Frustrated with ducks

[khmer6]

I just can't seem to find them! I see them flying around the canal areas even in central Phoenix, but getting them in a hunting area has been difficult. I've been all the way out to humbug creek north of lake pleasant a few times. Saw some ducks, but people were fishing out there (in a marsh). Ended up chasing quail and scouting for javelina.

 

Tried to switch it up and reach it from the agua fria drainage. No access, although the drive was a heck of a lot easier. Most of the tanks are currently all dried up (and whether or not they hold ducks if they have water I am not sure).

 

I thought about the verde and the reservoirs but have heard they are pretty dry. I am at a lost. I am just looking for a couple to to pay for my tags and gas for this season. With a new baby on the way its hard to get out anywhere far.

 

Can anyone please help push me in a decent area? (PM me if you want please) Or if anyone needs an extra set of hands to carry the load, I'd be more than willing.

[Big Browns]

Try the river between Horseshoe Lake and Bartlet lake. You can also try pond jumping. Find an are that has some ponds and stalk up to them. You can usually get a few shots at Duck's that way.

 

To be honest the Duck hunting doesn't get "GOOD" (if you can call it that) until Late December & January!

 

Adam

[6ANut]

Exactly what Adam said unless you have a Honey hole, most duck hunting in AZ is pond jumping at best.

[Evan]

I think it has been to warm and they havent been pushed south yet.

[khmer6]

that is what i was figuring. thanks for confirming guys. i know it doesn't get really "good" at all. I had thought about going to mormon and stoneman. but its quite a ways away. Stoneman was dry when i went a couple of months ago. i've tried looking for ponds in northern part of phoenix, but seems like all the ponds are down south closer to the agriculture areas?

i guess i'll have to do some more driving this weekend. maybe the rains will help push some. hopefully i can tackle some in january while on paternity leave (if she doesn't kill me)

[trophyhnter]

We just got our first batch of ducks on the golf course where I leave. It about 15 to 20 widgeons. I have found that as the density of the ducks on the ponds on the golf course increase so does the amounts of ducks on the desert tanks. The further north you go, the better the chances of finding more ducks until the water stays frozen most of the day. Its not surprising that you have not found a lot of ducks yet. I think you just have to hold out until it gets colder! I would suggest you look on a map and find the most northern place you can travel and find tanks. Take your shotgun and rifle with a predator call! Just make sure you don't have any lead (quail load) when your "duck hunting...jumping tanks). I get real serious about ducks in the am and as noon approaches I walk up wind of an empty tank and call (in between checking tanks) with both my rifle and shotgun depending how dense it is. No2 mag duck load does a number on yots! Good luck

[khmer6]

i keep the 10mm or 5.7 on hand all the time. i'll down some yotes to keep our game animal pop up, do everyone a favor. i really appreciate all the responses so far. anywhere else i have read, people would scold or blow the OP off.

[Avid Hunter]

Ducks arent really down in the desert yet, best bet numbers wise is still up north. We haven't really had any storms yet. December January is when you'll start seeing the numbers.

 

Like trophyhnter said, a decent gauge is the golf courses or local ponds. Good luck and let us know how you do!

[trphyhntr]

i live on a course, the group of honkers that were here last year came back like 3 weeks ago. noisy suckers.

[CouesPursuit]

Khmer6, IMO if you continue the effort you described in the OP, you will find a honey hole of your own. Don't give up, there are definitely ducks to be had early season but you really have to work for them and think outside the box. Scouting pays dividends for ducks in AZ.

 

If you're just looking for a little action PM me and I'll share some general areas/tactics.

[khmer6]

i live by a golf course in town, and the honkers have been there the last few weeks. theres a city park right next to it. i took the kids there and was quite tempted in chasing one down and whacking it. (honkers not the kids) :-)

A+ crowd in here. Where do I get a sticker to show my support!

[khmer6]

Jumped some tanks today but no ducks. Maybe I'll just wait till it gets colder. Got some deks a member recommended and a new semi auto to play with

[Yuma Archer]

Try the Gila river south of Buckeye,

Go below the water treatment plant to Gillespie dam.

[naturegirl]

To be honest the Duck hunting doesn't get "GOOD" (if you can call it that) until Late December & January!

 

It's not time yet. Early season ducks are primarily resident ducks. Give it another month or so.

 

Last weekend up north I could hear the honkers flying overhead. I love that sound

[CouesPursuit]

12-02

None of these birds are residents, All Mallards Wigeon and Gadwall having bodies layered with an 1/8 inch of bright yellow fat.