My best bud has finally convinced me that we should try our hands at duck hunting. I have been studying the rules and regulations book and want to verify my understanding of the duck limits. The daily limit is 6 ducks, but we can’t harvest more than the listed restrictions on each listed species. For example we could harvest 6 buffleheads, no listed restrictions that I see, or we could harvest 3 wood ducks 2 mallards and a canvasback to meet our 6 bird limit. Either scenario is legal to my understanding and what I would like the experienced guys to confirm if possible. Any other tips or tricks would also be appreciated, and to be clear I’m not asking for secret honey holes.
Duck limit clarification
- Thread starter dman24
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Chriselalto
Well-Known Member
From my experience, you are correct in your assessment of the regulations.
Can't help you there other than to say the reason I don't duck hunt anymore is because of the ever changing regs.
People who do not hunt haven't a clue as to the regulations. I have liberal relatives that look down on hunters as just a bunch of thick skulled dimwits until I pass them a regulation digest and tell them to read it. Shuts them down everytime. 
Remember that mergansers (lawn darts, hairy heads) do not count toward the daily bag limit as they are not ducks. So, for example, you can have 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards, one gadwall, and 5 mergansers (no more than 2 Hooded) in your bag.
Remember that mergansers (lawn darts, hairy heads) do not count toward the daily bag limit as they are not ducks. So, for example, you can have 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards, one gadwall, and 5 mergansers (no more than 2 Hooded) in your bag.
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Don't worry, Mr. Greenpants will be at the landing or your truck to ensure your correct and legal! Never seen him in 30 years of rabbit hunting, maybe 4 times in 40 years of fishing and deer hunting. Been duck hunting 3 times and spoke with him all 3.
Keep your butt still and don’t wear orange. They have surprisingly good eyesight.
Go ahead and plan on dunking whatever shotgun your using, especially if you wading around in waste deep swamp water like we used to. Both of my Benellis were baptized in the Lumber River.
Water cops don’t like underwater corn piles.
Go ahead and plan on dunking whatever shotgun your using, especially if you wading around in waste deep swamp water like we used to. Both of my Benellis were baptized in the Lumber River.
Water cops don’t like underwater corn piles.
Add coots to that as well. Also, pay close attention to dates and sometimes location (teals).People who do not hunt haven't a clue as to the regulations. I have liberal relatives that look down on hunters as just a bunch of thick skulled dimwits until I pass them a regulation digest and tell them to read it. Shuts them down everytime.
Remember that mergansers (lawn darts, hairy heads) do not count toward the daily bag limit as they are not ducks. So, for example, you can have 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards, one gadwall, and 5 mergansers (no more than 2 Hooded) in your bag.
This link may help
Season and Limits for Migratory Game Birds
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
www.ncwildlife.org
Special teal season in September is limited to east of Hwy 17. During the regular season you can shoot 6. I participated in the early teal season when it was considered experimental. We staked out hunters and observed what they shot, duration of hunt, shots fired, and so forth. This was conducted all along the flyway and NC hunters were the worst. Even worse than SC!
I watched them shoot Kingfishers, Egrets, Grebes, Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, and even a teal once in awhile. It took a bunch of brow beating and hand wringing with legislators (both state and federal) to get us an early teal season, finally compromising that it would only be open east of Hwy 17. Blue-winged Teal make up the majority of the early September flight with the majority of the birds migrating along the coast. Thus, the early season east of 17.
I watched them shoot Kingfishers, Egrets, Grebes, Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, and even a teal once in awhile. It took a bunch of brow beating and hand wringing with legislators (both state and federal) to get us an early teal season, finally compromising that it would only be open east of Hwy 17. Blue-winged Teal make up the majority of the early September flight with the majority of the birds migrating along the coast. Thus, the early season east of 17.
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The chances at the first peak of light you recognizing what kind of duck it is are pretty slim. Less chance determining a gadwall from a hen mallard. There could be a possibility I shot a black duck and it got stuck down in a mud flat about 6”.
Mr Greenpants would follow me up the creek down on 7 mile dirt road in Hyde County after coming off the Pamlico Sound. Always made me very nervous. Riding in that truck watching as I slowly came up the channel. At least 50% of the hunts I got a check. Open every nook and cranny, hand him the gun and some shells to put in for 3 shot limit, boat registration, license, duck stamp. It was always thorough.
