Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: hdshot on February 01, 2012, 03:50:02 PM

Title: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 01, 2012, 03:50:02 PM
Where do I start?  I would never wish the season I had on no one.  This year was the worst season I have every had but did see it coming down to this in the last 10 years or so since each year gets worse.  My goose hunting spots have hit rock bottom so I though well lets go back to the duck blind this year and have some success for once.  Oh my was I wrong very wrong, my old spots have turned into a ghost town.  Had 2 weeks vacation in December went 5 times and not a shot one and very little action in the air as well.  Since I will talk about negative I did have a good day in the wind in November but almost poked my eye out in the blind.  Limped back alone with all my gear and a hunter pulls up to me and thinking help at last, but asks me see any pheasant?  But I can't be to hard on him because a million other hunters were watching the show.  Also the last week of season got a couple of limits in the wind.

So now I have learned my spots can produce in weather which I never needed before to get ducks.  Yes I was not smashing limits back then but at least getting birds and seeing clouds flying around in fair weather.  Of course I just can't drop and go when a bad weather day shows up and good timing doesn't happen very often. 

Now I am putting some hard thought in getting a duck boat for the public drink.  Done some research and our state of WA doesn't advertise OK to hunt areas very well once off the refuge.  The cost of one is unbelievable and want a safe boat.  Never shot a gun or hunted from a boat before.  I do boat in the summer but doesn't count.  Only spots I know are the blinds way to far from the parking lot for most hunters which boat hunters can beat me out any ways. 

I am on my own so far on this one since people at work are afraid to add new people to their boat hunting party.  Can't blame them because I have been stabbed in the back before friends taking friends so they are tight lipped. Don't even know how they did this year.  Would getting a boat make it much easier to have success when I can go hunt with out the wait for weather?  How easy is it to end up in a spot closed to hunting?  Or should I just give up hunting?  About 90% quit right now and in my mid 30's.     
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: alecvg on February 01, 2012, 03:57:14 PM
My advice.  Get over it.  Don't quit, if you can't afford a boat, don't buy one.  Just go out and have fun.  It isn't about getting limits everyday, its about having fun.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: h2ofowlr on February 01, 2012, 04:07:53 PM
What side of the state are you thinking about hunting?  I have a nice duck boat and never used it once this season!  Hunted walk in locations.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 01, 2012, 05:04:21 PM
What side of the state are you thinking about hunting?  I have a nice duck boat and never used it once this season!  Hunted walk in locations.

I hunt the e. side.  But you kind of helped me out with my boat question.  This is my 2nd post you can PM me about it if you want.  I don't know how this site works on PM's for newbies.

Thanks alecvg,  I know it is not always harvesting but darn 20 ducks and 5 geese for the year.  Last year was better but not much.  One thing is I forgot how good those green heads taste.  Super Bowl, two under glass!

Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Stilly bay on February 01, 2012, 05:35:02 PM
get a boat and soon you will find a new group of A$$ hole hunters to deal with. sometimes it seems like the boat hunters are worse than those on foot. sometimes -depending on the area- you can get away from the crowds but its not a solid solution to your predicament.

if you can afford a good safe boat and you are really that burnt out from dealing with other hunters then I would say you could also afford to lease a chunk of private land or join a duck club .

if its any consolation I feel your pain. welcome to washington hunting 2012 its only going to get worse.


Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: stickbuck on February 01, 2012, 05:40:30 PM
If you can afford to spend $500-600, go buy a marsh rat and you'll be set. It's perfect to throw an electric motor on or just use the paddles. Perfect for acing out guys in those tough to get to places. Don't quit!!  :twocents:
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: 92xj on February 01, 2012, 06:18:46 PM
I hunt the east and had an alright season.  I have a 1860 war eagle that I hunted out of or used to get to spots 40% of the time.  All the others were walk in.  I will say that the places I boated into made me appreciate having the boat and justifying the purchase.  Heck, I even boated into areas that I could walk but a 3 mile boat ride with all the gear is a hell of a lot nicer than a mile walk in with all the gear.  I wouldnt say I would have killed less ducks this year if I didnt have the boat, but the areas I did hunt where you can only boat in were good hunts and I killed birds.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 01, 2012, 07:04:50 PM
get a boat and soon you will find a new group of A$$ hole hunters to deal with. sometimes it seems like the boat hunters are worse than those on foot. sometimes -depending on the area- you can get away from the crowds but its not a solid solution to your predicament.

if you can afford a good safe boat and you are really that burnt out from dealing with other hunters then I would say you could also afford to lease a chunk of private land or join a duck club .

if its any consolation I feel your pain. welcome to washington hunting 2012 its only going to get worse.

