Win a Hunt with the Duck Commander

ACCOKEEK, MD (December, 2009) -- Phil Robertson and his Duckmen are back in the blind, and this time they're looking for more than ducks. Benelli USA is proud to offer a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who might dream of hunting one day with the legendary Duck Commander. To enter, contestants should submit a video showcasing their personality and illustrating their deep desire to hunt with the Duck Commander. Phil and his Duckmen will view all submitted videos and choose the resourceful individual they feel is most deserving of the hunt.

One lucky winner, who along with a guest of their choosing, will enjoy an all-expense-paid Louisiana "Duck Commander" duck hunt-and get to appear on Benelli's hit TV show, Benelli Presents Duck Commander. Furthermore, the winner will receive a Benelli Super Black Eagle II shotgun, and additional prizes from Realtree®, Federal Premium® Ammunition, Kick's Choke Tubes, Burris® Optics, Realtree Foods, and Gator-Tail Outboards.

"I've hunted with the Duck Commander, and I guarantee you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll beg for more," said Stephen McKelvain, VP Marketing & Communications, "In the world of duck hunting, there's nothing like it."

All entries must be postmarked no later than January 2, 2010, so don't just sit there-enter to win a hunt with the Duck Commander! For more information on the contest, rules and prizes log on to: http://www.benelliusa.com/video_contest/

Mallard Movement

Seeing greenheads (and susies) on southern Maine small waters lately (ponds and creeks); even lingering teal. -S.H.

(DU Media Photo)

New York State Report

Spent Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 in Tioga County, NY hunting turkeys (took a nice gobbler on the last day). If you're a honker hunter, you have got to make a trip to the state's "south" zone. Not sure if the numbers are still around, but I can assure you of some certain observations: (1) It was occasionally difficult to hear potential turkey vocalizations with all the goose calling from moving groups of birds in the air. (2) I saw virtually no one setting spreads for geese (just turkey chasers and deer-minded bowhunters). (3) Honkers were plentiful from that part of upstate NY, all along I-88, all the way to the Albany region, including Troy to the north, and the run to the Vermont border.

While I am often the servant of two masters (wild turkeys and waterfowl), this scouting information shouldn't be wasted. To put it simply: It's unlikely I'll get back there this fall. You should! Check out the NY state website for the abundant opportunities and liberal goose limits in various regions of the state (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28496.html).

Don't forget your decoys, and bring lots of 'em (I'm using GHG [Greenhead Gear] fakes this fall; love 'em). Good luck!

--Steve Hickoff

(Photo Tyson Keller, Avery Outdoors, Inc.)

Maine Honker Limit

Frosty morning. Pinkish-blue glow in the false dawn.

Got 30+ GHG & Carry Lite goose dekes set in the farm field a few minutes before legal shooting. A pigeon hawk (merlin) came in for a close look.

At 6:45 a.m., a string of as many live Canadas moved south a quarter-mile away, igonoring my calls and the spread. A few minutes later, a mallard pair buzzed by, high up, heading west.

Then, a little after sunrise, a ragged group of eight Canadas appeared, drifting northwest. I called aggressively with clucks, moans, double clucks, and they slowed, paused as if to compare notes, then began to hook and work my way. I double-clucked a couple more times, then went silent as they approached. The group passed over, above the spread and my hide, but just out of range. I s-l-o-w-l-y cut my eyes as they drifted past me, made some pleading calls, worked the soft talk, shut up.

They stalled, then fish-hooked back, and winged down into the spread the way they do when it all comes together. I took my two honker daily Maine limit, and savored the morning as I packed up the dekes.

--Steve Hickoff

(Steve Hickoff photo)

And so it goes . . .

River mallards and wood ducks on the New Hampshire inland waterfowl opener (Oct. 6) after striking out on Maine field geese (Oct. 2; not a single bird moving). Hunted grouse and woodcock this past Saturday (Oct. 10), and saw a number of canoe-going duck hunters out in southern Maine along the way. Ran one of the dogs yesterday at a local farm on our no-hunt Pine Tree State Sunday, and saw a number of ragged honker groups here and there at daybreak. One loner flew in the direction of my other local farm.
--Steve Hickoff

(Ducks Unlimited media photo)

Final Approach® Launches New Enhanced Web Site

Overland Park, KS. — The Final Approach website has been completely redesigned with several new features for serious waterfowl hunters.

