fishing pole seems like an interesting technique I've seen) and all that.

What I am curious about is how do you all go about scouting for locations via google earth and on foot? I know water of course is a very important component but what else do you look for? Is it better to find some areas on google earth and to scout them super early to see if ducks enjoy those locations or can you scout them at any time to see if ducks are there? I want to try and find small ponds or locations that are a bit more remote to get away from the crowd and if possible knock down a few ducks would be nice. I'm in Vancouver and have been thinking about planning to duck hunting next year so I can take the proper time to scout, learn the laws and get all the gear. Any tips would be great!

You might ask your regular elk hunting partner. Just sayin'.