We flew out of San Diego into Sacramento Thursday night, the 12th. Later we realized it is about a 4.5 hour drive from Sac. After talking to Brad, he recommended flying out of Reno in the future. We made a quick stop in Willows to pickup John, and we were on our way. We came into Lookout at about 4:00 am. Brad and Alison had the bunk house warm and ready to go for us. Coffee was on and it was going to be a no sleep day. After a great breakfast provided by the Brad, we  set out for our hunt.

We met Ty Nay, guide at The Bucket List Ranch, in the field. The property we were hunting was located directly on the pit river. It was recently obtained by Brad and they had been killing quite a few geese on it prior to us coming up. We were pit blind hunting on a dry field just off the river. It is pretty cold up there, the first morning it was 12 degrees outside. Not what we are used to hunting the rice fields in the Sac Valley or So. Cal. Most of the birds did not want to move until about 9:00 am when the sun had warmed the air just past freezing. At about 9:30 we had our first group of birds work in. They did not wan to play for some reason, so after the first pass we took them at about 40 yards. Down came one greater. There was a pretty long pause after that in activity. Around 11:00 am the birds really starting moving. We had 15 birds come in from the east and lock right up on us. They circled once and proceeded to bomb in. There was a slight breeze, so they decoyed in a little sideways, as the wind had changed from when we set up. We all get up when the birds are feet down 15-20 yards and whiff. One bird come down and Ty, the guide, is the only one to drop anything. We basically felt like slapping ourselves, this was our chance to load up and leave. That set the tone for the day and we felt like we were all rookies. Oh well, it happens. 30 minutes later we had another group come in and down come 2 more. We were happy with what we shot and beat tired, so we decided to call it a day at noon. Of course as soon as we went to load up decoys, we had groups of birds working.

Day 2 was a cold one. We woke up to 3 degree weather. It was really cold. We decided to setup on the river in a small blind they had setup on the bank. Brad and Ty broke a nice hole in the ice on the river, and tossed duck and goose floaters in.

It was freezing cold, but we were determined to kill some birds. It was a slow start, nothing wanted to move. Around 10:00 am,  3 Mergansers came charging down river and met a few 12 gauges. We killed all 3 quickly and the skunk was off. We stuck around until noon and NOTHING wanted to move. We saw a few flocks of geese in the distance that would get up and go right back down. They did not want to go anywhere.

Day 3 was the last day of goose season and it seemed as though anyone for 50 miles knew it. The first 2 days we saw no one going to hunt, but today it seemed as though the community had come out of their shells for one last day of goose carnage for the year. We made it to the field and set up in the pit blind again hoping it would be as productive as day 1. Around 9:30 we had a lot of birds moving. Lots of Lesser’s and Specks in the area. We called in a few flocks that were very weary from being shot off the roost that morning. Nothing wanting to decoy and finish. At 10:30 we had a group of Lesser’s come take a look. They came in 40-45 yards. We drop a couple and that was our day. There was a storm approaching and the highway in can get very sketchy when it is snowing. We knew we needed to pack it up and get out of town. We headed back to a great lunch and we were on our way back to Sacramento.

Brad Hunter and Alison are some of the most accommodating people we have ever had the pleasure of staying with. Their lodge is first rate, and their food is incredible. We ate like kings the entire time we were their. With meals like Sweet and Sour Goose, Rib Eye Steaks, and homemade soup (everyday) you never go hungry.

The bunk house is like a really nice cabin. The beds are full size bunks and brand new, very comfortable mattress’s. Flat screen TV with satellite cable, phone and a wood burning stove make you feel like you are right at home.

Brad plans on hunting his 600 acre ranch starting next year which the lodge lies upon. You will be able to sit on the patio and watch birds on the ponds.

He has dug 2 good size ponds and built up islands. These ponds are the first source of water in the valley coming over the ridge from Tule Lake. Fields adjacent to these ponds are planted with wheat.

Heated blinds with full power are currently under construction. These will be very nice and comfortable even on the coldest days. Power to the ice eaters in the pond will be controlled from the blind.

The Bucket List Ranch is first rate and one of the most peaceful places in California. Brad and Allison are great Outfitters and have some of the finest property in the area. They are taking reservations for next season and for Trout season this summer. In addition to the bunk house, they have (2) RV spots with full hookups.

1/2/2011
5 hunters hunting the new West side field.

10 Specks : 7 Snows
Weather: Blue Bird Skys

1/3/2011
3 hunters hunting the new West side field.

7 Specks :6 Snows
Weather: Blue Bird Skys

We decided to hunt our local pond on a private ranch in Potrero, Ca. The ranch is loaded with Quail, Dove and some Ducks. It makes for a great morning shoot being it is so close to home when we are in town during the season.

We started the morning a little slow with a few Gadwall working in about 30 minutes after shoot time. (3) birds came in and splashed down in front of us. The pond is in a  canyon , and the light is a little low first thing int he morning. We let them sit for a few, then gave them hell. One came down and my gun went click on another that was an easy shot. Time to clean my gun.

After that it was getting near 7:00 am. We had a couple groups of birds circle us. The first was a leery group of widgeon. Normally this pond has little to zero pressure and these birds work right in. This was not the case today, as we hammered on these birds only a few days before. The widgeon smelled a rat and did not want to decoy. We probably should have called the shot, but did not.

At 7:15, we had a pair of Gadwall that came right in as we were jabber jawing. They had no idea we were even there. Needless to say, they did not leave. From there on out it was a little slow.

At 8:10, we had  a lonesome hen pintail come cruising by while we were walking around. We froze and let the bird work in. She rounded off our morning.

