It was a good day

[JShane]

missed my chances at a limit but the birds were there. Only one gator seen this morning

 

[WestKyHunt]

Great looking birds!

 

[Duck-Slayer]

Love the woody’s!
Matt

 

[marshman]

Damn glad I don't have to dodge gators duck hunting!

 

[Nick87]

Damn glad I don't have to dodge gators duck hunting!

What he said.

 

[jrabq]

I grew up on wood ducks, every time I see your pics I hear them squealing in my head, man they are some noisy birds. We actually have a few in New Mexico, shoot about one a year on average. But missed the only shot i had this year. Shoot a few more for me.

 

[JShane]

Nothing like that drake wheeze as you make your way through the swamp. @jrabq pics will be forth coming I've got a few more hunts til the season ends.

 

[David Gough]

What's it like duck hunting with gators in the area?

 

[JShane]

What's it like duck hunting with gators in the area?

Nothing of any significance. They are a cold blooded animal so in the winter time they are much more lethargic, you see them laying on mudflats in the sun soaking up what little warmth they can. Just don't paddle up on them and surprise them. Even if you do they are typically just beating a hasty retreat to the murky depths to get away from you.

Like any natural predator use good common sense when you are sharing the water with them, give them their space, and leave them alone. They are then a nonissue. The last one I saw Monday submerged as I approached I paddled over the top of him slightly to his right and there was no issue.