So you want some duck ground!

Waterfowl Properties corporate office is located in the heart of the so-called “Golden Triangle” for whitetail deer hunting. The small comfortable town of Pittsfield, Illinois is not unlike most rural towns in the mid-west, farming fuels the town’s local economy. But that “Golden Triangle” name means a shot of high test for the economy with hunters flocking to the area. But, it is not just the deer hunting; sitting in the Mississippi Flyway brings the duck hunters to these fertile soils as well. The name comes from Pike and a few other surrounding counties that lie between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The rich soils, enhanced from season after season of floods from these two rivers create bumper food for deer, ducks and all other wildlife. So around our home ground when looking for some prime duck you need to start with just a few quick tips to keep in mind when scouting to satisfy that Dream to Reality.

Ducks need food and open water so start your search with that in mind and then take in consideration if you have levee protection. Riverside of the levee could cause some extra impacts to the wallet with flooding planted crops, but on the other hand it could provide needed revenue from the farming opportunity.

If you will be building impoundments you will need to pull several soil samples to determine the sand content. Too much sand and you can forget about having impoundments! I would advise to pull several from a good grid of the property to help identify any hidden sand pockets.

Take in consideration local clubs in the area you are looking and the benefits that exist from a co-operative effort. Food and open water, the more of both the more waterfowl you will be able to attract.  Get to know the neighbors!

If you are looking at an existing established club, a turnkey operation, then examine the history of the club. Check the records of what they have shot over the years; what are the improvements and what condition are they in. A few questions and a little investigative work can save you money in the long run.

These few tips give you the basic knowledge to begin your search for that perfect waterfowls hang out. We will be providing much more information on how to buy, how to improve, how to maintain, how to hunt them and everything ducks and duck ground. So come back often, we are just getting started. However if you are ready now, getting in touch with one of our land specialist will guide your Dream to Reality!

Brian Rennecker
Whitetail Habitat Solutions