General information/ beginner

Hello everybody, writting from Ottawa Ontario/ very new to the forum and new to hunting, I was told here's a good forum to learn and get some ideas and information.

I'm very new to hunting, got my small game 2 years ago but have no done any hunt until this year.

I'm learning how to Waterfowl hunt, I have been trying to find crown land that and not the best so far lol but that's part of scouting and learning how the sport is, I build up the courage and though I'd ask a farmer if i can get permission to hunt on his land for geese, approached the door with good manners and professional, and respectful spoke with him, he ended up shouting at me and said to get the F**** off his land lol, I was confused to why he acted like that so I apologized and walked away, so I do not think I will be doing that again, so finding locations it will take me time.

I'd like to understand what's the best shot size and chokes to use for duck hunting, I don't have the best skill to shoot them flying but I need to learn, so I will be making sure to shoot at a close range more comfortable than way for a beginer, if I could also get maybe a bit of assistance to where about online I could find locations that could help me alot, I owne a canoe I recently started to learn how to use and I bought my self a dozen of duck decoys !
Thank you! And hopefully no body here shouts or judges or ill just honestly have to delete this account !

In terms of finding hunting spots:
Ihunter ON app is a great source to start

It's a full mapping application with crown land/county huntable tracts / season info and more
It's $40 a year subscription but is very worth it imo

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Hey Bush man, welcome to the forums.

the landowner response made me laugh. you are not alone on this ...

check out Ontario Crown land Atlas, to find crownland.

Oh sweet, Ihunter, I thought I saw that on Google, but thought it was like every other map with no info, 40 bucks a annual subscription is not bad for that kinda of information, I will definitely check it out, thank you

Yah was messed up man, maybe he was having a bad day or had bad experience with hunter but dude don't take it out on me, but yah I'll be checking crown land atlas , is the site up to date ?apparelots of crown land recently have been bought out

I can count on one hand how many experiences like the one you've described I've had over the last 15 or so years of waterfowl hunting. So I'd say keep at it, as most are quite pleasant whether they say yes or no.

As for choke and shot size, use a Modified choke and shoot 3" #2s at both ducks and geese. Simplest way to get started.

-N.

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Yah was messed up man, maybe he was having a bad day or had bad experience with hunter but dude don't take it out on me, but yah I'll be checking crown land atlas , is the site up to date ?apparelots of crown land recently have been bought out

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oh trust me, ive heard worst lol
closer you are to cities, the worst they get, probably cause they get asked alot .. or had bad experiences with ppl.

further from city, they are much nicer, but also alot of crown, so less need to ask farmers.

I also use I hunter app now more, its just simpler to use with more info. but the crown atlas has also never let me down, so far I havent seen any mistakes on it.

As far as the land owner shouting at you, don't worry about it. He probably hunts himself and was mad someone would even ask LOL.

Usually if you knock on the Mennonites door they are nice about it. Don't get discouraged. But ill tell you its way harder to find private land to hunt on. Dont give up tho! Welcome to the forum.

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Amazing, thank you, I have all chokes I think I am using an improved modifided choke? Does that make sense ? I do also have a just modifided choke so I'll switch to that, and get the 3inch 2s, does the brand matter ?

I will look in to it brother, thank you for that. I will see how far I can go out the city mark few houses and knock on doors.. is that how its done to locate farms ? I even got a lebanese dessert to the farmer just to be more kind lol

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Yah was messed up man, maybe he was having a bad day or had bad experience with hunter but dude don't take it out on me, but yah I'll be checking crown land atlas , is the site up to date ?apparelots of crown land recently have been bought out

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That's a shame you were treated so poorly but maybe its this guys normal demeanour and nothing you did wrong.

The Crown Land Atlas is pretty good and much more up to date than some of the old paper editions of the Crown lands that used to be available. Hopefully some of the other members who do duck hunt in your area will help out. Don't get discouraged, geese do a fair amount of damage to land owners properties so hopefully you will meet someone that wants a few taken out.

If your door knocking at farms just be aware of the times you knock and the days. These folks are pretty busy so just bear that in mind and I would not show up dressed as a hunter for the initial door knocks.