I have been thinking freelance sask this fall.  But thinking a truck bed full of ducks and geese in a few days just doesn't seen all that cracked up.  Thats if I can even find them. 

Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Ellensburg on February 02, 2012, 06:42:41 AM
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.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: ICEMAN on February 02, 2012, 06:50:04 AM
Great advice ellensburg.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Special T on February 02, 2012, 08:24:20 AM
Nothing beats scouting for making hunting better.  :twocents:  Several people on here have built this boat, and i plan to this summer.
http://www.hybridduckboat.com/files/   Gasman has a writeup on his build. You can put up to 10 hp on these guys...  I hear ya on the clowns hunting... We had a guy, last day that set up 75 yards from us pass shooting. He f-ed up more birds swinging on us... We made sure to return the favor by shooting at the edge of our range at all birds... Makes you glad you humped out a dozen snow floaters and 5dz duck decoys to hunt the high tide on the salt.  :bash: 

I've hunted the potholes with a buddy in his boat, and had Jack wagons set up 200 yards away, so boats don't really solve the problem.  Shallow draft boats make access better because they eliminate bigger boats, and allow you to get theere quicker than foot hunters.  :twocents: Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: SurfingScooter on February 02, 2012, 11:15:47 AM
A boat is a must have.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: rtspring on February 02, 2012, 11:24:13 AM
You don't need a boat. You need a secluded spot that gets little pressure. I also agree with the previous post that you don't need to kill a limit every time you go out. I like being outdoors and wathcing the sun come up, Best part of the hunt in my mind......

gl, Hunting is what it is, make the most out of what it offers you...


RTPSRING
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: WSU on February 02, 2012, 12:09:19 PM
It seems to me that you need to find better areas to hunt as opposed to buying a boat.  A lot of people get hung up on hunting areas that used to be good.  Sounds to me like its time to go find a new area since the one you hunted in the past no longer produces.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: seth30 on February 02, 2012, 12:19:41 PM
Not trying to thread Jack, but I feel the same way about elk hunting and after a few months the fever comes back.  Hopefully the fever comes back with your waterfowl hunting. :tup:
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 02, 2012, 12:30:49 PM
You don't need a boat. You need a secluded spot that gets little pressure. I also agree with the previous post that you don't need to kill a limit every time you go out. I like being outdoors and wathcing the sun come up, Best part of the hunt in my mind......

gl, Hunting is what it is, make the most out of what it offers you...


RTPSRING





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.
Just seems today good or it is just a bust most days with no in between.  At one time we always got ducks at first light no matter the weather.  Getting harder because work gets more and more demanding leaving no time to spot birds for the next day.

It's far past fustration and being discoraged.  All hope is lost and trying to find method or something to bring the hope back as a freelance hunter. 

Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 02, 2012, 12:56:17 PM
Not trying to thread Jack, but I feel the same way about elk hunting and after a few months the fever comes back.  Hopefully the fever comes back with your waterfowl hunting. :tup:

Your cool man, thanks and from a serious elk hunter as well.  I have heard some real bad stories that keep me away from elk.  One of my teachers back in high school talked time to time how one of his elk got jacked.  Sounds like it came down to not wanting to do something stupid and lose his job after the fact.     
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: 270Shooter on February 02, 2012, 04:18:54 PM
do you live on the east side?
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 02, 2012, 07:21:01 PM
do you live on the east side?

Yes, live on the east side. 

Everyone, called about Lund Alaskan boats today. :bash:  Good sounding product, expensive, and sounds safe.  Salesman said these boats were used for the Valdez oil clean up.  OK?!
 
