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Hey guys looking for someone to hunt with late season, we dont have one here so looking to meet new people and smash some honkers I got 8 fullbodys and 19 floaters I can ad to the spread all are FA also my own layout blind and an extra one if somebody needs one. Look forward to making new hunting buddies and hunting somewhere new.
Dave
No offence I think the only way your going to smash geese in the late season is if you go out with a guide service that provides the late season,
and that may be hard considering it is at the end of feb , most guides are booked solid C
Well that's a pretty typical response coming from a guy working for a guiding service. Your also completely wrong in your statement. I put out the same question last year and after chatting to you through email and text and getting a promise of being taken out during the week I actually found a down to earth guy and went out. Not everyone is as much of a talker as you.
Fisher boy give us guys an idea on your location. Might help if some guys have an opening.
Your correct I do work for a guide service and we are booked solid for the entire week , have been booked for 4 weeks now ,
Hunted the last 5 years during the late season a minimum of 3 days/season with 2-3 guys and limited everyday and I was only using my own ingenuity as a guide service.Quote:
Originally Posted by mojo stick
heh
Although threads like this are generally either ignored or responded to poorly, this comment is a worthless plug of information. You're on a roll man!Quote:
Originally Posted by mojo stick
To the OP, geese can be found in the late season (don't worry, I do it every year without Mojo's Guiding Schtick), but you've got to put the miles on the truck scouting. You'll have a lot easier time if you can secure permission, and invite guys with the right amount of equipment to join you, rather than expect them to do the opposite. The late season requires a lot of scouting, as birds can be difficult to pin down.
Good luck!
-Nick
This guy gets 'it.'Quote:
Originally Posted by Sprite
I am on a roll, because it seems like every week someone is on here looking for a hand out , they have a handful of gear and want a field to hunt , I suggested that the op maybe find a guide service that offers the late season and pay for a hunt , I personally am booked so not fishing for more clients , just making a suggestion,
or even better get out and drive around find a wmu that allows the feb hunt and get out driving around, find the birds , best of luck to ya
To the OP, I have a trailer full of decoys and am willing to travel, you find a field holding birds and secure permission let me know and we will hook up for a hunt!!
Real hunters don't use guides. Guides are also not real hunters anyone can kill birds when money is involved. I also have a trailer full of decoys and willing to travel. You have lots of options if the birds are around
Really? I've met some guides over the years and they are some of the best hunters I've ever met. Learned an awful lot from a few of these guys and was inspired to take my obsession to the next levelQuote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
There is only one reason someone becomes a guide and that's money. Once money is involved it's not a sport of passion anymore it's a job. I'll admit iam a little biased on the subject as outfitters have destroyed water fowling in my area. It has become a Americans only area. Iam sure there not bad guys I just hate what the represent to the future of the sport.Quote:
Originally Posted by STUBBLE BUM
I'll respectfully disagree. A friend of mine has been an outfitter for more than 25 years. He's very passionate about waterfowling and decided to marry his love of duck/goose hunting with his vocation. Guides that treat it as just a job usually don't last long. His operation is a little different as he owns the properties he hunts and it's a static operation more or less with pits and ponds and mixed crop land. He manages his properties for waterfowl. This guy left a great job in the civil service that wasn't satisfying anymore to do something he loved. It certainly wasn't for the money - it was for the freedom of being his own boss and doing what he loved to do on a daily basis.
Everybody has an opinion ,Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
some outfitters do lease land for profit . And that's seems to be what your pissed about which I understand , we don't lease land , we play fair wit the locals ,
Mojo the reason I posted isnt for a hand out I dont need to get somebody w all the gear I myself am a guide for county outfitters and have access to a trailer full of dekes just posted what I had personally .... only reason I am looking for someone to hunt w is cause we dont have a late season here and I wanna meet new people. I know how much work is involved in scoutting and getting permission. Didnt think looking to hunt a new part of the province w new people was a bad thing...maybe im wrong
Your a guide and looking for someone to take you out and show you the lay of the land in a late season area? In my opinion that is a tall order. The last person I would take is an outfitter to properties I had secured.
