New to FL Duck Hunting - Need Direction

[Fin-n-Feathers]

I am a "newbie" to the forum as I have been lurking on this website for about 3 weeks now, In fact, I'm not even sure that I belong in the private forum because I am not a member of United Waterfowlers - Florida.

I would like to explain what I am trying to accomplish and maybe someone can tell me if I am in the right place (or forum) to do it.

I am an avid outdoorsman originally from Michigan. I have hunted divers from sneek boats and layout boats mostly in open water or just outside marshes on the Great Lakes. Since moving to Florida I have not duck hunted (about 10 yrs) and know nothing about how, when, where and what to hunt down here. I miss duck hunting and would like to learn how to begin hunting in Florida.

I began watching the forum threads hoping to learn some of the basics of duck hunting in Florida. However, it seems that almost all topics discussed by the membership are related to waterfowl and habitat preservation and communicating with gov't agencies about these issues.

I agree that these are very critical subjects and United Waterfowlers members appear to be very focused on these issues. However at this time, most of what I read is way over my head.

I would like to know if there are organizations (or even individuals) that could point me in the right direction where I could learn the basics of Florida Waterfowl hunting. I am an experienced hunter (in Michigan) and boater. I have set spreads of diver blocks many times in 25 degree weather with ice freezing on our boats - I just have never done it with sweat on my brow in 75 degree weather.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Dan

[Steve W]

Join UW and we'll tell ya!:D

What part of the state do you live in.

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Joining United Waterfowlers would be the best money that I have ever spent - as long as I am in the right place to learn.:D

I live in the Miami (Kendall to be exact). It seems that I am a long way from any good duck hunting - Is that true? Regardless, I have no problem driving anywhere - Have truck, Will travel!!!!

[matthersjr]

Don't know much about down south, however there are plenty of guys to give you information. Try the west end Lake Okeechobee.

[Steve W]

I moved this to the Public Forum.

I have changed Fins id to allow only the public forum.

Hope this doesn't get you upset, but it is an advertised benefit for UW membership to gain access to the Private forum.

If you decide to join I will update your id.

[Fin-n-Feathers]

No I am not upset, however I do have a couple of comments:

1. I am still able to sign on to the main private forum.

2. I think that immediately changing my status after I am the one who told you about your error, is poor salesmanship. I was honest about my status and also said that I wasn't sure if United Waterfowlers was the right organization for me. Under the circumstances, I think that you should have left me in the private forum for a few more days to review the topics being discussed and allow me to make my decision. Having said this it leads me to my 3rd comment.

3. I don't understand your reasoning behind keeping non-members out of the private forum. I assume that it is beneficial to your organization to have as many members as possible, therby generating more dollars to help waterfowl in FL. If non-members are not allowed to read about the issues and topics discussed by your members how do you expect a non-member to be able to make an informed decision to join your organization or not?

I want you to know that I am not offended but it appears that your organization is a small group of hunters that want to discuss issues among themselves.

I am still considering becoming a member of United Waterfowlers - it is just going to take me longer to make my decision because I don't have access to the views of your membership and it will be harder to get a "flavor" of what United Waterfowlers is all about.

Dan

[uncle D]

Fin-n-Feathers,

Just as other orgs offer perks, one of UW's is web access and private forums. We would hope that you would understand. Members might feel slighted if nonmembers were able to sway or influence criticle decisions.


However, we do want to offer the General Public a chance to meet(via web) members of UW on UW's public forum.

Hopefully, good relationships will be formed and maybe some good info.

Use the public forum, meet some folks and decide if you want to join.

We would like to have you as a member.

Duke DuBose

[uncle D]

Oh, by the way, there are some big lakes and bays that are perfect to Layout hunt.

Scaup, ringers, redhead and some puddlers.

Duke

[Fin-n-Feathers]

UncleD

Thanks for your response. I understand your philosophy on the private forum, however, if I am going to be part of an organization I want to know what the organization and it's members stand for.

Many times the organization goals and focus say one thing but the actual membership moves in a different direction. This does not appear to be the case with United Waterfowlers. Having been in the private forum the issues discussed closely follow the objectives listed on your home page.

In addition, having had a chance to see both the private and public forums - it appears that very few members post in the public forum even on issues that aren't critical (I think i saw two members that posted in both forums).

I hope I am not "overstepping my boundaries" but I would like to make a suggestion that all topics should be made public and when you want membership stance on an issue, place a poll on the private forum.

To sum up my stance on this whole issue, I believe that a website should be used as a tool to attract new members and not a privledge for membership only. With most of United Waterfowlers opinions posted in the private forum, outside people like myself cannot get any insight about the organization or what the membership really stands for.

Ok - I'll shut-up now. Could you tell me again EXACTLY where these big layout shootin' lakes and bays are? :D

Dan

[D Duck]

Duke - have Larry email some of the UW literature to FnF that shows our past accomplishments and outlines current projects and mission.

[neckringer]

Fin-n-feathers,

If you were an ANTI
Do you think that we would want you to be able to access our private forum and vote on a topic that we may take to the state or on a Federal level?
We use these private forums for polls and layin down our members views.

