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North Dakota First Timer Advice
~ Mike Lauenstein (11/5/2008 @ 4:51 PM)
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You know... I had decent expectations going into this past weekend as Nic and I drove through Fargo, North Dakota on our way to our spot. What's going to be tough, is managing those for next time! I'll let my pictures (and primarily Nic's pictures) do most of the talking but I'll try to summarize some highlights and learned tactics that will make anyone's next trip to North Dakota a success!

#1 - Scout, scout and scout some more

My approach to waterfowling has been forever changed thanks to a couple awesome guys from Grand Forks, North Dakota. Andrew, Billy, Jack and Brendan showed Nic and I how true waterfowlers fill their limits will regularity. I used to think the setup was 60%, the "area" was 20% and the shot was 20% to a successful hunt. Not the case... at all.

I have seen with my own eyes and would debate the point furiously that scouting and location (down to a few hundred feet within a field or marsh) equates to 75% of a successful hunt. The setup is 20% (based on wind, full-body vs. shell, Mojo or not, etc.) and the shot is 5% (seeing as how, if you do the first two right, your shots probably won't be more than 20-25 yards anyway).

Each day, we spent at least 3-4 hours driving up and down the countryside around North Dakota, often putting on more than 200 miles in an afternoon, looking for birds in a field (whether its mallards or geese or a combo platter). Once found, we'd identify the types of birds, take a look at the surrounding area looking for staging areas, water and marshes. If the spot looks promising, we'd look to see if the land is posted (meaning that the land owner does not let people access without permission) and gain permission by simply calling the landowner. If accessible (either with permission, PLOTS, WMA, WPA, etc), we began identifying how and where to setup based on the following morning's wind direction. If done right, this will ensure a successful hunt the following morning.

#2 - Hunt water for variety

If you're looking to find some of the unique ducks that work their way through North Dakota, take a look at some of the local WMA (Wildlife Management Area) or WPA (Wildlife Production Area) marshes that offer a huge variety of ducks. More times than not though it seemed that the larger mallard flocks would pass by. This could be perhaps because of previous pressure since these lands are considered open to the public... then again, most land in North Dakota is (if it is not posted).

#3 - Full-body decoys

Shells will work. Silouttes do the job. But full-bodies will make 'em commit. Even having a combination and putting the full-bodies on the front of your spread will increase your chances of having the birds commit directly into your spread. These are the decoys that the birds will be focusing on as they lock into your spread.

#4 - Learn to call... well

I know I am not the best caller in the world, but it was evident that Andrew was, especially on our last morning's hunt. He literally swung a group of 20-30 mallards that were heading away, barely visible on the horizon and called them all the way to a final approach. Having that ability and confidence is going to make any hunt that much more successful. Granted if your scouting is good, it becomes less of a requirement and more of nicety, but in the end a quality call and caller will give a group more opportunities than without. You can tell when a guy drives to work listening to a Buck Gardner CD (http://www.buckgardner.com) and blowin' a call. It shows and it pays.

#5 - Have a backup plan

In the case that your first field choice doesn't work out either because someone is in it or the field got too much rain the night before, make sure you have a back up plan. We often went around and checked WPA, WMA and PLOTS land while scouting just in case we could not find a field with birds or in the case that someone beat us to the field.

#6 - Get a PLOTS book

They are available at most gas stations or motels for free. They show all the PLOTS, WPA, WMA, Resting Areas, etc. around.

#7 - Bring a canoe (or small jon)

If you plan on hunting water, make sure to have a way to access the middle. Most potholes and marshes are relatively hard bottom and shallow, but there are the occassional few that require the ability to get out there including the WMA and WPA waters.

I hope this information helps on your first trip out to North Dakota. The last piece of advice I have is make sure to get rest even with the constant excitement. We got up at 4am for 4 days in a row and by the end of it, I could feel the lack of sleep and began hitting the wall earlier and earlier... but all I have to say is I cannot wait to go back.

Cheers!

"Lauey"
Mike Lauenstein
CrazyOutdoorsmen Managing Partner
http://www.crazyoutdoorsmen.com


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Comments

Matt Johnson

Member Since: 7/12/2008
 
RE: North Dakota First Timer Advice
Posted On: 11/6/2008 1:11 PM
Very helpful. Nice to make your first trip with people that know how to pull off a very successful hunt.


 

Dean Olejniczak

Member Since: 8/14/2008
 
RE: North Dakota First Timer Advice
Posted On: 11/7/2008 6:51 AM
Mike, Nice job on detailing the trip. I am in complete agreement that 95% of success in prep (studying habitat, vocal presentation, CURRENT movement including feeding and bedding areas) is key to any venture into the outdoors. Imagine going fishing without a lake map, gps or toposgraphy to study from. It would be like showing up at a barmitzfa with a bone in ham! I am looking forward to next years trip and am looking forward to the planning process SOON!

Dean "Dino" Olejniczak
Catch and Release for the pleasure of the sport; Please!

 

Andrew Prescott

Member Since: 11/6/2008
 
RE: North Dakota First Timer Advice
Posted On: 11/11/2008 11:36 PM
Mike I think you hit it right on the head with this. It's important when you go and hunt an area that you are not familiar with to do your homework first and find out how the locals do it in the area. I see many people from out of state, and even some from the state that try to hunt the way they do back home. Many times it turns out well but not as good as it could be. You don't even have to have the right equipment to be successful. I have seen water decoys used in the field with great success, And when I first started hunting here (nd) I didn't have a ground blind, I just used a burlap tarp and put stubble over top of it, it was a little bit messy but worked. I would hardly say I'm a good caller, just average but I'm working on that. With learning calling from a cd it also helps to have someone who is experienced, you can't stop a cd and ask it a question, but you can ask a buddy. For me Billy is the guy I go to he's been doing it longer then I have and his advice has been greatly appreciated throughout.