More Information on Duck Hunting and what HHO will do for you:
Heated 20' custom duck boat and blind
Large spreads consisting of magnum decoys
Great duck calling
Hot breakfast cooked on the boat
Knowledgeable guide that knows the river in and out
Guides who put in 110% effort every day into your hunt
Puddle duck hunting in October & Diver hunting in November
Hunting the Magnificent Mississippi River is definitely a world class hunting destination that every waterfowler should experience at least once in their hunting career. The great part about the big river is that it holds ducks from opening day through ice up (which is usually after the close of the season). There is great early season teal and wood duck shooting to late season diver and mallard hunting. The one thing that hunters always ask, "when is the best time to come?" My answer is what kind of a hunt are you looking for, since I will recommend a time frame for the hunt that you will be satisfied with. One of the great things while hunting on the Mississippi River is that we harvest over 20 different waterfowl species a year. You never know what will be cupped and committed next. During the month of October we harvest a variety of puddle ducks; wood ducks, teal (bwt & gwt), mallards, gadwall, widgeon, pintail, and black ducks. The most common divers that show in October are blue bills, ringnecks, bufflehead, redheads, and canvasbacks. During the month of November we get a large mix as well, but usually people are after canvasbacks. We stage over 75% of the worlds population on the pools I hunt at one time where seeing over 100,000 ducks in a days hunt is common. Canvasbacks stage on the river so once they are present they stick around until ice up! Swarms of canvasbacks are seen daily using the river feeding on the wild celery growing in the river. Besides canvasbacks; mallards, gadwall, widgeon, pintail, black ducks, bufflehead, bluebills, redheads, and goldeneyes are the common species harvested in November.
(Mix of puddlers and divers are common on hunts over the same decoys)
It is not just the great duck hunting that makes the river so magnificent, but also the scenery and numerous types of wildlife and bird species that can be viewed. On the hunt you will have a great opportunity to view some of the thousands of tundra swans and bald eagles that use the Mississippi River.
I have been running the Mississippi River for the better part of my life and know many great early season honey holes to the best late season spots. I hunt pools 9 and 11 with most of my hunts taking place on pool 9 which is located just a few a few miles north of Cabelas in Prairie du Chien, WI.
I run a 20' custom boat blind that can haul a couple hundred decoys, gear, along with four hunters and myself safely to the hunting location. The majority of my hunts will be conducted out of my boat, which is heated on cold days. You will be hunting over large decoy spreads consisting of magnum decoys. I have also learned a few tricks of the trade over the years to set myself above the rest that help bring in ducks even on the calm bluebird days (just refer to the video above). While on the hunt you can help set decoys if you would like to take an active part in the hunt. If not this hunt is fit for any ability and skill level. You can pretty much get in the boat at the launch and step off the boat when we are done if you need to. I also provide a great hot breakfast which I cook on the boat each morning consisting of eggs and bacon or homemade biscuits and gravy.
I can write all I want but video will show you why hunting here is so good!!
Check out the article written by Mark Labarbera for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about his two days of duck hunting with HHO on the Mississippi River (fall 2010):
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/106828203.html
Another couple quick videos people filmed while hunting in fall of 2011
This video you get to hear how we go about shooting our cans picking out good mounting quality birds
Mississippi River Hunting Options:
(check out the pictures page for 2010 and 2011 hunting photos)
Waterfowl Hunt:
The hunt starts with meeting an hour or so before shooting light and finish around 12 pm or until our limit is shot. We will meet at the boat landing located just a few blocks from the lodging in the morning and head out to the actual hunting site. From there we will set decoys and get ready for the mornings hunt. During the mornings hunt I will cook a big hot brunch come mid-morning. Pricing is $175 a day for parties of 3-4 hunters or payment of 3 will hold the boat for your group in October and $200 a gun for November hunts. If you just have a party of two please call for pricing. Single and mixed party hunts please contact me for availability.
Blast & Blast Trip:
This hunt will start just like the regular hunt but rather than hunting till mid day and calling it, your hunt will end mid-morning. Then come in for a little R&R and head back out for an afternoon hunt until shooting light. This hunt is great to ensure we are on the water over decoys at peak bird movement during the morning and evening flights. Breakfast will be cooked on the boat.
Afternoons can also be used to go on a pheasant hunt at a local hunt club. Pricing for both the double duck or duck/pheasant is $300 per gun. Pheasant hunt pricing includes 15 birds for three hunters and 20 for 4 people, guide and trained dog (flushing or pointing).
Great day of a.m duck and p.m pheasant hunting!
Blast & Cast Trip:
Fishing trips will be conducted by accredited U.S Coast Guard captains with many years in the guiding business on the Mississippi River. The package will include an a.m duck hunt with an afternoon fishing trip. October and November are great times to be on the water fishing. In October fishing is great for walleyes, smallmouth bass, panfish, and catfish. The month of November is one of the best months of the year to catch numerous and large walleyes. Once you are done hunting in the a.m. you will be able to come in take a little break and head back on the water for some afternoon fishing. Pricing includes 1 fishing guide for 2-3 people and two guides for 4 people to ensure maximum results. Pricing is $300 per person for the cast and blast trip.
Lodging Information:
Most of my hunters will be staying at the "Canvasback Inn" on the Mississippi River hunts. It's a nice cabin located nearby the hunting location. Lodging includes a continental breakfast; muffins, juice, and coffee in the morning (still have a brunch cooked on boat). Has a hot tub to relax and warm up in, an outside fire pit, gas grill along with a fully stocked kitchen to use if you want to cook your own dinner. There are also several good places to eat nearby from anything from a supper club to burger joints. Has wi-fi and cable tv.
