Adam Scepaniak 11.22.22
The east coast is a novel and sometimes unforgiving ecosystem for sea-faring birds of a feather. In Maine, particularly the Penobscot Bay area close to Bluehill, you’ll be able to witness tidal adjustments of 10 – 12 toes in a single day. With an ebb-and-flow and highs-and-lows that drastic, it makes it extraordinarily difficult for not solely the geese that decision this atmosphere dwelling, but additionally the hunters who pursue them. We, at AllOutdoor, joined the chase for Maine sea duck – particularly Widespread Eiders – by the way in which of Savage Arms, TrueTimber, and Remington Ammunition by means of Penobscot Bay Outfitters.
Savage Arms Protection on AllOutdoor
Gear Loadout
Whereas many people may be veteran waterfowlers all through most of the central flyways within the Decrease 48, most of us have by no means had the chance to hunt Maine sea duck breeds. It’s a distinct expertise that requires new ways, new strategies, and we have been even donning new gear. For our shotgun, we ran one of many new Savage Arms Renegauge 12 Gauge semi-auto shotguns in TrueTimber Prairie camouflage. The payload we have been delivering on geese was a number of the additionally new Remington Premier Bismuth 12 Gauge 3” boasting Hevi Bismuth #2 shot. Lastly, we have been clad in TrueTimber Prairie camouflage that includes Gore-Tex materials from head-to-toe: chest waders, subject pants, lengthy sleeves, hooded sweatshirts, winter gloves, jackets, and extra.
Searching Techniques for Ocean-Faring Fowl
To get on some Widespread Eiders for our late November hunt, we wanted to be out on the water earlier than dawn. This concerned a 3AM alarm clock; a hearty, sustaining breakfast; after which 2 hours of journey and setup on the calm, daybreak waters of Penobscot Bay. Whereas establishing our formation of Eider decoys and a lay-out boat at the hours of darkness, we needed to be aware of rock cabinets that may start jutting out of the water inside the 4 hours we hunted this one spot. The tidal change was very evident throughout our quick time searching. As soon as our day started it was 28 levels with a lightweight wind and the sleet from the day prior to this fortunately broke. It was a pristine, however chilly morning for our 1st day of searching.
Widespread Eider Sea Geese
What was on our minds have been Widespread Eiders. You possibly can see dozens of various duck breeds on the waters of Penobscot Bay together with a number of Eider breeds, however we have been particularly setup for the jumbo, lovely Widespread Eider. A a lot rarer sight can be a King Eider which boasts a distinguished, multi-colored beak. Eiders are recognized for diving deep to fish for mussels which they eat entire – shell, meat, and all. Their digestive system comprises specialised, inexperienced bile to interrupt down the shells of their most well-liked meal. Eiders are additionally a particular duck as a result of they seem like they’ve been packin’ on the feed bag. They’re both the largest, blimp duck you could have ever seen or are akin to a small snow goose. Regardless, they’re a hearty, robust fowl. Additionally they are deceptively quick for his or her dimension. In all, we may harvest 3 eiders per day.
Morning Harvest
Because the morning mild started to creep from the East, we instantly started to see birds. They swiftly buzzed the bay from all instructions because the boys chased the ladies, they usually all sought out the very best feeding grounds or areas to relaxation. Inside a minute of our information from Penobscot Bay Outfitters dropping me off in my lay-out boat, I had Eiders circling into my decoy unfold. The 1st pair of Eiders introduced to me the place I may barely establish them within the but very darkish bay… I missed! Everyone knows it occurs once we hunt. Whether or not it was poor sighting within the barely authorized taking pictures hours, lack of espresso, or operator error, I remained constructive and reloaded for the following fly-by of Eiders. Inside quarter-hour I acquired buzzed once more a number of occasions and knocked down 3 Widespread Eiders in a row to finish my restrict for the day. It was then time to change out with others from my searching social gathering ready close to shore for his or her flip.
Last Ideas – Maine Sea Duck Hunt with Savage Arms
Searching Widespread Eiders on Penobscot Bay in Maine was a very surreal expertise. You’re rolling within the bay in a lay-out boat much like a large kayak taking pictures at outsized geese which might be eerily chunky and quick. Past that, we acquired to deploy a shotgun within the Savage Arms Renegauge Prairie – that’s each new to me and new to the market – that was nimble, correct, and light-recoiling. Furthermore, the ammunition we utilized for fast, humane harvests did precisely that; it put down birds. Our hunt was frigid, however picturesque… difficult, however memorable… overseas, however now firmly cemented in our reminiscences.
For anybody who has not gone sea duck searching in Penobscot Bay with the Penobscot Bay Outfitters, we can’t advocate it sufficient! Lastly, there’s a nice because of be made to TrueTimber for outfitting our whole searching social gathering plus the assist of Savage Arms and Remington for large gear driving a profitable hunt. As all the time, tell us your entire ideas within the Feedback under! We all the time respect your suggestions.
