Southaven Park

[Joe T]

Up early to head out for duck hunting- clear but cold- I think they say cold is good for duck hunting, but how will it feel wading in the river to deploy the decoys?

[NYRturkeycall]

It's a cold one out there this morning, good luck. I just read up on the Suffolk county parks regulations for duck hunting. Man and I thought deer was bad!

[Nontypical]

18 minutes ago, NYRturkeycall said:

It's a cold one out there this morning, good luck. I just read up on the Suffolk county parks regulations for duck hunting. Man and I thought deer was bad!

Nothing around here comes easy. 

[NYRturkeycall]

22 minutes ago, Nontypical said:

Nothing around here comes easy. 

It's the first year next year I'm thinking about knocking on doors. Issue is a lot of places out further east already have people for their nuisance culls.  These regs are killing me lately.... And to boot the check station always gives different information depending on who's answering the phone! 

[virgil]

25 minutes ago, NYRturkeycall said:

It's the first year next year I'm thinking about knocking on doors. Issue is a lot of places out further east already have people for their nuisance culls.  These regs are killing me lately.... And to boot the check station always gives different information depending on who's answering the phone! 

I stopped deer hunting here on Long Island years ago.  Unless you know someone or have access to land out East, it's too much of a hassle for me.  Maybe not quite as bad in early bow season.  Forget ducks/geese unless you have a boat and/or a lot of money to spend on a lease.

[virgil]

Joe, looking forward to hearing about your experience at South Haven.  i tried it once a few years ago and wasn't crazy about it.  

[Joe T]

Thanks for the responses guys- well Southaven was fairly easy- we checked in the station where some grumpy men did a lottery for blinds- we were last number called but got our first choice of blind at end of River- we had to wade through the river to get to it.  The only ducks we saw were a few swimming in front of our blind when we were making our way to it and they took right off.  The only bird that visited us the rest of the time was a beautiful white swan.  The only shots I got to take were a few over a tossed Dokken to let Dave’s dog Georgie practice some retrieves.  I left Enzo home so I could focus on shooting- lol.  I am catching on to this sport- it’s more about hanging out in the woods and spending time with dogs and friends than it is about actually shooting anything! It was a good time and if any of you Suffolk guys want to join me one morning let me know.  It was 90% easier than working through the marsh on fire island, but at least there we see ducks.  I understand this spot gets better when the bay is frozen over and the birds come to River which stays open.

i really appreciate my friend Dave helping me learn the ropes and you guys for the advice and encouragement!

[NYRturkeycall]

Fantastic! Looks like you had a great time