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Cap.Silver on February 02, 2012, 07:55:00 PM
HDShot ,
don't get discouraged ,sometimes things happen .....
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: 270Shooter on February 02, 2012, 08:52:10 PM
Look on craigslist for duck boats. If you cant find one then quit  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 03, 2012, 04:06:08 AM
Look on craigslist for duck boats. If you cant find one then quit  :chuckle:

I don't want to die.  So far only have seen beer cans for duck boats since surfing craigslist the past few months. 
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Shannon on February 03, 2012, 06:42:06 AM
People can make excuses to why they aren't doing something or "Whoa is me" all the time. Just quit! If you need a forum to keep you motivated to hunt, you better pack it up now. It was an odd duck year but there were plenty of birds to kill.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: 270Shooter on February 03, 2012, 07:20:03 AM
Where are you wanting to hunt at? Unless you are planning to hunt the columbia you wont want a great big boat. We hunt the columbia out of a 12ft boat with a 20 horse merc and I've never felt scared in it. Fished outside drano with it for summer steelhead too.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Heartsblood on February 03, 2012, 08:43:39 AM
It's all a matter of perspective. I started hunting three years ago. I have never taken even 10 birds in the entire season. I hunt alone (mostly) with no dog. Every year has been extremely enjoyable. I guess I just don't know any better having never shot a limit or several limits for that matter. I LOVE duck hunting. And I work dang hard at it. It's strange for me to hear people discouraged when they shoot more birds in two days than I do all season. They're unhappy and I'm "livin' the dream" from my perspective. Each year has been better and better for me and I have memories that I'll never forget. I took 8 ducks this season, which is the same as last year. But this year I didn't get out once in January which actually made me feel really good about my season over all - made me feel like I had improved over last year even with the same number of birds.

I'll say it again - Heartsblood plus eight birds made for one stoked hunter.
                          Heartsblood + 8 ducks = stoked

What's your equation?

Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Skagit_Hunter on February 03, 2012, 10:38:14 AM
What side of the state are you thinking about hunting?  I have a nice duck boat and never used it once this season!  Hunted walk in locations.

My boat never seen water either.
This season was tough on a lot of people. But to give up because of one bad year :dunno:
some of us hunted back in the 4 and 5 bird limit seasons that ended in Dec.
Those were bad years for most.
There is nothing you can do about it now. Just look to next year
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 03, 2012, 07:16:17 PM
It's all a matter of perspective. I started hunting three years ago. I have never taken even 10 birds in the entire season. I hunt alone (mostly) with no dog. Every year has been extremely enjoyable. I guess I just don't know any better having never shot a limit or several limits for that matter. I LOVE duck hunting. And I work dang hard at it. It's strange for me to hear people discouraged when they shoot more birds in two days than I do all season. They're unhappy and I'm "livin' the dream" from my perspective. Each year has been better and better for me and I have memories that I'll never forget. I took 8 ducks this season, which is the same as last year. But this year I didn't get out once in January which actually made me feel really good about my season over all - made me feel like I had improved over last year even with the same number of birds.

I'll say it again - Heartsblood plus eight birds made for one stoked hunter.
                          Heartsblood + 8 ducks = stoked

What's your equation?

I started in the late 80's and got to hear the thunder as the ducks lifted off the water by the 1000's for their morning flight for the grain fields.  Things have change so much, farming is better now leaving little to no scraps for the ducks and corn is harvested and disked by october.  Not long ago there would be lots of standing corn feilds waiting to be harvested all season.  My Dad would not let me shoot ducks out pheasant hunting because it would fill up the freezer to fast.  A few years ago he told me he wished he could turn back the clock so he could let me have better memories of our hunts togethor at my young age and losing out on the chance.  But I said Dad its cool back then it was a different mind set back then which was if your going to carry a gun you have to act like an adult.  No youth seasons or draws and no hunting doe without the tag.  25 seconds or 25 years it was all the same rules.  Sorry went long but had to cover for the old man!       
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: TheHunt on February 03, 2012, 07:18:23 PM
YOu can build one of those hybrid boats for pretty cheap.  You can add some length and width to it and take it out to some bigger water.  Put a 4 hp motor on the back and you are good to go.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 03, 2012, 08:43:07 PM
People can make excuses to why they aren't doing something or "Whoa is me" all the time. Just quit! If you need a forum to keep you motivated to hunt, you better pack it up now. It was an odd duck year but there were plenty of birds to kill.

