Mississippi River duck hunters

[1deadduck]

Are there any true river hunters out there beside me? Seems like most hunters are intimidated by the mighty "ole man". We hunt mainly from Vicksburg north to Carolina Chute and have many exceptional hunts there. It's amazing what 125 decoys will do set out in the button willows off a shallow sandbar Maybe we can team up and set out 250 or more and really put on a show

[Buckwabit]

I wish the water would stay at a Comfortable level (20'-23'). I have hunted the river numerous times and love it, but all the places I scout, changes from day to day depending on the water level. Maybe I always look in the wrong places.

[1deadduck]

Try the small islands off Shipland just below Cottonwood island. There are various huntable spots there during even low water levels. And if McRae's or Divinny's clubs are shooting, the hunting is fast and furious

[Jeff]

I hunt the river exclusivley, only about 200 miles south of you. I love it, but really am cursing it right now with all the fog. Down here, there is way too much ship traffic to venture out in the fog without radar, and my buddies is on the fritz right now. I reckon the fog will break at sometime or another.

[1deadduck]

Jeff, noticed your from Covington, do you know Bob Donald? I believe he is a detective with your police dept. He and I were both mud engineers way back in 79' and 80'. How is the hunting down there?

[BIG TIMBER]

I hunt with the "old man"

[Jeff]

Jeff, noticed your from Covington, do you know Bob Donald? I believe he is a detective with your police dept. He and I were both mud engineers way back in 79' and 80'. How is the hunting down there?

I have heard the name, but I do not know him. I couldn't even stretch it and say he would know my face, as I am sure he wouldn't. However I have a few freinds that are on the force and I am sure they know him.

[Tedl10]

I have a buddy that's a die hard on Davis Island. When the water is up, it's unbelievable how many ducks he has. Lake Pilemira sp? also has good hunting.

[1deadduck]

Ted10-
I used to hunt davis island during the mid to late 70's for deer. I was a high school kid who was friends of a member, so I became the camp ni**er for all the work weekends so I could hunt for free. Cottonwood Bar was the camp name. Palmyra landing was where we left the barge to cross over on. Are your friends hunting Palmyra lake or Long lake?

[1deadduck]

Has anyone heard of the controversy around Bunches cutoff at Walker's Island? I understand it is now going before the supreme court. At least then there will be federal precedent set. This case will affect all river hunters immensly.

[O.P.Hunter]

1deadduck, what is the controversy over: boundaries? What is the law about where you can or can't hunt on river waters and backwaters? I have been told that you can hunt in only inches of water as long as the river is inside it's natural banks. Who defines NATURAL BANKS?

[1deadduck]

O.P.-
Last I read was 3 or 4 men from La. have been ticketed repeatedly for trespassing on Walker Lands LLC. during past few years. They finally took it to court and a magistrate jugde fuled in the defendants favor> he also said the sheriff could be held legally accountable for the arrests. Then the sheriff appealed and it landed in one of his judge buddies court dockets and he ruled in favor of the sheriff.Sooo... now it is appealed to the supreme court where federal precedent will be set. Most reports say the supremes should rule with the magistrates. The magistrate quoted from La. statutes that on navigatable waterways, hunting and fishing should be allowed to water line regardless of water level. This should be ruled within 2-3 years.

[Tedl10]

Long Lake runs through his land. Had a few pretty good hunts on Pylmira. His camp is Buckhorn.

[VICKSBURGBOB]

I have heard all kind of bad things about the river but hear the shooting while patroling on the early moring shifts so I know someone is whacking them. How big a boat do you use, I have heard all kinds of horror stories about hunters being capsized or run over by barges.

[1deadduck]

Vicksbob-
I have hunted the river almost entirely for the past 24 years. However, this year and last year the river has been too low to hold the birds along its immediate waters Naturally, I have a journal with river gauges listed for both greenville and vicksburg and where to hunt for each stage. I hunt out of an 18' boat with 24" sides for stability and a large outboard motor to give me bowlift when I need it to ride out the big rolling swells from barges. Of course, I also have all the other items necessary for safety. Hunting on the river can be pricy which may be why we seldom see more than 3 boats at the landings.