Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/25/15, Saturday – 11/28/15 and Sunday – 11/29/15

As should be expected, the waterfowl averages for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday went up significantly compared to Sunday’s low averages. Shovelers and Widgeon tied for first place for the number of birds checked in and Green Wing Teal took the the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/25/15 were as follows:

176 adult and 23 junior hunters bagged 97 Northern Shovelers, 13 Cinnamon Teal, 43 Gadwall, 97 Widgeon, 68 Green Wing Teal, 20 Mallards, 54 Pintail, 2 Redheads, 7 Scaup, 3 Bufflehead, and 4 Goldeneyes. There was also 13 Snow Geese bagged at Wister on Wednesday. No Coots were checked in on Wednesday. This figured out to an average take of 2.05 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese added in, 2.12 waterfowl for each gun. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 45 were on time for their spot.

Saturday’s per hunter waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for went up a bit as compared to Wednesday’s average. Shovelers surged way out into first place for number of birds taken and Widgeon dropped back to the second spot edging out Pintails by 4 birds. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/28/15 were as follows:

170 adult and 24 junior hunters bagged 145 Northern Shovelers, 12 Cinnamon Teal, 36 Gadwall, 75 Widgeon, 52 Green Wing Teal, 24 Mallards, 71 Pintail, 3 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 11 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye and 10 Ruddy Ducks. There were also 56 Snow Geese and 1 Ross’ Goose harvested at Wister on Saturday. 2 Coots were also bagged at Wister on Saturday. This came out to a per hunter average of 2.28 ducks or, with the Geese and Coots included, 2.58 waterfowl for each person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 35 were on time for their spot.

Sunday’s waterfowl harvest average for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, as expected, dropped down quite a bit from Saturday’s averages. Shovelers and Green Wing Teal tied for the first spot for number of birds taken with Pintails taking over second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/29/15 were as follows:

73 adult hunters and 7 junior hunter bagged 11 Northern Shoveler, 8 Widgeon, 11 Green Wing Teal, 6 Gadwalls, 5 Mallards, 9 Pintails, 1 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye and 6 Ruddy Ducks. A lone Snow Goose was bagged at Wister on Sunday. No Coots were checked in Sunday. This worked out to a per gun average of 0.71 ducks or, with the Goose added in, 0.73 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 6 showed up on time.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/28/15

More cold and partly cloudy skies were on tap Saturday for hunters at San Jacinto Wildlife Area as the per hunter average take of waterfowl rose slightly in comparison to Wednesday’s average. Shovelers, once again, were in first place for number of birds taken and Green Wing Teal again held on to the second spot. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl numbers for Saturday, 11/28/15, were as follows:

129 adult and 17 junior hunters checked in with 86 Northern Shovelers, 13 Mallards, 29 Gadwall, 22 Widgeon, 41 Green Wing Teal, 15 Cinnamon Teal, 5 Redheads, 10 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 4 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser and 25 Ruddy Ducks. Once again no Geese were checked in at San Jacinto on Saturday. 31 Coots were also taken at San Jacinto on Saturday. This worked out to a 1.73 average per hunter on the ducks and, with the Coots added in, 1.94 average of waterfowl for each person. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 29 showed up on time.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/11/19/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-has-begun-2/

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/25/15

Wednesday greeted hunters at San Jacinto Wildlife Area with cold, partly cloudy conditions as the per gun waterfowl average dropped almost a full bird as compared to Saturday’s numbers. Shovelers retained first spot for number of birds bagged with Green Wing Teal holding on to second position once again. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl numbers for Wednesday, 11/25/15, was as follows:

156 adult and 9 junior hunters checked in with 66 Northern Shovelers, 13 Mallards, 26 Gadwall, 30 Widgeon, 2 Pintail, 38 Green Wing Teal, 12 Cinnamon Teal, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 5 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 16 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Merganser and 21 Ruddy Ducks. There were zero Geese bagged at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 3 Coots were also checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This figured out to a 1.42 average on the ducks for each hunter or, with the Coots included, 1.44 waterfowl for each gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 36 arrived on time.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/11/19/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-has-begun-2/

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/18/15, Saturday – 11/21/15 and Sunday – 11/22/15

The waterfowl totals for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday, as usual, jumped way up from Sunday’s low averages. Shovelers once again took first place for the number of birds checked in and Widgeon took over the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/18/15 were as follows:

117 adult and 4 junior hunters bagged 87 Northern Shovelers, 11 Cinnamon Teal, 22 Gadwall, 81 Widgeon, 50 Green Wing Teal, 6 Mallards, 65 Pintail, 4 Redheads, 1 Scaup, 4 Bufflehead, 2 Blue Wing Teal and 3 Ruddy Ducks. There was 1 Ross’ Goose bagged at Wister on Wednesday. 5 Coots were also taken on Wednesday. This worked out to an average of 2.78 ducks per person or, with the Goose and Coots included, 2.83 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 28 were on time for their spot.