Fisherboy_01, sorry didn't realize you were an outfitter in an area without a late season, sorry but my previous statement is now null in void!!!! Good luck to you in your late season endeavors!
Andy, I know there are some very respectable guides out there in business and personal life, yourself being one but it shouldn't be much of a surprise that to most hunters, outfitters have shady ways about them. Just look at two of the three that are posting on this thread, two acting in a shady manner and the decent one having to defend himself due to these jokers!!! All the best in the future Andy!
Im not looking for somebodys honey hole or anything like that we hunt Prince Edward county n have permission for around 10000 acre.I just dont wanna put the guns away yet thats all. N I dont do it for the money thats forsure cause all the work u put into it and long hrs isnt worth what you makein the end, I do it cause I love hunting and when u get somebodythere first bird or the best hunt of there life its the look on there face that makes it worth it... I do it cause I love it
Oh and duckslayer if I can find somewhere that has late season and get permission ill def let ya know
X2 on that one!!!. Next thing it's HIS!... And your out!!!...good luck... We all have read about the greedy outfitters that gobble up ground from average joes and get you booted for there own greed. That's the stuff outfitters do... Not all but some....Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandwagon
Guys i do know where your coming from on not trusting outtfitters as far as you can throw them with property, i know alot that are shady too and it wreaks it for all of us. this year was my first guiding for county outfitters and it was a blast, but i still think the most fun hunts you have are with your buddys and mine were. we might not have had 500 mallards cupping ontop of us like one hunt when we had clients but when your buddy misses a chip shot and you get to grill him bout it then u do it...oops lol it makes it fun with lots of laughs. sure some clients you can joke with like that but it takes a while to feel them out.
maybe i should book an outfitter lol jkjk only thing ill do that for is snows
I apologize i shouldn't paint all outfitters with a broad brush. Your friend sounds like he must love the sport and his operation probably doesn't affect any local hunters negatively. Mojo good on you for respecting the local hunters and not paying for all your access. It's nice to hear outfitters can co-exist with local hunters. The two outfitting operations in my area do not play nice. If they find we have permission in a hot field and can't hunt it till Saturday they will flash a bunch of money infront of the landowner and hunt it during the week before we get a chance. They will also get one of the scout to sleep at the field to be sure their there first. They are pretty cut throat and have no respect for local hunters. They have actually driven us right out of the area where I grew up hunting. Again sorry I shouldn't have made such a generalized commentQuote:
Originally Posted by STUBBLE BUM
The way I see it is I grew up in the area I hunt , so I know most of the local hunters and won't on them , I ask permission just like everyone else , I imform the owner what my intentions are , whether a fun buddy hunt , or for purpose to guide , I also personally will not lease land,Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
i call the landowner the night prior and ask if anyone plans to hunt the field the following morning , if yes I make sure I have a backup plan. As I said I grew up in the small town and had a guide service running around leasing up land , that's not me or will it ever come to that .
