North Dakota

Duck Hunting - By Greg Pratt

In our last issue you read about the 25% increase in local waterfowl breeding populations, and North America’s total estimated fall migration of 83 million birds. The magnitude of these statistics is as important to duck hunting success as it is to the geese we wrote about last month. There will be a ton of ducks dropping down all across our northern border, but history reveals that North Dakota receives an unfair share of migratory ducks. And you can take advantage of the situation.

Prairie duck hunting is unlike what sportsmen in Minnesota or Wisconsin are accustomed to. There are no woods. And basically, there aren’t many big lakes. North Dakota’s landscape is essentially agricultural. Rolling hills are separated by vast pastures and harvestable fields. And often nestled between rolls in the terrain are pockets of water. Locals call them potholes. Potholes range in size from a puddle you can skip a rock across, to a flooded field best challenged with a small boat. Ducks use these waters religiously. Larger potholes, often referred to as sloughs, and even minuscule puddles, provide feeding and resting for migratory birds. And there is a strong contingency of local ducks who have been around all summer long raising families. From a hunting standpoint, what makes a pothole productive is surrounding cover. Established pieces of water are outlined with cattails, bulrushes, or canary grass. And better yet, locate a pothole resting inside a grain, corn, sunflower, or bean field. The shoreline cover protects ducks from adverse weather and predators. While the crops offer a quality forage base.

Hunting technique is not a science. A little calling, a couple dozen decoys, and accurate shooting are the requirements. When you approach a pothole there will likely be ducks already there. Be prepared to fire if you are inside legal hours. Set up quickly after the opening volley. The disturbed birds may return after circling for a few minutes. Lay your decoys within killing range, in a standard horseshoe, or V spread. Bigger sloughs may require a siege technique. Position one or two hunters across the water, at a safe distance. When large flocks constantly come and go, your odds are increased by using multiple shooting stations. Novice duck callers will also appreciate North Dakota hunting. There are plenty of species to imitate. Calls are used to gain the attention of incoming birds, but if they are decoying regardless, it is best to keep the call in your pocket.

In North Dakota, because of the tremendous number of ducks, you can concentrate over one slough all day, or hit several bodies in a single outing. Jump shooting, or the ambushing of small potholes, is popular in North Dakota. Jump shooters need to be stealthy and excellent shooters. Most small potholes are shallow, and you can wade out to retrieve ducks. But be careful, some farm potholes have deep, soft bottoms. Nearly all of eastern, northeastern, and southeastern North Dakota offers excellent duck hunting. A simple drive through the countryside is absolutely amazing. There is a great deal of standing water, and an even more remarkable number of ducks. But you need to do some scouting.

Take at least a full day to watch duck movements and contact landowners. Legally, you do not need to have permission to hunt non-posted land. But courtesy goes a long way. We need to respect the farmers.

Ethically, know the daily and possession limits and identify your quarry before shooting. A true mixed bag of ducks typically fly within range. It’s common to see mallards, teal, pintails, widgeon, bluebills, ringbills, canvasbacks, redheads, and a wealth of other ducks in a single outing.

Call North Dakota’s state offices at 1-800-406-6409 to purchase a non-resident stamp and license over the phone. For lodging, fishing, and hunting information in The Devils Lake Area call 1-800-233-8048.

If it flew, swam, or ran on four legs, Bill at Fargo Taxidermy can bring it back to life; as a permanent show piece. His establishment is well known for being able to re-animate wild game. Bring him your next trophy.

Interstate Battery in Fargo recommends some simple maintenance on your marine & RV batteries to extend their life. Keep the water levels up and charge your batteries before storing them over the winter.

Experienced hunters take their big game to Casselton Cold Storage, located just off I-94 in the heart of the valley. Their mild and hot pepper sticks known throughout the land.

In October and November, both fishermen and hunters will call Omega Motel, base camp. This clean, and well maintained facility is located near The James River and Lake La Moure. Call ahead for reservations.

The scenic town of Fort Ransom rests in The Sheyenne River Valley. Hunters and anglers in this area rely on Fort One Stop for fuel and convenience store items. And this section of southeastern North Dakota is highly recommended for its fish and game. Deer and waterfowl hunters call on Curtis Sinclair Service for petrol, snacks, and vehicle service. Look for them on Highway 13 in Wishek.

At L & H Shoe Shop, outfitting your feet is just the beginning. They handle everything from fishing tackle, to outdoor gear and firearms. A complete selection. Upland and waterfowl hunters are encouraged to contact Dakota Inn for lodging. The facility offers a restaurant, swimming pool, and nightly entertainment in the lounge. Valley Meat Supply offers more ways to process big game than you could have ever imagined. Located in the center of North Dakota’s whitetail deer country, Valley Meat Supply knows what to do with venison.

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