The waterfowl average per hunter for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped about a bird per person compared to Wednesday’s average. Shovelers retained first place for number of birds taken, and Widgeon remained in the second spot. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/21/15 were as follows:

169 adult and 8 junior hunters bagged 100 Northern Shovelers, 5 Cinnamon Teal, 34 Gadwall, 92 Widgeon, 18 Green Wing Teal, 23 Mallards, 24 Pintail, 1 Redhead, 1 Canvasback, 2 Ring Necks, 5 Scaup, 1 Bufflehead, 1 Goldeneye and 4 Ruddy Ducks. There were also 1 Ross’ Goose, 2 White Fronts and 15 Snow Geese bagged at Wister on Saturday. 5 Coots were also harvested at Wister on Saturday. This worked out to an average per hunter of 1.76 ducks or, with the Geese and Coots included, 1.89 waterfowl for each gun. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 37 were on time for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as is usual, dropped back down from Saturday’s average take. Shovelers were still in the first spot for number of birds taken with Widgeon staying in second place. The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/22/15 were as follows:

57 adult hunters and 8 junior hunter bagged 15 Northern Shoveler, 4 Cinnamon Teal, 10 Widgeon, 5 Green Wing Teal, 5 Gadwalls, 4 Mallards, 5 Pintails and 5 Ruddy Ducks. 9 Snow Geese were bagged at Wister on Sunday. No Coots were checked in Sunday. This worked out to an average of 0.82 ducks per person or, with the Geese added in, 0.95 waterfowl per person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 16 were on time for their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/21/15

Another clear, calm and warm day greeted hunters on Saturday at San Jacinto Wildlife Area as the per shooter waterfowl average ticked down slightly as compared to Wednesday’s average. Shovelers stayed in first position for number of birds taken with Green Wing Teal just barely holding the second position by one bird over Widgeon. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl numbers for Saturday, 11/21/15, was as follows:

136 adult and 9 junior hunters checked in with 117 Northern Shovelers, 3 Mallards, 25 Gadwall, 53 Widgeon, 13 Pintail, 54 Green Wing Teal, 23 Cinnamon Teal, 10 Ring Necks, 2 Scaup, 13 Bufflehead and 6 Ruddy Ducks. There were 3 Canada Geese bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday.  In addition 14 Coots were checked in at San Jacinto on Saturday. This came out to a 2.20 average on the ducks for each person or, with the Geese and Coots included, 2.32 waterfowl for each gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 29 arrived on time.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. Details of this year’s toy drive can be seen here:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/11/19/san-jacinto-wildlife-areas-annual-toy-drive-has-begun-2/

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22^nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6^th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

San Jacinto Wildlife Area’s Annual Toy Drive has begun

The staff at San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun their Annual Toy Drive!  Tom Trakes, Wildlife Habitat Supervisor, at San Jacinto Wildlife Area, advised SoCalHunt that this year’s Toy Drive will, once again, benefit the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool.

We, at Socalhunt, encourage all hunters that show up to hunt at San Jacinto in the next several weeks bring along a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the kids.  This is a chance to show the general public that hunters have a heart.  The toys for the Head Start Preschool are intended for 4 to 5 year old boys and girls.

Donations for the Bryant Park Head Start Program will be accepted until December 17th , with the San Jacinto Staff, along with Santa, delivering them on the 18th .  These donations don’t need to go through the new state procedures for donations (such as the donations for the Junior Hunt) as San Jacinto is not receiving the donations but is just a collection point for them.

Please take this opportunity to show that hunters really care and donate to the San Jacinto Annual Toy Drive and support this noble effort.

For further details please contact Tom at (951)-236-3040 or the San Jacinto Wildlife Area Office at (951)-928-0580.  Toys can be donated at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area Office at 17050 Davis Road, Lakeview, CA 92567.

Thank you for your support!

SoCalHunt San Jacinto Hunting Report 11/18/15

Once again SoCalHunt traveled to San Jacinto Wildlife Area for another refill hunt. The usual hunting partners weren’t available so I was on my own again. I was hoping to snag a particular blind, which usually hasn’t been too popular in the past, due to some info I had that it might actually be a sleeper this year.

As I approached the check station parking lot there were only 4 trucks in the lot indicating that I would be getting out somewhere for sure! I dropped my toy donation in the Bryant Park Preschool Toy Drive box and signed in on the refill list. I was only a few down on the refill list when I signed in but my original plan was already dashed as when I looked on the board in the check station my intended blind had checked in and had already refilled. Tom told me that the morning hunters came out of that blind with limits so it looks like my info was good but my timing wasn’t.

