Jepson or Tiny or others on the east coast...

[Jackson]

We hunt the coastal plain of North Carolina and likely the same birds you guys get. I'm just wondering what kind of season y'all have had so far. We've had one of the worst seasons in a number of years. In fact, our hunting was better in November than it is now. We're blessed with some great waterfowl hunting for this area but this year has been relatively slow. This most recent snow storm up north has pushed about a thousand or so canvas backs to our lake; however, as we all know that doesn't do us much good! The ringnecks are abundant and we seem to have quite a few widgeon and gadwall. The overall number of birds, however, is drastically down. Have y'all been seeing a similar trend or do we have something to look forward to these last three weeks???

Also, for a Christmas present years ago Dad took my brother and me to Easton for a goose hunt. I think it was one of the last years prior to the closing of the season there. It was a blast. We hunted out of the same "camp" as John Riggin which is something I'll always remember... even as a Cowboy fan. Have they reopened the Canada season yet?

[Rob Jepson]

Jackson,

Sorry I missed your post...I have been checking the MB pretty regularly but didn't catch your question.

Overall I'd have to say that our season has seen a great improvement over last year.The biggest increase was in the number of divers, primarily Bluebills. Large numbers of them in the North & Mid-Bay area, although they have been staying out in deeper water, possible giving the illusion to the inshore blindsites(who might not see them)that there are not any birds in the area. I haven't chased puddle ducks too much since the early season but had several good hunts with Tiny & his Dad during that time. Friends on the Eastern shore had several good Mallard hunts on some flooded ponds before the recent freeze. Goose hunting remains good and prior to my departure for duck camp here in Arkansas, there were large numbers of birds on the Shore. The migratory season for AP (Atlantic Population) Canada Geese reopened last year after a 6 year moratorium. It was a 30 day season with a 1-bird daily limit. This year the season was lengthened to 45 days but retained the same 1-bird limit. Next year maybe 2 birds?...

The season will be closed when I return next week but Tiny could probably give you his take on the hunting this past week...I know he got out as often as the ice would allow. I will hopefully get after some Resident Geese when I get back to Maryland...again, from all accounts those hunts are going well.

By the way, consumate Cowboy's fan and Avery Pro-Staffer Derek Rambo is here in camp with me and he says "The Tuna" will have the silver & blue back in the bowl.

Hope this helps...

Rob Jepson

[Rusty Hallock]

Sorry I missed your post. Since the cold fronts moved thru, the Chesapeake Bay waterfowling scene has been redhot. Diver hunting is fantastic (bluebills) and the canada goose hunting has been phenominal. The geese have changed there pattern a little due to the ponds and rivers freezing over. I have seen more geese on the shore this year than last year. I just got in from goose hunting and on my way home the sky was literally black with geese in the Queenstown/Centreville area (1/2 hour north of Easton). The puddle duck shooting has really turned on in the last week due to the cold weather: mallards, blacks, and gadwalls. I have talked to a few hunters that have been gunning the barrier islands of Md.,De,and Va.. They have stated this has been the best brant season they can remember. You got a little snow in your area today. I am glad we missed that storm.