As for the guiding part , I don't do it for the money , lets face it , at the end of the day you don't make much , pay for fuel , gear , wear and tear on vehicles ,
and not to mention some days hunting all day to fill limits , it doesn't add up,
i guide because I love the sport, I like passing on my knowledge to new hunters ,
and I know as a guide I have painted a x on my back, I am fine with that , 99 percent of you folks don't know me other than posts, have never hunted with me ? And until you did wouldn't know much about me or the way out company operates, we run a top knotch guide service and have some very reputable hunters from the waterfowl industry coming to hunt with us , that in my books says words ,
hardcore - what I don't understand is why you don't tell the scout who is sleeping in the field to beat it. parking a truck in the field and sitting on it is not hunting it. I would start setting decoys and tell him to move on - and if it didn't he is interfering with your hunt. sometimes you have to push back.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
I agree with you but it seems that's the way things are around here now. Used to be you would show up at a field an hour before legal and everything was good now you wouldn't dream of showing up that late 2hrs minimum to make sure your the first one there. We use this same tactic on them if we have to so I guess it goes both ways. Like I said it's pretty cut throat around here a lot of pressureQuote:
Originally Posted by GBuck
Going to have to disagree with your there Sir. But I am also bias as I work at a guiding service. Alot of people go with a guide to see if they will enjoy the sport first before buying $1000+ in decoys. gear etc. Us guides do alot of work for our $ as well . We scout and travel and organize the hunt, set up the spread, camo the blinds etc. just like you guys do but we sacrifice the pulling the trigger part of the hunt. We let our clients do that part. Now yes there are rich city folk that watch Duck Dynasty and that's where alot of the cliental come from, but hey I have no problem taking there $ and putting it towards ammo, and decoys. Can you blame me? What I enjoy most of being a guide though is seeing a youth or father/son come out on their first hunt and seeing that father/son smoke their first bird in the decoys. Makes me smile just typing that sentence! Guides are not real hunters? I would like to know your reasoning for that comment as I for one study the birds ALOT in the field/decoys instead of pulling the trigger so I get to learn a lot from that. Sorry for the rant, I just wanted to share my thoughts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
Brendon
I see Both sides of the coin.. J understand how guides I'm some areas may be taking all the land.. But calling them not real hunters? They are no different than a fishing charter.. Are those guys real fishermen?
Yes I apologize outfitters are hunters too probably better hunters then me. You guys are the true Stewarts of the waterfowling world we should all look up to you and strive to achieve your level of expertiseQuote:
Originally Posted by Qwackaddict33
Well said lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
Thats going a little over board , I can see your frustration and totally understand, but it's not fair to fellow hunters and guide services to paint them all the same, I can imagine it would be hard to get land when two different guides are leasing up land hand over fist and very frustrating I am sure , I guess money does really talk when it comes to landowners ,Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
and in the end it comes down to if your willing to pay to hunt a field ,
which sucks but that's the reality of it .
I as a guide play fair with the locals and don't lease land for soul use, we take care of our farmers but do not by any means ask for soul permission , some farms there are a few groups with permission and we are fine with that , we scout get a hot field and call , if anther hunter has already called than we find something else .
What gets my blood boiling is when hunters (other groups) try and ruin it for us guides, example I run guides , have all the gear which is my personal gear that I use for the guided hunts, we hunted a field a while back , 4 of us , all buddies from back in the day , no money exchanged at all , and the other group that had permission also was pissed because we called and asked to hunt it Friday , they had intentions which we had no idea nor did the farmer that they wanted to hunt it the following day .
So what did these clowns do ? They called the farmer after seeing us in the field and told the farmer we were doing a guided hunt and not informing him of it , the farmer called pretty heated , which I can understand .
That is a blow below the belt and not neccesary , in the end we lost permission for the field because of these lying clowns , but did score permission for 4 fields around it, the saying what goes around comes around. We will see what next fall brings ,
There was absolutely no reason for this other group to start a lie to keep us out and the farmer new in the end that we weren't running a guide that day after speaking with him.
I guess some hunters are like that want it all for themselves and stoop low to keep others out , which isn't right ,
How did I imply that? All I was trying to do was show that guides are like hunters, we should have equal respect for each other? You are trying to put guides skills below hunters skills. You haven't seen me try and put hunters skills below guides skills have you? I think hunters and guides share the same passion and skills its just that guides like to share that, or atleast us anyway. I don't understand why you have to hate on all guides?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
I can see I started a war with the guide services on this forum. Not my intention I guess I was a little fired up about some of the earlier comments. You guys work hard for your money and deserve to make a living like the rest of us. Iam a little jealous you get to make it doing what you love. I love the sport probably as much as you guys do and I like to see everyone to get their share of the experience if some people need to or choose to use a guide service then you guys are doing those people a great service. I would like to stop this back and fourth fight I didn't mean to insult anyone and I wish you guys all the best in the field.
