Outdoors Angle: River Float Time

 

The Flag Outdoors Expert Steve Carney has your weekly Outdoors Angle right here!

 

     As we head into the latter part of the duck season, things are really changing as the small sloughs are freezing up meaning it's time to move to current areas such as small river systems. Ducks will always make this move when the temperatures are near freezing and some of the best wingshooting of the Fall happens when you float  a small river.

     The technology these days allows hunters to use their phones to bring up river systems and it allows you to pick and choose the best stretches of river. Always opt for the stretch that features the best twists and turns and avoid the stretches that are straight and featureless.

     I use to favor a canoe on these floats but now I have upgraded to a "sneak" boat which gives me better stability and a lower profile. The shooter is in the front of the boat and the the paddler is in the rear. The paddler should always have their shotgun unloaded for safety sake and the front person is the only shooter. Two shooters is very dangerous especially when you jump 20 mallards just yards away! I also make sure my partner is versed in the ways of small boats because small rivers tend to have some minor surprises along the way and past canoe and small boat experience is critical.

     When floating down your chosen river, remember the boat is moving, the current is moving and the ducks are moving. This isn't like sitting on shore and firing at approaching ducks

from a solid position. Increase your "lead" at least twice the distance that you normally choose as this will allow you to shoot ahead of the bird instead of behind it.

     When you come around a bend and come face-to-face with a bunch of greenheads, you have just achieved duck nirvana!

 

Steve Carney is The Flag WZFG Outdoors expert. He can be heard every Thursday morning at 8:05 on AM 1100 WZFG. Check out his weekly podcast on am1100theflag.com and hear his Outdoors Angle reports every Friday on AM 1100 WZFG. You can also visit stevecarneyoutdoors.com for more information.