I checked the board for another spot and there were several available but I opted to wait a short time to see what came in. A couple of blinds came in but after considering options I decided to try a blind that was already available which I’d never been in before. This blind was sort of in the middle of the area but it looked like several blinds nearby were already empty so there would be several flyways into it where the birds wouldn’t be shot at before they got to my pond.

I walked out to the check station lot and got into my truck, then decided I’d use the facilities at the check station lot before I headed out to the blind. When I got back to my truck, what did I see? My keys dangling from the ignition and the doors locked…wonderful… Luckily, due to my doing this just a few (really just a few) times in the past, I have a plastic “credit card” key in my wallet from the Auto Club. This comes in real handy for opening the truck’s door when I pull a bonehead move like this. Its one of the advantages of an Auto Club membership, they give them to members free. So, what could have been a major hassle turned out to be a minor inconvenience that only delayed me a couple minutes.

With that potential disaster averted I ventured out to my blind. Once in the blind and set up it was just a little before noon, meaning I had about 5 hours of hunting ahead of me. It wasn’t too long before the first bird flew by…

…however I don’t believe these are in season and it was a little out of range…

Anyway, just a couple minutes after getting everything set I was, as seems to be my habit, looking right when I should have looked left and a widgeon flew right over the blind well within range but was gone before I could even think about grabbing the shotgun. I seem to actually be getting pretty good at identifying birds from the rear as they are flying away.

It wasn’t long before the weather started to warm to the point of almost being uncomfortable. Things were dead still and thin, wispy cirrus clouds gave a little definition to the sky with their brush stroke like appearance.

Probably due to the dead calm and hot conditions not much was moving and I could see quite a few hunters vacating their blinds and calling it a day, leaving many areas where the ducks could sit undisturbed for the rest of the day. As usual when things are slow, duck wise, there is still lots to look at in the marsh. The usual complement of ruddy ducks and coots were cruising the pond, occasionally diving for a bite to eat. A black phoebe flitted around the blind, chasing insects and a bushtit landed in the adjacent brush for a quick rest before flying off towards the next pond.

About 2:30 a flight of about 8 ducks skirted the pond and headed towards the Walker ponds. They were way out of range for me but low enough if they passed over an occupied blind. By the lack of any shots being fired, I presumed they made it safely to wherever they were going without doing so.

After that the sky remained devoid of ducks and about an hour before quitting time I decided to pull the decoys so I’d at least have that part of the pick up out of the way when quitting time rolled around. Since I was on a solo hunt this time I’d only put out about 10 decoys so it didn’t take too long to pull them in.

I settled back into the blind, figuring that it was probably all over except for the quitting time alarm on my cell phone. About 20 minutes before quitting time a hen shoveler wrapped in over the pond, past the blind and then turned and came back with wings cupped and landing gear down, just like she was coming into the decoys that were no longer there. I swung through the spoony and she folded with one shot and crashed into the pond. Finally, a bird down and, unusual for me lately, with one shot.

After wading out to pick up my duck it was only a few minutes and the quitting time alarm went off so I set about picking up my gear. No other ducks had come anywhere near my blind in the last few minutes so I ended the day with a single shoveler on the strap. Still, considering conditions and the few birds I did see, I was extremely happy to get the one. As I conducted my pick up and then headed for the truck I was again treated to another signature SJ sunset.

So, due to family obligations around Thanksgiving the next hunt will probably be in a couple weeks. I’m already looking forward to it and hopefully conditions will be more “ducky” by the time SoCalHunt heads out again. Maybe we’ll see you out there.

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/18/15

Weather conditions warmed quickly on Wednesday at San Jacinto Wildlife Area ending up as typical early season calm bluebird conditions for the hunters today at San Jacinto. The per hunter waterfowl average went up just slightly as compared to Saturday’s average. Shovelers reclaimed first place for number of birds taken with Green Wing Teal sliding back into second position. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl numbers for Wednesday, 11/18/15, was as follows:

109 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter checked in with 67 Northern Shovelers, 9 Mallards, 34 Gadwall, 36 Widgeon, 6 Pintail, 52 Green Wing Teal, 22 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 12 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup, 5 Bufflehead, 1 Merganser and 5 Ruddy Ducks. Once again there were no Geese taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  There were also 9 Coots checked in at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This worked out to a 2.35 average for ducks for each hunter or, with the coots included, 2.43 waterfowl for each hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 29 arrived on time.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. More details of this year’s toy drive will be posted at SoCalHunt soon.

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22^nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6^th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/11/15, Saturday – 11/14/15 and Sunday – 11/15/15

The waterfowl totals for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday, as usual, jumped up from Sunday’s low averages. Shovelers came in first place for the number of birds bagged and Pintails took the second spot, just edging out the Green Wing Teals.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/11/15 were as follows:

123 adult and 11 junior hunters bagged 93 Northern Shovelers, 10 Cinnamon Teal, 20 Gadwall, 52 Widgeon, 70 Green Wing Teal, 9 Mallards, 72 Pintail, 1 Canvasback, 1 Ring Neck, 5 Scaup, 1 Blue Wing Teal and 9 Ruddy Ducks. There were 4 Snow Geese shot at Wister on Wednesday. 2 Coots were also checked in on Wednesday. This figured out to an average of 2.56 ducks per person or, with the Goose and Coots included, 2.60 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 28 were on time for their spot.

