Public hunting areas

[270Flat]

I would consider myself an average duck hunter. Don’t have the time I’d like to spend out in the field with work, kids sports and life, but get out as much as I can.  I’m fortunate to live near some really good hunting and my younger son loves hunting. It’s been busy but over the last few years the public hunting has absolutely been barraged by hunters. Now guys line up in the afternoon the day prior for the next morning so when you show up early to get in line you’re already 6th or 7th in line. I know I got to get in line sooner or set up my boat to hit the river to find some spots. Depending upon where you’re located are you looking at the same struggle?

[fowl smacker]

I would consider myself an average duck hunter. Don’t have the time I’d like to spend out in the field with work, kids sports and life, but get out as much as I can.  I’m fortunate to live near some really good hunting and my younger son loves hunting. It’s been busy but over the last few years the public hunting has absolutely been barraged by hunters. Now guys line up in the afternoon the day prior for the next morning so when you show up early to get in line you’re already 6th or 7th in line. I know I got to get in line sooner or set up my boat to hit the river to find some spots. Depending upon where you’re located are you looking at the same struggle?

What do you mean, get in line?  Hunting public land behind a gate that opens at a certain time?  If you've got a boat or dog explore some spots on a river or lake with public access without a gate.

[BD1]

Definitely get that boat set up ASAP. Game changer for public hunting. All I do is hunt public. I sold my boat a few years back and two years later bought another one. Granted you have to know what you are doing piloting a boat on rivers, saltwater and the like. I spent a lot of time this past summer running around during different conditions (i.e. low tide, high tide, different winds and I ran my previous duck boat for decades) it pays off. There is still competition for spots but I was never really down for the whole line up and race...and I'm too old now anyways. I am on the wetside and realize both sides of the mountains have their unique challenges but they also have their own opportunities. Enjoy the process of exploring and you will find what you are looking for.
Good Luck
BD1

[Sundance]

I live in a terrible puddle duck hunting area, which gets an insane amount of pressure. I've had success hunting mid-day and afternoons for walk-in public spots. Once I use the boat I hardly have any competition, but also less likelihood of puddle ducks outside of cotton tops.

[MeepDog]

I don't get why those guys all line up at the gate like that. The hunting isnt even that good in there. The ducks know where those silly numbered blinds are and steer clear of them because everytime they've flown near one someone shoots at them.

[metlhead]

So agree with fellas bouts not hunting those hammered areas. Your boat is the ticket to vast amounts of public land. No spot you find will be secret but may only be occasionally hit by other adventurous souls. This morning I was set up by 05 in a known producing spot. Not another soul came out.

[Kola16]

I have noticed an increase in pressure on public hunting land, even the ones only accessible by boat. 95% of my waterfowl hunts are on the wet side. There was so much pressure at some of my favorite spots that I quit hunting them probably 4 or 5 years ago. I gave up some hunting time in order to scout. It greatly paid off.

I haven't hunted within 60 miles of Walla Walla, so take this with a grain of salt, but have you scouted the entire Columbia or Snake in your area? It seems like a lot of water to be crowded on, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was crowded. That's where I would start anyway, but if you aren't seeing ducks or there are too many people, then scout the next body of water. Then the next.

The tried and true, super top secret trick is to pull out the walleye gear and start trolling. Ducks will drop right in! Greenhead limits if you fish and take a leak at the same time.

[Badhabit]

Getting your boat ready will be your key. Patterson area could be your friend. Snake as well.

[270Flat]

Definitely feels like the pressure has gotten heavier the last five years. Plan is to get the boat fitted out this spring. I did find a few spots along the snake river recently while out fishing that have potential. Looking forward to a new kind of hunting.

[follow maggie]

I’ll second Kola on giving up some hunting time to scout. I’ll do it early on in the season in September and then usually again towards the late middle of October. I don’t have the pressure issues that you guys have, but when the patterns change, it sure helps cut down on the number of days spent wondering where all the birds are. I do the same type of scouting for pheasants, also. I leave the pickup in the garage & take the car, so it saves a ton of gas.

[metlhead]

My scouting is year around. While taking short detours on any trip, the wife always asks if I am counting ducks.

[HaydenHunter]

Get a boat, learn how to run it, do some scouting and don't look back. 

[hdshot]

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Jaws.

[JBG]

Midweek hunting is about the only way to not have to sleep in a line.  Boats help alot as well.  I'm learning the bay near me and finding spots to hunt is almost more fun than hunting.