Hunting Shilapoo and Vancouver Lake

[kerrdog]

I'm really hoping to not be "that guy" at Shilapoo, since I'm new to duck hunting.  But I'm not going alone; my neighbor is more experienced and we're going together.

We're interested in hunting there because we both live in Lakeshore, which is right next to Vancouver Lake!  Is the area at Vancouver Lake (down La Frambois rd) any good?  We found a couple of blinds there on the south edge of the Lake. 

[goober]

well, if you live near by, you should be able to answer your own questions. How many ducks do you see in the areas that you can hunt...very, very few. I have heard that years ago Vancouver lake held lots of birds, but no longer. Re: Shilapoo; this seems to be everyone's learning grounds or last resorts! Those who do hunt it tend to sit on the dike and skyscrape anything that goes by. A few ducks can be shot there if you put out the required effort. However, you would be much better off exploring the surrounding areas to find spots, than hunting there. I would even consider Ridgefield NWR better than either of these locations. Good luck.

[Fishnclifff]

I hunt Ridgefield rather than put up with that zoo anymore.

[Special T]

It can be a really productive area... Be for warned... If i'm set up there and flash my light at you don't set up in my back pocket! If you do I won't be quiet... Pay attention and give yourself space, because i can tell you if you want to combat hunt I'll f-you huntup before you get a chance to screw up mine.... I've hunted that area and had a good time... I've also had some ass hat  stet  up 30 yards away form me even tho i Flashed my light at him and Told him he  was too close..... I like Ridgefield because  it keeps  everyone safe and sane... Don't be an ass hat because if i'm visiting my in laws, and you F-up my hunt my I'm Really gona be unhappy!   

[kerrdog]

It seems like nobody has much good to say about Shilapoo!  I've been down there a number of times to check it out, and don't really see that many people?  Like one or two cars.

Has anyone seen the water run-off treatment pond between La Frambois rd and Lower River Road?  It looks like a duck farm!

Ridgefield sounds like a good idea also. Don't you have to reserve a blind or something?



Thanks everyone.

[Tealer]

I hunt down there, if you look there a couple ok spots. If you don't want to work for you may just want to pass.

[goosegunner]

 Even if the shooting was lights out down there. I still don't
know if i would go down there. You can't trust that your rig
will be safe while your away. Lots of theft and vandleism there.

[Fishnclifff]

Ridgefield sounds like a good idea also. Don't you have to reserve a blind or something?

If you don't hve a reservation, you can sign up on the standby list in the AM and hunt in the blinds left over after the res. guys go out.

Even if the shooting was lights out down there. I still don't
know if i would go down there. You can't trust that your rig
will be safe while your away. Lots of theft and vandleism there.

I won't launch my boat down there anymore either.

[Ratdog68]

If you don't hve a reservation, you can sign up on the standby list

Reservations to hunt on public land?     "Maitre D... duck blind for two please."  (Ack)

[NORRISKI2]

Was there today for the first time this year.  It is official it sucks.  I used to hunt it several years ago and had decent success but will I definitely be doing other things.

[Fishnclifff]

If you don't hve a reservation, you can sign up on the standby list

Reservations to hunt on public land?     "Maitre D... duck blind for two please."  (Ack)

They had to set up a reservation system and lottery system, because some people don't know how to share. There were some who thot it was their private hunting area.
Some actually still do.

[Ratdog68]

If you don't hve a reservation, you can sign up on the standby list

Reservations to hunt on public land?     "Maitre D... duck blind for two please."  (Ack)

They had to set up a reservation system and lottery system, because some people don't know how to share. There were some who thot it was their private hunting area.
Some actually still do.

Wow... sounds like a gaggle of people need to take a trip to Alaska and learn how to "combat fish" to learn how to get along. 

[Fishnclifff]

They get along now.
Some try to push their weight around, but the young lady in charge whips em into shape.
She done pissed a few off this year.

[Special T]

I don't fish but come up to the Samish for the king run and that is a whole lot closer than AK for combat fishing... I like ridgefield and here is why... I would rather get 2-4 nice ducks cuped into the decoys and kill them than fighting some *censored* for the first 3 hrs that sets up too close to me then limiting out... I'm supposed or have a good time and see birds work not get pissed about some *censored* that knows nothing about courtesy or the area... When i show up late i'm prepared to take a crappy spot, or only take chip shots on public land... you set up in my back pocket and shoot MY birds on the swing.... Its game on!

[Tealer]

The thing is Shillapoo is a big area that guys only hunt in a couple places. I have hunted 4 times this season, (been working ot) and have yet to have anyone to close to me. If you are willing to work for them they are there. Most hunters won't even bother to hunt the good spots because you have to work to hard. I will give you a hint long, long, walks in.

[h2ofowlr]

If you come in by river, the walk isn't as long.   

[kerrdog]

Hey Everyone!  Thanks for the replies.  We hunted Shilapoo and Vancouver Lake last Wednesday; a goose day it turned out.  Shot going off everywhere.....skybusting for geese.  Saw 3 ducks all day.  Talked to a guy at Sportsman's yesterday and he said the same thing.  Lot's of cars parked everywhere and no ducks. He said he saw 1.5 ducks. But I did see three guys walking out with a small goose!

Yesterday we went up to Cathlamet on a friends boat.  Foggy and calm and gorgeous. Never saw another hunter, but heard shots. Saw soo many ducks but mostly divers; Scaup (blue bills?) Surf scoters, and buffleheads.  Shot lots of ducks and had a great time!  It makes me very uninterested in Vancouver lake and shilapoo.  Saw a few mallards. Missed.

Anyone like diverduck?