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Nevada Duck Opener 2012
Last Saturday was the 2012 Nevada duck opener for he Souther Region. I know I've mentioned this before, but duck hunting in southern Nevada takes nearly as much luck as it does preperation and determination. You can't even get onto a Wildlife Management Area down here without applying for a limited access draw to hunt ducks on opening day at the area we hunted. This year, me and my two buddies failed to get drawn, but shoed up before everyone else to get a crack at a leftover spot for the folks who were drawn but inevitably fail to show up. The good news is that we got enough leftover spots to cover the three of us. The bad news is that they don't declare hunters a no-show and issue the leftover spots spot until 1 hour before shooting light! Anyone who hunts ducks know how tough it is to now find a spot (last choice at that since everyone else is already in place) and get all your decoys set up in that short amount of time.
The saving grace of this whole long-shot of a day was that one of my hunting buddies in my group had three other friends there who went and claimed a spot - an excellent spot at that - for us since we were all but certain to get a leftover seeing as though we were the first three in line. When we got our daily permit cards for the hunt, we flew full tilt to the hunting spot and set up just in the nick of time. Shooting light came and brought in what was hands-down the best day of duck hunting I've seen in these parts. I limited out in 43 minutes with a mix of one redhead, a mallard, a blue winged teal, two green wing teal, and a shoveler.
The other guys, not wanting to shoot any teal for hate of their taste - got their limits in 2.5 hours.
Over two different hunting spots, our whole group managed a 6-man limit of ducks during the morning hunt. Again, this was the best day of duck hunting I've seen in southern Nevada. Not exactly duck heaven, but on this day, it was just that.
The saving grace of this whole long-shot of a day was that one of my hunting buddies in my group had three other friends there who went and claimed a spot - an excellent spot at that - for us since we were all but certain to get a leftover seeing as though we were the first three in line. When we got our daily permit cards for the hunt, we flew full tilt to the hunting spot and set up just in the nick of time. Shooting light came and brought in what was hands-down the best day of duck hunting I've seen in these parts. I limited out in 43 minutes with a mix of one redhead, a mallard, a blue winged teal, two green wing teal, and a shoveler.
The other guys, not wanting to shoot any teal for hate of their taste - got their limits in 2.5 hours.
Over two different hunting spots, our whole group managed a 6-man limit of ducks during the morning hunt. Again, this was the best day of duck hunting I've seen in southern Nevada. Not exactly duck heaven, but on this day, it was just that.
Accuracy: because white space between bullet holes drives me insane.
Replies
Good for you.
It's that time of year, man. Things get into full swing and the fall brings great things for the outdoorsman in all of us. I'm heading back to Nebraska in a few days to check on my house and break my pup in on pheasants and quail. Best of luck to you when you hit the field this fall!
Other than the three antelope I got last week, and maybe a pig or two once it cools off, I may not get much more hunting in this year. Just depends on work and places to go.
Either way, I've already had the most awesome hunting season having my daughter with me on the 'Goat Hunt' in Wyoming.
Just wait till your daughter is old enough to go with you. It will change your life. For the better.
I just saw your post on that hunt and it's one of the most inspiring pieces I've read on here. I really can't wait until Nov. 3rd when my daughter will join me on her first duck hunt. I got drawn for opening day of duck season at the closest WMA in the area (they start about 2 weeks later than the rest of the southern region there) and they have kid-friendly blinds for her to sit in during the hunt. In a few years, she'll be big enough to do big game like your little girl and I plan on taking her back to Nebraska. They just introduced $5 youth deer tags this season and that includes non-resident kids. If that program sticks and I can afford to take her back, I will gladly give up my hunt time to help her get a deer in my old stomping grounds.
Nice job, keep us posted.
Bellcat
"The Un-Tactical"