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Archive for the ‘BIRD HUNTING’ Category

Scoring On Late-Season Roosters

14 Nov

BY ANDREW MCKEAN

Late-season roosters require sneaky tactics, winter weather

Mid October to late
December are spanned by little more than 60 days, but for an upland bird hunter, it’s an eternity.
Early in the fall, when most upland bird seasons open, the weather is mild and naïve birds are distributed across the landscape of Montana. By the last few weeks of the season, though, rooster pheasants and hardy grouse have become savvy veterans, and hunting them can be as
challenging as any big-game hunt.
When you hold a December rooster, with its yard-long tail feathers and chalk-white pate, you’re holding a true trophy, a bird that probably survived plenty of assassination
attempts and learned to either flush wild or hold tight in the densest cover.
If you want to bag a limit of those savvy roosters, here’s what you need to know:

• Hunt Dense Cover: Prepare to hunt different habitats in December than you did back in September or October. Late-season sharptails tend to gang together in flocks of several dozen birds, and they’ll always have a few sentries watching your approach. Figure out which way they’ll flush and post up on these escape routes, then send someone to bust them up and pass-shoot grouse as they take wing. If they scatter in smaller groups, you can also hunt down those singles and pairs in denser cover. Pheasants, too, that may have been available in light grass or thin sagebrush earlier in the fall will tend to hold in dense olive thickets and impenetrable
cattails by December.
• Drive Roosters: Your early-season tactic of pushing cover or sending a pointing dog to range CRP won’t work as well in December. Those savvy birds have lived to Christmas by
running well ahead of the dogs. You can score on these veterans by
hunting with a crew, assigning some of the hunters to block the ends of fields or fencerows, and sending the others to walk the densest cover with rooster-rooting dogs. Chances are the blockers will get most of the action on these wild-flushing birds.
• Wait For Winter Weather: If you have the luxury of timing your upland trip, wait for a winter storm to roll through. Habitat that can seem vacant before a blizzard can suddenly seem thick with pheasants in dense cover that also features plenty to eat:
Russian olive groves, cattail sloughs adjacent to wheat fields, fresh CRP fields. Sharptails, too, will suddenly show up around food sources after a few days of winter weather. If you hunt during the storm itself, you can often walk right up on numbers of
tight-holding birds.
• Trust Your Dog: The late season is the domain of old dogs. These are the bird hounds that don’t range too
widely and seem to want to sleep all the time. They’re the wise elders of their breeds, and you should trust them. If you have a flushing dog, pay attention when their tails wag and they want to follow a trail. That’s a rooster running ahead and you should let your dog go, even if it means running to keep up with them. Same with
pointers that go staunch, then run,
then point again. They’re on the trail
of some smart, experienced bird, and those are the real trophies of the
(late) season.

 
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2008 Pheasant Season Outlook

07 Nov

MFWP

Pheasant hunting opportunities
will vary this year across the state Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say. The general season ends Jan. 1, 2009.
“Statewide pheasant numbers are expected to range from below to above average,” said Rick Northrup, FWP game bird coordinator. Northrup said he is hearing reports of small and young broods in many parts of the state, particularly in areas affected by this spring’s cool wet weather.
FWP reminds hunters to be cautious of shooting hens that resemble young roosters with limited coloration particularly during the early part of the general season.
Most of Montana was affected by a series of moist cold fronts that moved through the state in late May through mid June. This weather likely caused poor chick survival among early pheasant hatches and late renesting
attempts by hens that were still laying or incubating. Grass cover is excellent across most areas of the state with the exception of portions of extreme
northeastern Montana.
Northrup reminded bird hunters to arrange for hunting access to private lands well in advance of their hunt, and if possible to bring along a well-trained hunting dog.
Here is a brief overview of pheasant hunting opportunities around the state.
FWP REGION 7—SOUTHEASTERN MONTANA
Generally good reports coming out of this part of the state in terms of bird abundance and brood observations. Excellent cover means the birds may be broadly distributed.
FWP REGION 6—NORTHEASTERN MONTANA
Generally pheasant populations are above average in the eastern portion of FWP Region 6. Many young broods of varying sizes suggest late hatches. Eastern portions of Sheridan, Richland, and Roosevelt counties were dry this summer but pheasant abundance is expected to be better than average, particularly outside the driest portions of these counties. Pheasant numbers in the western portion of Region 6 are expected to be closer to average with a mix of brood sizes and ages.
FWP REGION 5 —SOUTH CENTRAL MONTANA
Cover for birds this year was
generally good. Pheasant abundance
appears to be better than last year with average or better abundance along the
Yellowstone River and its tributaries.
FWP REGION 4—NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA
Pheasant hunting opportunities are expected to be below average. The Lewistown area experienced multiple cold weather events with substantial moisture during the first half of June resulting in excellent grass growth but poor
pheasant production. The northern part of the region appears to have faired slightly better in some areas but pheasant numbers in the Conrad area are expected to be down from last year.
FWP REGION 3—SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA
Pheasant numbers appear to be slightly improved over last year. Again, reports of mixed ages and sizes of broods. Access to good pheasant hunting sites is challenging in this part of the state.
FWP REGION 2—WESTERN
MONTANA
The spring hatch appeared to be affected by cold moist weather. Anticipate pheasant numbers comparable to last year. The best pheasant habitat in western
Montana is often on private lands where
access may be limited. Hunters are encouraged to secure permission from landowners before heading out to pheasant hunt.
FWP REGION 1—NORTHWESTERN MONTANA
Kalispell, and the surrounding area, has experienced generally lower than average pheasant numbers in the past few years, including slightly smaller brood sizes being observed at the Ninepipe Wildlife Management area compared to last year.

