Columbia NWR Farm Units 226-227

[SnowDog]

The Columbia NWR lotto results came out this morning and I ended up with pick #3 on 10/16, and pick #1 on 10/17. This is opening weekend, and I was planning on duck hunting in another location, but now I'm not sure.....

I've never hunted or scouted the farm unit. Has anybody had any decent hunting there? I figure opening weekend might not be too bad, but I'm just not sure.

Secondly, I don't really have a decent field spread of goose deeks. So, if I decide to hunt this unit, I'll need to pick-up some more deeks. Right now, I have about a dozen shells. Are full body deeks really worth it, or can I get away with a few more shells and some sillosocks. About how many deeks should I plan to use in this location to be effective without getting too carried away.

I'm new to the field goose hunting scene, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
SD

[BrettinWen]

Don't forget to post how many birds you see/shoot.  I've never hunted it myself so I can't tell you much.  I was down there Sunday with my son, we didn't see many geese but there are tons of sandhills in the area.  Too bad we don't have a season on them!

[SnowDog]

I'm going to head over there and do some scouting next week. Hope to see some birds in the area.

[Tealer]

I have never hunted there but would like to. If your open to hunting with someone new I have a rather large field spread, 42 DSD lessers and unless they sell I have another 40 Dakota full bodies. Plus 4 or 5 layouts and a couple carts.

[Professor Chaos]

a waste

[Snowgoose1]

Most likely not worth it early. The geese need to be using Royal Lake for roosting before it will be good. I have hunted it several times. Actually have done quite well, but at the right time of the season. When the birds are using the Royal Slope for feeding later in the season it works rather well. In the late season one time we hammered ducks there with geese which was a bonus.  Early season spend your time elsewhere Professor Chaos is right. Don't shoot the ringnecks they are off limits and you will see a ton. They walked right up to the pit blind in our decoys.  We have found that Blind 1 and 2 are best.  3 is up the hill a little along the edge of the field. The blinds are spread out enough that all can be used. If you want more pm me.

[HoofsandWings]

Lots of dekes and the 700 yard walk to the blind is fun. It is uphill for the last 200 yards.
Blind #3 is next to the sage brush.
The field is alfalfa. The pits are deep and the covers are 2 heavy metal plates. You have to bring your own blind material to hide the metal plates.
The birds seldom land early on. 40-50 yard pass shoot. Nice scenery. You can see huge deer and lots of pheasants. All of which you can not hunt. You can only hunt from the pits. The game warden comes by fairly regularly to check things out. I have had him get into the pit and look around at my gear. 25 shell limit. The sign says you cannot scout the field. It is no tresspassing on non-hunting days. There is a porta pottie, but I would bring your own TP. I think it is one of the smallest porta potties I have seen. If you sit, your knees stick out the door.  Family Hunt club on west side. They pass shoot at everything. Spooks the birds. The field to the North is Royal City Boosters.
Mice fall into the pits, so i would tape your pant legs. I have stepped on them from time to time.
Having said that, I have hunted it on several occasions even limited once about 5 years ago.