Only got checked four times if not mistaken in all the other the other states I hunted- Arkansas, Alabama, SC, and Tennessee. Not once have I been checked on a deer or turkey hunt. One check in north Alabama on the TVA we spotted his camo truck mirror from way back. My buddy was using lead shells. He was dropping them over the side, one by one as I positioned the boat away from ole Ranger Joe’s binoculars. Myself- not taking any chances with federal migratory laws. If I had a duck questionable it never made it into the boat.
My friend went for the first time. He study the laws and ducks. I hear a shot. Down goes a fowl. He comes trotting back witha biggun. I shook my head, cormorant. I called the post chickens.
Mr Greenpants would follow me up the creek down on 7 mile dirt road in Hyde County after coming off the Pamlico Sound. Always made me very nervous. Riding in that truck watching as I slowly came up the channel. At least 50% of the hunts I got a check. Open every nook and cranny, hand him the gun and some shells to put in for 3 shot limit, boat registration, license, duck stamp. It was always thorough.
Only got checked four times if not mistaken in all the other the other states I hunted- Arkansas, Alabama, SC, and Tennessee. Not once have I been checked on a deer or turkey hunt. One check in north Alabama on the TVA we spotted his camo truck mirror from way back. My buddy was using lead shells. He was dropping them over the side, one by one as I positioned the boat away from ole Ranger Joe’s binoculars. Myself- not taking any chances with federal migratory laws. If I had a duck questionable it never made it into the boat.
My friend went for the first time. He study the laws and ducks. I hear a shot. Down goes a fowl. He comes trotting back witha biggun. I shook my head, cormorant. I called the post chickens.
Here they are known as ...Clam Cops...Shrimp Sheriffs....Duck Deputies.....Coon Cops....Squirrel Sheriffs...Possum Police....Hog Pigs....and more I can't write.
If you can't recognize a teal from a big duck you shouldn't be out there. But then again every year you have deer hunters mistaking cows, horses, goats, and each other for deer. But I digress. The OP asked about teal.
Thanks for all of the info provided this far. There are three of us going tomorrow morning and hoping for the best. I have been studying pics of birds and the regs for a few days now and hope it all pans out. I think we have a pretty good plan in place but I guess the birds will let us know. I have already decided that if we are seeing anything and I can’t figure out what it is in the air then I’m going to just watch tomorrow and hope for another opportunity to go this season. I am packing some binoculars to study the birds a little closer if possible.
I assume the other two have been hunting ducks before and probably have been where you are going. It would be wise to ask them what species of ducks they usually bag at this particular spot. Different ducks prefer different places. Knowing what species you are likely to encounter allows you to study the descriptions of those so you can recognize them more easily. There are generally a few distinctive clues that can help you identify a particular species of duck.
I know taxonomy has changed quite a bit lately, but we zoologists used to consider mergansers to be ducks. They are one of several different types of ducks that have special limits and, occasionally, special seasons. Coots, grebes, cormorants, loons, and a few other water birds are not ducks. Getting good at identifying the various birds is part of the fun of duck hunting.
I know taxonomy has changed quite a bit lately, but we zoologists used to consider mergansers to be ducks. They are one of several different types of ducks that have special limits and, occasionally, special seasons. Coots, grebes, cormorants, loons, and a few other water birds are not ducks. Getting good at identifying the various birds is part of the fun of duck hunting.
I’m going to call my first duck hunt a success. It was everyone’s first hunt and we are already looking forward to the next one. We ended up killing four birds between the three of us. Two mallard hens, a mallard drake and a drake green wing teal. As the day went on we got pretty good at identifying the birds and I spent a lot of time with binoculars looking at other birds that had landed. We also saw a lot of what I believe were buffle head or possibly ring neck but they stayed on the opposite side of the water we were on. Now I’m going to study up on the effects weather has on them and start planning a possible trip to Harris lake. All in all it was an exciting and rewarding day.
To hunt ducks on the up and up and be successful is a great experience. Good work!
I've used this recipe in a pinch and it works.
www.travelchannel.com
I've used this recipe in a pinch and it works.
