How was the 2011-2012 season?

[270Shooter]

With the waterfowl seasons nearly over I thought it might be interesting to hear what everyone else thought of this year and how the season went for you.

Personally it was a pretty good year for my group. Overall we didn't get a whole lot a migration in the Yakima Valley but I met some very cool people and had a good time learning new areas. From the opener until mid november was pretty good until most of the local ducks were either killed or left the valley, we shot a lot of mallards, I got 4 bands in the first two months (haven't gotten another once since). End of november until most of the way through december was pretty tough, still killed limits nearly everyday but we really had to work hard for them. End of december and most of january started to pick up when Jordano offered to help us out, and made for some really awesome diver hunts. Hopefully we can close the season out strong.

Also this year I shot a few birds that I hadn't shot before this season. Got my first drake can (up to 3 cans now), my first redheads (some beautiful drakes as well), greater and lesser scaup.

[Jim Sr.]

Will report "after" the season ends...

[MP123]

I thought it was a real good season.  I can't get out this weekend so this one's in the books for me already.

At 2 years my dog is coming along well plus I shot a double banded mallard with a $100 reward on it.  I didn't limit out once but still got plenty of birds.  All in all a good season.

Only problem is it's a LONG wait until October... 

[D-Rock425]

Didn't get out much this year lots of other stuff going on.  I did get a good hunt or two in this year.

[full choke]

Well... my opener sucked! The hunting would have been alright, but had a couple unforseen events screw me over. Didn't get out again until late december and january. Had some sweet goose hunts and had fun. Oh well, next year is gonna be...

[pianoman9701]

Shot a dusky on day one of goose. That was it for me in area 2A. Have to take the stupid goose test over again. I hate that. They should just let nature take its course and the duskies would be gone.

[CP]

OLYMPIA – As Washington waterfowl hunting moves into the traditionally most productive part of the year, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials say this season may offer the best opportunity in over 50 years.

“Waterfowl biologists are predicting the best fall flights of migrating ducks since 1955,” said Greg Schirato, deputy director of WDFW’s Wildlife Program. “The opportunities haven’t been this good in most hunters’ lifetimes.”


Well, that didn't happen.  It was pretty much an average season for me.

[bobcat]

OLYMPIA – As Washington waterfowl hunting moves into the traditionally most productive part of the year, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) officials say this season may offer the best opportunity in over 50 years.

“Waterfowl biologists are predicting the best fall flights of migrating ducks since 1955,” said Greg Schirato, deputy director of WDFW’s Wildlife Program. “The opportunities haven’t been this good in most hunters’ lifetimes.”


Well, that didn't happen.  It was pretty much an average season for me.

That must have been an attempt at selling more licenses.   

[WSU]

The weather was not that cooperative.  When we did get some whether the hunting was great with quick limits the norm.  But, it was slow most of the time.

[Ellensburg]

Great year. Lots of ducks. No bands. 1 Bull Can that I am getting mounted. Some nice widgeon. Bluebills, a couple buffleheads . I spend most of the waterfowl season shooting upland though.

[johnnyaustin44]

Started out pretty solid and then went downhill for a month. January has been pretty awesome though especially these last two weeks. picked up four bands in the last two weeks and one early in the season. hopefully it stays good for the next few days.

[Rotgut]

For me, this year was outstanding!  The reason it was so great is that I was able to introduce my 8 year old son to the obsession.  Whether or not I shot a duck or goose I loved every moment sitting, talking and teaching him to call.  I apologize if any of ya'll out there may have heard what sounded like very sick (as in ill) duck calls.  He has October already marked and circled on the calendar and is pushing to go to hunters safety.  Best season EVER!! 

[SurfingScooter]

Hate to be negative, but this year was very discouraging at times.  Had a few good days, but when you have three weekends in a row where you can count on one hand how many birds you saw all day its depressing.  Hoping to finish out strong though, it looks like it has been getting more active this last week.  Can't wait till next season. 

SL

[kyle78]

Let you know after this weekend.

[h2ofowlr]

Been a very good year.  Could have used more water in some locations, but made up for it at other spots.  Didn't have to worry about getting soaked to frequently this season!

[rtspring]

Still got three more days, I will report afte its over...

GL on the final weekend.......

RTSPRING

[Kola16]

The opener was disappointing. I have a dream that I will only shoot one wood duck drake. Opening day I had a chance and I missed Besides that, it was average. My dog learned a ton. No bands 

[ducksdogsdownriggers]

Planning on tomorrow being my swan song.  It will be my 30th hunt of the year-full season rundown after. 

[jordano]

With the waterfowl seasons nearly over I thought it might be interesting to hear what everyone else thought of this year and how the season went for you.

Personally it was a pretty good year for my group. Overall we didn't get a whole lot a migration in the Yakima Valley but I met some very cool people and had a good time learning new areas. From the opener until mid november was pretty good until most of the local ducks were either killed or left the valley, we shot a lot of mallards, I got 4 bands in the first two months (haven't gotten another once since). End of november until most of the way through december was pretty tough, still killed limits nearly everyday but we really had to work hard for them. End of december and most of january started to pick up when Jordano offered to help us out, and made for some really awesome diver hunts. Hopefully we can close the season out strong.

Also this year I shot a few birds that I hadn't shot before this season. Got my first drake can (up to 3 cans now), my first redheads (some beautiful drakes as well), greater and lesser scaup.

  yessir! so awesome! been great gettin' to know you guys!

[kyle78]

Went out today and only got four. Two gadwalls, ringneck and scaup. Was really slow. We had clear skies and no wind. The bright side was I got both gadwalls together with one shot. I have never done that before. The gun is silent until fall. Sorry for the extra pic of the same one.

[Jim Sr.]

This season was one to put in the record books
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as the worst in recent years for us. Total take this year was 7 geese (which we targeted more than ducks) 6 ducks (only hunted 3 days for them). I spent 42 days hunting geese and had many days not even seeing one  as opposed to last year We took 28 in 30 some odd days.

Positive outlook on the season is that:

I have a yellow lab puppy that has suprised my expectations in the blind & in the boat. She is to be my bestest huntin partner in retirement.

I was able to hunt with my friends & enjoy many a relaxing visit after the days hunt on my friends farm, he would tell me when the geese came on the property & I would promptly put the stalk on them from the house!!!

I was fortunate to meet 2 members of this board (which they encouraged me to join) Pete (gasman) & rePete (lo97ram) are some good guys. Hope that next season we will be able to partake in some slaughters!!! (limits)

Good luck to all this coming season. Jim Sr

[steelnducks]

This has been the slowest year for me in my local areas. I was able to find more birds on the east side and got into some good action. On the last week of the season i was able to get a nice drake canvasback that will be going on the wall. So overall it was a good year making good friends and learing new areas. gotta love duck hunting. Cant wait till next season...

[ducksdogsdownriggers]

Thanks to my trusty Ducks Unlimited iPhone Waterfowl Journal App, I was able to keep precise records of my hunting through out the season.  Per the DU Journal, here are my stats...

30- days hunting (many of which were after work and less than 2 hours)
118- ducks
3.9- duck per hunt average
7- limits
3- times shutout (skunked)
1- goose

Species harvested:
Canvasback
Redhead
Mallard
Pintail
Wood duck
Gadwall
Widgeon
Ringneck
Scaap (greater and lesser)

[Lybeck]

Wasn't the most productive season to date but it was a pretty good "quality" season.








and the highlight of the season