Ps my previous comment was meant to be humorous and not a dig at anyone. I guess it didn't come off that way
Everything changes as soon as money becomes involved. It's now a business. I have no doubt that guides and outfitters are very skilled and work very hard otherwise they wouldn't be very successful and if your not successful then your clients aren't happy and if they aren't happy they won't come back and they won't spread the word and then you're out of business. I don't care what any of the guides say but for you guys it's no longer about hunting it's about making the client happy and putting money in the bank. It's no longer a passionate hobby it's now a job.
So anyone who guides is selling out to the man, Mr. Cobain?Quote:
Originally Posted by LondonDave
I really disagree with that statement. How in the world does an outfitter qualify for the description as a Stewart of the waterfowling world???. They're doing it to make $$$. They may have started as they too have a love of the game but many outfitters are not 'paying forward', they're simply in it as a business. And whether we should look up to them....well that's a different question. You'd better check the attributes of what generally a stewart is considered to be.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardcoreducks
This is not a rant against any of the outfitters, they come in all shapes and sizes.....some good.....some need their a%^ kicked but that's society, just like any other group. I do agree though that when money enters into the scheme of things then there'll be some problems as some people have stated already.
You don't have to be an outfitter to be a serious and successful hunter. Good experience, hard work and learning to get along with your rural neighbours can go a long way and be prepared to put some gas in the truck.
So, can anyone recommend a GOOD guide service for the late goose season? I can't think of any.....
S.
I don't buy the excuse of using an outfitter to "test the waters" so to speak. That's rare anyways and there are plenty of other ways to see if hunting is your thing.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the point in paying an outfitter to take you out to spot, set up everything, plunk you down, call the birds in, then tell you when to shoot. At the end of the day, he's hunting, and you're just killing animals. You'd be farther ahead financially to go shoot some clay birds and buy a couple roasting chickens on the way home.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using Tapatalk
Okay boys enough of the bashing. I agree with Stubble Bum there are some of us that are or were into guiding not for the money but for the love of the sport. When I started Waterfowl Outfitters in Aylmer the concept was to try and introduce as many peole as posssible to the sport of waterfowling. It was our mandate to keep the price low so that the average person could afford and come for a quality hunt. A lot of thought was put into our venture before we stated out. We were the first guiding business in Ontario to put together combination hunts; pheasants and waterfowl. A group of people could come for a weekend and have a quality experience. If I was in it for the money I could have charged two to three times what I was charging. In order to keep the price down a rate/head was negotiated with the farmer thus not having to fork out large sums of money to lease property. I for one am proud of what I achieved over the 12 years we were in business and feel no shame in saying that I owned a guiding business.
Woody Wodzinski
When there's an early spring, they are all good. When we are locked in with ice and snow, they will all struggle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinker
Well there is an old fella from your neck of the woods who says he is just great. Let me know if you need an extra body to fill up a group. Only thing is that I will probably bail if it stays really cold - this winter thing is kind of no fun for sitting in a field all day.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinker
Purdy sure ya missed the point on that one John!! Don't think Shayner is lookin to book a hunt.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dead Ringer
That's not what I'm saying at all. I'm saying that anything that starts out as a hobby whether it be woodworking, gardening, small engine repair, etc. etc. that you start charging money for and have "clients" it's no longer the same. You might be doing it because you're passionate about it and you want to share it with the world and make a little extra coin while you're at it but it will never be the same. Yes there will be some good experiences and good clients but there is now the pressure to please and perform that isn't there if you're just doing it for yourself or with your buddies. It gets to the point where you're doing something because you "have" to do it, not because you "want" to do it and that's when the fun stops.Quote:
Originally Posted by WayneGretzky99
I could go on and on but I think (hope) everyone gets my point.
