Hollister Area Ducks?

[duckydoty]

Jeff,

I'm up in Alaska now, but will be back in the Branson area before duck season starts in the South Zone. There are some great places to hunt on Lower Taney, Upper Bull Shoals and of course TR. F&F has got the big lake hunting rigs dialed in. Hope to be reading your duck hunting reports on the forum and might see you on the water this coming season.

[Feathers and Fins]

Early teal is hit and miss on most years, one day here one day gone. It all depends on cold front timing most years, this year we had teal breed on Beaver and I have seen them in good numbers all year on Beaver and the White below the dam so it could be a good year.

Our goose numbers are very impressive and with dual licenses its possible to hunt dove in the am and geese or teal in the pm or reversed lol. Its pretty neat when regular season gets here to be able to limit on waterfowl by 9am and then fish the rest of the day. Our winters are just right that it makes it possible.

Don't get locked in to the big lakes though, there are tons of MDC lands that hold waterfowl and we still are lucky enough to have landowners that give permission to hunt their small stock ponds. It is a great way for you to learn the area and see some pretty neat places. My wife loves going scouting with me as she gets to see some of the old historic downtown areas not to mention she loves waterfowling as well.

[mhowerton]

Question for F&F on the long lines. What type of line do you use? Just typical tangle free decoy line? I am going to rig some up for hunting Norfork and Bull this year.

Thanks

[Feathers and Fins]

Trot Line, the biggest thing is be sure to leave 30ft from the front weight to first decoy you can always pull it up on shore more if you need it closer, and minimum of 50ft on back end weight so you can drop it in deep water.

even in shallow marshes this is a quick easy way to set out decoys. On cold days its nice to pick up the weight on shore and start winding them in instead of walking around in cold water.

This is how it should look when set out

Thats 12 dozen set out, from 10ft offshore to 30 yards and visable a long way off.

[Jeff Olson]

Thanks f&f and dd for the info! hey dd where abouts in alaska are you, you up there fishing and duck hunting? and yes I hope to get out as much as possible and post reports. this site is awesome, and everyone sounds like they are great guys!

[tho1mas]

Good to hear from D.D. Send us some reports sometime.