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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4276780
01/29/25 01:15 PM
01/29/25 01:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 232 Pickens
BrandonClark
4 point
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4 point
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 232
Pickens
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Less and less ducks every year. Did not see anything other than a wood duck until about the 15th of this month. Finally scratched a few big ducks and divers the past week.
Job 12:7-9
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4276788
01/29/25 01:29 PM
01/29/25 01:29 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17,053 Montgomery
bamaeyedoc
Old Mossy Horns
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Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17,053
Montgomery
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Better than last. We’ve picked up 7 wood ducks this year.
AKA: “Dr. B” Aldeer #121 8-3-2000 Proud alum of AUM, UAB, and UA 2023-2024 ALdeer Deer Contest Winners 2024-2025 Aldeer Deer Contest Winners
Glennis Jerome "Jerry" Harris 1938-2017 UGA Class of 1960 BS/MS Forestry LTJG, USNR
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4276792
01/29/25 01:38 PM
01/29/25 01:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,430 AL
Gobble4me757
12 point
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12 point
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,430
AL
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Sucked in south bama due to lack of rain drying out our holes. Was pretty fun up in north bama
2017 Team Aldeer Turkey Contest Champion 2018 Team Aldeer Turkey Contest Champion
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4277048
01/29/25 08:21 PM
01/29/25 08:21 PM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,245 Tuscaloosa, Al, USA
Big Buck Video
14 point
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14 point
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,245
Tuscaloosa, Al, USA
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I did not hunt in AL. I did hunt in Missouri and KIlled a total of nine in two mornings.
�Because a well regulated Militia is necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.�
-Justice Scalia, June 26, 2008
NRA Life Member
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4277060
01/29/25 08:33 PM
01/29/25 08:33 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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Y'all killing mallards or other ducks, woodies count different too in my book.
To answer the question, no doubt it is my worst season in 40 years. That was last year until this year happened Haven’t been to arkie in two years. Not worth it for a few ducks and honestly used to kill more here than there anyways. Driving 4 hrs to not fire shot gets tough when it cost what it does.
Pressure is hurting us, drought is hurting us, big money feeding ducks to hold them and keep water open to keep them. I’m afraid many ducks don’t know we exist. They’ve been imprinted further north and west. Looking at those GPS transmitter tracking, Arkansas and West Tennessee seems To be as far south as they make it.
I’ve asked the question if pushing the January 20 to the end of the month have anybody influence for change. Can’t get an answer but before we got that biologist were gel bent against sending the season since many ducks are began pair bonding at that point
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4277838
01/31/25 06:56 AM
01/31/25 06:56 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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I keep cell cameras in my duck hole.
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4277918
01/31/25 09:48 AM
01/31/25 09:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,017 USA
marshmud991
Booner
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Booner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,017
USA
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Not Alabama but I can tell you down here in “The Duck Capital”, there is lots of disappointment and disgust with the lack of ducks here. Outfitters have turned more hunters away this season then ever before. All my buddies that have camps in the marsh have all but quit hunting. The NWR that’s just down the road from my house hardly has anyone hunting it and it’s usually loaded with people. The rice field hunters have picked up all the decoys and closed the blinds up on most farms. It’s crazy and disturbing to see the changes in the last 5 years. I hope something changes but I have my doubts. I think duck hunting is soon to be a thing of the past.
It's hard to kiss the lips at night that chews your a$$ all day long.
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4277951
01/31/25 11:02 AM
01/31/25 11:02 AM
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 215 Vestavia
Quack Quack Bang
4 point
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4 point
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 215
Vestavia
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Easy for me - ZERO. ....... Absolutely no birds on the property I hunt. We used to kill 150-200 per season Ditto the above. I've got 60 days of pictures from 3 different game cameras in N.AL. Not a bird to be seen the entire season.
