Safety question - Creek stalking ducks

MidTennFisher · Nov 10, 2015

I'm going to leave the kayak out of if this time around and try again for ducks on Thanksgiving weekend. I have an area that I hunt rabbits and squirrels that includes a lot of wooded areas surrounding a creek. I'd like to employ the stalk and shoot methods I've been reading about. I'm positive I can find ducks back in that creek but my concern is safety so I'm wondering who else does this.

This is on public land and Thanksgiving weekend there will be a lot of deer hunters out as well as most of duck season. Obviously I can't successfully stalk ducks while wearing blaze orange, so I'd have to be in full camo. I know that's a bad idea especially during rifle season. Does anyone here stalk them or is everyone a blind or boat hunter? Is there a way to safely accomplish what I want to?

Ironsmith-Jared · Nov 10, 2015

I have killed quite a few stalking like that. Stalking creeks and rivers is always better later in the year, but you can prolly sneak through and kill a couple. I think they will see your movement long before they see the orange. I would at least try to get some orange on your back like a turkey vest or something.

BCHunter27 · Nov 10, 2015

I'd much rather see them work decoys and work into the decoy spread, but to each his own. Aint saying I've never stalked up a bank on some ducks or geese

I'd be concerned if alot of deer hunters in the area during rifle season with no orange!

MidTennFisher · Nov 10, 2015

So would you guys say I'm better off waiting until mid and late January to do this? That way deer season is over so I can be in full camo. I guess I was just anxious to give it another try on Thanksgiving weekend and redeem myself from the early season debacle.

SKFOOTER · Nov 10, 2015

YEP! :smash:

TreyB · Nov 10, 2015

I would wait... Safety first and wouldn't want to make someone mad jumping ducks while hunting a area. I have heard some crazy stories before. Good luck

TNGunsmoke · Nov 10, 2015

Stalking ducks during deer season would be asking for trouble IMO. Too much chance of someone taking a brush shot.

Dodge Man · Nov 11, 2015

There was a guy killed here near Reelfoot a few years back, he was walking in to work on a duck blind and a deer hunter shot him. If you know there are deer hunters in the area it is best to stay away or to maybe wear some orange.