Fans and consumers of Final Approach products can now join the FA community and submit their waterfowl hunting stories and photos online. The best stories will be entered for a chance to win six Gunner Floating Mallard decoys.

The site contains a wealth of information with up-to-date reports on the current migration (in-season) and water levels throughout the country, along with diagrams for setting up decoy spreads. There are video “how to” hunting tips from the Final Approach Pro Staff and instructions on how to use the products.

Consumers will also be able to order Final Approach Products online and learn of new product introductions for the first time on the site.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­For more information, visit www.fabrand.com or call consumer inquiries at 800-423-3537.

Early Migrators?

Seven honkers high overhead early. No interest. Three others that came in answering my calls, and calling behind me but in range @ 8:00 (no shot!), then @ 8:45 some 50 yds. out, cutting across the dekes, looking the fakes over, but just out of range, then again 15 minutes later calling behind me. Same geese each time. Thought they'd cup and commit but no. Fun.

It's a start . . .

--Steve Hickoff

(Maine honker - Hickoff photo)

Early Goose Report

Resident honkers, at least here in southern Maine, simply aren't flying--not until this morning did I hear the first birds overhead. The season opened back on Sept. 1, and this may mark the start of the "early migrators."

Geese I had been watching over in southeastern N.H. have shifted locations: (1) Some have moved from areas you could hunt to places you can't, and (2) birds that were stacked up in the Piscataqua River, roosting along shoreline spots before feeding on grass in other locations by day, have moved on.

A central N.Y. contact reported today that he's not seeing anything down there. "Could the wet spring have affected the hatch?" Some of my sources suggest as much for Atlantic Flyway Canada geese. Plenty of season to go. Stay tuned.

--Steve Hickoff

(Photo: copyright Steve Hickoff)

H.S. Yeti Custom Canada Goose Call

Hunter's Specialties new Yeti Custom Canada Goose Call features big power in a small package.

The Yeti's short barrel and exhaust bore allows the air to "dump" easily when the call is blown, creating a very quick operating call.

The Yeti is custom hand-tuned to a raspier higher pitch, making it ideal for calling migrating Canada geese.

H.S. waterfowl calls combine the knowledge of decades of waterfowl hunting experience with high-quality workmanship. The result is a new standard in waterfowl that helps you "talk to 'em."

Each call is accented with a polished stainless steel band. The Yeti is available in oiled Cocobola wood or in a custom acrylic version with a black pearl barrel and chartreuse insert.

Both models sell for a suggested retail price of $149.99.

For more information, log onto the Hunter's Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

2009-2010 New Hampshire Waterfowl Seasons

CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has set final season dates and bag limits for the 2009-10 waterfowl hunting season. After considering comments from sportsmen at the August 19 public meeting, the state's waterfowl hunting season remains similar to last year's, with a 60-day duck season and a six-bird daily limit.

Fish and Game will continue split seasons for waterfowl, including ducks and Canada geese, in both the inland and coastal zones to allow early and late hunting opportunities, however, seasons for brant and snow geese will not be split:

* The INLAND ZONE season (ducks, mergansers, coots and Canada geese) opens on October 6 and runs through November 8, then reopens from November 25 through December 20. The brant season will be a straight season from October 6 through November 24, and the snow goose season will be a straight season from October 6 through December 20.

* The COASTAL ZONE season (ducks, mergansers, coots and Canada geese) will open on October 7 and run through October 18, then reopen November 25 through January 11, 2010. The brant season will be a straight season from October 7 through November 25, and the snow goose season will be a straight season from October 7 through January 11, 2010.

Hunters of all migratory game birds (except woodcock, snipe and crows) must have a 2009 New Hampshire hunting license, a New Hampshire Migratory Waterfowl License and a federal duck stamp. They are also required by federal law to register for the National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). Separate HIP permits are needed in each state. Licensed hunters should call 1-800-207-6183, or go to www.HuntNH.com/ and click on "Buy a License"; you can receive a permit number at this site (there is no charge). Write the permit number on your hunting license. Each year, a random selection of hunters is asked to complete a voluntary harvest survey.

