PCS or any other areas in NE Florida

[Mahimahi!]

This will be my first season duck hunting. I have a 16' Gheenoe w/ a 9.9. I would like some advice on general areas to hunt in NE Florida. I have read about PCS and understand that it is productive but also that there may be alot of people hunting there. I would greatly appriciate any advice or tips that you are willing to give out.

[duckmanhar]

Mahimahi,
PCS IS a great area when conditions are right.
It holds a good # of ducks.
However there are several ristrictions, NO outboards NO waders
for the slime will suck you down, the line in the morning will streach from the access gate to the road about a mile so get there real early. DO a scout on the wed. prior to open day and have a GPS because the fog will be thick on most mornings.
Have a Back up spot or 2 because of the number of hunters

Hope this helps
Phil

[BlindHog]

Mahi--

I have hunted PCS last 3 seasons and would echo DuckManHar's comments especially about the line in the AM (get there early early early if you can) and the time it takes to launch.

Due to water level variations, pond 4, the easiest launch in, has been inaccessible or darn tough to use last 2 yrs. Another good pond has been dry (pond 6). These appear to be the same this yr, but there are rumors that ponds 4 and 6 will be changed and improved next yr.

Ponds 8a and 8b have had the only hunting lately and are accessible only from the tall narrow dikes that separate the ponds. Most times you will be dragging your boat down to the water and up to the trailer so bring help with the gheenoe. Most folks out there are willing to lend a hand.

Everyone uses as little boat as they can get by with. I have a 16' canoe and use a trolling motor - but still its more work than it might seem. The acess road in can be a mess in rainy weather - if you can use 4wd vehicle. My 2wd gets me by but I use a 4wd when I can.

I have only occasionally had crowding problems from guys too close, though - its a big place. Opening Sat is a circus and then only the real hardcore show up most Sats. Of course Wed is sparsely attended.

You have to hunt and get out by 1PM so dont forget that. Dont bring anything you dont want to get really muddy too - its hard to get off decoys and other gear. And by all means dont try to stand on/in mud - Duck HarMan is right - its like 20' deep pudding. I hide on/hunt from islands mostly but always check footing carefully.

Send me message if you need any more info.

[Mahimahi!]

When you are scouting what are you looking for. Food source or actual ducks and what depth of water do the ducks generally like? And what do the ducks eat there? Thanks again for all of the help. Also I talked with the game commision and they told me that the scout day was the Thursday and Friday before opening day. Is that correct?

[duckmanhar]

There seems to be some kind of invertibrate that they love.
anywhere you find slime should be good.
Attatched you will find a Info link from Phil the steward at PCS
this should give you some more info

http://home.alltel.net/steward1/

[PA hillbilly]

what/ where is PCS? forgive my ignorance, I'm brand new to the area and haven't heard of thid yet.

[Mahimahi!]

North of Lake City off of Highway 41.