|
||
|
|
When you think of world-class duck hunting, South Carolina may not be the first destination that comes to mind. You won’t find the national duck calling competition there, and you won’t find the UPS guy delivering many magnum mallard decoys to her inland hunters. But rest assured that South Carolina does have a secret weapon that delivers some first rate duck shooting… some of the best waterfowl impoundments you’ll find anywhere. During a recent waterfowl season I had the privilege of accompanying Team Retrieve! member Dr. Joseph "Butch" Byron on several hunts to impoundments near Hemingway, SC. We hunted two impoundments built and managed by a local farmer. With their proximity to the Pee Dee River and each containing an excellent stand of corn, these man-made wetlands attracted an amazing number of ducks... mostly woodies, but with a smattering of teal, merganser, and more than an occasional mallard. When 1000 woodies are flying around you, you’re in duck-hunter’s heaven no matter what state you’re in! Our hunts required a 3:30 AM wakeup call in order for us to make the drive to Hemingway for the 6:00 AM rendezvous at the hunting club cabin. After introductions and other pleasantries, the farmer assigned hunting locations around the 2 adjacent impoundments using a rotation system to assure all hunting parties got fair placement throughout the season. Legal hunting time was determined for that locale, and watches synchronized before heading out for the hunt. Once at the impoundments, hunters moved to their assigned positions along the dikes surrounding the impoundments. Rather than shooting from blinds, impoundment hunters typically stand behind the dike. While blinds would provide more concealment, impoundment hunters often adjust their positions based on the flight patterns of the ducks, and often move in to better positions as other hunters shoot their limits and move out. As the sun began to rise in the distance, one pre-ordained "whistleblower" blew a duck call to signal legal shooting time and the hunt began! It usually didn’t take long to shoot the limit (2 woodies). As we witnessed some great retrieving of cripples and of ducks that only a maniacal retrieving machine could find, I was reminded of the conservation value of a well-trained retriever. After the shooting and retrieving was all done, we were able to sit back a moment and enjoy the sight of woodies blitzing in from all directions. Inarguably well worth the 3:30 AM wake up and long drive. I had the pleasure of hunting with Butch several times during the season. It was interesting to see the change in duck behavior as the season progressed. For most of the season, very few ducks roosted in the ponds, but rather flew in from nearby roosting locations after sunrise to feed on the flooded corn. This provided an extended shooting "window", allowing most of the hunting parties a good opportunity to shoot their limit of 2 wood ducks per hunter. As the season progressed, the behavior shifted… more ducks began roosting on the pond, flying out at daybreak and back into the impoundment in late afternoon to feed before roosting. When next duck season rolls around, don’t overlook the opportunities of hunting impoundments in South Carolina. Many are structured as clubs and require annual membership fees. If you’re fortunate enough to have a friend who is a member, don’t turn down an invitation to hunt if it’s offered. You’ll be rewarded for the effort with another memory of a great day afield!
|
|
About Impoundments… Designed to convert drylands into wetlands to increase the available waterfowl habitat, an impoundment is typically constructed by digging a ditch around the desired dryland area, with the dirt thrown up to form a dike. A ramp is constructed to allow access for farm equipment to the enclosed field and a pump is installed to provide the ability to flood the land in the fall. The impoundment is dry during the planting and growing season, and is gradually flooded as the hunting season approaches. This food source attracts waterfowl and provides an excellent hunting opportunity.
A properly managed impoundment requires an adequate stand of food (such as corn or Japanese millet), and proper flooding to provide the perfect habitat to attract waterfowl. If you’re interested in learning more about impoundments, check with your local soil conservation office or county agricultural extension office. Federal funds may be available to assist in the construction of new impoundments. |
|||||||
|
||
