Outside Iowa: It’s time to Get Ducky

Traditionally, I have not been a dedicated waterfowler.  However, over the past decade I have had the opportunity to learn from veterans and absolute duck and goose hunting nuts. It’s contagious and I’ve caught the bug.

I learned first hand why it’s so popular and I have even built a small arsenal of my own gear and tricks to getting more ducks in front of me. I think it’s safe to say I’m into this.

I’m no expert but I can definitely say the basics that apply to successful deer and turkey hunting also applies to ducks (and geese). The old adage of setting up where they want to be is the key.

Sure, you can call them in for a fly-by, but having them land in your spread offering cake shots is what we dream about. I can’t think of many outdoor experiences that compare to watching a group of ducks or geese work the call and decoy spread. Magnificent!

Iowa’s waterfowl seasons are just around the corner and if your gear isn’t ready, day one might not be as successful as it could be; more on that in a bit. Highway 30 divides the North from the South Zone for Iowa duck and goose hunting.

For both the North and South Zones, early duck starts Sept. 17 and ends Sept. 21, but the late duck season for the North Zone begins Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 8. Late duck season for the South Zone begins Oct. 22 and ends Dec. 15.

Iowa also offers a Youth Duck Season, which for the North Zone it runs Oct. 1- 2, for the South Zone it runs Oct. 8-9.

Daily duck limit is six per hunter (total) including no more than four mallards (only two of those can be female), three wood ducks, two red heads, two scaup, two pintail, one black duck and one canvasback.

There is a daily limit of five mergansers; only two of those can be hooded. And, 15 coots per day if you’re into those things; I am!

Iowa’s early Canada goose and Brant season for the North Zone begins September 24th through Oct. 9 and Oct. 1 through the 16. of October for the South Zone. The later season for the North Zone begins Oct. 15 and ends Jan. 4 with the South Zone starting Oct. 22 through Jan. 11.

White-Fronted Geese (Specs) for the North Zone begins Sept. 24 and runs through Dec. 6 and for the South Zone it starts Oct. 1 and ends Dec. 13.

For Light Geese (white and blue phase snow geese and Ross’s geese) begins for the North Zone Sept. 24 through Jan. 8 and for the South Zone Oct. 1 through Jan. 13.

Daily limit for Canada geese is two per hunter from opener through Oct. 31, and then three per hunter from Nov. 1 through the end of the season.

The daily limit for White-Fronted geese is two, for Brant its one, and for light geese its 20.

I have been on a lot of opening day waterfowl hunts and have found that when all the decoys, blinds, calls, camo, guns, ammo, etc. is in order before hand the hunts usually ended early with full limits. Take the time now to get your stuff ready and the stress will be much lower.

Also, just like any other type of hunting the time you put in scouting before you ever hit the marsh will greatly impact how well you do. Don’t be afraid to share the marsh with other groups, because if you have done your homework in advance, you will already know just where the ducks want to be; right in front of your shotgun!

Good luck and don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.

Live it Up!

Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for www.outdoorpursuitsradio.com. If you have questions or comments feel free to email Thomas at tha481@gmail.com