Fresh Duck and Squirrel
In the Ozarks, Tony Bourdain has squirrel potpie and duck that he shot himself.
www.travelchannel.com
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Nice work! Nothing like bagging some ducks (some folks don’t get any when they go), seeing nature at her best, and the good camaraderie…. while freezing!! Haha. Also, you stayed the course and within the limits, with no issues with Mr. Green Jeans!
Folks, I kid when I say Mr Green Jeans. I know some folks have no use for them… but I have become good friends with several in the areas I fish and hunt in. They are there to do a job, yes…. But get to know them, they can be your best fish finder and bird locator, when game is hard to find. Can’t tell you the number of times I have chatted with them and have been told fish / birds are holding at this or that area / point….
Folks, I kid when I say Mr Green Jeans. I know some folks have no use for them… but I have become good friends with several in the areas I fish and hunt in. They are there to do a job, yes…. But get to know them, they can be your best fish finder and bird locator, when game is hard to find. Can’t tell you the number of times I have chatted with them and have been told fish / birds are holding at this or that area / point….
Also… they are older books, but if you can find them, any of the cookbooks by Franc White, The southern Sportsman. They have awesome game, fish and fowl recipes! Anyone else remember those shows on PBS back in the day?? When I was a kid, I would rather watch him than Saturday morning cartoons! And remember .. “Take a kid fishing”To hunt ducks on the up and up and be successful is a great experience. Good work!
I've used this recipe in a pinch and it works.
Fresh Duck and Squirrel
In the Ozarks, Tony Bourdain has squirrel potpie and duck that he shot himself.
Ducks are probably one of the easiest game to cook. Breast them out, preferably with skin attached. Salt and pepper, cast iron skillet with a bit of oil. Brown to rare to maybe medium rare. If they don't bleed on the plate they are overcooked and fit only for the dogs. Slice thin and eat before they get cold. I use cast iron fajita plates. Be careful, the plates are hot.
OK, if you want to get fancy then get a saucepan, one cup of blackberries or mixed berries (sold frozen in a bag) 1/2 cup orange juice, a couple tbsp sugar, and 2-3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until its reduced (thickens up a bit). Pour over duck. Best to make this first and have it ready when the ducks are done and sliced for the plate.
OK, if you want to get fancy then get a saucepan, one cup of blackberries or mixed berries (sold frozen in a bag) 1/2 cup orange juice, a couple tbsp sugar, and 2-3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar. Turn heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until its reduced (thickens up a bit). Pour over duck. Best to make this first and have it ready when the ducks are done and sliced for the plate.
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True Facts!Ducks are probably one of the easiest game to cook. Breast them out, preferably with skin attached. Salt and pepper, cast iron skillet with a bit of oil. Brown to rare to maybe medium rare. If they don't bleed on the plate they are overcooked and fit only for the dogs. Slice thin and eat before they get cold. I use cast iron fajita plates. Be careful, the plates are hot.
Here is an old video of Franc, the southern sportsman. @ 2 min mark he is cooking duck breast.
People who do not hunt haven't a clue as to the regulations. I have liberal relatives that look down on hunters as just a bunch of thick skulled dimwits until I pass them a regulation digest and tell them to read it. Shuts them down everytime.
Remember that mergansers (lawn darts, hairy heads) do not count toward the daily bag limit as they are not ducks. So, for example, you can have 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards, one gadwall, and 5 mergansers (no more than 2 Hooded) in your bag.
Non-hunters do not know, or refuse to understand, that HUNTERS are actually responsible for the survival of game animals, animals in general, and their habitats.
Hunters are the people who support animal and habitat regulations in order to keep them from being hunted to extinction. In fact, the long term dwindling of people who hunt and fish is eventually going to result in a shifting of funds gathered from those who participate in them to a general increase in taxes from everybody to accomplish the same.
And it won't be as effective when it happens, either.
As a rule of thumb, if people can't positively identify what they're aiming at, they shouldn't be pulling the trigger.
This isn't rocket science.
In my experience, there are three types of people who shoot the wrong critters.
1. People who honestly mistakenly shoot the wrong critters for whatever reason.
2. People who just shoot whatever moves.
3. People who flat out poach.
By far, groups 2 & 3 out number group 1. These people are idiots.