The waterfowl average per hunter for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped quite a bit from Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal jumped from third to first place for number of birds taken, and Shovelers dropped back to the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/14/15 were as follows:

178 adult and 20 junior hunters bagged 74 Northern Shovelers, 31 Cinnamon Teal, 13 Gadwall, 60 Widgeon, 76 Green Wing Teal, 11 Mallards, 63 Pintail, 3 Redheads, 3 Canvasbacks, 1 Ring Neck, 2 Scaup, 2 Bufflehead and 12 Ruddy Ducks. There was 1 Snow Goose and 5 Coots also harvested at Wister on Saturday. This worked out to an average per gun of 1.77 ducks or, with the Goose and Coots included, 1.80 waterfowl for each hunter. There was no info provided on how many reservations were claimed on Saturday.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as expected, dropped back down from Saturday’s numbers. Widgeon claimed the first spot for number of birds taken and Pintails took the second spot.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/15/15 were as follows:

93 adult hunters and 3 junior hunter bagged 10 Northern Shoveler, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 22 Widgeon, 14 Green Wing Teal, 5 Mallards, 18 Pintails, 2 Ring Necks, 1 Bufflehead and 4 Ruddy Ducks. 6 Snow Geese and 5 coots were taken at Wister on Sunday. This figured out to an average of 0.84 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese or Coots added in, 0.97 waterfowl per person. There was no info provided on how many reservations were claimed on Sunday.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

 

SoCalHunt Gear Review ReDo Reusable Hand Warmer

Today SoCalHunt will be reviewing the ReDo Reusable Hand Warmer.

I hate having cold hands. I also hate wearing gloves while duck hunting as I’ve never found a pair that don’t feel, to me any way, cumbersome and make it hard to reliably feel for the safety and the trigger on my shotgun. I know, this is Southern California, so how cold can it get? But, hey, being born and raised here, and being trained from an early age to think that anything below 60 is cold, I’m a wimp when it comes to cold temperatures.

I’ve tried many of the disposable chemical hand warmers, which, in my opinion, don’t put out enough heat to do much. I’ve also tried the Jon-e hand warmer, which I’ve reviewed a while back, and I love that one. However, since it needs to be lit with matches, or a lighter, it can be problematic on a windy morning to light it and to keep it from blowing out. Also, you have to keep it dry, another problem if it happens to be raining. In addition you have to have fuel for the Jon-e Hand Warmer so you need to have a bottle of lighter fluid in your blind bag.

(See the Jon-e Hand Warmer review at: https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2011/03/09/socalhunt-gear-review-jon-e-hand-warmer/).

The ReDo Reusable Hand Warmers is a “chemical” hand warmer which will generate a nice, hand warming heat for an advertised duration of about an hour. I tried to measure the warmth put out by the ReDo Hand Warmer using a meat thermometer, which starts registering at 140 degrees, but the needle never moved so I’ll just hazard a guess that its putting out something like 110 to 120 degrees (of course I could be off a few degrees one way or the other). The hand warmer is approximately 3 x 5 inch plastic pouch with a reddish liquid and a small metal disk sealed inside. Instructions for use and reactivation of the ReDo Hand Warmer are printed right on the pouch so you’ll never loose them.

ReDo Hand Warmer Package

ReDo Hand Warmer before activation

I say it’s a “chemical” hand warmer as the heat is generated by a chemical reaction when an internal metal disk is “snapped” or flexed. This causes the liquid Sodium Acetate to crystalize, and become a solid, which generates the heat. To get a good even reaction of the Sodium Acetate they recommend you kneed the pouch to distribute the reaction more evenly through all the Sodium Acetate. The “chemical” is supposed to be entirely non-toxic food grade Sodium Acetate and water. Reading up on Sodium Acetate one of its food uses is to give potato chips a salt and vinegar flavor, although I don’t think I’d poke a hole in the pouch and drink it.

Activated ReDo Hand Warmer

One of the great advantages of the ReDo Hand Warmer is that it is truly reusable. Once the heat has dissipated from the “chemical” reaction the pouch can be reactivated by placing it in boiling water between 10 to 20 minutes, which turns the crystalized Sodium Acetate back into a liquid. They recommend wrapping it in a cloth when you boil it so it doesn’t come in direct contact with the bottom of the pan you’re boiling it in. Once it cools back down from the boiling process it is “re-set” and ready to use again. Also, you don’t need anything additional to use the ReDo hand Warmer. No matches, no lighter, no fuel, just the hand warmer its self. Also, no matter how hard the wind is blowing or how much it is raining this thing is going to work, no doubt about it.