From there we walked up to the top of the property and proceeded to put the lead to some quail. This property is LOADED with quail. We started in our usual spot and worked for about 15 minutes until we found the first covey. This covey had 100+ birds in it. We each pulled a bird off of the first flush. Then proceeded to knock them around the hillside for 7 birds in about an hour. We lost a few in the thick brush, which is always a heart breaker.

All in all it was a great day.

This information is provided to you as a general guide only. Please refer to the California Department of Fish and Game website or other materials for official information.

REGULATION HIGHLIGHTS FOR ALL ZONES:
**The duck season is > 100 days, and the bag limit 7 birds/day in all zones.
**The white-front limit is now 6 for most zones.
** 5-Day late season for white-fronted geese & white geese in BOS Zone.
**”Electronic” Spinning wing decoys will be allowed from December 1 until the season ends (statewide).

BALANCE OF STATE ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks and Geese: October 22, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Scaup: November 5, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Brant Special Management Areas: Northern Brant, November 6, 2011 through December 5, 2011. Balance of State Brant, November 12, 2011 through December 11, 2011; 2 per day, 4 possession.
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 4 and 5, 2012.
Early Resident Canada Goose Season: October 1, 2011 through October 5, 2011 (Except in the North Coast Special Management Area)
Late White-front and White Goose Season: February 18, 2012 through February 22, 2012
Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Which may contain 7 mallards of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Which may include up to 6 white geese and up to 6 dark geese.
Early Resident Canada Goose Season: 6 Canada geese
Sacramento Valley Special Management Area: No more than 2 white fronts may be taken only from October 22, 2011 until December 21, 2011. For more information on the Sacramento Valley Special Management Area limits and boundaries, please refer to California State Waterfowl Regulations.
Possession Limit Ducks and Geese: Double the daily bag limit.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks and Geese: October 22, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Scaup: November 5, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 4 and February 5, 2012.
Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Which may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Of which only 6 may be white geese and only 3 may be dark geese.
Possession Limit Ducks and Geese: Double the daily bag limit.

NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks: October 8, 2011 through January 20, 2012.
Scaup: October 8, 2011 through January 1, 2012.
Geese: October 8, 2011 through January 15, 2012.
Special Youth Hunt Days: September 24 and 25, 2011.
Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Which may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Which may include up to 6 white geese, up to 6 dark geese, of which only 2 may be large Canada geese.
Possession Limit Ducks and Geese: Double the daily bag limit.

SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks: October 8, 2011 through October 30, 2011 and November 12, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Scaup: November 12, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Geese: October 22, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 4 and February 5, 2012.
Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Which may contain 7 mallards, of which only 2 can be female; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 8. Which may include up to 6 white geese or 6 dark geese. Possession Limit Ducks and Geese: Double the daily bag limit.

COLORADO RIVER ZONE
Seasons:
Ducks and Geese: October 21, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Scaup: November 5, 2011 through January 29, 2012.
Special Youth Hunt Days: February 4 and February 5, 2012.
Limits:
Ducks: Daily bag limit: 7. Which may contain 7 mallards, but not more than 2 female mallards or Mexican-like ducks; 2 pintail; 1 canvasback; 2 redheads; 3 scaup.
Geese: Daily bag limit: 6. Which may contain 6 white geese and up to 3 may be dark geese.
Possession Limit Ducks and Geese: Double the daily bag limit.

Corporate tables are $1000.00. They come with 10 tickets and a private shot gun raffle.

Dinner Details
Date: Friday, September 16th
Doors open @ 6pm

Location:
San Diego Mission Valley Marriott – Rotunda Room
8757 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 92108

Contact
Ty Young – 619-454-3063
tdyjr27@yahoo.com

PIERRE, S.D. – An annual spectacle of hundreds of thousands of snow geese migrating through the state has begun.  Reports of large numbers of the geese in southeastern South Dakota signals the coming of spring.

“We have been getting lots of reports from our field staff of snow geese from Beresford, Scotland and Yankton,” said South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department Terrestrial Chief, Tom Kirschenmann.  “There is a great interest in hunting these birds in the spring.  They move long distances from day to day, and scouting is the key for success.”

To assist hunters with scouting snow geese, GFP has created a Waterfowl Hunting Opportunity Thunderstorm Map.  The map, located at  http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/waterfowl/migration ,was created last year to help hunters follow duck and goose movements.  GFP will be updating the map frequently with reports from Conservation Officers and other field staff.

“The Thunderstorm Maps have been very popular with hunters,” said Kirschenmann. “They allow hunters to cut down on scouting time, and hopefully increase success.”

Under a Conservation Order, hunters are able to harvest 20 snow, blue phase and/or Ross’ geese a day.  The use of electronic calls and shotguns holding more than three shells is also legal.  The Conservation Order has been a tool used by many states to attempt to control the abundant snow goose population and the damage they have been doing to their Arctic tundra breeding grounds.

Reference: South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks | 523 E. Capitol Ave | Pierre, SD 57501

• 03/12/2011 REPORT:
• Reports of thousands of geese through out Minnehaha County. Lots of geese heading north still, however as of noon today many flocks are now being observed flying in a southerly direction. Geese are probably hitting the snow line and turning back south. Reports of thousands in the Baltic area. With the snow line just to the north of Sioux Falls, this area could see large concentrations of geese for the next several days.
• Remember, Daylight Savings Time starts at 2:00 a.m. sunday morning.
• Weekend Weather for March 12-13.

Available Dates:

• Feb. 22nd 2)  Openings
• Feb. 23rd (5) Openings
• Feb. 24rd (5) Openings
• Feb. 25th (5) Openings
• Feb. 28th (5) Openings

If you have any questions about the hunt you can contact Jason at 888-866-5455 ext. 711.