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KBell

KBell

New member
Headed up to a friend's private crp and sloughs in the Rock Valley area this weekend. My son came along for the trip--yes he is putting that college education to work and going with Dad where the birds are!:p

We started today with no wind and crisp conditions. We were in the best switchgrass and big blue that I have been in this year. Discovered the creek--it has never been dry!--on the backside had no water. We put up two hens that appeared to be this year's hatchlings in one hour's work.

Next slough was one mile south and west of where we were earlier. Started with a dry creek and I wanted to head back to the truck. Our friend (guide) assured us that water was in the creek when he was discing earlier in the week. About halfway down I mentioned to my son that I could see water in the creek. As I walked over to inspect, both sides of the creek bank exploded with birds. We estimated that 30 birds were in this bunch-sorry busy shooting:) and proceeded to point and flush the rest of our birds during the next 150 yards or so. Water is so important this year if you wish to bump birds!:) I am seriously considering abandoning all of my dry-land pursuits this year until rains come. I cannot believe what a difference the presence of water is making during our hunts. Back at it tomorrow around Rock Valley. Heard much shooting this morning! I would say hunter numbers are up this year!:)
 
Another nice hunt!

I wonder if we'll experience such a tight coupling between presence of birds and water as we hunt further north, northwest, where more rain seemed to be received?

I've yet to venture too far from Des Moines this year, but plan for that to change in the coming weeks. I'll report back.
 
Hello Nate

I can answer your last inquiry directly. I had my son take photos of me standing in the middle of the dry pond where he and I caught 10 2 pound largemouth bass two years ago after a great day of pheasant hunting. We walked some private today that traditionally contains three wet cattail areas that we ususally avoid early in the season. I walked straight through all three and was not slowed by the cover.

In other words, even with the rains last month, the ground has absorbed it and is very dry. I commented today that the field we crossed to hit a patch of crp was like "brown powdered sugar"!:)

You will be pressed to locate water.
 
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