I think he was being sarcastic.Quote:
Originally Posted by krakadawn
I think there's enough people out there who love their careers, guides or not. Just because you "have" to doesn't necessarily mean you don't want to, nor does it mean you've lost the passion for it.Quote:
Originally Posted by LondonDave
There's a time and place for all professions.
-Nick
True enough. I see lots of people that are the opposite. I've been doing what I do for 26 yrs and I like coming to work just as much (if not more) today as the day I started. There are a lot of people that have been doing the same thing for a lot less years that are only here because they have to be for the pay check.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sprite
I go to work for a paycheck to pay for my hunting addiction
How was the other group lying? Your a guide... you have advertising all over your trailer, you didn't tell the farmer that your an outfitter..... ?Quote:
Originally Posted by mojo stick
How do you think that looks to the farmer?
Funny I was thinking the same thing when I read that one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandwagon
Haha....he might be in one of my fields....again!! LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by GBuck
If its cold with lots of snow, I'll stick to ice fishing. If it was a spring duck season, I'd be all over it, but I've kinda lost the fun in killing geese. That's not to say we won't be out trying :)
S.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandwagon
Actually I got permission threw another landowner that I have had permission to hunt the land for over 10 years , he made the call for me , than I called and spoke with him briefly , letting him know there would be 4 of us in there and gave the names of the 4 hunters , all which were friends ,
The other group wanted the field for themselves and told the farmer a straight out lie , to run us out of there ,
thats a complete below the belt move. I will be hunting that area hard next fall ,
So this was not a "guided" hunt?Quote:
Originally Posted by mojo stick
No that's my hole point , it was a buddy hunt , a few buddies I went to high school with and grew up with, not a penny was made , that's what has my blood boiling so bad ,
we are clear and upfront with landowners , we let them know our intentions whether it be for guide purpose or for fun hunts , we don't try and slip in the back door , way to much to loose . And after speaking with the farmer after the hunt he new we weren't guiding , the group said there was 7 of us on the field when there was only 4 and they stated we were running a guide , which they assumed because they saw the trailer, we sure didnt speak with them ,
so going off of assumption they tried very hard to run us out of the area, didnt work though on the process I landed 300 acres of corn right across the road pretty much ,
lose one gain 3 works for me.
Tell me this is a NHL Hockey Player a sellout now??? How about a golfer on the PGA or better yet your favourite band you listen to on the radio LondonDave.. Why would you listen to these guys play music when afterall they have turned something they have loved to do as a child into a career.. I cant believe you would listen to the radio, or watch professional sports... Anyone who does something they love for a living for money is just a sellout right.. That's what you said right????
And sorry Hardcore that you go to work to pay for hunting addiction that must be awful everyday you have to go there sounds like you hate it I guess???
I'm not sure where you're getting that from Luke. I never said anyone was a sell out. If you look back you'll see that I said that is not what I'm saying.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luke Scherders
http://www.oodmag.com/community/imag...quote_icon.png Originally Posted by WayneGretzky99 http://www.oodmag.com/community/imag...post-right.png
So anyone who guides is selling out to the man, Mr. Cobain?
That's not what I'm saying at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LondonDave
isn't that what that means???
I mean it doesn't bother me at all just thought that's what you meant??
Nope not for one second. That thought never even entered my mind until WayneGretzky99 suggested it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luke Scherders
Just like all of the things you mentioned previously as soon as you start getting paid to do those things you now have the pressure to perform and meet expectations. Obviously some are better at those things than others and can handle the pressure. Maybe it's just me that doesn't want the added stress.
Rodger that my bad....I wasn't hating buddy just asking..
Quote:
Originally Posted by LondonDave
Boy, that escalated quickly. ..
