Are you seeing any ducks? The Delaware River and it's backwaters from Lambertville to Roebling have few birds. Areas that have had big numbers in the past few years, have a handful if any. Is the lack of birds a trend for this area or are the numbers low along the coast and south Jersey? Could the warmer temperatures be a factor? (Geese are plentiful as usual.)
A Question for the Duck Hunters
- Thread starter Gibby
- Start date
On my drive up to work I cross over the crosswicks creek and some other streams/rivers I'm seeing about 90% less waterfowl versus most falls and winters. I would suspect its the temps.
Have seen plenty of them; blacks, pintail, shovelers, wigeon, teal, mallards; plus snow & canada geese, and brant. I think over the years there migration paths have changed from what folks may have become used too.
Crosswicks Creek (Hamilton Swamp) is almost my backyard. I don't know why I am alarmed at what I have been seeing, this year has been odd as far as weather and seasonal temperatures. The waterfowl will more than likely show all at once, as soon as it gets cold farther north.
It's the temps.
There was a decent push last week along the Delaware River and my son managed 11 ducks with two friends. I hunted Monday with nothing and my son hit it again today with no action.
Opening day of the South zone split this year along the Delaware was the most insane shooting I have ever experienced in my 44 seasons afield. They were hitting us in the head. We had a 18 bird three man limit consisting of a mix of teal, woodies and mallards in an hour and a half.
Woody hunting in the pines this week has been all but dead in my spots. With 60 degree days and mild nights you'll have that.
The next cold snap should bring another good push.
There was a decent push last week along the Delaware River and my son managed 11 ducks with two friends. I hunted Monday with nothing and my son hit it again today with no action.
Opening day of the South zone split this year along the Delaware was the most insane shooting I have ever experienced in my 44 seasons afield. They were hitting us in the head. We had a 18 bird three man limit consisting of a mix of teal, woodies and mallards in an hour and a half.
Woody hunting in the pines this week has been all but dead in my spots. With 60 degree days and mild nights you'll have that.
The next cold snap should bring another good push.
I actually have five days off for the holiday and wanted to get a day or two in duck hunting. It is just a bummer that the birds aren't cooperating here. A few friends are heading to Parker Cove tomorrow morning. I just checked the weather, 65 degrees is the forecast for Saturday. It might be a bust but I'm ready to go. It can't be any worse than this area.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-k5J4RxQdE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-k5J4RxQdE&feature=related
Had a slow 2 weeks in the early north zone lakes. Early coastal was pretty good though. Managed some mallards, teal, and brant. Havent been out in coastal since it reopened, but some friends have been doing pretty good. Saw some mallards and one woody in the pines a few days ago, but all in all there aren't a whole lot of ducks near my inland hunting spots. Waiting for that cool air to stay and Im sure theyll show. Been getting the dog on pheasant and quail to stay busy.
Yes I am. FWIW, quite a few came thru early. Also we have Snowy Owls coming down, the earliest I can remember. There is one in Warren County already. Might have been an early migration this year.
A new long term forecast is due out 12/1; supposed to be warmer than expected.
