Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: vandeman17 on October 13, 2016, 07:26:01 PM

Title: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: vandeman17 on October 13, 2016, 07:26:01 PM
With the forecast, I am trying to decide if I need to get out as early as normal openers to get my spot/pond... It doesn't bother me at all getting out early but prefer not to sit in the rain for hours before shooting light if I don't have to. Are you guys and gals still planning to go out as early as usual?
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Colin on October 13, 2016, 07:35:51 PM
I'm stuck baby sitting my 5 month old niece and 3 month old daughter with my wife so I'll be trying my best to sleep in. If I was hunting I'd be up early. My 2 cents.

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Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Westsidewaterfowler on October 13, 2016, 09:43:45 PM
Openers always have hunters you never will see the rest of the season. One of the areas I hunt you'll average maybe 1-2 guys at most during the main part, but opening days comes around  and everyone an their brother duck hunts now. Waited 8 months to prepare for this day, sure would suck to be scrambling last minute for a different location. I'll be out there soaking up the rain for a solid hour extra, but I'll have my spot  :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Mfowl on October 13, 2016, 10:03:03 PM
I'll atleast be in the parking lot with my gear ready to go early. If no one shows up to force my hand then I'll sit in the truck a little longer.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: h2ofowlr on October 13, 2016, 10:04:23 PM
Whoever gets out there early will get super soaked this year.  Best wear rain gear and peel it off prior to the opener.  Gortex won't help you with this one.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Cbowers3 on October 13, 2016, 10:56:46 PM
Earlier the better for the opener. But yeah, prepare to get soaked before shooting light! Good luck
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: vandeman17 on October 14, 2016, 06:35:19 AM
I'll atleast be in the parking lot with my gear ready to go early. If no one shows up to force my hand then I'll sit in the truck a little longer.

That is what I was thinking of doing as I have done it before. Get fully suited and booted and sleep in my truck. First hint of headlights and make a break for it. Like west side said, it just sucks because there is very rarely any issue with other people hunting these spots besides opening weekend. Pretty easy to know who it is by the calling at seagulls and sky busting the geese
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: aaronoto on October 14, 2016, 06:54:21 AM
One less person to compete with, I'll be sleeping in :chuckle:  I just can't justify getting up at an even more ridiculous hour than I usually do to hunt to make it out on the opener anymore.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Stein on October 14, 2016, 07:46:49 AM
We were fortunate to get a ressie, so we'll show up just in time to drop the dekes before shooting light.

I'm sure there are probably people already camped out, I can't imagine what Samish or HQ will look like tomorrow.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Bill W on October 14, 2016, 07:51:09 AM
With the forecast, I am trying to decide if I need to get out as early as normal openers to get my spot/pond... It doesn't bother me at all getting out early but prefer not to sit in the rain for hours before shooting light if I don't have to. Are you guys and gals still planning to go out as early as usual?

Same here.  We'll show up early and sit in the truck until we decide to walk in.  I'm not big on getting soaked for three hours until shooting time.   Are you hunting over here by me?
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: vandeman17 on October 14, 2016, 07:54:18 AM
With the forecast, I am trying to decide if I need to get out as early as normal openers to get my spot/pond... It doesn't bother me at all getting out early but prefer not to sit in the rain for hours before shooting light if I don't have to. Are you guys and gals still planning to go out as early as usual?

Same here.  We'll show up early and sit in the truck until we decide to walk in.  I'm not big on getting soaked for three hours until shooting time.   Are you hunting over here by me?

I will be down in othello calling for two buddies and backing them up when they miss  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: D-Rock425 on October 14, 2016, 07:57:18 AM
I've always just spent the night in the duck blind this year will be no different.  Maybe just a bit wetter.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on October 14, 2016, 08:00:09 AM
Yep go early. I usually pack a small tarp with and make a little shelter to try and stay dry under.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: D-Rock425 on October 14, 2016, 08:01:56 AM
Yep go early. I usually pack a small tarp with and make a little shelter to try and stay dry under.
I was thinking about that this year.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Bill W on October 14, 2016, 08:02:39 AM
With the forecast, I am trying to decide if I need to get out as early as normal openers to get my spot/pond... It doesn't bother me at all getting out early but prefer not to sit in the rain for hours before shooting light if I don't have to. Are you guys and gals still planning to go out as early as usual?

Same here.  We'll show up early and sit in the truck until we decide to walk in.  I'm not big on getting soaked for three hours until shooting time.   Are you hunting over here by me?


I will be down in othello calling for two buddies and backing them up when they miss  :chuckle:


I've been practicing this year so things are different.  I think I've been at the skeet range weekly for 3 months now.    If you are hunting where I think you are I'd appreciate hearing how you did.  We're going to be where I took you last year on the 2nd weekend.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: vandeman17 on October 14, 2016, 08:04:19 AM
I've always just spent the night in the duck blind this year will be no different.  Maybe just a bit wetter.

Done that plenty of times as well and also thought about a tarp. Forecast has changed a bit and looking like it COULD be dry tonight and through early morning hours. I am fine hunting in the rain but just don't want to sit in it for hours waiting.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on October 14, 2016, 08:17:20 AM
Yep go early. I usually pack a small tarp with and make a little shelter to try and stay dry under.
I was thinking about that this year.
Definitely worth doing if you're gonna be there a while.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: D-Rock425 on October 14, 2016, 08:28:26 AM
So we're is everyone hunting on the opener?    :chuckle:
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 14, 2016, 08:44:34 AM
Already tagged out so no regular season for me.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: CP on October 14, 2016, 08:46:43 AM
So we're is everyone hunting on the opener?    :chuckle:

47.680077, -122.340901

Great spot -
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: ducksdogsdownriggers on October 14, 2016, 08:47:07 AM
Nope, not early for me.  I'll be in the boat, so can move if need be. Hunting close to home on the Columbia as I have to make it a quickie with work at 11.  Scouted up a few nice spots the past two weeks, but who knows what the weather is going to do to the birds. 
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: low97ram on October 14, 2016, 10:01:05 AM
just take a small tarp...set up under the trees and take a good nap.  you'll need one out there..lol  :rockin:

re-pete

good luck
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: yakimarcher on October 14, 2016, 10:34:50 AM
I'm stuck baby sitting my 5 month old niece and 3 month old daughter with my wife so I'll be trying my best to sleep in. If I was hunting I'd be up early. My 2 cents.

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With a 5 and 3 month old you'll be up before anyone else!
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: AWS on October 14, 2016, 01:00:40 PM
I just pulled the plug for the opener.  70mph winds for my hunting area.  I've got enough openers under my belt and am retired and can hunt anytime.  I see no reason for risking not hunting ever again by hunting in those type of conditions.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: addicted2hunting on October 14, 2016, 07:02:14 PM
I'll be out there getting soaked nice and early... the way I look at it is that you have a warm shower to go home to after it. So embrace the misery, blood and feathers!!! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: PatoLoco on October 14, 2016, 07:28:26 PM
Just drove through skagit hq and there is already a truck and empty trailer in the parking lot.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Stein on October 14, 2016, 07:28:34 PM
Just scouted around Samish unit, no campers yet :dunno:.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: Chesterdog on October 14, 2016, 07:32:32 PM
I heard a guy ask a clerk at outdoor emporium today if they carry marshland camo umbrellas... true story.
Title: Re: Getting out early for opener?
Post by: bulldogs40 on October 14, 2016, 11:17:41 PM
So did they carry them or not lol
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