Hunters are asked to report all banded birds using the toll-free phone number, 1-800-327-BAND. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will send a certificate with information about the bird.

For more information on waterfowl hunting in New Hampshire, visit: www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_waterfowl.htm/

As the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works in partnership with the public to conserve, manage and protect these resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.HuntNH.com for more information and online license and permit sales.

(DU Photo)

Ducks Unlimited Event

WHAT: Ducks Unlimited will honor U.S. Army Soldier Adam Herold and the killed and wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from Nebraska at a dedication ceremony for the Fallen Heroes Marsh. The memorial is located on Ducks Unlimited's Verona Complex, a key wetland area in the Rainwater Basin. The marsh is a place where friends and families can come to hunt, watch, photograph or simply listen to ducks and remember the sacrifices made by U.S. military veterans from Nebraska. DU Staff will lead a tour of the Verona Complex and lunch will be served.

WHO: Attendees will include veterans and friends and families of killed and wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from Nebraska. Sponsors and supporters of the memorial and partners associated with the conservation efforts will also attend. Media are invited to cover the event.

WHEN: 11:00 a.m., September 12, 2009. Lunch will be provided.

WHERE: The Verona complex is 45 minutes southeast of Grand Island in Clay County. The ceremony will take place at the Youth Hunting tract on the property. From I-80, take exit 332 (near Grand Island, Nebraska) and travel south on Highway 14 for seventeen miles. Turn left at Highway 6 and travel west one mile. Turn right and travel south on H Street for two miles. Turn right at Road 29; proceed to parking lot on north side of road.

Contact:

Steve Wilson (402) 499-5515 or swilson@ducks.org

Jennifer P. Kross (701) 202-8896 or jkross@ducks.org

Eliminator Cargo Blind

Overland Park, KS. - Successful waterfowl hunters know that mobility is the key to success particularly late in the season after birds have been pressured. The new Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) from Final Approach makes it easy to move all your gear - ground blind, decoys, guns, etc. - with minimal effort.

The Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) is a full-featured ground blind with removable wheels that will carry up to a dozen full body decoys, four dozen silhouettes or over 200 rag decoys, plus your gun, flags and other gear. The blind is built on a lightweight, collapsible aluminum frame so it won't rust. Just attach the wheels, roll it out to your favorite field and set up your decoy spread. No need to make multiple trips. If the action moves to another location, you can be on your way within minutes.

The ground blind is constructed with durable 600-denier poly fabric with a waterproof coating for extra protection from the elements. The base of the blind uses ¾-inch closed cell foam to insulate the user from head to toe against wet and cold. For extra comfort and convenience, the blind has fast-access flagging holes on each side, a padded head and gun rest, built-in gun scabbard for transporting shotgun and a roomy interior. When set up, the Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) has a very low profile for better concealment. It features the original FA double lid system for fast shooting access and Stubble Straps for attaching natural cover. At the end of the day, it can be easily cleaned out with the quick-zippered foot pouch. The collapsible design of this blind allows it to fit into short bed pickups while retaining its structural integrity.

For greater versatility, the Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) is available in three popular camo patterns: Advantage Max 4, Mossy Oak Duck Blind and FA Field Brown.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­For more information, visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102676779759&s=210&e=0016k8JQim6gvj1NChNrAg7Pfk-_fVOVc8sPCTLE9Zwpt9sOW5HBkjtPG8bYq7JA7vfCY2oJ5AekPtJpG7ivi9O9g9VDGGoyx3g0lruWOnhvPyouA-TaWf-LA== or call consumer inquiries at 800-423-3537.

Nebraska Sets Waterfowl Seasons

LINCOLN, Nebraska --- The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners set the 2009 waterfowl hunting seasons and expanded deer hunting opportunities Friday at its regular meeting in Lincoln.

The early teal and early Canada goose seasons begin Sept. 5. The early teal season was moved up one week following a public hearing at the board's July meeting. The early Canada goose and youth waterfowl seasons were moved up to align with the early teal season.

In addition to the waterfowl seasons, the board addressed big game hunting. In an effort to allow more people to participate in the new October Antlerless deer hunting season, holders of youth, landowner and Season Choice Areas 18 and 21 permits now may hunt during that season this fall.

They may hunt in areas described for Season Choice Areas 18 and 21 with legal weapons for firearm season during the October Antlerless season, which is Oct. 9-11.

