Geoduck

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Family I brought out last year.
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She found it, we dug it.
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[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

It was a "once in a lifetime" experience for these city slickers, but the smiles made it all worthwhile.
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That's why I do it.
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We actually dug 3 that day.
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Mike and I agreed that 2 was enough, until she found one on her own...
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We had to dig it...
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Her "trophy"
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OIL experience for some.
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I like to do it more often than that.
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1 a year.
My goal.
Easiest big game in Washington.
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I'm happy with an elk every 4-6 years, and they are much more work.

[Wphunt]

Great pic stik.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Great pic stik.

Yeah, Michael Hellickson even had shirts made for his "team"
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'Clubwealth" Real Estate..
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16 people showed up for the bbq, but you can see who actually dug in the photo.
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We had cheerleaders, but they only came out for the bbq and didn't think digging a big hole in the mud was fun.
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I know that Michael and his family had more fun.
Especially because they all pitched in on the hole, and their daughter was the one with her ear in the mud reaching down to wiggle the thing loose.
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!!
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Mom found it while Mike and I had agreed that one apeice was enough.
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Then his wife yelled at us, "is this one" ?
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Insisted that because she found it on her own, we're digging it!
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So, yeah..
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It's not for everyone.
Why bother?
Not worth it.
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600+ people on a public beach (Dosewallups) with only 7..
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Reminds me of elk hunting.
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It's easy to say it's not worth it.
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Success is measured by attempting to succeed.
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100% on a 3 day trip to get a Geoduck.
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6 years in a row.
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And you are right...
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It's not fun, it's not worth it.
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I guarantee that I won't be the only one on the beach.
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Wierdos.
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[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

My first Geoduck, and some crab during July at Dosewallups.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Bio said 600+ people checked, 7 had Geoduck.
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Explains to me that it takes 4+ years for one to grow.
Recommending that I find private, or boat only access.
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Public beaches?
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Yeah..,
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Only 3 weeks a year, one week a month.
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Public beaches are not always open for clamming.
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Honestly it is worse than elk hunting.
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I dig a "Duck" a year.
Not because they taste good, it's because saying "I can" is not the same as saying "I did"

[AL WORRELLS KID]

Kopachuck State Park when it was open during the lowest Tide of the Summer, was the place to find Geoduck, Butter Clams - Oyster harvesting and Crab (that you could catch by hand just by going out wading using a small net tied on to a long Bamboo pole.)
This year it's open for Clams, Mussels, and Oysters for harvest April 1 through May 31 only, (too bad as the Lowest Tides are later in the Summer.)
 A Geoduck Gun makes digging a whole lot easier, as it holds the sand from falling back into the hole as you dig.   

[Teepee96]

Kopachuck State Park when it was open during the lowest Tide of the Summer, was the place to find Geoduck, Butter Clams - Oyster harvesting and Crab (that you could catch by hand just by going out wading using a small net tied on to a long Bamboo pole.)
This year it's open for Clams, Mussels, and Oysters for harvest April 1 through May 31 only, (too bad as the Lowest Tides are later in the Summer.)
 A Geoduck Gun makes digging a whole lot easier, as it holds the sand from falling back into the hole as you dig.   

Hey Al, where'd you find that top picture? It used to be in a article wdfw had on their site but I haven't been able to find it.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

"when it was open"
One of the major issues.
June, July, and August have the lowest daytime tides.
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The best beaches are only open Sept-may.
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[GWP]

As I stated in original post, it is more the challenge of finding and digging that is my "reward"
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I can get one for eating without any problem...
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However, the "hunt" and effort provides an excitement much like other big game.
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Recreational harvest is limited to very few tides a year.
Access to productive beaches are limited.
Equipment is specialized..
(My Geoduck tube is family heirloom)
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Yes, going a full arms deep in the mud for an ugly clam, after digging 3 feet down, is not what most people call "fun", but the sense of accomplishment is why I do it.
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I was pretty much kidding. If I was younger I would be right there with you. Shoulders will not allow it these days. Probably knee's, back, neck, bla, bla, bla, as well.
I have done plenty of very lopsided 'reward vs. work' type stuff 'just because'.

[Flaming Antler Outdoors]

We boat in to public beaches, especially DNR beaches on Hood Canal.  You can find ducs pretty much anywhere from -2 tides but we favor the June -3 plus tides.  We were legal, both wifes and son were with us  

[GWP]

Dang! That’s a haul! Congrats on success!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Yeah, I need a boat.
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That's even what the biologist told me...
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Public beaches get hammered.
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Great picture!
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[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Got one!

[Alchase]

Got one!

Nice one
Yum, Geoduck casserole!