Duck Season Question

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Fri Oct 11, 2024 11:51 am

Hi All,

I am new to fishing the Delta. I went out a couple of weeks ago in Frank's, and noticed a duck blind. This got me thinking about the safety of of fishing out there during duck hunting season. I did some googling and I couldn't find a definitive answer on when the season begins/ends. I am sure there are some hunters here. If you know, I would really appreciate the info. Additionally, how do all of you anglers navigate duck season on the Delta? Any tips/advice are welcome. I am ignorant to this subject, but admittedly, the thought of bringing my son out where there is potential for gunshots makes me a bit uneasy.

Thank you for your feedback!

Chris

TonyM · Post by **TonyM** » Fri Oct 11, 2024 12:42 pm

The dates of the regular season are Oct 26-Jan 31. There are additional hunt dates for kids (Feb 1-2) and veterans (Feb 8-9). There are usually fewer people hunting during the youth and veteran hunts. I would treat the blind as you would a fellow angler who is anchored. If you think there may be someone hunting, give them their space. Some ways to indicate someone is there is if you hear duck calling or see a boat at the blind. Some blinds will leave decoys out all season. Other hunters will throw decoys out only when the blind is occupied, so the presence of decoys alone is not a great indication the blind is being actively hunted.

TonyM · Post by **TonyM** » Fri Oct 11, 2024 1:51 pm

Most of the duck blinds are on Franks and the other flooded islands. It’s not difficult to fish the Delta during duck season without conflict with hunters. If you’re concerned about it, you can always fish the sloughs which don’t seem to get hunted much.

Dek · Post by **Dek** » Sat Oct 12, 2024 5:52 am

I am an avid duck hunter, but do not hunt the delta. If you are fishing anywhere near some guys trying to duck hunt you are killing their hunt. Most blinds should be easy to see between the decoys, the shooting, and the guys standing up looking at you to get the flock out of there

Dave Brabec · Post by **Dave Brabec** » Sat Oct 12, 2024 6:40 am

Fished those blinds in Franks for years. They are required to have a flashing light on top when unoccupied. If the light is gone then someone is hunting. Some big fish set up on those blinds. Best time to fish them is right after duck season before they take them out.

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Sat Oct 12, 2024 7:21 pm

Thanks for the info folks! Really appreciate it. Sounds like avoiding the flooded island areas, and staying well clear of the blinds is the play during the season.

Thanks!

Chris

Bigdirty · Post by **Bigdirty** » Tue Oct 15, 2024 8:25 pm

There are lots of worse things out there that “gun shots “
For your son to hear ..

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 3:44 pm

I didn't mention anywhere that "hearing gunshots" was a concern of mine, but thanks for the reply.

stickbait · Post by **stickbait** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 5:44 pm

Chrism wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 3:44 pm I didn't mention anywhere that "hearing gunshots" was a concern of mine, but thanks for the reply.

Chrism wrote: ↑Fri Oct 11, 2024 11:51 am Hi All,

but admittedly, the thought of bringing my son out where there is potential for gunshots makes me a bit uneasy.

Thank you for your feedback!

Chris

You kind of did....

As a bass fishermen and duck hunter of the delta for many many years I have found very few conflicts between the too... each just have to be aware of the other this time of the year and be courteous to each other...it is public waters.....Franks track is a controlled hunt area with lots of blinds, not recommended to fish in that area during duck season... you can no law against it ...just disrespectful is all.... Its not cool to go wide open thru the decoys...Don't stop in the middle of the track in your glitter boat to retie, search gps or talk to other buddies ect...

I hunt the north side of the track and it is a little frustrating sometimes when a bass boat rolls up to the tulle beam on the false river side...but that's just what it is... they have the right to be there... Most if they hear a couple shots will realize someone is in the blinds and will move along...

The whole delta is open to hunting and Duck hunters are set up way before dark in most cases so if you see decoys, hear calling or shots it would be good to move to another area.

Duck hunters should respect fishermen too and not shoot in their direction...mostly a little communication and common sense goes a long ways while on the water... and we all can get along..

Duck hunters use shotguns and the range is not far, 100 yards or so and most shots are up in the air if anything you might get a sprinkling of bbs but that is very rare... its a great sport and should be a learning experience for your son...
good luck out there and be safe...

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Tue Oct 22, 2024 8:38 pm

Just throw some bread out before you leave the spot

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Wed Oct 23, 2024 2:44 pm

Mike wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 8:38 pm Just throw some bread out before you leave the spot

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Thu Oct 24, 2024 10:33 am

stickbait wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 5:44 pm
Chrism wrote: ↑Tue Oct 22, 2024 3:44 pm I didn't mention anywhere that "hearing gunshots" was a concern of mine, but thanks for the reply.

Chrism wrote: ↑Fri Oct 11, 2024 11:51 am Hi All,

but admittedly, the thought of bringing my son out where there is potential for gunshots makes me a bit uneasy.

Thank you for your feedback!

Chris
You kind of did....

As a bass fishermen and duck hunter of the delta for many many years I have found very few conflicts between the too... each just have to be aware of the other this time of the year and be courteous to each other...it is public waters.....Franks track is a controlled hunt area with lots of blinds, not recommended to fish in that area during duck season... you can no law against it ...just disrespectful is all.... Its not cool to go wide open thru the decoys...Don't stop in the middle of the track in your glitter boat to retie, search gps or talk to other buddies ect...

I hunt the north side of the track and it is a little frustrating sometimes when a bass boat rolls up to the tulle beam on the false river side...but that's just what it is... they have the right to be there... Most if they hear a couple shots will realize someone is in the blinds and will move along...

The whole delta is open to hunting and Duck hunters are set up way before dark in most cases so if you see decoys, hear calling or shots it would be good to move to another area.

Duck hunters should respect fishermen too and not shoot in their direction...mostly a little communication and common sense goes a long ways while on the water... and we all can get along..

Duck hunters use shotguns and the range is not far, 100 yards or so and most shots are up in the air if anything you might get a sprinkling of bbs but that is very rare... its a great sport and should be a learning experience for your son...
good luck out there and be safe...

This is a valuable post for me. Thank you for taking the time to write it. The intention of my post was to make sure that I am aware of the written, and unwritten rules of fishing the Delta during hunting season. I am not a hunter myself, but the last thing I would want to do is unintentionally disrupt someones hunting experience. Your remarks about the range of the shotgun was particularly helpful, as this was my main concern, not "hearing" gunshots. Thanks again for your feedback. Super helpful.

Chris