| Mark, I've been hunting the Hampton flats 2-3 times a week since the
second season started. Also, I drive by twice a day since we've moved
to Hampton.
The tributaries are completely frozen and in the morning the main
section of the Hampton/Taylor Rivers is pretty well iced in, so jump
shooting will be spotty. The next few days should free up some of the
ice.
I've been seeing clusters of blacks (anywhere from 10 to 30 birds)
sporadically, depending on the tide. You're correct in that they've
been collecting in the open water, east of the tracks and more towards
the other side of those power lines that run parallel on the ocean side
of the tracks.
You'd do well with a small boat or a dog, depending on the tide. Last
night's paper said that the tide was low between 2 and 3, so your best
bet may be a morning hunt, unless the ice melts in the tributaries
which would mean primo jump shooting midday.
Wear white as there's ice and snow, but throw in some camo in case the
snow melts. Up river towards 95 is where we shot some birds a few
weeks back, but it's tough getting in with all the ice.
It's supposed to be warmer tomorrow, so I figger you can go upstream or
downstream for jump shooting during the later part of the day. The
water should be sufficient for a boat or canoe all morning.
Let me know if you come up Sunday...I may be able to sneak out. You'll
be happy to hear that I've seen very few hunters in there over the last
2 weeks. I've seen a few goose solos, but the flocks are heading out
towards the open water.
My number is 603-926-7455.
Mark.
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| Thanks for the info. I managed to get out Saturday morning. It wasn't
nearly as much ice as I expected. We went in with the canoe at
Knudd's (sp?) landing. It was great weather, but we didn't see nearly
as many ducks as I expected. In fact, we saw less than we did a couple
of weeks earlier. I did manage to get one goldeneye.
We did start to see a lot of blacks after the tide was VERY high, but
by then, it was impossible to hide in the marsh. I wish I had the
boat blind. The tide seemed much higher than normal. Fortunately,
I went back to the truck to notice the water level up to the hubs and
still rising.
Hope you made it out Sunday.
Mark,
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