Question?

[KRISTYANNE]

My brother and I are leasing a new deer hunting property this year in Kent County near Massey. When we were walking the property for the first time, we noticed two seperate man made pits. They were about 20x40 rectangles. Looked almost like a small SWM pond, but they were deep in the woods just off the cut trail. What are these? They were bone dry 'cause of the drought, but I can forsee them getting filled as the season goes on. I have only been waterfowl hunting a handfull of times, always on or near tidal waters. Are these for Woodducks? I have tried to google info. on woodduck hunting, but didn't find much. If so, can some of you guys help a newby on how to hunt these. They look like they would make an awsome mount.

Thanks,

Ken

[mgribbin]

If there is a creek or stream near by than they are probably for woody's.

[slacktide]

You noted that you were leasing the property for deer hunting... double check your lease before you consider hunting waterfowl on that lease. There are a number of people who sublease waterfowl and/or deer hunting on the same land. I.e. you may be able to hunt deer, but not waterfowl on that property..

Happens alot, especially with commercial guys who lock up a farm, hunt it for waterfowl with their parties, and sub lease out the deer hunting to pay for the lease....

[Gaffman2]

I have seen man made pits like this in very old standing timber. According to some older members of the club (in their late 70's) their fathers told them the pits were made to water horses and mules when the timber was harvested "back in the day". In NC I've been told by a elder member that the ones I saw down there were dug for battle during the civil war. So take your pick unless you can find someone who knows the history of the land you lease. Most of the ones I've seen are round 12-16' 5 each and 3 rectangular.

[KRISTYANNE]

This one looks like it was made within the last year or so. The property is actually closer to Golts, MD. There is the Millington Wildlife Management Area nearby as well as the Cypress Branch. Looking at the satilite image, it looks like there are a handfull of these pits scattered around on the adjacent properties which I think are all owned by the same owner but are leased out separetly. I will have to talk to the broker we purchased the lease from and get the scoop. Our permission slip doesn't state any restrictions.

Regardless, do any of you guys hunt woodducks? Are they normally hunted in thick woods like this? How many decoys do you need to put out? Do you have to call them in as much as geese and other ducks, or do they fly under the canapy of the trees and come right in? Any tips or info. is appriciated?

[bcw1]

Landowner? Broker? Smells like Kenny.

Throw out a half dozen wood duck decoys and see what happens. If you have the time sit at the spot for sunrise one morning this week and see what comes in. Woodies are here now.