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: kyles]
#4278203
01/31/25 09:42 PM
01/31/25 09:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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Killed one woodie in 3 trips. Had several landowners around me in Jackson that was a bust also. We had fields with rice -grain sorghum- corn and Japanese millet. No pressure so that is not it. If you have land close to a large creek or have a well where you can have the early water is the ticket. I am going back to deer and turkeys on mine . It ain't worth the effort anymore. I am talking about some of the best duck land in Alabama up until 15 years ago It sucks and I understand Only thing is the pressure is well above you now They don’t make It here like they used to Like others mentioned, I started I the mid 80s and nothing compares to the numbers back then and thru the 90s. The biggest falloff for me has been the last 4-5 years but it was noticeable a few years prior. We just had good spots. The best holes don’t produce often now.
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4278361
02/01/25 09:28 AM
02/01/25 09:28 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,272 Town Creek,Al.
Luvbowhuntn
8 point
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8 point
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,272
Town Creek,Al.
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Worst season I've had in the last 20 years. It was bad enough that I got to the point I was turning folks down to go hunting. We scratched out some birds and did have some bright spots with a couple really good hunts and I got to finally kill my first sprig. Somehow in all my years of hunting I couldn't ever close the deal on a pintail drake for whatever reason. I finally got him yesterday morning in Ark. For the first time that I can remember I didn't even hit 100 birds for the season. A lot of that was due to lack of birds and some of it due to I just basically quit going. I'm afraid my little boy will never get to see what duck hunting should be like.
Sent leaning against a big oak in knee deep water
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4278372
02/01/25 09:42 AM
02/01/25 09:42 AM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,318 FL
mw2015
12 point
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12 point
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,318
FL
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Easy for me - ZERO. Didn't go a single time this year. Absolutely no birds on the property I hunt. We used to kill 150-200 per season up until last year when we had no ducks then either. I think it has a lot to do with the lack of duck on Guntersville lake since the milfoil eradication began... Not good though the few hunts were fun. I’m really back into duck hunting and enjoy hunts with my friend in his little duck pond more than deer hunting. We only killed 9 wood ducks the whole season between the two of us. Next season we’ll plant some Biologic for the ducks and work on permanent blinds. Plus scout the rest of his property for additional holes and creeks where they may be hanging out. Hopefully get more migration and see some teal or other species.
Michael Warren CPIA Your trusted insurance advisor. ALDEER SPONSOR OUTDOORS/RECREATIONAL, HUNTING LEASE LIABILITY, BUSINESS & LIFE/HEALTH INSURANCE IN FL AND AL http://mikewarreninsure.commikewarreninsuranceagency@gmail.com Agency phone (954)884-8253
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4278540
02/01/25 04:06 PM
02/01/25 04:06 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,490 Sylacauga, AL
poorcountrypreacher
Booner
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Booner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,490
Sylacauga, AL
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I recorded a zero. I don't usually kill anything but a few woodies, but I didn't even see one this year.
All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: marshmud991]
#4278566
02/01/25 05:10 PM
02/01/25 05:10 PM
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,040 Georgia and Missouri
Semo
12 point
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12 point
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,040
Georgia and Missouri
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Not Alabama but I can tell you down here in “The Duck Capital”, there is lots of disappointment and disgust with the lack of ducks here. Outfitters have turned more hunters away this season then ever before. All my buddies that have camps in the marsh have all but quit hunting. The NWR that’s just down the road from my house hardly has anyone hunting it and it’s usually loaded with people. The rice field hunters have picked up all the decoys and closed the blinds up on most farms. It’s crazy and disturbing to see the changes in the last 5 years. I hope something changes but I have my doubts. I think duck hunting is soon to be a thing of the past. Turned out to be a pretty good year where I hunt. I didn't go that many times but my friend ended up 20ish birds shy of 500 on his farm. That is just family and friends, no leasing. The cold finally pushed them far enough south. And keeping open water made the difference.
