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| Waterfowl hunting tips from pro Denny Pitman |
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| Denny Pitman is on the Hunter’s Specialties pro hunters staff, and knows almost as much about waterfowl hunting as any pro in the blind. Denny has some great tips to share with Hoosier hunters that will work anywhere during the waterfowl seasons.
What are some common mistakes that hunters make?
“If you are hunting in a place where there are several species of ducks, you should use a mix of decoy species. A lot of people hunt exclusively over mallard decoys, but if there are pintails, widgeons or gadwall around, use a few decoys of those species to make your spread more realistic.
“Another important point about using decoys is to be sure they are clean. Use your best-looking decoys around the landing area you have created in your spread. It seems like pressured birds are looking for any excuse not to land. You are a lot better off using two dozen clean decoys than six dozen dirty ones.”
How important is it to use good camo?
“You definitely need to blend in with your surroundings. The most important thing is to be sure your blind doesn’t stand out. I have seen blinds in a cornfield brushed in with oak branches. Pressured ducks and geese will key in on anything that doesn’t look natural, and shy away.”
What’s your opinion on using flags for geese?
“Try and go out and watch how geese land and how they flap their wings when they are on the ground. Many hunters try to imitate a spinning wing duck decoy when they flag and do more harm than good. Geese are a lot different than ducks. Try to imitate geese landing in the spread when the birds are a long way off. When they get close, switch over to mimicking the wing beats of geese on the ground stretching their wings.”
A lot of hunters are getting into hunting spring snow geese. What can waterfowl hunters do to increase their odds of being successful?
“Snow geese require a different decoy spread than Canada geese. Their behavior is different; you also can’t just put a big blob of snow goose decoys in a field and expect them to land. I use a large number of decoys, but try to mix in full-bodied, rag and silhouettes together.
“You still have to provide an opening in the spread for the birds to land. Snows will work the upper one-third of your spread, so put your best decoys there.
That is also where your blinds and best callers should be. Snow geese are also susceptible to flagging.
“Remember, spring snows have been hunted hard, so the more realistic you can make things look, the better your chances.
“Since snow geese are on the move, it is important to do some scouting the day before you set up. Once they clean the feed up on a field, they will leave, so they may not be in the same place more than a couple of days. Moving and setting up again can be a lot of work, but it can also be well worth it.”
Waterfowl hunters interested in learning more can visit www.hunterspec.com
Horse-riding while intoxicated?
Indiana Conservation officers are investigating a horse-riding accident which occurred at O’Bannon Woods State Park. The accident happened at approximately 3:30 a.m. EDT on Sept. 1 at the main road of the park, located between the Nature Center and the Horse Campground.
Louis Sipes, 22, Joshua Summers, in his early twenties, and Brock Williams, 23, all from the Washington, Ind., area sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Summers and Sipes were transported to the University of Louisville Hospital and Summers was treated and released.
Williams was treated at the scene and later arrested by a Harrison County deputy on the charge of Public Intoxication. All three men were believed to have been racing their horses on the darkened roadway when they collided. The accident resulted in one of the horses receiving a broken neck and later having to be destroyed.
No criminal charges are pending on Summers or Sipes, but all three were officially noticed that they are banned from all Indiana Department of Natural Resources properties for a period of one year. Should they attempt to return during their ejection period, they could face charges of Criminal Trespass.
Hall of Fame trap shooter Ross joins Winchester pro staff
Who says, women can’t shoot? Better not make that statement around the Winchester Ammunitions pro staff, because it just isn’t so – and Nora Martin Ross is there to prove it.
She is the newest member of the Winchester Ammunition Pro Staff, for more than one good reason. An American Trap Association (ATA) Hall of Fame trap shooter, Ross is one of the premier women trap shooters in the world and holds numerous records and titles over a career spanning more than 32 years. Some of her most notable achievements include:
• Most women’s clay target titles (12)
• Most trap and field average award selections (28)
• High women’s single average (1991, ‘93, ‘97 and 2006)
• High women’s handicap average (1992, ‘93, 2000, ‘02 and ‘06)
• High women’s doubles average (1990, ‘93 and ‘94)
• Highest women’s single season composite average (1992, ‘93 and 2006)
• Most selections to the women’s 1st team (29)
Ross was the first woman to break 100 straight in doubles at the Grand American Trap Shoot, where she scored a 120 x 120 in a shoot-off to capture the ATA Championship in 1990.
“My 100-straight run was shot with Winchester AA shells,” said Ross. “I’m excited to be a part of Winchester’s pro staff. Their solid, longstanding support of our sport has helped it to not only remain strong, but grow.”
Ross will represent Winchester Ammunition at shooting events and promotions throughout the year.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments can contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication. |
| 9/19/2007 |
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