Excuses? When I got injured in the blind I didn't mess up anyone's hunt.  Heck I most likely gave the other blinds a belly laugh watching me fumble out of there in the pain I was in.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Sorry if I came on thick but this is not easy choice. I just want a vibe if hunters happy with their boats or not?  Never have boat hunted and have been learning a lot here.  This is a whole new world that I could enter which has had a lot of deaths.  I am finding out though hunters like the small boats just fine which I am surprised but can see why.  Some don't.  Next season is going to be brand new for me whether there or not.  If there, it's going to be different methods.  Sure, I wish I could be sharing ideas but I have zero right now.         
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: full choke on February 04, 2012, 08:53:06 AM
I am sure it has been mentioned here, but here is my feelings on boats- get one. Waterfowling from a boat is one of the best things you can do! That said, you don't have to hunt out of the boat. You can just use it to get to some new spots. That is probably the most common use. I don't use my boat nearly enough anymore, but I have it as an option. Be smart with it- go check out new spots during the day, in nice weather. Don't go launching a boat at 3am in January on water your not familiar with- that is how accidents happen. Know the capabilities of your boat- a 12' with a 7.5hp gamefisher is NOT what you want to be navigating the Columbia with in December. Also- remember this: if you can get there by boat, so can everyone else. The hike in guys can get away from others simply by putting in more shoe leather. Have fun, but be safe.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: lokidog on February 04, 2012, 10:30:15 AM
Look on craigslist for duck boats. If you cant find one then quit  :chuckle:

I don't want to die.  So far only have seen beer cans for duck boats since surfing craigslist the past few months.

Nothing wrong with a tin can.  I haven't waterfowl hunted for two years since the logistics are sucky for me and a couple sea ducks a year aren't worth the cost of stamps.  But, when I did hunt a lot more, my 12' Starcraft with a `15 hp on it got me wherever I needed to go, and back, including the Chehalis river from low water to flood and even out here between the islands in the Sound.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: goober on February 04, 2012, 07:32:24 PM
[quote author=Stilly bay link=topic=91923.msg1171986#msg1171986 I have been thinking freelance sask this fall.  But thinking a truck bed full of ducks and geese in a few days just doesn't seen all that cracked up.  Thats if I can even find them.

If you can't find a truckload of birds up in Sask, then you should give up. :chuckle:

That place will ruin you for hunting down here. Besides, you don't have to shoot all that they allow, just enough to have fun!
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on February 08, 2012, 08:32:08 AM
When duck hunting with a buddy back in MN we built our own duck boat out of a row boat. We painted it almost every season to keep it painted but it worked. When we got to out hunting spot we would just use whatever type of dead vegetation, usually cattails, was laying around to camouflage us. We would put a bunch in the bottom of the boat as well to deaden any noise from the aluminum hull as well as soak up water from the leaky old boat. It was not the greatest boat ever made but we hunted 3 people in it fairly comfortably and two people could hand launch it even full of gear.  Our typical spread was half a dozen geese, 3 dozen mallards, 2 dozen divers, and a dozen woodies. Plus usually two guys a dog, guns, ammo, all the other randoms stuff you need (TP, coffee, chew, spare clothes, etc).
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 10, 2012, 04:33:52 PM
Hey guys thanks for all your opinions and methods, not trying to keep a post alive but did some window shopping.  Went to check out Colville boats.  Nice and can stay well under 10k with 15 hp 12 foot.  That would limit me to the calm days but if my walk in spots can work in the strong wind might be OK.  They also had river hawk pro-v's.  Very nice for not much more. They are welded and wider witch would work for a floating blind if I get that far.

15 horse can work, 25 hp works good, and 30 hp seems perfect.  Been a long time since I tillered a 25 hp outboard and seemed to really slow down with 2 people.  Looked at youtube on 25 hp might have come a long ways?  I don't remember them looking that good. 

Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: 270Shooter on February 10, 2012, 04:43:28 PM
My buddies boat is a 12 ft flat bottom boat, 4 ft wide, and i think it was 24 inch sides. With a new 2011 mercury 20 horse it really moves out with 2 guys, decoys and gear. pushing 25-30 mph i would guess
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: lokidog on February 10, 2012, 04:50:31 PM
Hey guys thanks for all your opinions and methods, not trying to keep a post alive but did some window shopping.  Went to check out Colville boats.  Nice and can stay well under 10k with 15 hp 12 foot.  That would limit me to the calm days but if my walk in spots can work in the strong wind might be OK.  They also had river hawk pro-v's.  Very nice for not much more. They are welded and wider witch would work for a floating blind if I get that far.

15 horse can work, 25 hp works good, and 30 hp seems perfect.  Been a long time since I tillered a 25 hp outboard and seemed to really slow down with 2 people.  Looked at youtube on 25 hp might have come a long ways?  I don't remember them looking that good.