I'm gonna be very honest and it might make me sound soft.. but at a young age I use to always get yelled at and boiled by others even when I was getting older and still showed respect and never reacted till it got to a point where I couldn't take it no more and it really bothers me, it just bring back old memories and makes me feel insecure and shook, so instead of losing my on ppl acting like with me I run away man, and it does discourage me to ask again lol ,but I shouldn't take it personally. And sorry bro what are Mennonites? Is it a business they offer hunting or something? And actually I am also interested in hunting Sterlings, I over heard farmers don't like them birds on their farms

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

That's a shame you were treated so poorly but maybe its this guys normal demeanour and nothing you did wrong.

The Crown Land Atlas is pretty good and much more up to date than some of the old paper editions of the Crown lands that used to be available. Hopefully some of the other members who do duck hunt in your area will help out. Don't get discouraged, geese do a fair amount of damage to land owners properties so hopefully you will meet someone that wants a few taken out.

If your door knocking at farms just be aware of the times you knock and the days. These folks are pretty busy so just bear that in mind and I would not show up dressed as a hunter for the initial door knocks.

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Very true, and I understand that for sure. Everybody so far have been recommending crown land and Ihunter so hopefully will help me out, I'm really hoping to get some geese so I'm thinking I'll drive by Richmond town area or Stittsville area and see what's up. And I'd think I'd go early in the day incase after work they just wanna kick it back relax and not want to be bothered .

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Amazing, thank you, I have all chokes I think I am using an improved modifided choke? Does that make sense ? I do also have a just modifided choke so I'll switch to that, and get the 3inch 2s, does the brand matter ?

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Make sure your shotgun will accommodate 3" shells first before buying some.

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Originally Posted by canthitathing

Make sure your shotgun will accommodate 3" shells first before buying some.

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I just took a look at it, I have a Girsan semi auto, and it takes all types of sizes ! But apparently I been seeing online that many hunters do not reccomd 3 1/2 " so I'll stick to 3"

Mennonites are religious group. Very friendly people. We are friends with lots of them. Can’t give to much advice as to knocking on doors. All the people I’ve asked permission from are friends or neighbours. Too bad he acted so uncivil, don’t let it scare ya there’re are lots of friendly people out there.

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Originally Posted by hunter06

Mennonites are religious group. Very friendly people. We are friends with lots of them. Can’t give to much advice as to knocking on doors. All the people I’ve asked permission from are friends or neighbours. Too bad he acted so uncivil, don’t let it scare ya there’re are lots of friendly people out there.

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Wow sweet learn something everyday, that's solid you have that connection my man, how do i go about finding Mennonites farms online ? I would definitely pay one a visit

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

I just took a look at it, I have a Girsan semi auto, and it takes all types of sizes ! But apparently I been seeing online that many hunters do not reccomd 3 1/2 " so I'll stick to 3"

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I have the same gun, only issue i have about it is it will not eject the odd shell, usually its the 2nd shell that gets stuck for me. As for the Mennonites its the guys on horse and buggies lol they are usually very nice. Another tip to try and find land is dont knock on doors in your hunting gear to ask for permission.

Use 2 3/4 shells for it seems to like them better from my experience.


ALSO dont click any of the release or chamber buttons on it once its chambered and ready to go. It will jam 100%

Learned that the hard way while hunting turkey. Had to pull out my knife and fiddle with the shells to get them out.

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Originally Posted by Bowjob

I have the same gun, only issue i have about it is it will not eject the odd shell, usually its the 2nd shell that gets stuck for me. As for the Mennonites its the guys on horse and buggies lol they are usually very nice. Another tip to try and find land is dont knock on doors in your hunting gear to ask for permission.

Use 2 3/4 shells for it seems to like them better from my experience.


ALSO dont click any of the release or chamber buttons on it once its chambered and ready to go. It will jam 100%

Learned that the hard way while hunting turkey. Had to pull out my knife and fiddle with the shells to get them out.

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Ok good to know, so far hasn't jammed on me yet, I used 2 3/5 and 3", but did not know about the releasing the chamber button that's how I load lol, I always had pump and break action back in the days, so I'll load I'd differently.

