Running Traffic on Ducks

[Adam Parchman]

Due to some recent changes in land ownership, and some decisions made by NC Wildlife Resources Commission one of my main areas of public hunting at the NC coast is now permit only, and 2 days of the week at that. We have a 26 acre waterfront farm in this area and are well equipped to hunt the area. But with recent changes, the birds will be much safer and comfortable in the impoundments and gamelands that were once public areas. And much more pressured on the open water. I feel this will turn into a numbers game, as well as realism in the spread and with calling. I have never ran traffic on open water or ducks before, only in fields for geese. Rarely did we kill divers in the now un-huntable areas so I will continue to diver hunt as normal, but as for puddlers any advice you might could give would be very helpful and much appreciated.

Thanks, Adam

[Wyogoose]

I think you pretty much have the right idea. Go with a big spread and the key is to have a lot of motion. We have run as many as 18 doz floaters and six mojos when running traffic near a refuge and had good success. You have to remember that if you can make your pond look like a refuge than you have a much better chance. Also, usually the more calling the better. Sometimes it seems like you are calling way too much but alot of times it will grab the attention of passing ducks and at least bring them over for a look. Good Luck!!