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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hi everyone,

I have been a deer and turkey hunter for a few years, but I am looking to get started in hunting waterfowl. I live in Beaver county - does anyone know of any areas to hunt nearby? If I have to I am willing to make the drive to Pymatuning, but was hoping to find something a little closer to home so that I can hunt more regularly, being that I have a newborn at home.

Also, how does one determine a good spot to set up, and how do you set up?

I have been doing quite a bit of Google research, but it is no substitute for a discussion with an experienced hunter!

Thanks in advance.
 

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Hi everyone,

I have been a deer and turkey hunter for a few years, but I am looking to get started in hunting waterfowl. I live in Beaver county - does anyone know of any areas to hunt nearby? If I have to I am willing to make the drive to Pymatuning, but was hoping to find something a little closer to home so that I can hunt more regularly, being that I have a newborn at home.

Also, how does one determine a good spot to set up, and how do you set up?

I have been doing quite a bit of Google research, but it is no substitute for a discussion with an experienced hunter!

Thanks in advance.
I live in Lawrence but I am from ambridge , there are ducks in beaver county and close by but often times just not in the numbers as in pyma a lot of people find success at Wilhelm or moraine
 

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Got it. Is having a boat a must for moraine? Incidentally, I just shot a doe a few weeks ago there.. I am unfamiliar with Wilhelm. Will have to look into it.
I haven’t hunted moraine I usually find my self going to hartstown just because of familiarity but I would say a boat or dog for retrievals yes , I think I may head up to hartstown tomorrow morning deer has been so disappointing
 

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Hi everyone,

I have been a deer and turkey hunter for a few years, but I am looking to get started in hunting waterfowl. I live in Beaver county - does anyone know of any areas to hunt nearby? If I have to I am willing to make the drive to Pymatuning, but was hoping to find something a little closer to home so that I can hunt more regularly, being that I have a newborn at home.

Also, how does one determine a good spot to set up, and how do you set up?

I have been doing quite a bit of Google research, but it is no substitute for a discussion with an experienced hunter!

Thanks in advance.
I'm from Beaver County and its a tough nut to crack. Most typical "swampy" areas are well posted and are well kept secrets.....eh hem....And some are too close to highways/houses and inside or close to safety zones to go blasting with a 12 gauge. That being said - I've done quite well on the Ohio river - but you'll need a trustworthy boat. And select a spot well outside safety zones of housing/businesses. And be sure of it. Most of the local cops are hunters too. You'll probably hear from them eventually. My bud and I have done quite well on the river. You wont get many flight ducks - mostly locals - at least in early season.

Once the leaves are off of the trees - Keep your eyes peeled and you'll figure out where they hang. Some places get hit hard - some do not.

Another good idea would be to get in touch with Matt Kramer - the Beaver County Warden. He's a good guy and will be glad to help. Or Mike Yeck with the F & B Commission. Those guys can help you out with any safety zone issues if you find a spot and if you think its a little "iffy". They will probably know exactly where you are talking about. Better to be safe than sorry - Like I said - if you go blasting with a 12 gauge in Beaver County you are going to attract attention.

Be safe and have your T's crossed and your I's dotted and you'll be fine.
 

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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
I'm from Beaver County and its a tough nut to crack. Most typical "swampy" areas are well posted and are well kept secrets.....eh hem....And some are too close to highways/houses and inside or close to safety zones to go blasting with a 12 gauge. That being said - I've done quite well on the Ohio river - but you'll need a trustworthy boat. And select a spot well outside safety zones of housing/businesses. And be sure of it. Most of the local cops are hunters too. You'll probably hear from them eventually. My bud and I have done quite well on the river. You wont get many flight ducks - mostly locals - at least in early season.

Once the leaves are off of the trees - Keep your eyes peeled and you'll figure out where they hang. Some places get hit hard - some do not.

Another good idea would be to get in touch with Matt Kramer - the Beaver County Warden. He's a good guy and will be glad to help. Or Mike Yeck with the F & B Commission. Those guys can help you out with any safety zone issues if you find a spot and if you think its a little "iffy". They will probably know exactly where you are talking about. Better to be safe than sorry - Like I said - if you go blasting with a 12 gauge in Beaver County you are going to attract attention.

Be safe and have your T's crossed and your I's dotted and you'll be fine.
Great, thanks for the tips! I will definitely be contacting some of those guys!
 

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Always take boat unless you are in a very shallow stream . Just because you see a duck or goose fall doesn’t mean their dead . They will dive , swim and just about anything to get away to survive . Any lake in November till end of Season it’s always better too have a motor of some sort if allowed on that body of water. Always have a extra safety equipment along with life vest . If you have a dog even better, but on rivers with heavy currents or ice or Very cold temperatures it’s best at times to leave the pooch at home not worth chancing it’s life. Same applies to lakes. These people gave you great advice follow it . Scout as much as possible . Don’t go crazy with calling , less is more. Google duck ids learn hen from drake. Learn what each duck looks like on the wing. Limits are very specific examples mallards were only 2 are allowed being only one hen. If you can’t identify your target do not shoot. Learn your start and end times they are different depending were you are located . Only us section of guide for migratory bird start and start time. Shoot clays as much as possible. Be willing to adjust to we’re ducks want to be. Meaning if you see ducks landing in a certain spot and are paying you no attention you are going to have to move to were they want to be. Pattern your gun with the load you intend to use . Do not skip this it is important and is only fair to the ducks to make the ethical shot possible . Have fun with it . Good luck
It gets addicting
 
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