Get duck boat or quit?

[hdshot]

I don't expect any one to re-read the whole post or remember, but talked how I was injured and instead of help was asked if I had seen any pheasants when about had my eye poked out earlier that day.  (Kind of funny in a sick way thinking about it.)  All the other blinds turned their back and didn't even ask if ok while struggling back to the truck.  Felt asking for help would of lead to complaining because others would of had to stop hunting.   

I would find it hard to read and understand as well.  Heck lived it and can't understand it.  If someone injured their eye, would your 1st question be, see any pheasants?     

My Dad did hunters ed for 20+years with some volunteer stuff at the range now and when I took it they covered a whole class session about injuries and be ready to help out others.   

[hdshot]

Sounds like what you really like to do is complain.  I have never met or heard of a hunter who was so concerned with their harvest.  Just enjoy it.  You sound like my buddy who quits hunting every single year.  If you love it, you love it.  Personally I could never give hunting up, it runs to thick in this blood.

I hear you, no one like a complainer, when I got injured out hunting I am glad I was able to get myself out and get to the doctor so I didn't have to hear others complain.  Just hope no one out in the field ends up flopping like a fish out of water hunting because instead of help there will be complaining or where is the game questions.

Wut?

you understand don't he was what saying?

Not trying to be mean, that is the response an injured hunter will get in need of help from fellow hunters.  That is my experience. 

[hdshot]

Well after looking at all the new and used aluminum boats I liked the Gregor boats.  Looked on craigslist and nothing so called a dealer and $4300 for just boat and trailer!  Almost bit then a used one showed up craigslist with every thing.  Down riggers, 9.9 outboard, electric troller, and built like a tank for half the price.  Going to take it for a test run Monday before I hand the money.  This thing looks mean up front and looks like it could bust through ice 1/2 inch thick.  Still paying a lot but looks safe for chop and knowing I can make long drives and more blinds to choose from without the worry of getting beat.  Basically feel I could have more places to choose from without walking all over the map from blind to blind and see if the action (not always shooting) will pick up a little by getting out farther.  Wish my hunting partners from way back still hunted so I didn't always have the deks on my back.  Gregor could be my new pack horse and both ways. 

Still wondering if I am doing the right thing or not but feel I should look under this stone for myself.  Knew I would receive negative reviews about boat hunting but surprised how many positives thoughts and suggestions.  Any advice is still read and thought about.       
       

[Special T]

There is definitely good used boats out there right now with all the fixins for reasonable prices. With a metal boat i think its hard to go wrong with a used one, provided its running.  My brother has bought and sold several boats. Used them, fixed up a little and sold at a profit. 

[hdshot]

Well the guy never answered my call for a test run and didn't feel I missed out on much.  Then another gregor came up for $700 less and 25 hp merc!  And the history of this one is some old timer bought it from another old timer which hardly got used.  The OB is older but in new condition.  This would of been a good buy for folks who like to flip sale for profit. 

[AWS]

here's a rig I put together over the years.  I bought the boat new in 1978 for $300, you can find used ones for around the same price a few bucks more for a trailer under it.  I bought the trailer for $300 new from Cabelas about ten years ago and picked up the 15 hp Evinrude for $125 at a yard sale.  The metal work on the deck I did myself.  It has been hunted in WI, MN, ND, and WA on everything from ankle deep to Wilapa, Greys Harbour, Skadget and out at the Potholes and alot of rivers inbetween.  In 2004 it took 1st place in the Motorized Duckboat Division at the OR Waterfowl festival.  It is a duck killing machine that anyone can build all the metal work was done with a jigsaw and drill.

[hdshot]

I have to say nice set up.  Have to see how it goes out there to even think about a set up like that.  Hate to say it but need to do some boat rides and scout blinds to see where the legal spots are.  I do have some places in mind but looking at the regs boat hunting might not be legal but can use boat to get there. 

Funny thing is told a friend and he might want to get into the ducks since a 2-3 mile pack one way will be out of the way.  Plus this friend is a boat junkie.  Will see when he finds out this game is not a booze cruise!    Always could use a little gas money, or tow, and some company.  I think that has been the hard thing sitting in those cold blinds and no conversation with little success to get others to go.           

Now just hoping the hatch will be better than average and a nice long summer.

[lokidog]

"...sitting in those cold blinds and no conversation..."

I've always had better luck hunting by myself, seems the critters don't like all that conversation...     It is nice to have someone to share costs and work with though.

[ducksdogsdownriggers]

Wenatchee Craigslist today has a:  Lowe Roughneck 16ft. 25 hp - $7500 -- boat is in Quincy

About $2K too much IMO, but I'm sure you could deal if so inclined... 

[h2ofowlr]

Their are so many boats up for sale that would be great duck boats.  Go out and get one and see what you come up with for next year.

[hdshot]

"...sitting in those cold blinds and no conversation..."

I've always had better luck hunting by myself, seems the critters don't like all that conversation...     It is nice to have someone to share costs and work with though.

Ha ha, lmao!  In my blind last season we could of put the chicks on the View and Rush to shame combined on how much time there was for talk.

I bought a 15' boat, out of the market.  Now thinking of ways how to brush it up even though I just plan to use it for more access for more blinds.  I might of come up with a good idea even for a v-hull!       

[lokidog]

You should definitely spray paint it camo, that way it won't spook the birds if you have it anywhere near where you are hunting.

[Buckslaya]

No way in hell would I buy a boat for hunting if I were you. If you are already thinking about giving up the sport, I don't think that buying a boat will be the cure-all. Thats like someone who gets frustrated with their golf game and buys a  golf cart and new clubs to help them enjoy the sport more.

Its a big investment for someone who is already so discouraged.

My advice would be to go about your daily life and see how you are feeling in August/September. If the hunting season isn't on your mind and you feel like you could do without....

If you are like me and you are counting down the days til' opener, then it proves that you really have a connection with the sport.


Good luck, and I hope that you make the right decision for yourself.

That's about as good a definition of hunting you can ask for...

[duckkillerclyde]

Seems like you can find boats all day long on craigslist That would make really nice duck boats for $3000 or less.  You don't have to have a jet sled to duck hunt out of.