Help With Salt Water Ducking

[Dustin07]

one of my goals this year was to scout out salt location. I really want to try to get a scoter and an old squaw mounted, and it would be a dream come true to get a harli.

however... I have no idea where to go, or exactly how the shooting laws apply on the shorelines.

Is anyone willing to help? Maybe I can try to swap a day of salt fishing on the sound for a day of salt scouting for ducks?

[T-Bone]

Do you have a boat? If not, you'll need one as these ducks are of the BIG water variety.

Your county Sherrif's Office can generally furnish you with the NO SHOOTING ZONES.

Good luck!

[Dustin07]

OK I'll ask for info on the no shooting zones. Right now we fish for kings using a 20' lund which can take the puget sound OK. I have a smaller dingy for retrieving birds too if we shoreline hunt.

[h2ofowlr]

You will have to apply for a sea-duck harvest card.  That will have to be turned in by mid Sept.  You can pick them up at one of the regional offices or look on line.  If you have some old decoys you can paint them up black with white spots on the wings or pick up some decoys.  Scooters are easy to decoy, long-tails are a little smarter.

[lokidog]

Dustin,  PM me me, I can get you on Scoters and Old Squaw, I mean  Long-tailed ducks next winter (Dec, Jan).  I have seen a couple of Harlequins but not with a gun in my hand.  Did see one during season last year flyiing like a rocket past my zooming boat.   I live on Decatur Island.

[h2ofowlr]

Here are some decoys we painted up for sea-duck hunting.  If you have some old mallard decoys, they work great.

[Dustin07]

You will have to apply for a sea-duck harvest card.  That will have to be turned in by mid Sept.  You can pick them up at one of the regional offices or look on line.  If you have some old decoys you can paint them up black with white spots on the wings or pick up some decoys.  Scooters are easy to decoy, long-tails are a little smarter.

I actually knew about that sea-duck card, but forgot to apply. thanks for the reminder, i'm going to get that started today!

Dustin,  PM me me, I can get you on Scoters and Old Squaw, I mean  Long-tailed ducks next winter (Dec, Jan).  I have seen a couple of Harlequins but not with a gun in my hand.  Did see one during season last year flyiing like a rocket past my zooming boat.   I live on Decatur Island.

That would be great! I'm down in Enumclaw so that is definitely a day trip, but if you're willing to share some info on huntable land up there I'd definitely try to make a weekend trip and chase them sea-ducks! Last year we went to Missouri for snows, so if I can take another trip, but do something 'exotic' right here in WA that would be awesome!

[h2ofowlr]

You may also look at booking a trip with Getty's Sea Duck hunts.  I believe he is located in Marysville, WA.  Ben Getty would be able to put you on the birds.

[Dustin07]

You may also look at booking a trip with Getty's Sea Duck hunts.  I believe he is located in Marysville, WA.  Ben Getty would be able to put you on the birds.

He is actually not that pricey, and his website tells a good story that makes you want to go!
$1750 for 4 hunters for 2 days = $218/hunter... pretty average, maybe even a little below. One thing I about hunting Snows in Missoura is the price difference though. I think our guided trips were like $115/day.

[Whitenuckles]

 Its a BLAST!!!
http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq126/JETWhitenuckles/joes052.jpg?t=1249330337

[oneshotkill]

You may also look at booking a trip with Getty's Sea Duck hunts.  I believe he is located in Marysville, WA.  Ben Getty would be able to put you on the birds.

I met Ben Getty last year and he is an awsome guy.  I plan on hunting with him for sure this year and he will get you on the birds no problem.

[addicted]

i've been on 2 guided hunts with ben Getty.  First one limited with just me and the 2 guides. second time limited with 5 of us and 1 guide.  good times.

[h2ofowlr]

You can also check out the audubon society web sites as they post where they view certain types of birds.  Good way to target your harvest if applicable.

[Dustin07]

You can also check out the audubon society web sites as they post where they view certain types of birds.  Good way to target your harvest if applicable.

LOL how do they feel about that? I actually used to be an Aud Society Member. Some people find it hard to believe that hunters have a true appreciation for the animal.

[Dustin07]

Its a BLAST!!!
http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq126/JETWhitenuckles/joes052.jpg?t=1249330337

Who do you contact for shooting laws when looking at the salt? I know of some inlets that dont' rally have any houses surrounding them down in the southsound, I'm just not sure how to figure out the legalities.

[h2ofowlr]

You can also check out the audubon society web sites as they post where they view certain types of birds.  Good way to target your harvest if applicable.

LOL how do they feel about that? I actually used to be an Aud Society Member. Some people find it hard to believe that hunters have a true appreciation for the animal.

Just don't post that you harvested the only King Eider in the area that they all commented on.  Then you shouldn't have to many issues.

[Blacktail135]

 Some folk need to learn when to keep their big mouth shut on a worldwide viewable media outlet! Jeez! Thanks.

[Dustin07]

What did I miss here??? I did a search on WDFW's latest waterfowl regs and found no mention of the Eiders. They are an amazing bird though.

http://www.alaskaduckhuntingguides.com/king_eiders.htm