One disadvantage of the ReDo Hand Warmer is that they don’t last too long. The one I tested while writing this review was nice and warm as soon as I activated it by snapping the metal disk inside. At the 50-minute mark it was still making some heat but had cooled down somewhat. Out in the blind on a cold morning, I’d probably start up a fresh one at that point. At an hour and 10 minutes it seemed to be right about at body temperature (98.6 degrees for the non-medical types) and cooling down fast. I suppose if you were cold that would still help some but I’m sure I’d already be on my second one by then.

The other disadvantage is that, because they don’t last too long, to get through a cold morning will take more than one of them. I do have 4 of these in my blind bag, so that should give me nearly 4 hours of usable warmth, which should get me far enough into the day that I shouldn’t need a hand warmer.

I had a similar hand warmer several years ago but I only had one, as it was pretty expensive at that time. I seem to remember spending something like $12 or $14 or more for it at the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach. Apparently, since that time, the price for this technology has dropped and you can pick up a two pack of the ReDo Hand Warmers for as little as $4.99 at Emergency Zone. (Free shipping!)

Cautions on the package include:

Do not place the Warmer directly on skin after boiling

Do not puncture

Do not flex metal chip until the Hand Warmer has cooled down after boiling

Do not bend the metal chip

So, in my opinion the ReDo Hand Warmer is well worth it to carry in your blind bag for those cold mornings. I will probably continue to use my Jon-e Hand Warmer as my first choice, mainly because it seems to put out a little more heat and, also, because it will last (assuming its full of lighter fluid) for several hours. The ReDo Hand Warmer is an excellent reserve hand warmer for days when you can’t use the Jon–e warmer due to wind or rain. Also, if its not too cold, the ReDo Hand Warmer would be great just to take a little of the chill off your hands if you don’t want to go to the trouble of lighting the Jon-e warmer for around an hour or less.

Here’s some links to sources for the ReDo Hand Warmer. (Emergency Zone was the cheapest with free shipping):

http://www.emergencyzone.com/ReDo-Reusable-Hand-Warmer-2-Pack-p/125.htm

http://eartheasy.com/redo-reusable-hand-warmer

http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Wamer-Emergency-Zone-Brand/dp/B00BFWKGI8

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/14/15

 

Hunters enjoyed clear clam skies Saturday at San Jacinto Wildlife Area as the per person waterfowl average ticked down just slightly compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing Teal remained in the first position for number of birds taken with Shovelers jumping into second position. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl numbers for Saturday, 11/14/15, was as follows:

121 adult and 11 junior hunters checked in with 60 Northern Shovelers, 8 Mallards, 17 Gadwall, 29 Widgeon, 1 Pintail, 94 Green Wing Teal, 24 Cinnamon Teal, 10 Redheads, 2 Canvasbacks, 34 Ring Necks, 9 Bufflehead, and 9 Ruddy Ducks. Again no Geese were bagged at San Jacinto on Saturday.  19 Coots were also taken at San Jacinto on Saturday. This came out to an average of 2.25 ducks for each hunter or, with the coots included, 2.39 waterfowl for each hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 25 arrived on time.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. More details of this year’s toy drive will be posted at SoCalHunt soon.

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22^nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6^th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/11/15

Cool and clear conditions and were on tap for hunters this Veteran’s Day Wednesday at San Jacinto Wildlife Area as the per hunter waterfowl average went down just slightly compared to Saturday’s average. Green Wing Teal again came in at first position for number of birds taken with Cinnamon Teal just barely retaining second position over Shovelers. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl numbers for Wednesday, 11/11/15, was as follows:

156 adult and 12 junior hunters checked in with 53 Northern Shovelers, 5 Mallards, 29 Gadwall, 32 Widgeon, 6 Pintail, 189 Green Wing Teal, 55 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Redheads, 3 Ring Necks, 8 Bufflehead, 2 Blue Wing Teal, 1 Merganser and 29 Ruddy Ducks. There were no Geese taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday.  There were also 33 coots taken at San Jacinto on Wednesday. This worked out to an average of 2.46 ducks for each person or, with the coots included, 2.66 waterfowl for each gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 33 arrived on time.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. More details of this year’s toy drive will be posted at SoCalHunt soon.

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22^nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6^th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/4/15, Saturday – 11/7/15 and Sunday – 11/8/15

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday jumped up from Sunday’s averages. Green Wing Teal remained in first place for number of birds checked in and Widgeon took over the second spot.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 11/4/15 were as follows:

102 adult and 3 junior hunters bagged 35 Northern Shovelers, 3 Cinnamon Teal, 33 Gadwall, 54 Widgeon, 118 Green Wing Teal, 3 Mallards and 43 Pintail. There was 1 Cackling Goose taken at Wister on Wednesday. 5 Coots were also bagged on Wednesday. This worked out to an average take of 2.75 ducks per gun or, with the Goose and Coots included, 2.81 waterfowl for each person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 36 were on time for their spot.

