Hunting in ice
 

I usually hunt at a duck refuge, but this year it froze over early, really early. I don't know where to go now that i can't go there. should i still go there and try to break the ice, or should i try somewhere else? we have tons of lakes around here. Should i just find a point, or field... what do you reccomend? I'm lost.

RE: Hunting in ice
 

If it's a good spot, go ahead, trek in, and bust out a big hole in the ice...if everything is frozen over, put dekes in it and ducks should come into it...

Lemme know how it goes...good luck!

RE: Hunting in ice
 

If you can break the ice by all means get in there and do it! ive done this and it believe me if ducks are around and see that open water they will come in consistantly. if you cant break the ice, weve put clear plastic sheeting on the ice and put goose dekes on it.


Froman,, I take it your the same Froman from the "Fuge"?

RE: Hunting in ice
 

First make sure the ducks/geese are still around and want to come into that pond. If not, what's the use?
I went scouting today and have decided to hunt the Pack River. All my favorite ponds and pot holes are frozen over too. I found a gazillion ducks/geese on the Pend Oreille river but no boat launch for several miles.
Good luck!


critch

RE: Hunting in ice
 

Critch, How did it go at Pack river? I'm up in Bonners Ferry and the refuge is frozen in for the season I think. We do hunt the river up here, but I'm always looking for new places that are close by.
Good hunting,

Michael

RE: Hunting in ice
 

woodsboy, I'm going to the Pack tomorrow. I'll try to get back here and let you know how it went.

critch

RE: Hunting in ice
 

Ya i was talking about the refuge in bonners! what a small world eh? So you think that it is done for the season? Where exactly is the Pack River? I have heard of it but I have no idea where it is. I don't have a boat i can use so i am kinda unlucky in the aspect that i can't get out to the duck in the middle of Pend Oreille. So i need a place that i can hunt from the shore...

RE: Hunting in ice
 

I don't have to hunt over ice often here in TX but I read an article just the other day in Waterfowl Hunter Magazine that said to make a 20 yard hole in front and slightly upwind of your blind. It said to jam it full of dekes leaving just enough room for passing birds to drop in. It also said that the dekes should be tightly bunched up and not worry about them bumping together. The reason being, in cold weather, open water is at a premium and ducks naturally bunch up tight.

Good luck and hope the tip works for you.

RE: Hunting in ice
 

great tip! i wonder if that would work in bonners? i will try it if i get a chance to go this weekend. Thanks.

RE: Hunting in ice
 

How was the pack river critch? What do you think my chances would be at the refuge in bonners this weekend?