Who needs a partner?

[Ring King]

Just moved down here to Jacksonville from Alaska this past summer. Looking to do a little duck hunting. I've got all the equipment I could ever need including a boat but have no idea where to go. I've been fishing the intercoastal south of Beach Ave and JTB but haven't seen much to get my hopes up for. I know when I was younger I used to make fishing trips down in Fort Myers and used to see quite a bit of divers in the Charlotte Harbor area, but I was hoping to be able to stay a little closer to home. Heck, I wouldn't even mind going out to bust wood ducks if that's all there is around here.

I'm looking for someone that knows something about the area that would like to hunt. I'm married with a 6 year old and another on the way so I won't be able to go as much as I used too, but I can definitely get out if someone would like to go.

I've got a 1542 War Eagle with a 25hp Yamaha. It's got an Avery blind if it's needed though I hate hunting out of blinds. I've also got two Louisiana pirouges if shallow water and low profile is the way to go. Heck, I've even got a field layout blind. I have about 14doz decoys and have complete setups for open water divers (ringnecks, blue bills, golden eyes, and coots) on Doctari long lines, mallards, gadwall, teal, pintails, widgeon, and wood ducks. I've even got a pair of spinning wing dekes if that's what you're into. I really just need to find someone with some knowledge of the areas with birds to get started. The only thing I've heard of so far is the marshes of the St Johns river. Not sure what area they're talking about and I'm not even sure how far south I need to be to be able to hunt. I don't think I can even shoot a gun up here where I live in Mandarin.

How far do I have to travel to be able to chase some birds?

[N. Cook]

RK, I believe I saw where you have joined UW-F...welcome....when you can access the Members Only Forum (shortly) you will get more replies over there....There are a number of JAX area Members who will help get you started.

Basically, the hunting is sparse near JAX but improves as you go south...it is no secret many travel down to the Merritt Island area.

You have plenty of equipment but, like all duck hunters who come to FL, will have to adjust your decoy mix as there are few "green head" mallards or mallard style hunting....Lots of "whistles".....no mallard high balling!!!

Good luck....and participate on the Forums...that is the way to make the contacts...

[Ring King]

Not a problem. I grew up in Charleston South Carolina and cut my teeth hunting ringnecks, teal, wood ducks, and widgeon. I'm REAL familiar with the whistles!!! I hunt Alabama pretty regularly and lived in New Orleans for four years hunting all over Louisiana. Also did a tour out in Northern California which was some of the best hunting I've ever had next to Alaska. That place is loaded with widgeon and pintails!! I'm pretty diverse in my background of duck hunting. The problem here is that the access to property is so regulated. It doesn't seem like there is much "public" water to hunt around Florida. I had a friend years ago who used to travel down to Merritt Island to hunt the mottleds and pintails, but I don't know exactly where.

I guess I'm going to be back on the serious fuel burning trips riding to find somewhere to hunt!! It won't be the first time!!

[Punchy]

if you want to drive 1 1/2-2 hrs i can put you on some good layout boat hunts. feel free to email me at kylete81@aol.com
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