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Semo]
#4278898
02/02/25 11:38 AM
02/02/25 11:38 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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Not Alabama but I can tell you down here in “The Duck Capital”, there is lots of disappointment and disgust with the lack of ducks here. Outfitters have turned more hunters away this season then ever before. All my buddies that have camps in the marsh have all but quit hunting. The NWR that’s just down the road from my house hardly has anyone hunting it and it’s usually loaded with people. The rice field hunters have picked up all the decoys and closed the blinds up on most farms. It’s crazy and disturbing to see the changes in the last 5 years. I hope something changes but I have my doubts. I think duck hunting is soon to be a thing of the past. Turned out to be a pretty good year where I hunt. I didn't go that many times but my friend ended up 20ish birds shy of 500 on his farm. That is just family and friends, no leasing. The cold finally pushed them far enough south. And keeping open water made the difference. That’s in Missouri is that correct?
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4278899
02/02/25 11:44 AM
02/02/25 11:44 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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We had some warm winters in the 90s Mallards were here in the openers too, and all during the season. In the afternoons you could flush the ducks, sit down and sit and they’d be back 15-30 minutes in small groups and was easy to get a limit These days you flush them, they gone bye bye
The differences were
30 day season 3 duck limits and only 2 mallards Nowhere near as many duck hunters here. The river was pretty wide open and could hunt numerous places.
Most flooded field didn’t have blinds on them due to lack of hunters
The adjoining landowner to the north of the farm, his duck hole has been there since the late 50s and can watch birds form his house so no disturbances Worst season yet. I’ve had 20 years of hunting at the farm. Really good hunts for the first 12-15 and slowed down until 3-4 year ago it got terrible and worse.
It used to be rare to kill only one duck a hunt. That al I killed this year and it was a woodie. Used to have 200-300 woodies in the hole and rarely shot them. I or we would shoot green heads and or other big duck and call it good no later than 8, usually by 7:15 or earlier. One buddy has hung it up completely and the rest are contemplating it. Golfing looks more rewarding at this point lol If I don’t have a dog it’d be easier to give up
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: cartervj]
#4278906
02/02/25 12:06 PM
02/02/25 12:06 PM
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,040 Georgia and Missouri
Semo
12 point
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12 point
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,040
Georgia and Missouri
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Not Alabama but I can tell you down here in “The Duck Capital”, there is lots of disappointment and disgust with the lack of ducks here. Outfitters have turned more hunters away this season then ever before. All my buddies that have camps in the marsh have all but quit hunting. The NWR that’s just down the road from my house hardly has anyone hunting it and it’s usually loaded with people. The rice field hunters have picked up all the decoys and closed the blinds up on most farms. It’s crazy and disturbing to see the changes in the last 5 years. I hope something changes but I have my doubts. I think duck hunting is soon to be a thing of the past. Turned out to be a pretty good year where I hunt. I didn't go that many times but my friend ended up 20ish birds shy of 500 on his farm. That is just family and friends, no leasing. The cold finally pushed them far enough south. And keeping open water made the difference. That’s in Missouri is that correct? Illinois. But I can see Missouri from his place. Guys I talked to that hunt on the west side of the river also had pretty good seasons. But after tha last 5 years this was nice. That late big cold front is really all it was. The birds flew south until they could feed. Then the weather held and stayed cold. Those numbers used to be around in November and early December.. Now it seems like January is the only time for consistent hunting if it can get cold.
Last edited by Semo; 02/02/25 12:15 PM.
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4278922
02/02/25 12:43 PM
02/02/25 12:43 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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Yup. They used to come down. Now it’s takes a serious cold to force them down. Here in NW Al we’d see big numbers when North Easters would hit. We’d see it all the way down here. Now nothing. One other factor that has changed, the big waters don’t seem to lock up until after dick season
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4280597
02/04/25 08:15 PM
02/04/25 08:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,102 shelby county
buzzard
14 point
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14 point
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,102
shelby county
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worst thing for duck hunting was DU and Duck Dynasty One made it so they didn't have to migrate as far south for food and the other put every Tom , Dick and Harry with money for a boat on the water.
