I live in Florida and I'm thinking about making the trek over to hunt by Venice or Houma the weekend after Xmas. I'd like to shoot some puddle ducks mallards, pintail, wigeon and teal. I would bring my boat over. Looking for an easy place to navigate and camp. Maybe a fish camp on the water would be nice. Any suggestions? I will scout just need general direction. Or if someone wants to be a nice guy and show me around that would be badass!

Thanks,

Sorry I do not hunt either of those places so i really cannot offer assistance

So, it looks like I will be going to venice. Anyone want to point me in a direction to start scouting?

Good choice in picking Venice, but know that the opening weekend was terrible this year. Too warm up north and we had a hurricane. The ducks should be back for the second split. Two options for public hunting: Delta NWR or Pass-a-loutre WMA. Both require significant boating skills and experience. Fog is ever present and MS river traffic is big and fast. So, if you haven't done it before, I would say get a guide and learn it for your second year. Go to LDWF for the WMA rules. (by the way, mud motors are good for the areas, but you have to get them 10-15 miles down river).

I agree with boomer, if you haven't been then be careful. I wouldn't go on opening weekend after the split also. Its always a cluster *** of people on those 2 weekends. Other than that you should be fine. Pintail and teal are usually thick. Its a hard hunt and if you are using a mud boat don't even think about the refuge. It is illigal to hunt the refuge by mud boat. There are also restricted bird sanctuarys on the refuge.

go down grand pass,you should have a coupla' limits shot rite out the boat before you ever get to Dixon Bay.if not,shame on you,head back to venice and get em' on the way back in,you will be ready for em' this time.



p.s. if you gonna shoot an auto. goin' 27 or more mph,wear some glasses,the powder gets in yer eyes.