Duck hunting sloughs vs fields

[ColinBarbour]

Hey all, currently going through duck depression until spring snow goose fires up again. Just curious what everyones opinions are on duck hunting in fields vs sloughs or ponds. Personally I've always field hunted ducks and only ever hunt water when I go back east to visit family over christmas, but I'm thinking about trying out slough hunting here next season. Looking forward to everyone's opinion!

[Smoky buck]

It works and can add some different species to the mix. I like to hunt bigger water for diver puddle duck combo shoots

As you experienced out east it’s just different

[SouthWestRanger]

I only have pointing dogs but they are strong water retrievers so I try and take advantage of warm September weather with a few pond and water hunts which they love. As a result almost 100% of my duck hunting is over water, Alberta gets a lot of attention for field ducks but our water hunts are underrated. Especially when it’s hard to find good water. It’s nice as well because I can carry way less and focus on 2-3 dozen floaters (usually 2/3 mallards and 1/3 teal or wigeon depending on time of year) and then I’ll run a pair of Mojos. These fit in two decoy bags and if I’m alone I can carry both(1 on front 1 on back) and focus on being mobile and picking the best spot. Give it a shot, it’s a whole lot of fun.

[Drewski Canuck]

If you are setting out on a water shoot, do you have a small boat or kayak?

Thing about a field shoot is you do not sink into mud up to your leg on each step. If you have not experienced Alberta's gumbo, you soon will agree as alot of our slough bottoms will kill the average hunter in a set of boots or waders. Now each set of decoys to be tossed and retrieved, will multiply your pain considerably.

Then there are muskrat and beaver runs to step in which will drop you a couple of feet, flood your waders, and maybe make you drop something like your gun.

If you can avoid wading, you will be far better off on water shoots.

However, with guides tying up more and more fields in choice areas, slough and lake shoots are a viable option for the hunter who has limited time for scouting, and no permission tied up. Less equipment, and the ability to move around easily to different spots on the pond or lake where the birds are coming in is a big advantage.

Nothing worse than setting up in a field before first light only to watch the flights head to a different field or worse not come off the water at all. Then sit all day hoping for an evening shoot that does not materialize.

Been there, done that.

Drewski

[elkhunter11]

I still prefer field shoots, easier to set up and clean up, and staying dry. Then again, I prefer a goose hunt over a duck hunt, until late season, when the greenheads arrive.

[catnthehat]

I love water shoots !
I used a small canoe for many years , but also dogs .
Small ponds are great , and it doesn't take much to set up a small water spread.
Cat

[waldedw]

Nope no water for me anymore, I sold my waders 25 years ago and I don't have a dog plus Frank said if you knock one down over the water you swim out and get it

[sns2]

As long as this guy is with me, I’m good. My best friend.






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[CBintheNorth]

Originally Posted by sns2

As long as this guy is with me, I’m good. My best friend.






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That dog is a beast! No doubt about it.

My 2 retrievers are now nearly 5' tall and are finally starting to listen to commands.

[Twisted Canuck]

Originally Posted by sns2

As long as this guy is with me, I’m good. My best friend.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's beautiful. As long as I'm still in the top 10 friends, I can't be jealous.

[slough shark]

Love hunting sloughs and potholes for ducks as long as I have my lab with me, without I’d feel different. This was the first year in a long time when I didn’t take him out on a water hunt and stuck to a few walks for grouse because he’s getting close to 14 and just doesn’t have the legs for it now and I don’t want to send him on a retrieve and have to go rescue him because his heart is a lot stronger than his body now.