With all the rain we’ve had lately parts of eastern North Carolina still has areas with high water. This maybe a boon for waterfowl hunters but could be problematic for deer hunters. Reading Fred Bonner’s article this week in the Garner News it seems he has some similar thoughts.
Waterfowl hunters who have been very unhappy with North Carolina’s duck seasons for the past few years have placed their blame partly on the drought that our state has been having. Swamps and wetlands where we usually fine the major concentrations of puddle ducks like mallards and pintails were dry. If the ducks did in fact migrate through our area they passed through in a hurry as they tried to find wet areas where they could rest and feed.
Since October and November have a history of bringing stormy weather through our state, maybe the onset of these two months will replenish our wetlands in tome for a better waterfowl season.
Hopefully the higher water will hold ducks in the area for a better season. When it comes to deer hunting Mr. Bonner sees the glass more as half full rather then the half empty view I have. I will agree that if you know the terrain well and can focus on the higher ground it could give you an added advantage.
Three lessons that I learned about hunting on the flood was to, one, use the high water to your advantage and seek game on a high patch of land and, two, try to drop a deer as quickly as possible and avoid having to track a wounded animal through water that’s three feet deep. The third lesson learned is to be aware of whatever other animals might be on the move through the floodwaters. They might bite (or sting) back.
Maybe I should see it more as half full glass and see the advantages high water can present. Do go check out the full article Mr. Bonner wrote and hear about the stuff he came across in the flooded area who knows maybe half empty is a better approach.
