Heading back to central Idaho this year for spring bear. Without giving away the unit, the snotel map SWE for the area is 102-128% above the median and significantly above last year. We hiked in May 8th last year and felt it was a little early. With the additional snowpack I'm trying to time...
Hank Shaw has a really good cookbook called "Duck, Duck, Goose". His website is also full of great recipes. Those are some great tasting birds you have shot. How are you preparing them?
I drew a reservation (#29) at Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area for 11/30. Never hunted it before, but here is what I've found out from some research:
It's a large refuge with a small area for assigned blinds
Hunting is typically better the closer you are to the freeway
Only one guest when hunting...
Good luck to all of the archers this weekend! A good article on shot placement for those new to bear hunting: http://www.bear-hunting.com/tactics?ID=e4b0a79a-d165-4e93-bbb8-d53120770369
Hunting mostly in Nevada and mostly marsh habitat. I never run more than two dozen here. Sometimes only run six or even less. Duck population isn't huge. If I hop over to the central valley or hunt another state I usually combine decoys with who I'm hunting with.
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/avian-x-axp-outfitter-full-body-mallard-duck-decoys
These look great. Interesting Avian-X sells these exclusively to Bass Pro/Cabelas
More pictures from scouting. Quite a few different bears are regulars in the area. The big cinnamon boar is top dog in the area. He tried to destroy two of the cameras already. Can't wait to get this season started.