Newbie and buddy need some help, please!!!

[snagglepants]

Hey guys,
I am pretty new to the forum and and hoping that you guys might be able to help my buddy and me out.  We have just started bird hunting this year and have just taken a couple upland birds, it really feels like the blind leading the blind.  We really want to go after some ducks.  We are located in Ellensburg and just need some advice on somewhere to check out.  We would like to stay fairly close to Ellensburg if possible.  I don't want any of your secret spots, just a starting location tip.  Any tips welcome!  Thanks and have a safe hunting season!

[GettysNWGuiding]

do you have access to a boat?  if so, check out winchester and frenchmans wasteways, the potholes in moses lake and check out quincey lakes.  those are all somewhat close to ellensburg.  I have some family and friends in e-burg and will check for some more places with them.  I dont want to give exact places in those areas but do some scouting and you will find lots of birds in those areas.

[tank]

 Have you a retrieve or are you the retriever. If you jump shot I know of somethings not to do
 This time of year you have to think of moving water.A good hole one week or day can be froze over the next time out.
tank

[snagglepants]

Nope on both... Unfortunatley, we don't have a boat or a dog,  I do have waders though. 

[GettysNWGuiding]

unfortunately those are only good for about 4 ft  Unfortunately most of the places I know to hunt over there are over wader depth.  I would say try to find a field they are feeding in and ask the owner for permission to hunt.

[WACATHUNTER]

Snaggle sent you a PM.
WACAT

[tank]

 Drive Dodson road and you will see Winchester's a lot higher then Frenchman hills you need a walking stick for balance and checking the bottom. Usually the faster water has better bottoms there are places you that you'll be alright being young. You might get wet make sure to double team it.When wading unload your gun. If you get wet keep the water in your waders had haul butt to the truck. Don't go a lone, plan on getting wet the if you don't your covered. Take your time never rush, always take short steps when turning around make a lot of small steps. If you find yourself in a spot that has a bad bottom don't stop or try turning around. You have to work faster and if you find your feet coming out of your waders. You may have to fall forward into the water to break the sucksion. My son and I have done a lot of and I found these things the hard way. Float tube are great but no in moving water. They can be a death trap. I mostly use them where I can walk but have a bad bottom.A telescopic can double as a walking stick and a retriever. Find a place you can retrieve your ducks. Buy or make a sling for your gun.After you do it a couple times you will know what you need.Travel lite and check it out. On Saturday more people are out and they will push ducks around so stay close to the water. Find a sharp bend in the canal and you can hunt dry ground if your lucky.
 Buy as little as possable until you see what will help you. I could tell you lots of things to get but that would be just my views.If you go I will give you my cell #. On a weekend I should be close in case you need help.As Gambling Guy knows I don't bet but I would be surprised if you don't have a dog next year.
Tank