As far as knocking on doors yah I figured to never wear hunting gear lol that would look really bad, so I'll start on the look out for Mennonites farms around Ottawa maybe bit out further doesn't matter, I'm hoping to find one spot at least and get me some geese this season before season ends, never shout one before so I'm very pumped and hopeful I'll find a spot this season.

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Wow sweet learn something everyday, that's solid you have that connection my man, how do i go about finding Mennonites farms online ? I would definitely pay one a visit

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Generally-not a rule(but sure bet if You see one) Green roofs are Mennonite farms.

that was a terrible response from the landowner. Don't give up, you will get more no's, but they should just be just that, no other nonsense. You should pattern your gun using I agree a medium chock. Different shells will give way different patterns. It can be amazing how strange the patterns can be with different brands. That same brand could be just fine out of a different gun.

Solid, I will keep a look out for that.

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Originally Posted by sabmgb

that was a terrible response from the landowner. Don't give up, you will get more no's, but they should just be just that, no other nonsense. You should pattern your gun using I agree a medium chock. Different shells will give way different patterns. It can be amazing how strange the patterns can be with different brands. That same brand could be just fine out of a different gun.

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Yah I know but what can you do eh, and I never knew chockes and shots could be complex in a way, I'm gonna try to pattern and see what works best

Sorry you got a bad response knocking on doors but it happens. Don't let it discourage you knocking on doors is the best way to get access to private property. In Ottawa most land is private. But there is some crown such as Marlborough forest.

Some of members from the Ottawa area occasionally get together for a breakfast to discuss hunting you are welcome to join we are planning for Oct 29th in Kemptville.

https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...eakfast-Anyone

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Ok good to know, so far hasn't jammed on me yet, I used 2 3/5 and 3", but did not know about the releasing the chamber button that's how I load lol, I always had pump and break action back in the days, so I'll load I'd differently.

As far as knocking on doors yah I figured to never wear hunting gear lol that would look really bad, so I'll start on the look out for Mennonites farms around Ottawa maybe bit out further doesn't matter, I'm hoping to find one spot at least and get me some geese this season before season ends, never shout one before so I'm very pumped and hopeful I'll find a spot this season.

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Basically loading throw 1 shell in the open action press the big button to slam the chamber shut then load the last 2 shells from underneath.

ONCE you're loaded DO NOT press either the round button or the release button ( smaller thinner button over the trigger area i believe). If you hit either of them before squeezing the trigger , the gun will not fire or will jam.

When unloading hit the release button and pull the bolt back. A shell will come out and another will replace it once you let the chamber slam back shut you should be able to pull the bolt back again and the other shell will come out or you may have to hit the release button again to make it cycle again.

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Originally Posted by Bowjob

Basically loading throw 1 shell in the open action press the big button to slam the chamber shut then load the last 2 shells from underneath.

ONCE you're loaded DO NOT press either the round button or the release button ( smaller thinner button over the trigger area i believe). If you hit either of them before squeezing the trigger , the gun will not fire or will jam.

When unloading hit the release button and pull the bolt back. A shell will come out and another will replace it once you let the chamber slam back shut you should be able to pull the bolt back again and the other shell will come out or you may have to hit the release button again to make it cycle again.

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Yup that's how I load, and ok I'll unload that way, usually I let the chamber back snd the other 2 I release them from the bottom, but besides that gun is beautiful, still getting use to the all black gun, use to brown stock lol

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Sorry you got a bad response knocking on doors but it happens. Don't let it discourage you knocking on doors is the best way to get access to private property. In Ottawa most land is private. But there is some crown such as Marlborough forest.

Some of members from the Ottawa area occasionally get together for a breakfast to discuss hunting you are welcome to join we are planning for Oct 29th in Kemptville.

https://www.oodmag.com/community/sho...eakfast-Anyone

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Unfortunately it what it is, but sweet ill check out that forest, and that sounds like fun, I'll see what's my book looking like and give you a shout

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Yup that's how I load, and ok I'll unload that way, usually I let the chamber back snd the other 2 I release them from the bottom, but besides that gun is beautiful, still getting use to the all black gun, use to brown stock lol

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Nice, I have it chambered in 3 inch, with the camo printAttachment 44080

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Welcome to the world of hunting ! We all started knowing nothing and in my case after 50 plus years of hunting still learn something new all the time. As for disappointment ? Get use to it ! There's a price to pay for experience and disappointment is only part of the bill. LoL ! Hooking up with other hunters in your area would be a huge help and finding a mentor would be golden.