You have to really love duck hunting to do it. I did. I dreamed about it. It is the hardest hunting you can do. And the most expensive other than getting a big game guided hunt. Lots of work once you find your spot. Cold, sleet, ice, wet, traveling, boats, …… You better love it.
Think I will justpay a guide in the central flyway on my next one. Reefoot Lake, Tenn was a blast. Arkansas in a rice field was good also. If you only do it 3 or four times a year, pay the man.
Think I will justpay a guide in the central flyway on my next one. Reefoot Lake, Tenn was a blast. Arkansas in a rice field was good also. If you only do it 3 or four times a year, pay the man.
Like @BlackGun said. I've hunted waterfowl from Maine to Washington and from the Dakotas to Louisiana. Just don't hire a guide here on our coast. They take your money, put you in a plywood box, toss out some corn, and then sit back and laugh at the dingbatter. (a dingbatter and his money are so parted)
I got invited to hunt down there a few years ago and the guide dropped us off in a "box" and then took off. We shot our limit and then watched the birds coming in and begin swimming around the blind. They even looked up at us! When we dressed the birds that evening they were all full of corn. One of my buddies was so pissed (ripped off?) that he dropped a dime to the Feds and told him the "guides" name and the gps coordinates to his blinds. Not sure if they busted him or not? But I've hunted with guides all over the country and most are top notch and really know their stuff. Just not here.
The fun of duck hunting is the challenge and getting out there and doing it on your own and killing a few birds on the up and up. But like most things in life there is always someone out there that wants to cheat.
I got invited to hunt down there a few years ago and the guide dropped us off in a "box" and then took off. We shot our limit and then watched the birds coming in and begin swimming around the blind. They even looked up at us! When we dressed the birds that evening they were all full of corn. One of my buddies was so pissed (ripped off?) that he dropped a dime to the Feds and told him the "guides" name and the gps coordinates to his blinds. Not sure if they busted him or not? But I've hunted with guides all over the country and most are top notch and really know their stuff. Just not here.
The fun of duck hunting is the challenge and getting out there and doing it on your own and killing a few birds on the up and up. But like most things in life there is always someone out there that wants to cheat.
I hunted with a guide on Lake Mattamuskeet one year. The guide had us walk in waste deep water, carrying a gun, lunch, shells, and coat to a blind 200 yards in the middle of the lake at 5:15 in the morning. He wasn’t even a guide but some halfwit 22 year old who couldn’t call a duck and didn’t even know many of the species. We shot at two ducks, both went down and swam off. Our dog gave chase for so long it took binoculars to see her. Terrible hunt.
Went to another after hunting two days near Englhard on the Pamlico Sound. It was an impoundment. Three guys who said they were guides came out of a shack cooking bbq chicken, sucking on chicken parts. Straight out of the movie Deliverance look and dress. Asked one what kind of ducks he typical shoots there. He went crazy and cussed us out. “You hear this city boys. They want to know what kind of ducks these city boys can shoot. There damn ducks, you wanna hunt bring your money and shoot what comes.“ He said a lot more. I had a side meeting with my partner and said ok let’s meet in the morning. My partner said no way I give those jerks my money. So they set the time and said they would be in the driveway at 5:00am. OK. Come morning we left those inbreds to getting dressed and standing waiting in the cold for us. Screw those hillbillies.
Went to another after hunting two days near Englhard on the Pamlico Sound. It was an impoundment. Three guys who said they were guides came out of a shack cooking bbq chicken, sucking on chicken parts. Straight out of the movie Deliverance look and dress. Asked one what kind of ducks he typical shoots there. He went crazy and cussed us out. “You hear this city boys. They want to know what kind of ducks these city boys can shoot. There damn ducks, you wanna hunt bring your money and shoot what comes.“ He said a lot more. I had a side meeting with my partner and said ok let’s meet in the morning. My partner said no way I give those jerks my money. So they set the time and said they would be in the driveway at 5:00am. OK. Come morning we left those inbreds to getting dressed and standing waiting in the cold for us. Screw those hillbillies.
Growing up, finding ducks wasn't a problem. The Lafayette Columbian Park Zoo was just over half a mile from the house and the lagoon was home to more ducks than you could shake a pointed stick at. Geese, too.
Just sayin'....