I have an open seat in my canoe to hunt ducks/geese on the Willamette this weekend

[matcrisp]

Let me know if you would like to join me.

I have Friday off, but I could go over the weekend instead. I think I'll put in at Buena Vista, but I'm open to suggestions.

I have a 2 person 16' canoe that I'll paddle and I'll mount an electric trolling motor to fight the current when needed. I've hunted from this canoe successfully both solo, and with a passenger, but not in this location.

 

[waterswatter]

Stay safe and good luck.

 

[waterswatter]

How did you do?

 

[matcrisp]

Friday had some really nice weather. I launched the canoe to test out the trolling motor in the current. It was not able to really push upstream in the faster moving water, so before long I returned to the launch. I went and scouted 2 state parks nearby, but I did not see many birds in the valley.

 

[waterswatter]

Long ago, I used to float down the river and jump ducks until a couple of private, grassy and gravelly ramps were closed off. Plus, the sneak boat got heavier and heavier to drag up those primitive ramps with each passing year. I used a Carsten's 14-foot Canvasback with the square stern. I also used a 10-foot Aquapod. They are much more stable than a Canoe. I've practiced getting on the Aquapod with waders on, hanging on the side of the boat at the dock and can do it quite easily without tipping it.

I know you did not ask, but I feel compelled to bring safety up, just to throw it out there.

 

[HaydenHunter]

I have considerable experience in serious whitewater open canoeing. Float bags, custom saddle in my canoe, Class III / IV water, etc.

Have also run a canoe to hunt when I had nothing else that floated to hunt out of. Canoes are and always will be tippy. But for the grace of God an open canoe in big / moving water in winter with a hunting load including dog and /or boaters not familiar with safe canoeing practices can be a recipe for disaster.

I agree with waterswatter's concern for safety.

 

[matcrisp]

I appreciate the concern but I wore a life jacket and I did not put myself in any danger. I don't have family property, a $20k boat, or a list of secret honey holes. So I'll keep planning public land hunts, and I'll keep posting to the open seats forum in case someone wants to come. In fact, I am going bird hunting in NW Oregon this Saturday and Sunday. If anyone wants to join let me know.

 

[HaydenHunter]

Not trying to discourage you matcrisp. Your original post mentioning "fighting current" just got me concerned. Have fun. I am still exclusively a public hunter although I do have a big boat.

Welcome to the forum and keep on posting.

 

[waterswatter]

@matcrisp, good luck this weekend.

 

[Old Guys Rule]

Friday had some really nice weather. I launched the canoe to test out the trolling motor in the current. It was not able to really push upstream in the faster moving water, so before long I returned to the launch. I went and scouted 2 state parks nearby, but I did not see many birds in the valley.

Nice meeting you at the ramp. Congratulations on your trial effort in the daylight before committing to a drift hunt. Hope the state lands areas I showed you pan out. The high water we have right now can make these very good areas. Good luck.

OGR