G'Mornin all! So, haven't been duck hunting in 12 years or so. Went a few different times with my buddy, who has since passed away. He had all the knowledge and the dogs. So, I got a dog from his last litter that was born just 4 days after he passed away, and I'd like to get her into duck hunting, as well as my 14 yo who has yet to do it. Now, when I would go with my friend, it was sometime to Barrett with a blind, and a couple times it was out in the valley jump shooting the canals or setting up in the tulies on some little ponds. I figured I would like to just take the boy and the dog out towards the valley/river and try some of those places. But, it was 12 years ago, and I don't remember much about the area. I just know it was around the Imperial damn, give or take.
So, I'm obviously not asking for specific spots, just some in general guidance so I am not stepping on toes on public land, or wandering into private land. I know there is a reservation somewhere south of the dam I need to avoid also. I want to keep a bit away from people, because my dog is extremely high strung, and this will be her first time out, don't want her to ruin anything for someone else. It'll be a learning experience for all of us. I also thought about somewhere south of the Salton sea, but that's usually where I hunt doves, not sure what the land situation is there. Don't want to wander onto a restricted refuge area.
Anyway, here are a few basic questions, aside from the recommendations along the river.
1. It's 7 ducks, and there are limits listed for Mallard hens, Redhead, Pintail, Canvasback, etc. If it's not listed, like Goldeneye, Ring Neck, Teal, etc, does that mean you can take all 7 of those varieties?
2. Since Dove/Pheasant/Quail/Duck are all open still, would it be better to just wander around the middle of the Valley somewhere, just to get the dog some work on anything out there?
3. If I stay on the west side of the river, I only need a CA license, correct? Or do I totally need to avoid the river, and stick to the canals and little ponds, just to be safe?
Anyway, I know it's not the greatest set of questions to ask half way through a season, but I'm a deer hunter early, then just wanting to get into this now. Want to give it a "soft" go initially, just to see how things look. Thanks for any advice (Other than "Go scout on your own".....
)
So, I'm obviously not asking for specific spots, just some in general guidance so I am not stepping on toes on public land, or wandering into private land. I know there is a reservation somewhere south of the dam I need to avoid also. I want to keep a bit away from people, because my dog is extremely high strung, and this will be her first time out, don't want her to ruin anything for someone else. It'll be a learning experience for all of us. I also thought about somewhere south of the Salton sea, but that's usually where I hunt doves, not sure what the land situation is there. Don't want to wander onto a restricted refuge area.
Anyway, here are a few basic questions, aside from the recommendations along the river.
1. It's 7 ducks, and there are limits listed for Mallard hens, Redhead, Pintail, Canvasback, etc. If it's not listed, like Goldeneye, Ring Neck, Teal, etc, does that mean you can take all 7 of those varieties?
2. Since Dove/Pheasant/Quail/Duck are all open still, would it be better to just wander around the middle of the Valley somewhere, just to get the dog some work on anything out there?
3. If I stay on the west side of the river, I only need a CA license, correct? Or do I totally need to avoid the river, and stick to the canals and little ponds, just to be safe?
Anyway, I know it's not the greatest set of questions to ask half way through a season, but I'm a deer hunter early, then just wanting to get into this now. Want to give it a "soft" go initially, just to see how things look. Thanks for any advice (Other than "Go scout on your own".....
)
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