I live in Maine where our seasons are relatively short and the temperature can be quite variable. Although goose hunting has improved steadily over the past few years my observation is that duck hunting has gotten tougher. I've been experimenting with different ways to hunt the smaller ponds and rivers of the Northwoods and I'm wondering about others' strategies.

When I'm with a partner I'll set a small spread of decoys or often plana canoe float-trip. However, I mostly hunt alone (because I like to get away from the tar and ATV trails). When I'm alone I often do some mixed stalking and opportunistic decoying. By this I mean I creep up toa likely beaver flowage or flat stretch of water and glass for birds. If none are around for a stalk I'll throw out 3-6 decoys (mixed mallards and woodies) and MAYBE call a little. If I've chosen the right spot, at the right time, I might see some ducks (sounds a little like lighting striking, but it surprisingly can work). Since I don't have a dog or boat with me on these occasions I have to be very choosy about the shots I can take if I want to recover my birds. Now I love the solitude, adventure and sheer beauty of hunting this way, but it is admittedly not very productive. What are other strategies for hutning Northwoods wetlands?

Geoff