Commissioners used Friday's meeting to approve other waterfowl changes since their July meeting:

-- Restricted seasons for pintail and canvasback were expanded to coincide with the regular duck seasons.

-- The bag limit for scaup was increased from one to two and the bag limit for wood ducks was increased from two to three.

-- Changes were made to the light goose conservation action to reduce the potential impact on sandhill and whooping cranes along the Central Platte valley. In Zone 2, the conservation action closes April 1. Also in Zone 2, the buffer zone in which no hunting is allowed was reduced from 5 miles to 3 beginning after March 11.

The 2009 waterfowl hunting seasons are: Dark Goose - East Unit, Oct. 24 - Jan. 27; Platte River Unit, Oct. 24 - Feb. 5; Niobrara Unit, Oct. 24 - Feb. 5; North Central Unit, Oct. 10 - Jan. 22; Panhandle Unit, Nov. 7 - Feb. 5. Light Goose - Regular Season, Oct. 10 - Jan. 8 and Jan. 23 - Feb. 5; Conservation Action, Zone 1, Feb. 6 - April 18; Zone 2, Feb. 6 - April 1; Zone 3, Feb. 6 - April 18.White-fronted Goose - Oct. 10 - Dec. 20. Duck (including Pintail and Canvasback) and Coot - Low Plains Early, Oct. 10 - Dec. 20 and Dec. 26-27; Low Plains Late, Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24 - Jan. 3; High Plains, Oct. 10 - Jan. 13.Early Canada Goose - Sept. 5-13.Early Teal - High Plains, Sept. 5-13; Low Plains, Sept. 5-20.Youth Waterfowl - Sept. 26-27.Falconry - Extended Season: Low Plains, Sept. 1-30; High Plains, Sept. 5-13; Regular Season: Low Plains Early, Oct. 10- 20 and Dec. 26-27; Low Plains Late, Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24 - Jan. 3; High Plains, Oct. 10 - Jan. 13.

(DU Photo)

Vermont's Migratory Bird Seasons

Vermont's Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Set

Waterbury, Vermont - Vermont's migratory bird hunting laws for 2009 are now available on Vermont Fish & Wildlife's website (http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/) and from license agents throughout Vermont. The hunting season dates, bag limits and related regulations are set annually in August within a framework established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in coordination with the states of New York and New Hampshire. Waterfowl season dates and bag limits are set in three zones: Lake Champlain, Interior Vermont, and Connecticut River. The New Hampshire Fish & Game Department sets the season dates and bag limits for the Connecticut River Zone.

Duck season opens on October 10 in the Lake Champlain and Interior Vermont Zones and on October 6 in the Connecticut River Zone. The Lake Champlain Zone has a split season (October 10-13; October 24-December 18); the Interior Vermont Zone is a straight season (October 10-December 8); and the Connecticut River Zone is a split season (October 6-November 8; November 25-December 20). A statewide Vermont open hunting season for Canada geese will occur September 8-25, 2009. The daily bag limit is five Canada geese except in that portion of the Lake Champlain Zone within Addison County north of Route 125, where the limit will be two per day. The purpose of the September season is to help control Vermont's resident Canada goose population prior to the arrival of Canada geese migrating south from Canada. A second Canada goose hunting season will be held Oct. 20 - Dec. 3 with a daily bag limit of three Canada geese in the Lake Champlain and Interior Vermont Zones. In the Connecticut River Zone the Canada goose season will run at the same time as the duck season (October 6-November 8; November 25-December 20) with a daily bag limit of two Canada geese.

Vermont's youth waterfowl hunting weekend will be September 26-27, 2009. Resident and nonresident hunters under age 16 may hunt ducks and geese statewide during this season while accompanied by an adult 18 or older. Both must have Vermont hunting licenses. The adult may not hunt or carry a firearm. The youth and the adult are not required to hold state or federal duck stamps on this weekend. Woodcock hunting season is Oct. 8 - Nov. 6, statewide with a three-bird bag limit. A waterfowl hunter 16 or older must carry signed current federal and Vermont duck stamps in order to hunt waterfowl in Vermont. In addition, all migratory game bird hunters must be registered with the Harvest Information Program.

(DU Photo)