If we (duck hunters) need a letter sent to Tallahassee sayin we feel one way or another we can post it on the forum. Then you copy, sign and send to the state.
We get things done this way.

As far as duck hunting.. There is good duck hunting 20 minutes from your house.;)

[Converted]

Gald to have you browsing the board Fin-n-Feathers. You make some good points and please excuse the growing pains of the new UW-F forums. I'd like to see 90% of the discussion take place on the public forum for the very reasons you mention. I fully support the idea of a private forum but looking at the posts that are over there now I see no reason why anyone would insist that most of them be private. An example of a good private post is the "comp membership for outdoor writers" thread or Board of directors thread. It seems to me that the "issues" threads should be on the public side. The only way to get that done is for the thread starter to put it here or to have admin move them over.

I agree that for a new hunter to the area there is no better money spent than joining UWF. You'll find many members in your area that will gladly invite you on hunts and fill you in on hunting south Florida.

[N. Cook]

FIN...do not take offense....the forums are new but will soon be set up where only members can access the private forum. The public forum is where most of the traffic will be.....we are even having to remind our members that they should be using the public forum for all threads except UW-F business. WE want the public forum to be an open place for all duckhunters to visit and chat.....and it will have plenty of helpful info. YOu live near some good duck hunting, marsh style, just west in the glades. You will need a 14 ft or so boat and a motor that can operate in 2-3 ft of water and a good trolling motor, plus a good gps so you can find your way back. A couple dozen of dekes repainted as teal and ringers, some camo and you are basically set.

[duckmanJR]

FNF...Your points are well taken. As Newton stated..the site is fairly new and will take some tweeking to get it right.
You have some truely golden opportunitys fairly close to home and I'm sure that as a member you would be invited to share hunts with fellow members in your area.
We are a pretty tight knit and committed group of outdoorsmen and I hope you understand that information regarding where 's and what's and when's are somewhat guarded since nobody wants cyberscouters showing up at a pet spot.... I'm sure that you would get alot more than you bargained for by joining us.

PS... If you would like to travel up this way I'm sure I can get you out on the marsh.:)

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Thanks Guys - I appreciate your responses and the info you are providing to me.

I have decided to join United Waterfowlers - if I have any money left over from this holiday weekend.

I have a ton of questions and I'm not sure I should "bogg-down" the forum asking simple questions about FL duck hunting.

Is there a meeting or informal "get-togethers" where members meet each other have a beer, tell stories (lies), and get to know each other?

I also appreciate the offers of possible hunts this season but I don't like taking charity. In Michigan, there was a lot of preparation before duck season (painting blocks, reconditioning the layout boat, etc.) If some of you are gracious enough to allow me to hunt with you I would like to offer my help with any of your preparations.

In addition, my family has a house in the lower keys - maybe we could trade a hunting trip for an off-shore fishing trip.

I look forward to becoming a member and hope to meet some of you soon.

Dan

[D Duck]

Dan - Always good to have another member, glad to have you aboard!

As mentioned at least 4 or 5 times earlier, this site is brand spankin' new, so all of our members are not aware of it yet. Give it time and all the "southern" contingency will show up. There are quite a few guys in your area that I am sure would not be opposed to you tagging along or at least go out for a beer and some duck talk. :D

As far as the questions go, post 'em up. That's what this board is here for.:cool:

[uncle D]

Fin-n-Feathers,

Why not come to Orlando on the Sept 13/14. There will be FWC and USFWS plus new and old duckhunters.

It's free and you'll meet some good folks.

There we can talk about that Key's home. :D

Duke

[duckmanJR]

Dan, The offer should not be thought of as charity...just an offer if you wish to drive north a couple hours or so....:eek:

It is not too close being up in Orlando but a weekend trip to bass pro during the symposium( 9-13 & 14) would be well worth your time. The FWC also puts on two duck hunting workshops with the closer being up here in Sebastian ...this year it is Nov 1st I believe....it is also worth going to.
Newton Cook and David Severins are the regional directors down your way and they have get togethers at Markham park range for some clay breaking....

PS...I have a flats skiff that likes houses in the lower keys. :D

[uncle D]

Wait a minute DuckmanJR, I was first on the Keys deal!:D :p

Seriously, F-n-F, the symposium will be good and try to attend one of the DH workshops.

As far as the layout hunts, Tampa Bay and the Indian Rv. get plenty of Blue Bills. The interior lakes get the Ringers. The Gulf north of Tampa gets the Redheads,(my personal favorite :D )

Duke

[Harley]

FNF

Welcome to the group. It's hard for most of us to get used to posting on the public forum but it will happen. Besides if you join you can get to it all. We do have quite a problem with cyberscouters down this way, so I hope you were'nt offended earlier. The best $25 I ever spent was to join and meet some of the friendliest people in the waterfowl world. Someone will take you under their wing and show you the Florida ropes. Just try to show up at a regional meeting or the BPS symposium and talk ducks. That's all it takes!

Mickey

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Sorry that I "fell off" the forum last week - my 96 year old grandmother passed away in Michigan.

