Outside Iowa: Pursuing cold front fowls
My second favorite fall pursuit is chasing big ducks and honkers across the sloughs and fields.
I’m no expert, but I hunt with some of the finest waterfowl gurus in the state and to say it’s an education every time we get together is an understatement.
I just love the feeling that comes with deceiving nature with calls and decoys—it never gets old!
Last week we had a strong cold front push through. Daytime highs dropped nearly 30 degrees in less than 24 hours.
Birds of all kinds showed up in the days to follow, and we are in the midst of what we call a northern push. If you can find the right spot and gain access, you could be in for some phenomenal fall ‘fowl’n.
It’s not new information that Iowa has been extremely dry this year. In fact, many waterfowl hunters that I know were skeptical that they would even hunt much this fall. But, the good news is much of Iowa is actually catching up on the lack of moisture we have endured for the entire summer and early fall.
We are far from where we need to be, but there will be plenty of good hunting to be had if you’re willing to work.
Annually, the Iowa DNR lowers many of the marshes and sloughs to encourage vegetation growth, which only makes the place more attractive to traveling birds.
It’s kind of like a continental breakfast at a hotel—the free food really makes the stay that much more enjoyable.
Obviously we didn’t get the kind of rain we needed this summer to bring many of those locations back to huntable water levels. Time for Plan B?
Iowa has lots of lakes that are open to waterfowl hunting and most sane anglers have the boats stored for the year so the traffic is likely to be minimal.
Don’t overlook farm ponds and of course smaller rivers and streams that will offer lots of security for traveling ducks and geese.
Regardless of where you decide to go, take some time in advance and do some scouting.
With migrating birds, they are likely looking for a place to sit down and recharge their energy, so somewhere out of the wind is the first place to consider.
Decoys are paramount during a northern push. These aren’t local birds, and not likely to be as educated. Therefore the chances of them dropping in for a closer look are excellent.
A good mix of floater honkers and assorted ducks are important with a winger or two adding realism.
Calling is also key and my favorite part. Make lots of noise, especially if there are ample numbers of migrating groups overhead.
Gauge their reaction to the call and if it’s not getting the job done—as you might expect—maybe call less.
On the other hand, if they are working like a charm, call until your lips are numb and limits are filled.
The nastier the weather, the better the hunt—it could last all day, in fact.
These are the days we dream about all year long and there is usually only a small window of time when the migration is in full swing.
Watch the weather closely and if it is looking ugly, plan on getting your gear together and spend a day or two on the water or in the field.
It really doesn’t get any better than this—these next two to three weeks are at the core of what life is all about if you ask me.
Be sure to share your outings with those that mean the most to you.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I’ll help in any way I can! tha481@gmail.com
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center. He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit www.outsideiowa.com