First day STA 1

[Real V]

We got to the site at 1pm put the boat in and paddled to the back. I' m not 20 anymore. My son and I got 6 blue wing teal and 1 green wing teal, but only retreived 6.5.
I also stepped in a hole. Under I went with chest waders on, But we made it back. Unless they change parking I will not put in for STA 1 again.
<img src="http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/Picture%20002_14.jpg">
<img src="http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/Picture%20006_19.jpg">
<img src="http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/pictureprocessor/images/Picture%20004_18.jpg">

[Super Dave]

We put in just after you (1:15) at STA1W and paddled about 25 mins to a nice dry spot. We built our blind, set the decoys, and waited for the 3:00PM start. We got 12 teal (9 blue and 3 green) in about 45 mins.

You do have to be very careful where you walk, even in what appears to be a shallow area. It can drop off quick and the muck on the bottom will grab you (and your waders) and make it very hard to get out. We used our paddles as walking sticks whenever we waded in water more than a foot deep, and probed the water in front of us to make sure we didn't step off into a hole.

We saw a LOT of ducks (mostly teal), many before the 3:00 PM start as people moved into thier spots. A lot of the birds came in on our small set of decoys and were relatively easy shots. I even called a couple of birds in (with my less than average calling abilities!!!).

Overall we had a very good hunt, but it's not for you if you don't want to spend some energy paddling to and from the parking area. You also must be VERY CAREFULL where you wade as the bottom is unpredictable. It will be much easier once we can park on the perimeter levy (especially on the south end!!).:)

[N. Cook]

Thanks for these posts.....just the sort of info to keep our folks safe and able to prepare for hunts on the STAs. STA 1W will be better, perhaps later this season, but for sure next year...the storms did a number on our plans....and the parking will need a revamp.....some way we need to be able to get to the south side....this is a real issue with the STA manager and engineers.

Please take care as any excuse blaming hunters can set us back.....PICK UP THOSE HULLS....THE AUDUBON PEOPLE VISIT ON THE OPPOSITE DAY FROM THE HUNTS.....DO NOT LET THEM FIND A REASON TO COMPLAIN!!!

[Real V]

We picked up some shells left by others and took home what blind cover we brought.
I don't tink you need to bring blind cover. Most of the birds flare when they get close to to the blind. I walked away from the blind and the birds would come right in while I was standinding in the open. I think these birds know that this area is flat with no cover.

As for the parking. There where some trucks aloud to drive the east levy and the berm that brought hunters back so it was ok for some. I know 1 truck was FWC, but the other 2.

Over all it is great shooting and when the parking gets straighten out it will be much better. I think we need to try to use a canoe and do not wade. the wading disturbs the filters alot and I am guilty but that was my first time and I learned from it. I will not wade in the STA's again.
I would also say that my son said it looked like a DU show. He was amazed.

[eddy]

My partner went out in the open to retreive a down ringer he had pass shoot, and came back with two additional teal.. Cover is OK, but not needed...

I too picked up shells left behind by others..:(