The waterfowl average per hunter for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday dropped somewhat from Wednesday’s average. Shovelers claimed first place for number of birds taken, with Green Wing Teal dropping back into the second spot.  The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 11/7/15 were as follows:

170 adult and 18 junior hunters bagged 72 Northern Shovelers, 36 Cinnamon Teal, 32 Gadwall, 54 Widgeon, 64 Green Wing Teal, 11 Mallards, 55 Pintail, 1 Redhead, 4 Ring Necks, 1 Scaup and 6 Ruddy Ducks. There was a lone Ross’ Goose and 8 Coots also checked in at Wister on Saturday. This came out to an average per hunter of 1.79 ducks or, with the Geese and Coots to included, 1.84 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 45 hunters showed up on time.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as is usual, dropped back down from Saturday’s average take. Shovelers remained in the first position for number of birds taken with Green Wing Teal staying in second spot.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/8/15 were as follows:

74 adult hunters and 4 junior hunter bagged 21 Northern Shoveler, 2 Cinnamon Teal, 7 Gadwall, 7 Widgeon, 9 Green Wing Teal, 3 Mallards, 6 Pintails, 1 Redhead, 3 Ring Necks and 4 Ruddy Ducks. There were no Geese or coots checked in at Wister on Sunday. This worked out to an average of 0.81 ducks per hunter or, of course, since there were no Geese or Coots to add in, 0.81 waterfowl per person. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 23 arrived on time for their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Saturday – 11/7/15

Clear skies and mild temperatures were enjoyed by hunters this Saturday at San Jacinto Wildlife Area as the per gun waterfowl take dropped a little compared to Wednesday’s average. Green Wing teal remained in first place for number of birds taken and Cinnamon Teal stayed in second place. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl numbers for Saturday, 11/7/15, was as follows:

149 adult and 22 junior hunters checked in with 39 Northern Shovelers, 7 Mallards, 26 Gadwall, 27 Widgeon, 12 Pintail, 186 Green Wing Teal, 84 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Redheads, 12 Ring Necks, 4 Scaup, 6 Bufflehead, 1 Wood Duck and 26 Ruddy Ducks. There were 4 Aleutian Geese taken at San Jacinto on Saturday.  21 coots were also added to the count on Saturday. This tallied to an average of 2.53 ducks for each gun or, with the geese and coots included, 2.68 waterfowl for each hunter. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 32 arrived on time.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. More details of this year’s toy drive will be posted at SoCalHunt soon.

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22^nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6^th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

SoCalHunt San Jacinto Hunting Report 11/4/15

Today SoCalHunt had a plan. There was a part A and a part B. My usual hunting partner headed out to sign up for the sweatline drawing at San Jacinto. I was working a late shift Tuesday night and plan A was for my partner to get on via the sweatline draw and then I would head out as early as I could and join him in the blind. As we all know, as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Plan A didn’t work. My partner made it down for the drawing, despite being held over at his work on Tuesday night and getting virtually no sleep (what a trooper), but, unfortunately the sweatline draw wasn’t kind and he didn’t make it out for the morning shoot.

So, it was plan B. He got us an excellent spot on the refill list and then went out to his truck to sack out and get a little well deserved sleep. He sent me a text letting me know, so I didn’t have to leave as early, since we’d just be waiting for a good blind to check in.

I arrived at San Jacinto about 10 am and my buddy was up at the check station seeing what blinds might be available. The weather was a little chilly and it was partly cloudy with a light breeze building.  Conditions looked much more “ducky” then the clear and hot weather we’ve had at SJ lately.

I deposited my toy donation for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool and joined my partner at the check station. He related that he had powwowed with Tom at the check station and was holding out for a blind that Tom suggested as a good one for an afternoon hunt. After about an hour and a few minutes that very blind checked in with full limits, consisting mostly of teal. We put our permits down for the refill and headed out to the blind.

When we arrived at the parking area for the blind I rolled out my Ducks & Bucks (newer models are now labeled Cartblind) decoy cart. Today was the first use of a new removable third wheel for the cart that my son had welded up to, hopefully, make it easier to roll the cart out to the pond by eliminating the necessity of supporting some of the cart’s weight on my shoulders. Basically it made the cart sort of a large, very free rolling wheelbarrow. Once at the side of the pond the third wheel is designed to be easily removed so that the cart could, as it was originally designed to, float out to our island blind. It worked like a charm and it was as easy to transport our approximate 100+ pounds of gear from the truck to the pond edge as walking out there with no cargo at all!