I have a 14' Sylvan aluminum boat and 15hp.  Two people, a dog and fishing gear, up on plane no problem, same occupants and a weekend worth of camping gear, plow city.  A 25hp should fly that thing out of the hole with no problem.

Something to consider would be an inflatable.  I had a 13' Achilles that handled a couple people and gear just fine as well as being no problem on big water with the 15hp.  You can stand up and shoot out of it, jump up and down on the sides or whatever you want to do.  In fact, before getting my Trophy, my ex and I would go out of Westport salmon fishing with it.  Got some great looks on that!  They are a bit bouncier than a V-hull aluminum boat but would be no more so than a johnboat.

Also, with the smaller boats, be sure to get a planing fin like the doelfin.  It helps pop the stern up at the hole shot and really eliminates any porpoising happening due to a light bow and heavy transom.

Here's a sweet ride but probably plenty spendy - http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bod/2845219211.html

Hang some camo on this baby and you can go just about anywhere you want to go.  Even having to buy an engine, a lot less than $10k.  - http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/2839368968.html

Some food for thought.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: kegati on February 12, 2012, 07:04:38 PM
dont quit man, you can find little inlfatables for fairly cheap, yes there might be a  whole new group of hunters to deal with but theres also worlds of new opportunities
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 12, 2012, 08:15:15 PM
Hi guy been reading and taking up every thing in!

But right now I am so effing p.o'ed right now.  Over the last few years my hunting Friend has hunted some private land and is friends with the farmer.  It's 200 miles one way for me and last season finally joined up with him for a hunt on this private dirt and didn't harvest a bird that day and no shots fired.  I have only hunted one day and no birds is my score card at my friend's spot.

Today I get a text from my friend asking, whats my wild id number farmer needs it.  I text back what?!
Next text response,  the farmer needs it to give to the state.
I text, why? I didn't harvest any birds there.  No response back.

Now why would the farmer need my WILD ID NUMBER? To steal my id and use it to buy elk tags and sh@% under my name or use my number for other possible activity?!  I will never hunt that land again. 

 

 
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Special T on February 12, 2012, 09:23:37 PM
Could be for providing hunter access? you hunted there, maybe he was proving to the state he provided access... :dunno:
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 12, 2012, 10:22:32 PM
There is zero public access. No hunt with written permission, register, or feel free to hunt access.  My friend calls and has to ask each time for permission for every hunt. 

Just seems to smell like a skunk with all the id theft going around.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Madison on February 15, 2012, 08:55:13 AM
obviously your heart isnt in the hunt if you are even thinking of quitting.  I have 3 duck boats, and spend 90% of my days hiking into my spots. There is tons of opportunity in this state without a boat.  Sounds to me like you should quit. :twocents:
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Seatown5 on February 17, 2012, 06:37:16 PM
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.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 18, 2012, 12:09:17 PM
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 likes 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. 
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Ellensburg on February 18, 2012, 07:38:26 PM
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?
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: 270Shooter on February 18, 2012, 07:59:14 PM
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?
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 19, 2012, 02:11:43 PM
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.   
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on February 19, 2012, 02:34:01 PM
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. 
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on March 10, 2012, 06:20:13 PM
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.       
       
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Special T on March 11, 2012, 02:35:40 PM
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.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on March 19, 2012, 03:56:59 PM
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. 
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: AWS on March 19, 2012, 08:08:56 PM
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.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi6.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy222%2FBrowndaug%2FPICT0004.jpg&hash=c0e2c75e935e6abfe437ea3a1cd4ba098e2c00e2)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi6.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy222%2FBrowndaug%2FPICT0005.jpg&hash=23e3fd14615c14518d6b2ea2f3d26dbe227afea8)

Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on March 20, 2012, 07:39:35 PM
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!  :o  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.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: lokidog on March 20, 2012, 07:53:01 PM
"...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...   :chuckle:  It is nice to have someone to share costs and work with though.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: ducksdogsdownriggers on March 20, 2012, 09:14:29 PM
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... 
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: h2ofowlr on March 20, 2012, 09:23:02 PM
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.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: hdshot on March 21, 2012, 03:24:31 PM
"...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...   :chuckle:  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!  :dunno:     
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: lokidog on March 21, 2012, 07:07:58 PM
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.
Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: Buckslaya on March 21, 2012, 07:35:14 PM
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...

Title: Re: Get duck boat or quit?
Post by: duckkillerclyde on March 27, 2012, 03:22:03 PM
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.
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