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Originally Posted by Bowjob

Nice, I have it chambered in 3 inch, with the camo printAttachment 44080

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Beautiful looking gun, well this is my first year getting my foot in the door, I'm thinking by next year I want to paint my canoe deep forest color it's red now I'm assumg ducks would notice it in the air, and I want to do some homework see if I can modify my gun maybe do it all camouflage too

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Originally Posted by longpointer

Welcome to the world of hunting ! We all started knowing nothing and in my case after 50 plus years of hunting still learn something new all the time. As for disappointment ? Get use to it ! There's a price to pay for experience and disappointment is only part of the bill. LoL ! Hooking up with other hunters in your area would be a huge help and finding a mentor would be golden.

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Your absolutely right.

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Beautiful looking gun, well this is my first year getting my foot in the door, I'm thinking by next year I want to paint my canoe deep forest color it's red now I'm assumg ducks would notice it in the air, and I want to do some homework see if I can modify my gun maybe do it all camouflage too

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You can always get some camo tape and cover some of it up. Black isn't that bad. I tend to stay away from the black stocks tho. I've always been a wood stock guy but I got this gun on sale and this colour was the only other option other than black haha. Only other complaint I have about this gun is its not drilled or taped for a rail which sucks

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Originally Posted by Bowjob

You can always get some camo tape and cover some of it up. Black isn't that bad. I tend to stay away from the black stocks tho. I've always been a wood stock guy but I got this gun on sale and this colour was the only other option other than black haha. Only other complaint I have about this gun is its not drilled or taped for a rail which sucks

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Oh no kidding, mine is, I had a belt on it but got rid of it because the belt was short didnt feel comfortable, and I'm actually looking online for some reason mine was a bit more expensive, but yah I'm thinking of somehow the stock and forearm wood or wood color that would be alright, I'm still debating if I should use a modified choke or improved cylinder choke, I feel like I want to try to shoot ducks at a closer range since I'm not comfortable yet or confident yet in shooting long range , so maybe an IC with either 2 2/4 4s or 3" 4!

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Originally Posted by Bush-man

Oh no kidding, mine is, I had a belt on it but got rid of it because the belt was short didnt feel comfortable, and I'm actually looking online for some reason mine was a bit more expensive, but yah I'm thinking of somehow the stock and forearm wood or wood color that would be alright, I'm still debating if I should use a modified choke or improved cylinder choke, I feel like I want to try to shoot ducks at a closer range since I'm not comfortable yet or confident yet in shooting long range , so maybe an IC with either 2 2/4 4s or 3" 4!

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If it chambers 3 and a half it will be a little more expensive than the 3 inch chamber.

As for the chokes try them out and see what works better for you.

For turkeys I use #4s with a full choke i think but thats a diffrent game lol.

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Originally Posted by Bowjob

If it chambers 3 and a half it will be a little more expensive than the 3 inch chamber.

As for the chokes try them out and see what works better for you.

For turkeys I use #4s with a full choke i think but thats a diffrent game lol.

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Yo I'm actually thinking of going out this month for turkey ! I think they could be found anywhere eh? It's not like waterfowl where got to be much more spicific of the land.
For ducks for sure gonna have to try few methods and see what works best for me

Practice, practice, practice ! Reload and repeat. Finding the right load for you and your gun will take some time putting shots down range on patterning paper. Strange as it is some guns perform better with certain mfg.'s shells. Once you dial in what load and choke you shoot best with its back to practice, practice, practice.

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Originally Posted by longpointer

Practice, practice, practice ! Reload and repeat. Finding the right load for you and your gun will take some time putting shots down range on patterning paper. Strange as it is some guns perform better with certain mfg.'s shells. Once you dial in what load and choke you shoot best with its back to practice, practice, practice.

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Pretty much what I will be doing today, box of 2s and box of 4s Federal shots, apparently they are well known for waterfowl, both 3"