You've got to have your head on a swivel when you find yourself in a vicious cockfight.Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzz Killington
No worries Luke.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luke Scherders
And sorry Hardcore that you go to work to pay for hunting addiction that must be awful everyday you have to go there sounds like you hate it I guess???[/QUOTE]
Well it's not as fun as hunting but iam pretty lucky to have a pretty good job with a real good company. I was again trying to be funny but my humour seems to be lost on the people on this forum. LOL. Luke you seem very defensive over some of these comments work got you stressed out ? Again trying to be funny
Work is not stressful at all, if it was it would be called a job lol
haha glad to hear. I guess this is kind of your slow seasonQuote:
Originally Posted by Luke Scherders
Ya heading to Harrisburg PA tomorrow to the Great American Outdoors Show, everyone needs to go to this show at some point in there life.... Makes our TO show look like a little Flea Market
I've heard that bet it would cool to see
I am on the fence on this topic. I understand that there is a market for a waterfowl guiding service because there are those who may only get out for one or two hunts a year and if I was that person I would look for a guided hunt too.
On the other hand, I can completely understand why the recreational hunter has such a dislike for guiding operations. The amount of pressure that a guiding service can put on birds in your area is remarkable, especially if they are highly successful and are taking clients out on a daily basis.
I my area (SE Ont.) we have several guiding services and more seem to pop up each year, imagine having 4 or 5 guiding operations running within your WMU, assume each one is taking out 4 clients four times a week (4x4x4 multiplied by the expected bag limit = 384 geese/week or just shy of 1,600 geese/month for your MWU and that is using conservative math.
Couple that with "opportunity", the recreational hunter more than likely only gets out on the weekend, which also happens to be the busiest time of the week for guiding operations. One is being motivated by money and the obligation to 'perform' to secure a field and produce a good hunt, while the other is motivated by their passion for the sport. Is there no better recipe for conflict?
Lastly, there was an excellent article in the Delta Waterfowl magazine a year or two ago talking about the observed shifts in migration routes either along the upper Mississippi Flyway or Lake Michigan area and the correlation to hunting pressure, more specifically guiding operations. The author was suggesting that traditional waterfowling hotspots are more susceptible than we think to 'burnout' from hunting pressure that can be applied by a high density of guiding operations. I'll continue to look for the article and will post it if I find it.
I think I speak for Luke in saying that this is way off base for most of us Drew. Personally I take offence to that statement.Quote:
One is being motivated by money and the obligation to 'perform' to secure a field and produce a good hunt, while the other is motivated by their passion for the sport. Is there no better recipe for conflict?
lets talk about Outfitters being motivated soley by money. As you know our local Delta Chapter has been very fortunate to have Dave Roy of St.Lawrence Outfitters as a major chapter supporter since the chapters first banquet. Every year Dave has been gracious enough to donate at least one and usually two hunts which are to be used as fund raising items. What it costs Dave is two days of guiding fees prolly in the neignbourhood of $1000 (I dont know Daves rates). One of his guides steps in if Dave can't make the hunt and does it for nothing, he loses a days pay. There we have men donating their time and money because of the respect and I assume passion they have for the sport.
We just saw a thread about garbage left on the shores of Ontario. One would think that given the nonprofessional appearance of the blind and area that these are "passionate" waterfowlers and not outfitters. so are we safe to say that ALL waterfowlers show as little respect for the sport?
Sorry for the rant Drew but I have to say expect better and am disappointed with your statement.
........................
Good point. I've seen it happen first hand with mallards near a small town close to where I live. The town has big lagoon ponds that used to hold thousands of ducks throughout the season. That many attracts a lot of attention from local outfitters they have pounded them so hard the numbers are way down. There is still ducks there but nothing like there used to be. They were fine when a couple groups I. The area shot them up on weekends only but not 6 or 7 days a week too hard on themQuote:
Originally Posted by jobbershunting
Money clearly plays some motivation in guiding? What that percentage is depends on the individual.
