new to duck hunting?

[huntinhick]

Hey all.

I have decided to get into waterfowl hunting next year (deployed this year so have to wait)  I know the east side has good puplic land but does the west side have anything that is good for a beginner?  or am I just better off loading up and heading out to east side and hunting the ponds and lakes over there? 

thanks
carl

[vandeman17]

The westside has plenty of good spots to hunt but what I have found is they can be hard to find as private land and public land seem to dot the map. I would recommend talking to some people who know the areas and ask if you could help them with some of their off season work/scouting and maybe they will let you tag along or at least they can lead you in the right direction. I hunt mostly eastside and I don't just give out spots but if someone is willing to put in the time and effort then I don't mind helping a new duck hunter get started. 

[huntinhick]

I totaly understand I am not looking for spots so much as a is it worth the time.  I plan making a duck boat from the paul butler plans, and then once I find some spots bringing my boys into hunting this way.  I have been doing map searchs and watching ducks and geese fly around so I have some ideas I was just not sure if it was worth the time on the west side if you didn't do sea ducks.

[vandeman17]

It is totally worth it. I got into duck hunting really seriously about 8 years ago and I am addicted. I could hunt every day of the season if possible. There are some good spots around Western Washington with a good amount of puddle ducks. I would try the Skagit area as a good starting point. Just make sure you are very careful as some places appear to be ponds but they turn out to be tidal flats and the tides can turn on you in a hurry. Be safe wherever you are headed and we really appreciate your service. When you get back, I would be happy to take you out sometime and hopefully get you a few birds. 

[Copperwood]

I totaly understand I am not looking for spots so much as a is it worth the time.  I plan making a duck boat from the paul butler plans, and then once I find some spots bringing my boys into hunting this way.  I have been doing map searchs and watching ducks and geese fly around so I have some ideas I was just not sure if it was worth the time on the west side if you didn't do sea ducks.

I have a lot of respect for military guys and gals. PM when you want to go and you can come scouting with me and I'll show you some spots.

[Dustin07]

there are spots from Canada down to Oregon on both the east and west side. Hit the WDFW website, check out their 'wildlife lands' or whatever they call it. different lands say specifically what kinds of animals (waterfowl) they host regularly. they mention hunting restrictions (or non) and directions. Print out 1/2 dozen or more spots that look good to you, and drive out and visit them during the summer. That's how i found a bunch.

[huntinhick]

thanks for the info and the invites just seeing what is a good area and what to look for would help,  but it looks like I am going to be deployed for another year now so I will be waiting another year.  the good news is that means more money for gear!!  yaa  I mentioned to my father that I was going to start duck hunting again, and he laughed I gues I was 6 last time we went and he had no idea I remembered it.  kind surprised me too that was like 32 years ago. 

[huntingfool7]

There is some good duck hunting on base.  Check out the adventure center when you get back.

[1morebuck]

Huntinhick, there are great areas on both sides of the state. I would make your duck hunting passion into a double good time. I do a ton of scouting via salmon and cutthroat fishing in the summer in the salt water areas around Mason and Thurston counties. Look for coves with small creeks, food sources and good cover. Let me know when you get back, I'll take you around as well. Oh, and don't forget to apply for your sea duck permit, it is free and if a harly or oldsquaw flies into a spread its game on!

[banannaclip]

good luck

[seaduckhunter]

I hunt both sides.  I shoot more variety of ducks on the the westside.  But always enjoy a good diver hunt or  a mallard field hunt on the eastside.  Washington has a great variety of hunting and styles that makes it so addicting and can be expensive.

[wadu1]

There is some good duck hunting on base.  Check out the adventure center when you get back.

Yes do that, some good hunting on base. Also go out to the skeet range and ask Dave P (manager) for some tips. I have whacked a bunch of ducks and geese on North Fort. Send me a PM for a little more info.

[kbyers]

+1 for hunting FT Lewis.  Thank you for your service.  I will be deployed starting in September.  PM me for info on my spots, I won't be using them this year, thanks to operation New Dawn