I've been hunting ducks since I was 3-4 yrs old, 32 now. problem is, I just started hunting public for the first time and it's a whole new ball game. the posts here are beneficial to teach new hunters/new public hunters what not to do. most is common sense however...

Where is One Year Wonder when you need him.

He doesn't know anything about hunting public, he hunts private pin raised mallards.

.........if you insist:

Found this jewel.

...........Seent this on another forum and thought I'd post it here for all you public huntin topwaters.

Memorize these rules. There will be a test.





"In many respects, hunter etiquette can make or break the quality of shooting on public areas. If all hunters would observe the following rules, ducks would work in tighter, shots would be closer, and the pleasures of this sport would be more widely shared by all. Everything you learned in kindergarten about getting along with others applies in the duck blind, too.

1. Don’t encroach on someone else’s spot. If they got there first, go find another hole.


2. Quit calling when ducks are working another hunter’s spread. If he has their attention, let him have them.


3. Don’t be a sky-buster. Avoid taking shots that are at marginal range. Sky-busting is unsporting, and it results in too many cripples that aren’t recovered.


4. Don’t block boat ramps or parking areas any longer than necessary. Be ready to launch with all your gear loaded in, plug installed and straps undone when it’s your turn to launch.


5. Be respectful of hunters in boats with less horsepower than you have. When passing another boat, ease around it with as little wake as possible. Don’t shine a spotlight in another boat driver’s eyes.


6. Don’t violate a friend’s trust. If he takes you to a secret spot on a public area, don’t go back there without his knowledge or permission. And never take others there.


7. Remember that the Golden Rule certainly applies to hunting on public areas. In all regards, treat others as you would like to be treated. Such respectful behavior will translate into better hunting and greater pleasures for all who must share an area."

LOL, it was 6 group hunts...but thanks I think. I hunt a lot by myself. I try a lot of stuff I read on here...some works and some doesn't. I hunt 4-5 days a week and its a blast. I'm fortunate to be able to hunt a lot, a wife that is cool with it, a dog that fetches birds and the means to do it. It may take a few years to get the hang of it but I'm having a blast.

this has been going on for a while... brainwashed it seems

Could be the extreme lack of help for any newbie seeking help on the internet. I think what the old timers aren't realizing is that the younger folks don't get the information you have acquired over decades of hunting because nobody is willing to share that information. Now they are left on their own to figure it out when another hunter can easily try to help them. I'm not talking about on a forum but in your local hunting hole since what's successful in your area probably isn't in my area. So they will continue to be "barnies" until they either figure it out (maybe many, many years later) or someone takes some time to show them the ropes.

And I would bet that every duck hunter has done something stupid while duck hunting. I know I have.

I'm not sure I've ever been on a duck hunt without doing SOMETHING stupid...

Great point, this applies to everyone regardles of experience level.