I read and see pics alot on here about full straps. How common are limits? Im wondering if new hunters get discouraged when they go out and only bring in one or two bird's. I'm looking forward to the day I can post a limit that I've taken. So far this is my 3rd season and I have yet to kill 6 ducks in a day. I have a lot of fun. Public is a lot of work. But what would you say is a true average for a public hunt?

For me - a good day is 4 birds

I've had very few limits - hunting public is tough

And hunting centex makes it all the harder to do

Most of the North TX guys, such as yourself seem to have better luck

My average for public would be 3-4

Early season, dumb birds and good scouting = limit %60 of the time or better.

Other than that... I would say 4 birds on average.

I kill 6 just about every time. A bad day is 3 birds

I only hunt public and I average 4 birds.

A better question is how many volleys of dux do you get to decoy. I watched a couple of guys a couple weeks ago on the X get at least a dozen groups of ducks to commit and somehow didn't get their limits.

A good day is being out in the field. A great day is harvesting at least 1 bird. Because that's all I need. An excellent day is a limit. An average HUNTING days is 3-4 birds.

Don't get discouraged if you don't shoot limits.

You have to ask yourself: Are you out there to learn, watch birds, and have fun with the chance of shooting ducks, Or are you out there to get your limit?

Limits aren't the only sign of success.

Over the last 10yrs, didn't keep good records before that, we have averaged 5+ birds per hunt/per hunter. 90%-95% public hunts.

As someone above said, scouting will make a huge difference. We typically scout before every hunt and after every hunt. Also, as Larry said, shooting can make a difference as well. I average about 10-15 shells per limit of birds. Only shot 6 times to kill 4 birds last Sunday, a pair of Woodies and a pair of Greenheads.

This year has been a little different since my 7yr old son has joined in on almost every hunt. Only hunted public twice this season, haven't scouted much due to work load, and we are averaging right around 4 birds per hunt/hunter. Several hunts we, the adults, could've shot limits but we have been trying to let the young guns do most of the shooting.

It's not always about limits....

Hunt public 90% and I'd say average 4.25 birds

You said it brotha!

Lol I started on my own when I was 15.. Im glad I don't know the total number of days I havnt shot a limit.... or a single duck for that matter

I hunt exclusivly public. I average about 4-5 usually. A great day is a limit or a day where I can get a goose or 2 in range.

Just depends on conditions and location (I hunt public a lot also)but I'm happy to just hear my gun go off. And not at work. Walked a way with one on the strap and the next day we shoot a 3 man limit at the same spot. That's the way duck go.

"Who doesn't get their limit?"

This guy...

With that said, I would say when comparing the amount of effort (scouting, etc.) per bird, I do pretty good. I'm getting lazy these days, especially since I hunt by myself. If others are going with me, I put in more effort. Also, when I'm new to a new area/type of hunting (like this year) it takes me a while to figure things out.

That's with public.

I don't always hunt private land... but when I do, I kill limits.

I rarely shoot a limit but I usually only hunt one spot. If birds don't come to my spot then I'm out of luck. Therefore, I'm glad to just get one. However I am undecided on which I would prefer; 1 not seeing any birds= no birds or 2 missing birds=no birds.

Agreed!! It's the dog and the whole experience, including the work.

Only hunt public, yet to limit this yr...average 2/3....But then there is this SUNDAY!!

Killing a limit is directly related to scouting and the amount of work you put in. But don't misunderstand me, there have been multiple hunts where we put in the time to find the birds, get out there early etc... and still not limit. Don't let it get you down! Expand your territory, try something different, and pay close attention to detail. I've hunted public 4 times this year. 2 hunts have been limits for 2 and 3 people. One hunt was 20 birds for 4 people. And the last, which was expected to be a barrel burner, was a zero. It happens! Keep after it and you'll get em. Good luck to you.

0-6 ducks...if I get that many I'm going again.

We pretty much shoot limits. But we have a pretty proven equation on our properties. Every 25 birds on a pond = a one man limit. We won't hunt a pond till it has enough birds to make a good shoot. It's not about "the limit". It's about managing our properties to get the best hunts possible. After 10 yrs we've got it down pretty good.

Tomorrow we are taking 2 guys and three kiddos so it's more about the hunt than the limit. Pond had about 100 gads/wigeon so should be otay! 100 birds in this specific pond triggers the hunt. It usually gets hit 1-2x/season.

After doing it 33 yrs its more of the putting a plan together and executing it.

My glad to read the views. I've said to my daughter when I took her out that I'll consider it good morning if we get 6/8 ducks or group of ducks to come in. To me the set up,calling and just being out is great. Hey but one morning I'm going to go out get a limit then come back home and ring that dusty victory bell.

Scouting is you best friend, tool, and is an essential element t duck hunting. If your a good scout and find where the birds want to be you should be able to shoot a limit every time. Can't just go in blind hoping for limits. The more u work the more u will be rewarded

On the money with this one!