On a brighter note, I have joined United Waterfowlers today and look forward to being an active part of the organization.

Uncle D and Duckman - both of you mention the Duck Hunting Symposium in Orlando and at this point, I intend to go. I have a few questions:

1. Are both days pretty much the same agenda?

2. I have an 5 month old Vizsla pup - I know that Outdoor World is indoors. However, are there any outdoor events or seminars there where I could bring my dog?

3. Are there specific Duck Hunting vendors there (other than the products offered by OW)? In other words, how much money should I bring?:D

I would also like to meet some of you guys. Maybe we could set up a time and place to introduce each other.

Dan

[Keith Yates]

Welcome to UW Dan. Sorry to here about your Grandmother. Condolences to your family from mine. I have seen dogs inside BPS before but I'm not sure of their policy with dogs inside the store. Are you going to train you pup to retrieve ducks? I have an 8 mo GSP. I'll try to find out about the dogs inside because I'd bring my pup along if they are allowed in the store that weekend. See you there if your going on Saturday the 13th.

[Keith Yates]

Called BPS Orlando and they told me dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Thanks for your condolences Keith.

Yes, I intend on training my Vizsla to retrieve ducks as well as upland bird hunting (sort of hard in FL). He LOVES the water but I am concerned about alligators. Is there a real concern or am I over-reacting?

I'll be there on Saturday - Thanks for finding out about the dogs - hope to meet you there (look for a Vizsla pup).

[Keith Yates]

Everytime I go duck hunting gators are a major concern. Many times I don't bring my dog along just because there are so many in some places. I try not to send my dogs on long retrieves if lizards are an issue. Do you belong to a dog club? I'm going to join NAVHDA soon. I attended the Palmetto chapters test yesterday in Lake Wales as an observer and found some really smart and friendly folks.

[duckmanJR]

Dan, welcome to you from all of us at UW-F and deepest sympathy for your family.
As for the agenda...saturday and sunday will have some variations since Steve Rockwood with FWC will be there on saturday.
As for how much money...shoot man..I could blow the lotto in that place easy!! :D bring all but the rent money! :D

We will have a table with staff set up so make sure you stop in and introduce yourself...and the pup.
PS...Phil T(member) has a vizsla too!

[uncle D]

F-n-F,

Sorry for your loss.

If you want to hear from the FWC then come Sat.

USFWS will be there both days.

Duke

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Thanks for your sympathies guys.

I will definitely be at BPS on Saturday and probably on Sunday.

Keith - I spoke with a guy from NAVHDA (can't remember his name right now) and I was told that they meet every second Saturday in Lake Wales except during hunting season. I have not gone to any of their outings yet but I was told that they have a good training facility with live birds available.

I just finished reading "The Training and Care of the Versatile Hunting Dog" by Sogbot Winterhelt and Edward Bailey (more commonly known as "the green book"). The book is on the NAVHDA website and I was told that it is sort of the bible to begin training your versatile hunting dog. I liked the book as this is the first hunting dog that I have had and the instructions in the book are easy to follow. The difficult part will be obtaining dead/live birds for my dog to work over (I might have to put a dent in the pidgeon population in dowtown Miami):D

Dan

[Fin-n-Feathers]

Hey Guys,

I have a few general questions that I hope to get some advise on.

My duck hunting experience in Michigan was only in open water, for divers, in a layout or sneek boat with large spreads of blocks. I have hunted puddle ducks in the marsh 2 or 3 times but with a friend or a guide and I don't know much about it. I have never used a duck call in the field.

At this point, either type of hunting would be great for me however, I know and prefer hunting open water for divers.

Here are my questions:

1. Is there consistant diver hunting within reasonable distance (3-4 hour dirive) from my home (Miami)? I have 80-100 blue bill (scaup) decoys, 13 ft boston whaler with a 35 hp motor and all the equipment to hunt divers as we did in Mich. All I need is another layout boat. I would have to travel back to Mich. and bring all the gear down to FL. which leads me to my next question.

2. Is it worth bringing down my equipment? I intend to hunt at least 2-3 weekends per month (more if logistically possible) during the season. I don't mind driving to hunt, but are my chances for divers so limited that I should start from scratch and learn to marsh hunt bacause I'll have so many more opportunities closer to home?

3. I am going to the Duck Hunting Symposium at BPS in Orlando. Could you guys recommend some places to stop by on the way home so I can get a feel for the type of places available for duck hunting (marsh or open water).

Thanks for your help. I hope I am not being a pain in the a$$.

Dan

[duckmanJR]

Dan, The lake(okeechobee) has fantastic diver hunting out from shore a few miles...the little whaler would be OK on calm pre frontal days but getting caught out on the lake when a front roars in would be the same as getting caught by "the witch" up on the great lakes!
There is also good diver shooting from say...Grant northward in the IR lagoon...the mosquito lagoon is also a good diver area.
I think that both type hunts are do-able.... It will take a couple seasons to get the hang of marsh hunting but it is not splitting the atom!
:) .... go back and get your layout boat...you won't be sorry