Once at our island blind we went to work setting up. My partner went out and set decoys while I set up and arranged our blind. As we did this we saw several birds moving around the area and head a shot or two here and there, already an improvement from my trip last Wednesday.

Once set up was got down in our blind and waited for the ducks to present themselves. It wasn’t long before a flight of Cinnamon Teal zoomed in and we both opened up on them. One of the diminutive waterfowl tumbled from the sky and hit the water nearby with a large splash. We weren’t sure which one of us had scored the hit on the bird but it really didn’t matter, we called it a team effort. It was clear today was going to be different then my last afternoon trip as ducks were flying all over as we once again hunkered down in the blind.

We repeated the above team effort, after a couple misses and a couple of looking left when we should have been looking right incidents, and soon had a second Cinnamon in the bag. The little rocket powered Teal had the disconcerting habit of coming in low and fast most of the time and making it very difficult to be ready for a shot before they were by us and on the way out of the pond. The sky, which started out partly cloudy, was now almost solid clouds and we were wondering if we might not get rained on today.

 

 

As the afternoon progressed I began to practice “catch and release” hunting, shooting three holes in the sky and watching the birds fly away. While my partner was able to score on three more birds, two Cinnamons, one a beautiful drake, and a Shoveler hen.

As it got closer to quitting time the clouds seemed to break a little, not much but enough that it looked like we wouldn’t be getting drenched at least.

As quitting time rolled around we picked up the gear and decoys and headed back to the trucks. A very satisfying hunt in the books, five birds total in the bag, and enough shooting to keep it very interesting today. Potentially we could have probably doubled our take of ducks but, well, you know how that goes some times.

So, hopefully, SoCalHunt will be back next week for another try, although plans aren’t set in stone yet. Hopefully the birds will fly as good, or better then this hunt and we’ll have another report to share with you on SoCalHunt.

(P.S. – Sorry we don’t have our usual duck strap picture showing our hunt results today. For some unknown reason that picture didn’t come out).

 

Hunt Results for San Jacinto Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 11/4/15

The average waterfowl take at San Jacinto for Wednesday shot up under cloudy skies and chilly temperatures. Green Wing Teal took over first place for number of birds taken with Cinnamon Teal dropping back to second place. Tom Trakes, from San Jacinto Wildlife Area, reported that the waterfowl count for Wednesday, 11/4/15, was as follows:

127 adult and 4 junior hunters checked in with 33 Northern Shovelers, 4 Mallards, 17 Gadwall, 17 Widgeon, 8 Pintail, 153 Green Wing Teal, 89 Cinnamon Teal, 2 Blue Wing Teal, 8 Redheads, 57 Ring Necks, 2 Bufflehead and 13 Ruddy Ducks. A lone Aleutian goose was harvested at San Jacinto on Wednesday. 14 coots were also bagged on Wednesday. This worked out to an average of 3.08 ducks for each hunter or, with the goose and coots included, 3.19 waterfowl per gun. Tom advised that out of 52 reservation cards 31 were on time to pick their spots.

San Jacinto is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done after that. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

San Jacinto Wildlife Area has begun its annual Toy Drive for the Bryant Park Head Start Preschool. If you’re able, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the kids. This is a great program and a chance to show that hunters have a heart. More details of this year’s toy drive will be posted at SoCalHunt soon.

Also, be sure to check SoCalHunt’s article on donations for the 22^nd Annual Junior Hunt, which is coming up on February 6^th, 2016. New state regulations regarding donations for this great event are in effect this year. It’s a great cause to donate to for the future of our sport so don’t let a little paperwork keep you from donating. Also, don’t forget Bass Pro Shops’ Art Print Drawing to help raise funds for the Junior Hunt. Bass Pro Shops in located in in Rancho Cucamonga. Details on donating and the BPS drawing can be found at the below link:

https://socalhunt.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/san-jacinto-wildlife-area-announces-the-22nd-annual-junior-waterfowl-hunt-february-6th-2016/

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you may not get your pass in time to use it as they have to mail it to you which can take up to 15 days. At this point you need to purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent so you will immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this year. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at San Jacinto at 951-928-0580.

 

Hunt Results for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area, Wednesday – 10/28/15, Saturday – 10/31/15 and Sunday – 11/1/15

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Wednesday dropped off a little more from Sunday’s averages. Green Wing Teal retained first place for number of birds taken with Pintails coming in second.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Wednesday, 10/28/15 were as follows:

140 adult and 5 junior hunters bagged 3 Northern Shovelers, 21 Cinnamon Teal, 6 Gadwall, 15 Widgeon, 38 Green Wing Teal, 18 Mallards, 25 Pintail, 1 Redhead, 1 Ring Neck and 2 Ruddy Ducks. There was 1 White Front Goose and 1 Snow Goose harvested at Wister on Wednesday. 2 Coots were also checked in on Wednesday. This resulted in an average take of 0.90 ducks per hunter or, with the Geese and Coots included, 0.92 waterfowl for each hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 44 showed up on time for their spot.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Saturday ticked back up slightly from Wednesday’s numbers. Green Wing Teal retained first place for number of birds taken with Pintails again in the second spot.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Saturday, 10/31/15 were as follows:

115 adult and 16 junior hunters bagged 3 Northern Shovelers, 17 Cinnamon Teal, 15 Gadwall, 29 Widgeon, 43 Green Wing Teal, 23 Mallards, 37 Pintail, 1 Ring Neck, 1 Scaup (oops!) and 10 Ruddy Ducks. There were no Geese or Coots checked in at Wister on Saturday. This worked out to a per hunter average of 1.37 ducks and, of course, with no Geese or Coots to include, 1.37 waterfowl per gun. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 35 hunters showed up on time.

The waterfowl take for the Wister Unit of the Imperial Wildlife Area for Sunday, as expected, slid back down from Saturday’s average take. Green Wing Teal were still in first place for number of birds taken with Cinnamon Teal taking over the second spot.   The Wister Staff reported that the results for Sunday, 11/1/15 were as follows:

53 adult hunters and 1 junior hunter bagged 1 Northern Shoveler, 7 Cinnamon Teal, 3 Gadwall, 6 Widgeon, 15 Green Wing Teal, 4 Mallards and 3 Pintails. Again there were no Geese taken at Wister on Sunday. 6 Coots were also brought in on Sunday. This worked out to a 0.72 ducks per hunter average or, with the Coots included, 0.83 waterfowl per hunter. Out of 100 reservation cards issued 14 arrived on time for their spot.

Wister is open for waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. You can put in for reservations on-line through the DFW Automated License Data System (ALDS). Your reservation request has to be to the ALDS system 17 days in advance to get in on the drawing or you can get in on the daily “sweatline” drawing for the remaining blinds after the reservations are taken care of. Reservation spots are given out starting at 3 AM and the “sweatline” drawing is done the night before at 10:30 pm, with sign-up for the drawing between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. The ALDS can be accessed through the DFW web site at the below link –

https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/InternetSales

Don’t forget that all licenses and 1 day, 2 day or season passes must be purchased at a DFW Office or a license agent before your arrive at the refuge. These can be purchased on-line via the ALDS system also, however, you will have to wait for the DFG to mail you’re the actual licenses and passes which can take up to 15 days. If you purchase your license and passes in person at a DFW office or license agent you immediately get them without the wait for the mail. No licenses or passes will be sold at the check stations this season. You can also show up for an afternoon refill hunt but the last refill is at 2 PM. For more information, contact the staff at Wister Staff at 760-359-0577.

 

SoCalHunt San Jacinto Hunting Report 10/31/15

Well, SoCalHunt was working again this weekend but my usual hunting partner was able to get away to give the sweatline a try. Since my reports have been a little, let’s say “lacking” (at least in the terms of birds) lately I decided to badger him into doing a report for us if he as able to get a blind. So, here’s a first for SoCalHunt, a kind of “ghost writer” report…kind of appropriate for Halloween I guess. I’m submit this with minimal edits, thanks for reading.

When I arrived at San Jacinto the weather was cool and clear with a light breeze.  I was fully prepared to sleep in my truck and stick it out for a refill, when I drew sixth in the sweatline draw and realized “I’m going Duck Hunting!”

It appeared that a majority of the reservation holder had shown up so I was hoping that at least a couple good blinds would still be available when it was my turn. To my surprise, when it was my turn at the check station counter, one of my favorite blinds was still available.

My secret blind had a walk-way out and 360 degree water with good sporadic cover.  I set up and settled down in the blind to wait for start time. When I checked my watch it was seconds before shoot time.  Just then several ducks flew straight at me. I took aim and the starting time horn blew and the trigger was pulled.  First duck done just seconds after the horn.  It seemed like the entire refuge pulled their triggers exactly at the sound of the horn.   The addition of the start shoot time horn was brilliant!  There was no early shooting!

The birds flew solid for the first hour and a half but didn’t really stop until after 9:00 am.  The norm for hot, still and clear mornings.  A flock of a dozen honkers flew high over the refuge headed for Lake Perris.  I knew they were coming before I could see them because of the wave of goose calls marching across the refuge. During the time between start time and 9:00 I was able to bag a Ring Neck, a Green Wing Teal, Two Cinnamon Teal Hens and a Shoveler along with missing a few others. In the end I came away with five ducks that should have been a limit in the first hour.  Oh well, that’s why they call it hunting.

 

Most of the ducks I saw during the hunt flew low over the dikes signifying the majority were teal.  There were very few highflying flocks of big ducks.  After 10:00 am it was to hot, still and flightless so it was time to pick up and head to “Harry’s Cafe” for the cheeseburger combo. A long over due great hunt at San Jacinto in the books.