It surely motivates me... For example I donate a guided hunt to DU every year and it fetches around $1000.00 For that week I am highly motivated to put those 4 guys on a good hunt. They are guaranteed hunts so if I can't deliver than we do it again.
Barry I don't know you or Drew but I don't think his intentions are to offend. Guides and outfitters have more skin in the game than the rest of us and if money was not some motivating factor why do it at all then?
I don't see a problem from financially benefitting from doing something you clearly like. I trust you and Luke go to great efforts to put guys on great hunts, not because you need any more buddies but rather they are clients.
the only things i can add to these 7 pages is that Luke Scherders is a stand up guy.i have heard this directly from people i hunt with that have used his services.i also know duckslayer and sinker are great guys that will take fellows out to get some experience.i have had dealings with londondave and he is another good guy.
ps,i am an electrcian and love to go to work every day
true enough Bandwagon. Thanks!
Sorry to offend you Barry, that was not the intent of my post.Quote:
Originally Posted by bardern
However, you don't get into any type of business without the desire to make a profit from it, otherwise it wouldn't be business it would be volunteering and that is exactly what Dave does for the chapter. He loves the sport, he wants to increase the visibility and accessibility for youth so he volunteers his expertise and equipment. Which, of course is a very honorable thing to do. I don't think there is anything "business" orientated behind his contribution to the chapter.
Unfortunately, you missed the entire objective of my post. I have no grudge against guides, and as I mentioned, if I was less fortunate to afford the opportunities to pursue the sport than I am now, I would most certainly be using a guide. I am actually looking to hire a guide for an east coast sea duck hunt, but that doesn't mean I don't sympathize with the recreational hunter on the coast of Rhode Island and the competition and pressure he has to contend with due to guiding operations in his area.
Currently this is just how the sport operates, it is a very competitive environment and it will only get more competitive.
Well said. I completely understand that there are excellent guides who are stewards of the sport, and clearly got into the business of guiding out of their passion for waterfowling. However, that doesn't negate the fact that the two groups (guides vs. recreational hunters) have, at times competing interests that share the same common resource (birds).Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandwagon
I have nothing against guides, but I have to wonder if at times people realise they are paying for the use of equipement. I have ran into the previously mentioned outfitter, and seen them on a few shows (TFB and Angler and Hunter). Every time I see them they are hunting areas which are pretty public. So essentially the client is paying for the use of equipment. Anyone that did any research and had any equipment could hunt these places. Obviously they have access to private land, but the times I have seen them its public.
On a seperate note, I see Team Fawl Brawl is affiliated and part owner with get hidden outfitters also in the county/napanee. This bothers me, simply because these guys with TFB have to be the most annoying ever to be on TV. I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before I run into them in the field. Get Hidden is basically in the backyard of most of my hunting grounds.
....................
My understanding is that is no longer correct Toddy. I am under the impression that GetHidden moved about 150km's NE as the Goose Flies. I hope i'm not spreading rumours... but he (Get Hidden) was literally hunting in my backyard last fall (with clients, literally staying at my next door neighbors house).Quote:
Originally Posted by toddy
Not everyone has time to do this. Hence, why they hire a guide. Same goes for hunting private, except you also have to gain permission first.Quote:
Originally Posted by toddy
I find TFB annoying as well to say the least!Quote:
Originally Posted by toddy
Watched an episode yesterday.....same old....birds falling and dog in motion. Some day the issue of dog safety will come home to roost when they have to take him to the Vet after being hit with stray pellets.
I cannot believe they continue to portray hunting with a retriever in such a fashion. They would not be welcome to hunt with me....ever!