"Hell with them fellows, buzzard got to eat same as a worm" Josey Wales
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4280775
02/05/25 06:33 AM
02/05/25 06:33 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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I remember in the early 90s the folks in Arkansas hating DU and switching support to Delta
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4283894
02/10/25 04:06 PM
02/10/25 04:06 PM
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2,717 West Tennessee
YellaLineHunter
10 point
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10 point
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2,717
West Tennessee
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Well, I think I am DONE with waterfowl hunting in AL and considering selling all my decoys and boat-blind. I'll make a trip to Canada in the fall to hunt with my friend up there and that will be "it" for waterfowl hunting for the year. Juice is not worth the squeeze anywhere around these parts any more in my opinion. Friend of mine has a 5000 acre lease in Arkansas that they have had for 25 years and they have seen the duck hunting decline steadily for the past 5 years to just about nothing this season... I was at least blessed to have seen the "good old days" back in the late 60's thru mid 90's. Lot's of factors have contributed to the sharp decline to what we are seeing today. I don't anticipate ever seeing waterfowl hunting in N. ALA ever being close what it used to be... Let me know if you get ready to sell
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Uokman2014]
#4288159
02/18/25 02:26 PM
02/18/25 02:26 PM
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9,849 B'ham
Goatkiller
14 point
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14 point
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9,849
B'ham
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I have a private hole here in AL and up until maybe 5 years ago we'd get 2-3 hunts out of it per season and shoot some mallards. Last 3 years haven't seen a big duck at all. Not one.
It isn't weather related. It's not an "ice" issue.
We've known since the early 1900's that ducks "winter" and imprint on an area. It took all these biologists you all trust like your mother that long to figure that part out. Well.... If you shoot them to pieces there are going to be fewer and fewer return each season. We've know this for near 100 years.
At some point there is a real impact from continuous non-management and just throwing a 60/6 season out there for what is now seemingly forever...... and that was around 5 years ago.
I remember clearly in the late 80's shooting in front of Swan Creek on the river in a T-shirt because our old rubber waders were so hot I was sweating to death I had them pulled down around my waist. I could walk you out the West Dike gate to the spot we hunted that morning right now and put you on the same stump row.
There's no birds in the air Today. That's the difference. You can't kill what isn't there. Nothing in that area has otherwise significantly changed. What changed?
No government employees were harmed in the making of this mess.
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Re: Rank your AL duck season
[Re: Goatkiller]
#4288207
02/18/25 05:48 PM
02/18/25 05:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923 colbert county
cartervj
Freak of Nature
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Freak of Nature
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21,923
colbert county
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I have a private hole here in AL and up until maybe 5 years ago we'd get 2-3 hunts out of it per season and shoot some mallards. Last 3 years haven't seen a big duck at all. Not one.
It isn't weather related. It's not an "ice" issue.
We've known since the early 1900's that ducks "winter" and imprint on an area. It took all these biologists you all trust like your mother that long to figure that part out. Well.... If you shoot them to pieces there are going to be fewer and fewer return each season. We've know this for near 100 years.
At some point there is a real impact from continuous non-management and just throwing a 60/6 season out there for what is now seemingly forever...... and that was around 5 years ago.
I remember clearly in the late 80's shooting in front of Swan Creek on the river in a T-shirt because our old rubber waders were so hot I was sweating to death I had them pulled down around my waist. I could walk you out the West Dike gate to the spot we hunted that morning right now and put you on the same stump row.
There's no birds in the air Today. That's the difference. You can't kill what isn't there. Nothing in that area has otherwise significantly changed. What changed? Yup like you I recall the days where the rivers were full of birds late season at dusk and dawn. I guess it’s been since the 90s since I’ve seen those number of birds. All you have to do is look at the gps data birds. They’re returning to the same areas they were banded in and bouncing around close by.
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.” ― Ronald Reagan
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