Richland Creek WMA Duck Hunt

[droebuck]

Thanks for the info and bumping this back up guys, we are looking forward to our hunt this weekend.

[coachmas]

Don't overlook hunting the first holes inside the gate. When the shooting starts in the back all the birds come forward. There is a reason those holes are empty when you are coming out of the back. The guys in the front have limited out and went home.

Agreed. We hunted towards the front on Sat. And watched birds pitch into an area just over the levee from us further up front.

We hunted 13 West. Too bad this youth/adult hunt was only one day. I bet Sunday could have been fantastic with the front pushed through.

[Randy]

Don't overlook hunting the first holes inside the gate. When the shooting starts in the back all the birds come forward. There is a reason those holes are empty when you are coming out of the back. The guys in the front have limited out and went home.

[RShockley]

We hunted Sat. Got in on standby for youth/adult with my oldest son and a buddy. We were pick 23 of 24 so we got a leftover unit. Still knocked down 12 between three of us. Wish it would have been a 2-day hunt like most normal weekends I bet this artic blast brought in some new birds. As it was, I hunted in shorts and a dry-fit camo shirt under my waders and was still sweating after walking in the marsh.

Good to hear they got some new birds down out there with this front. I am hunting out there the 8th and 9th. Hoping we have a good shoot on Ssaturday. Sunday is always a bit of a crap shoot as the birds get scared pretty quickly out there with that many groups shooting. What unit did you end up hunting?

[coachmas]

We hunted Sat. Got in on standby for youth/adult with my oldest son and a buddy. We were pick 23 of 24 so we got a leftover unit. Still knocked down 12 between three of us. Wish it would have been a 2-day hunt like most normal weekends I bet this artic blast brought in some new birds. As it was, I hunted in shorts and a dry-fit camo shirt under my waders and was still sweating after walking in the marsh.

[Hobbs]

Any reports this season? Me and my son will be there January 7-9. We haven't had much rain so I hope they have some water.

[WinslowBoy]

Hunted there 2 years ago. We were the first hunt in early November. Tons of birds but as described, they get smart quick. Best setup for us was just set chairs in higher native vegetation in the middle of our “cell”. No blind, just hunker in good. Agree also with smaller spreads, don’t need 4 bags of dekes. Not a ton of decoying but plenty of swing bys looking over the decoys to offer shots.

Lots of shovelers and teal but managed to pick up some big ducks being patient. Fun hunt and enjoy.




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[droebuck]

Thanks for the info guys this is exactly what I was looking for going in this first year.

[RShockley]

It can be a pretty great hunt. I have been drawn for this hunt a few times before and will be there this season as well January 7th-9th. They have done the unit draw a few different ways over the years. They tend to let you pick in the order your group was drawn for the hunt. They have also had them give each group a number at check-in and then draw from a hat. As your number gets drawn you get to pick a unit. If you have never been they are happy to provide a little info on units. Some are easier to hind in than others. Once you get your unit picked and they take everyone out to the units, don't be afraid to ask more questions to the staff showing you around. They are there every day and have a really great idea of how the birds like to move through and utilize each unit. I have noticed the ducks are plentiful there but can be very wary of anything. Best to hide amongst the natural cover in the water away from shore and not use a giant spread. I have seen ducks here flare off of another group of live ducks. I try to hide in the cattails or up against a tree. Anytime I have tried building a blind, regardless of how well it is brushed in, they tend to flare and keep well away from you. Like said in an earlier post these ducks get wise pretty quickly so the second day of hunting can get pretty slow. On the second day, I find it better to change locations slightly and only sit for a little bit at first light. Once things slow down after first light I like to get up and try to jump a few birds to hopefully finish a limit. As for lodging I have camped on the property or stayed at the La Quinta in Fairfield. Might try the Fisherman's Cove lodge this season. Hope you have a good hunt and enjoy the trip.

[SC-001]

Its a waterfowl paradise now that they flooded most of is, I remember when much of that was deer hunting ground. Seem like just the other day I remember a young hunter dragging his first deer out of there one october, a button buck.

[trainwreck203]

We hunted it a couple years back in January. We were in cell 21. The birds figure out what’s going on pretty quick, Saturday was a pretty good shoot, Sunday we had to jump shoot birds. I would use very little decoys, try to figure out their flight paths, and sit away from the shorelines in the ponds if I was to do it again. We “scouted” in October just to get a lay of the land and it was loaded with ducks then too. We stayed at Fisherman’s Cove and it was pretty perfect. Few minutes from the hunting area and made us breakfast before each hunt.






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[coachmas]

Fisherman’s cove or Oak cove marina should be your closest spots to stay. Less than 10 min, unless you camp at the unit.

[CTR0022]

It'd a primitive camp site, relatively small area. I did not stay at it but during orientation they asked for everyone to get along and be considerate, no late night parties, running generators all night, and so fourth. They warned if you caused to much of a scene they'd kick you out. Some people did bring their campers down.

[droebuck]

http://fishermanscovelodge.com/cabins.htm

We are going to stay at these cabins in January. Not too far and seem nice. Found som VRBO nearby as well.

[Miketex2016]

Was drawn for this hunt as well for one of the December slots. Anyone know anything about lodging? Found something about camping for the North Unit but that's all I can find.