Wigeons

[Whiskey Jack]

What are the odds that I could get a full plumage wigeon in ND during the first week of Oct?

[Cameron Maxson]

Im not too good with odds but i shot one in full plumage last year in illinois on oct 20 something

[Stephen Pitt]

Getting one that is worth mounting and not full of pin feathers, your chances are about slim and none.

[kwackerstacker]

Getting one that is worth mounting and not full of pin feathers, your chances are about slim and none.

agreed close to none

[The Waterfowler]

Superfically one may look fair to good, but like Stephen said, will be full of pinfeathers and not with good, developed wings and tails with problems in the neck and head also with pins. I've killed some pretty good ones in late November in Arkansas, but the best of the best are after Christmas to late January.

As a side note, and as a taxidermist, I have a problem with an early season bird. I get Canadas, Teal and Wood Ducks as early as September and the finished product is painfully poor as the pin-feathers aren't attached very well, not fully developed and fall out at the slightest touch. I've since refused any September Canadas for that reason. Please don't get in a hurry to put one on the wall and get you a good specimen as they are quite easy to come by.

This is a late November bird I am just finishing.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/thewaterfowler/IMG_2952.jpg

[Lybeck]

Just come to Washington between December and January and you will get what you need plus some.

[hoosier_duckhunter]

Getting one that is worth mounting and not full of pin feathers, your chances are about slim and none.
we were there in early october last year and seen plenty and killed prolly 8 tht were close to full plumage

[Fastballs&Outdoors]

In SC Kansas we shoot full plumaged widgeons from opening day all the way to the end of the season in january. It seems that around Thanksgiving to Xmas they are very thick here and travel in big flocks up to 60 on the Arkansas River.

[G_Maxson]

Are you guys working the bird over by pushing through the feathers and checking for pin's in the side pockets, neck etc... or going by outward appearance?

[The Waterfowler]

Are you guys working the bird over by pushing through the feathers and checking for pin's in the side pockets, neck etc... or going by outward appearance?

Good question. I get plenty of "Full Plumage" birds from customers early in the season that aren't! Checking for pin-feathers are simple and the scaps, tails and necks are the worst to deal with when not fully grown in. Yes we shoot a lot of pretty ones early in Arkansas in November, but the prime ones are after Christmas.

[TheFinisher12]

not likely.. although i shot a fully plumed drake widgeon in central MN last year in early-mid october.