 
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Duck Numbers Decoys And Tips

14 Oct

BY PATRICK T. STINSON

This October 4 marks the
forty-eighth fall yours truly hunts ducks, and I am still learning. The first time in a blind was 1960 just five years after they started breeding population estimates. Fifty-three years later the U.S. Fish & Wildlife seem to have a good bead on what we should expect to see season to season. This year total duck numbers are down nine percent from 41 million to 37 million but greater than the 1955-2007
average. Here in Montana, we had 555,000 breeding ducks a 42 percent
decline from last year and 39 percent
below the long-term average, not good news for the Ducks or hunters.
Here is the good news; there are plenty of ducks to hunt. We are down here in Montana but these are not the only ducks we hunt or see in a three-month
season. Mallard numbers are still high at 7.7 million; Redheads and Green Winged Teal number are up double digits. John Hanson with Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks here in Billings and a Waterfowl guru told me we will not see as many young ducks this season and what we do see will probably be tougher to decoy. Armed with that information, we are changing our approach this season not dramatically but we are implementing a few important changes.
The bigger Decoys 18 to 20 inches are first out of the bag from day one. John Mullet from Final Approach sent me a half dozen of the new Gunners HD Widgeons and six Gunners HD Field Mallards. I understood the Mallards but the Widgeons, I was not sure why?
After a quick Google search on Widgeons, I figured out why John sent them with no explanation. Nicknamed Baldpate, they are restless and quick to sense danger, taking flight instantly, added with your other deeks the Widgeon are confidence builders. The HD
Gunner Mallards oversized are shore decoys postured as feeders, walkers, snuggle hen, and runners and are complete with motion bases. We add a Blue Heron decoy for another confidence builder early season. The Great Blue is most active at dawn and dusk and hunts alone, when temperatures head south so do they, you need to heed the weather and put them back in the bag as the weather changes. This is the first season for us with
motion shore huggers and the Baldpate we are anxious to see how both improve our hunting. We will keep you posted.

TIP: When you pull your Decoys out of storage and they look like mine, you need to clean, give them a crisp look. Cleaning one at a time is time consuming and unnecessary. First, cut off all weights and line and put the Decoys in the dishwasher. Depending on the size, I can put in a half a dozen, with oversized three or four is max. Set the washer on short cycle with a small amount of dishwashing soap. Additionally you will find Decoys with leaks, if you can patch, great, if not, use on shore.
TIP: If you bought Decoys with removable keels, you had problems we all did. It was a great idea that bluntly put did not work. I had keels break and Decoys leak, patching never seems to work. I am taking the ones that are still good and use them as shore Decoys. With the money, it takes to buy quality deeks you need to figure out a way to utilize all that you own and sprinkling the shore with these, keeps them in your inventory.
TIP: Do not leave your Decoys out overnight. We hunt both private and public property and always pick up our deeks. The temptation on private water, leave them so you do not have to set up in the morning. If you have ducks in the area, they will figure your spread out and not decoy. If you put out every hunt they are seeing ducks on water were none were before, remember ducks land into the wind.

 
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Waterfowl Hunting Safety Tips

