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[Feathers and Fins]

Im on a quest for a full set of divers for the shelf. So im looking for a place people think or know will produce the following species. Canvasback, Ringneck and Redhead it needs to me in SWMO or NWAR area within 3 hours drive of Bentonville AR.

This season so far has been less than optimal for getting those species so any options would be appreciated.

[duckydoty]

I got both canvas backs and ringnecks on lower Taney last year

[Feathers and Fins]

Interesting, How were they colored and about when in the season? I have a large diver spread so getting them to come in isnt the issue thats covered lol. Never hunted lower taney where is a good place to launch that is safe to put in a bass boat? Thanks

[brother dave]

The ones I got were full color and it was mid season for the south zone

[duckydoty]

Good launch at Rockaway Beach. One of the canvasbacks was just coming out of eclipse the other was in full colors. The blue bills were perfect. Late December to mid January is when we got them.

[BilletHead]

Had a ringer buzz Pat and I this morning. I have taken redheads on ponds but have never seen a canvasback.

Marty

[Feathers and Fins]

Guess im going to need to plan a trip over there, Looks like a potential spot to get a couple of the birds. I love setting goals for the season like this forces me to move around and try new areas and just experiance them. The Diver Goal is a fun one as we are not in the perfect flyway for them. Got my Golden Eye, Scaulp and Buffle last year and now to try for the rest. I passed up a lot of cans last year hoping for the one good looking bird but never came through but made it sweet because that goal just keeps carrying over.

[jdmidwest]

We killed 3 limits of Redheads at Schell Osage last month. I assume they would be on Truman Lake also. Pretty rare on this side of the state.

Our Canvasbacks come thru early on this side of the state, usually before the middle of Nov. We have seen several the past few years but did not take any. I missed a drake last year and had one pass over the blind this year on opening weekend.

Ringnecks are a dime a dozen on local lakes usually, but this year I have only seen 1 flock.

[duckydoty]

I hunted 10 mile pond about 8 or 9 years ago the last week of the season and the only birds we saw that day were canvasbacks. Could not shoot any of them then. We saw around 50 of them that day.

[Feathers and Fins]

Thats the problem I have JD they come through to early for good mounters on the cans, ringers seem to be gone by mid December also. Thats whats so cool about setting the goals,it makes it a challenge, im looking for high quality birds for the shelf. I love to diver they decoy well and when they do decide to come its in your face at warp 8.

So many people dont like to shoot them because they think they taste hoirrible and the fact we are in an area where greenhead is king and people are taught if it isnt a mallard its trash. Kinda like people give Snows a bad rap. If you know how to cook them they are all excelllant table fair. I remember a time pintail were called trash ducks and you were allowed 10 of them. Now they are a trophy in many areas and no one passes up on them. Funny how things change. Appreciate the input guys.