Canvasbacks and Bluebills?
 

Hi everyone,

I am on a quest for a trophy Drake Canvasback and Bluebill. I covered several hundred miles throughout central Alberta this week and only saw a few bluebills. I think what was previously in the area has now moved south.

I have an old chocolate lab that I am trying to have some fun with and knock a few ducks off of our bucket list together while we still can. Planning on Hunting two or three days this week in southern Alberta looking for these two drakes. If anyone knows a good spot where a guy can get a chance at these species I would really appreciate a message or any suggestions. Obviously I will be putting the miles on regardless, but if someone has a good area to recommend please send me a PM if You can. :):):)

I’m thinking somewhere between Lethbridge and Brooks or further south from there.

Just FYI I do a lot of duckhunting in other parts of the province. So I would not be hunting these places repeatedly in the future. Just hoping to get one Drake of each pieces for the wall.

Thanks in advance if anybody has some tips!

Not southern Alberta but I have shot a lot of lesser's at North Buck Lake. I even got a greater scaup there once. A ton of ring necks too, if you are looking. PM me if you are needing details.

I've shot a lot of canvasbacks at Frank Lake east of High River. In saying that I haven't hardly seen any yet this year. Not sure if they haven't started to move south yet? We were still shooting teal this weekend which is odd. Slower migration this year maybe??

Thanks guys. Is Frank Lake safe for a dog to swim in? I've heard comments about bacteria and other issues in the lake from the packing plants nearby.

Used to hunt there a bit when I was younger but didn't know about those issues at the time.

And yes, definitely a strange migration this year! I shot a 95% colored up Spoony the other day in central Alberta! I couldn't believe it when the flock came over my head. Also got the nicest Pintail drake I've ever seen in 30 years. Normally most of these are gone by now, but it's been so warm it's creating some interesting opportunities. :happy0180:

Best place I found for these guys are the bush lakes east of Edmonton (Blackfoot). A late freeze helps plumage. For mounts though it’s mating plumage or an interesting pose. Mallards seem to have advanced plumes this year and nice pintails as well

Condradulations on the Pintail!
 

Congratulations on the Pintail Drake in all of his glory, one of the most beautiful ducks for sure! I have never been fortunate to get one. Did you happen to take a picture, would be great to see one? What is a Spoony?

Spoonbill, it’s a puddle duck aptly named for its spoon shaped bill

I think you mean shoveler

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4b59f4f37f.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Correct me if I'm wrong, I always thought spoonbills and shovelers were the same thing?

Nice ducks!!! Those are the kind of Cans I'm hoping for! Well done! :happy0180:

Here is the Pintail and a couple of others.

Spoony (aka Northern Shoveler) is the one in the back. He's almost colored up enough to mount. Perfect other than his head. Will see what my taxidermist has to say about options...

Gadwall in the middle was the nicest I've ever seen. Him and the Pintail (plus a greenhead and some others) are heading to Art of Taxidermy this week. :sHa_shakeshout:

Never heard spoon bill but it could just be a slang name for Northern shoveler

I did haha

Ive had dogs in it for the last 20 years give or take with no issues so far

I'm just seeing divers start to move through edmonton area this week. Buffleheads and bluebill starting to show up on lakes in the area. On a side note that spoonie is really cool!

Bucket List
 

Thanks for uploading the picture GooseSlammer they are all beautiful. Clark Gable's favorite ducks to hunt in California when he was around were Pintails, supposed to be delicious too. The Pintail in Full Plumage is on my Bucket List! :)