I used to enjoy the do it yourself style on hunting on tfbtv. yes they were a little obnoxious at times but they were getting it done the hard way. Scouting there own fields gaining permission and getting the birds all while have jobs outside the hunting world. Its too bad they had to join up with GHO kind of lost their credibility. And yes that dog breaks like every time and those guys don't seem to hold back on blasting right over its head, NOT GOOD
all i know is that unless we get a bit of a melt we are going to be needing a snowmachine to get into any fields around here. what birds we have are moving as little as possible - I am not sure how they are even finding food in fields. hope I am wrong but it may be a write off.
Its crazy. I have been out scouting quite a bit just to see where birds might be later this month, and I drive a lot for work as well. I keep seeing birds in the air (mostly within a few kms of the city), but cannot seem to find them in any fields. I don't even understand how it would be possible for them to be feeding with this depth of snow. and most waterbodies are still frozen, except for the fastest current areas.Quote:
Originally Posted by GBuck
what type of fields are you finding them in, and what type of water are you finding them roosting upon?
I hear you!! I live near the lake in whitby and when we had that freeze up end of December the 10 000 birds I was watching every night return to the lake had departed south. A few weeks later saw some return with the mild weather, but since the snow and ice started the sky has been bleak. No numbers at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by GBuck
answered part of my question. seen a bunch of geese in some fields tonight. one field was standing corn i saw them take off out of, but I think they were in a small clearing I couldnt see, than just down the road they were on a tractor road with standing corn right beside it. than another field was wind whipped with less snow, but they were all sitting with their heads up and not much feeding going on, as I think they were trying to melt the snow.Quote:
Originally Posted by bowj
of course these fields were still within the city limits so hunting them is unlikely and possibly not allowed.
They must be roosting on the creeks nearby, which are quite open, but all the areas I have seen have quite a bit of current.
still doesnt help me find ones that are huntable.
Ive seen ducks, geese, and even turkeys feeding in standing corn when the snow is deep enough. They do very well in that stuff too. Really hard to scout when you cant see them though!
S.
A few seasons ago we were hunting a bean field in feb which was snow filled. The field beside me as standing corn. All morning we could hear geese and ducks, never saw a bird. Finally around lunch I walked over to the corn and the bird sounds were louder. Said to myself " no way they are in this standing corn". Proceed to walk into the standing cord and I bumped a flock of about 500 geese and a few hundred mallards out of the corn. Nearly had a heart attack - the sounds of them all taking off in the corn was incredable.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinker
I wonder if any guide services will even be able to smash 'em, eh boys?
heh
[OTE=WayneGretzky99;753708]I wonder if any guide services will even be able to smash 'em, eh boys?
heh[/QUOTE]
The good ones will be able to of course so much pressure how could they not lol..
I am actually looking at cancellling the whole season for us soon. We were suppose to get a thaw but now it doesnt look like its going to happen Like you guys have all memtioned without a standing field or some open water near by we are all going to have the worst season we have ever seen I fear.
that's too bad. if hunting is your only source of income I bet its nice to have that week for some extra business.
I was really hoping to get out for any sort of hunt, but with the river mostly frozen where I have permission, that might be out of the question. hopefully we get at least a few warm days to break up the ice so I can at least stand and wait for the birds that aren't there.
hunting standing corn would be fun and would be easy to hide, but it is definitely a hard type of field to scout.
i see a ton of them in a drainage ditch in the city near my work. as soon as you get out of city limits, nadda.
I've been seeing quite a few birds out in snow covered fields, in the areas where the drifts aren't too deep. Who really knows at this point.
-Nick
way to early to tell, a lot can change in a couple weeks
Very true statement , I have been seeing birds already on the small bodies of open water around ,Quote:
Originally Posted by boilerguy2412
still lots of birds around.
well not sure what this weather is going to do for the birds this weekend. luckily I got invited to a field that has been used throughout the winter so we actually might have a chance at some birds.
hopefully no one planned on hitting any rivers, because they will be bursting their banks by Saturday. wish I could hunt next week too, but got an ice fishing tourney on the 1st and a training seminar at work throughout the week making calling in sick difficult.
good luck out there and play safe.