14 Oct

MFWP

Water is one hazard
waterfowl hunters face that land-based hunters don’t.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ youth waterfowl hunting safety workshops focus on firearm, weather and water safety for that reason.
Montana’s waterfowl-hunting season begins October 4.
Here, as a refresher for all
waterfowl hunters, are some of the safety tips included in FWP’s
waterfowl hunting safety course.
Weather
Waterfowl hunters are a
high-risk group for hypothermia
because of their proximity to water, wind and changing weather
conditions.
To stay warm and avoid
hypothermia:
-Wear wool clothing or clothing that stays warm when wet, like some fleece products. Bring extras in a waterproof bag.
-If you fall in – go home! Or, take a break and change into warm, dry clothes.
-Control wind and wetness by using waterproof shells, jackets, waders and boots.
-Bring a variety of high-energy and high-sugar content food bars for quick energy and calories.
-Wear a hat. Most warmth escapes through your head.
-Your extremities are very important. It’s no fun to hunt with cold feet, hands or head. Bring chemical hand warmers for emergencies.
Boating Safety
While planning a waterfowl hunt, don’t forget to check to be sure the boat is in good working
condition, with enough gas for the trip and equipped with proper personal flotation devices and other safety gear.
Here are some additional steps to reduce the chances of drowning.
-Make sure everyone on board has a properly fitted, Coast Guard approved, life jacket or float coat.
-Never stand in an unsecured boat to shoot.
-Shoot only when at a natural,
comfortable angle.
-Be aware of dogs, and other partners while in a boat – be extra careful with your gun. Similar to a blind, a boat is close quarters.
-Unload your shotgun when moving from place to place in a boat.
-Put your unloaded shotgun in a secured case. This keeps the shotgun cleaner and will remind you to unload the shotgun before moving.
-Floating gun cases earn their keep once the boat is upside down.
Waterfowl hunting can be safer and more enjoyable if you plan ahead and make safe-practices part of a water-based hunt. Safety is always the first and most important measure of a successful hunt.
Check the 2008 migratory bird hunting regulations for details on season dates and other waterfowl hunting information.

 
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Duck And Goose Hunting Outlook

03 Oct

BY MFWP

Montana duck and goose hunters can look forward to some good hunting beginning Oct. 4 in the Central and Pacific flyways.   The seasons and bag limits will be similar to last seasons. 

One notable change from last year is that the season on canvasbacks will be closed in the Pacific Flyway portion of the state due to a decline in the breeding population and the low pond numbers and additionally, the Pacific Flyway will have a partial season on scaup, 

October 4 – Dececember 28. The Central Flyway will have a partial season on canvasbacks and pintails,October 4 – November 11.  The white/light goose limit on both flyways is 6 daily.

May’s breeding population survey of 10 species in the traditional survey areas was down nine percent compared to the past year, but 11 percent above the long-term average.   

Mallard numbers were similar to last year and to the long-term average.   However, pond numbers in the May survey for Prairie Canada and U.S. breeding areas were 37 percent below last year and 10 percent below the long-term average.   As a result poor water conditions in some key areas, such as southern Saskatchewan and Alberta, there may be fewer young ducks in the fall flight.   

Wetland conditions were better north in the parklands of Prairie Canada. 

Ducks returning to Montana this spring were greeted with generally dry conditions, especially in some of the production areas in the northeastern corner.   Conditions were better in the southeastern corner of the state and near the Rocky Mountain Front in central Montana.  

Total duck numbers in Montana were 42 percent below last year and 39 percent below the long-term average.   A rainy period in late May improved water conditions considerably in many areas and may have come in time to help late nesters as well as brood survival.   

Canada goose numbers were down slightly in eastern Montana in the May survey, but goose populations continue to do well.   For “light geese” (snow and Ross’s), in the Pacific Flyway in Montana, overall production and the fall flight should be about average. 

For details, to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2008 Waterfowl Status Report at:   http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/reports.html

Migratory bird hunting regulations, including season dates and bag limits are available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov on the Hunting page under Regulations.   Print copies are available at FWP offices and license providers.

 
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Ten Tips to Make This Your Best Autumn Yet!

02 Oct

PHEASANTS FOREVERPheasants Forever

We mean it as no slight to the other seasons, but there is just something about autumn. The changing of the seasons brings with it a beauty that keeps minds poetic and a crispness that keeps bodies comfortable. It can be argued that hunters spend two-thirds of the year preparing for this final third, the advent of “hunting season,” the opportunity to harvest fruits from the land. And because you’ve waited all year for this, Pheasants Forever has 10 final tips to ensure this upland hunting season is your best yet!

1. Get Buddy, Bella and Your Butt Moving. You shouldn’t take an out-of-shape dog into the field, and you shouldn’t take an out-of-shape “you” there either. Fit dogs equate to fuller game bags, not to mention healthier hunting companions. Find pre-season conditioning tips at Pheasants Forever’s Bird Dog Bonanza presented by Native performance dog food. Don’t take your own physical condition for granted, either. Even with most hunting seasons just weeks away, there’s still time to get a pre-hunt medical check-up and to start a daily walking or exercise regimen. If you’ve never learned CPR or taken a first aid course, now is a good time, and even if you have, a refresher in those areas is always beneficial.

