Duck Season 2024

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Little late this year, but wanted to get the topic started. I have been out twice for teal and have only seen seven, which was before shooting light, of course. 

Seems the birds we had bolted Saturday evening with the low temps and pressure. Doves have seem to have disappeared around here as well. Not even seeing them at the backyard feeders like I was a week ago. Long-range forecast is not looking great for any type of front, but I'm sure we will get some more. Kansas goes until 9/29 this year, so that'll be nice.

The best part is after my back treatment, my pain is essentially gone so far. I have walked 7 miles the last two days, and it sure feels nice to be able to do something so simple. It has been a long two years.

One thing that is unfortunate is the handling of walk-in duck hunting areas by MDC. They do a lot of great things, but that is not one of them. It really is a shame. I hunt every state but Illinois on MO's borders, and their walk-in areas are set up beautifully and managed very well. I just don't get how they can just ignore the walk-ins so much here. Even most of the duck parks, unless it's Pass or Shanks. And don't get me started on Schell. We have more money than any of the other states. What gives?

Hank was happy to be wet head-to-tail again, so that's a plus. The mornings have been perfect, and little to no mosquitos. We are headed to Four Rivers this weekend. Best time of year is here, get out and enjoy it!

[Linhardt]

Hope everyone has a successful season!  And yes I agree the walk-in areas could be better. 

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Well, not much to discuss from the weekend. We ate good, though! Pheasant and dumplings Friday night, fried hybrids, white bass, duck, and Texas shrimp Saturday night.

Most of Missouri seems to be void of teal. We shot six all weekend. Water looked good in most places but the ones we had opening week sure seem to be drinking a pina colada on the Mexico coast right about now. Buddies up in MN, IA, and NoDak say there are a lot still around, which isn't surprising. Went to KS this morning and just about the same, although I did see some big groups flying. I just wasn't where they wanted to be. Need some rain and a North wind!

We did have a nice reward on Sunday at least.

[Gavin]

At least your pulling the trigger. East side is deader than dead. Will be brushing up soon, and turning the water on around 10/15.

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Finally got some new birds and a cold front Saturday over in KS. I saw big groups of teal Saturday morning flying around aimlessly looking for habitat, and so did my buddies hunting MO. We all shot quite a few, so it was a good weekend! Finally feel like I'm in the slot with my shooting, setup, routine, etc. 

I pulled up to the lot yesterday morning and got out to ask where the other guys were going since they were there first. We got to chatting and it was a dad and his young son, trying to get his first teal ever. Dad ended up telling me to just hunt with them, so I did. Which to be honest, was exciting. Malcolm, the son, was amped up and ready to get his first duck. We had a wood duck light in right at first light and had to restrain the young man. Then four teal came crashing in. He stood up and knocked one down and I shot one trying to get out. He ran out to the hole and was about as happy as I've seen a kid in a long time. I was happy, too. He did not want to leave either. He kept begging his dad to let them stay. I remember those days! 

North wind came hitting so I ended up just hunting all day, with a nap in there. About 3:00 pm had a flock of 25-30 light in and finished the day. The rollercoaster that is waterfowl hunting! Should be a good last week in Kansas..

[Gavin]

Hauled allot of pin oak in the rain today water goes on on 10/2. Flip lids will be grassed.

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Had a good end to teal season. It was odd across the board, but we still scratched some out. Kansas had an extra week this year so we took advantage. Yesterday was fun. Shot 8 between us, but every bird we crumpled. I love when the shooting is good. Last week we saw a lot more green wings, and shot quite a bit. 

 

Took the five from yesterday and made a teal gravy. It was one of the best dishes I've made from ducks, and that is saying something.

Think I will try to shoot some geese next weekend and head up to Iowa for the South Zone opener in a couple weeks. Best time of year rolls on!

[Ryan Miloshewski]

On 9/27/2024 at 6:59 PM, Gavin said:

Hauled allot of pin oak in the rain today water goes on on 10/2. Flip lids will be grassed.

How's the water looking? Got a thousand woodies in there?

We are planning  blitzkrieg on wood ducks for big duck opener. I guess they had a phenomenal hatch, because we saw more woodies during teal than I think we ever have. I am talking hundreds every morning at every spot. So, on 10/26 and 11/2 we are going to make them pay.

[Gavin]

Its looking good! I haven't been out to look, just pressure washing a few dozen.

[ness]

Keep that up and you’ll end up with this

 

At Kathy’s old house.