Need Some Help Hunting the Wind!

[JakeTheDrakeGentry]

I hunted some real heavy wind today, 30-40 mph N NW, and i ended up moving my spread at least 2-3 times before I was able to get the ducks to commit and land in the spread. When they did work though they were either gonna do it or wanted nothing at all to do with me. When i finally ended up I was set up on the down wind side of a mound, which had a little break in the wind. Any more suggestions would be great. Thanks Jake Gentry

[chase_n_green]

Ummm...

[JakeTheDrakeGentry]

Anyone know what to do?

[Heronk]

Tell someone to turn the wind down?

[OutForBlood87]

Just so I can get an idea, were the decoys on the up wind side of you and the mound or on the down wind side? And how did you have your decoys set up?

[Tony Vandemore]

Hey Jake, ducks alot of times will look for those little wind breaks on the down wind sides of mounds, levees, weed growth, etc. When the wind is screaming like that most of them will want out of the wind to rest. Look for those sheltered or somewhat slick water areas when setting up in high winds.

[Mark Brendemuehl]

We recently hunted a brutally windy day- a day that had sustained winds in the 40-50 mph range and gusts recorded over 70 mph. We found an out of the way spot, sheltered by cattails and dug in. Though it was the most sheltered spot in the area, and ducks DID want to come in there, they litterally couldn't. Every time they set their wings, they got blown back 30 yards and had to try again. We did manage to shoot several mallards and a few teal, but, it was a long day to say the least.
Make the spread as realistic as you can. Set up downind of the decoys to make the birds pass by you to get to them. This will give you shorter shots and make for shorter retrieves for the dog. That day, we had to HAMMER on the calls to get any response at all.
The good thing is, you can get away with more movement, because the entire slough is moving in the wind.
Mark

[JakeTheDrakeGentry]

Thanks alot guys, I can honestly say it was one ofthe most difficult scenarios i've been put through in a long time. The tips you gave were exactly what i was looking for and on the day of the hunt i was starting to do most all of them. Thanks again. JG