2. Pre-Hunt Game Plan. It can be said for many things in life that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail, and pheasant hunting is no exception. So let’s hurry you up to speed. First, get some expectations for this season by checking out Pheasants Forever’s 2008 Pheasant Hunting Forecast. No matter what state you’re hunting in, be sure you’re familiar with that state’s hunting regulations at Pheasants Forever’s State Agency page. Finally, take an equipment inventory. Whether you’re missing anything, or just plain want something new, your upland gear connection is Pheasants Forever’s MarketPlace.

3. Post-Hunt Exam. The hunt is done, and hopefully you’ve managed to slide a rooster or two into your vest. But there is one more step before you’ve wrapped up your day’s work. Spending just a few minutes directly following the hunt to run your dog through a post-hunt exam can eliminate or alleviate problems later on. Look over the dog for obvious abrasions or bleeding. Then check the dog from head to toe. Start at the head and then check the mouth, tongue, nose, lips, eyes and ears. Next, look over the neck, chest and abdomen. Finally, check the feet and legs – typically the biggest problem area – for any abnormalities. Your bird dog can’t tell you what’s ailing, so you have to pay attention to their behavior and take the time to give them a good exam after every trip afield.

4. Steel a Few Boxes. While lead is still the mainstay for many upland hunters, it is not permitted everywhere. Thankfully, Federal Premium has expanded its Pheasants Forever royalty program with the introduction of Pheasants Forever Steel loads. Pick up a few boxes now, and save yourself the hassle later. Initially they will be available in 12 and 20 gauges 3”, #3 and #5 options. For more information on Pheasants Forever Steel loads, as well as the rest of the Federal Premium line-up, visit www.federalpremium.com.

5. Cast and Blast. Habitat across the pheasant range helps improve water quality and protects fish populations in many places as well. The crossover between hunting and fishing in the United States is quite high, as nearly 70 percent of hunters are also anglers. And fall – with great angling opportunities for walleye, pike, musky, bass and panfish across much of the pheasant range – is no time to put away the rod and reel and become a one-trick pony. For many anglers, the fall bite is can’t-miss, so bookend a day of fishing with morning and evening hunts, then enjoy your reward that evening: A combo platter.

6. Add Some Seasoning. All hunters have their favorite spots, honey holes they religiously return to year in and year out. With good reason, as these spots have proven to be productive – or else why come back? But do yourself a favor this year and try becoming less a creature of habit and more a creature of habitat…new habitat that is! Make it a point to trek some new ground this year. Do some sleuthing – or “sloughthing” if you’re waterfowling – and find a new tract of public land or knock on the doors of a few area landowners to open up some new opportunities for yourself. Variety is the spice of life, and makes a great seasoning for any hunter! If you do  happen to gain permission, thank a landowner with a Gift Membership to Pheasants Forever.

7. Vote on November 4th. Okay, a trip to the ballot booth isn’t as exciting as one to the backwoods, but taking a few minutes to fulfill your civic duty goes a long way to ensuring continued support for the outdoors. Typically, there is strong voter turnout among sportsmen and women. But if you’re one who loves the outdoors and hasn’t drawn the direct correlation between casting a ballot and casting a line, time to wise up. Year in and year out, elected officials from all levels of government have hands in decisions affecting regulations and outdoor funding. Get to know the candidates and where they stand on issues related to conservation and the outdoors. And, if you are going to be “a traveling hunter” on November 4th, be sure to pick up an absentee ballot in advance.

8. Your Heir Apparent. By now its common knowledge that hunter and angler replacement numbers are not keeping up with the hunter and angler attrition rates. If you were gone, you’d like to know your family was taken care of. Wouldn’t you also like to ensure your outdoor legacy will continue long after you’ve hung up the hunting boots?   Pheasants Forever’s No Child Left ™ initiative is meeting this challenge head on, as is our Grassroots Conservation Campaign.

9. Join Pheasants Forever. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reported in 2006 that hunters and anglers spend $76 billion each year (about $2,200 per person) on gear, travel, etc., yet only contribute $22 million in support for conservation group projects. The fact is the average sportsperson is spending $2,200 every year to enjoy hunting and fishing, and (excluding state and federal license fees and special tax fees) is giving back less than $2 every year to ensure hunting and fishing opportunities in the future. You can talk about the need for conservation, or you can do something about it. Log onto www.PheasantsForever.org today and join, donate, attend a local PF banquet, volunteer as a chapter officer, or pick up some PF merchandise! We need YOU and so do the roosters!10. National Pheasant Fest 2009 Presented by Cabela’s. Close your season in style by doing what any sensible outdoor enthusiast would do – get ready for next year! National Pheasant Fest 2009 Presented by Cabela’s will be held February 6-8, 2009, at Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on the nation’s largest event for upland hunters, landowners, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists, log onto www.PheasantFest.org. Make your plans and book your hotel room today.

 
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