New hunting spots always peak our interest. However, most of us hunters wet our appetites for new surroundings when a friend or acquaintance offers to take us with them. It is still exciting, but we usually have the confidence that our buddy is well versed in the locale and all will go smoothly. We are drawn to their "honey hole" by stories of limits or grand adventures that intrigue us enough to leave the confines of our own "ace" spot and venture out in an attempt to broaden our horizons.
The truth is as interesting as new hunting spots are, most of my hunting buddies are reluctant to try new places. My friend Randy is so set in his ways it is unbelievable. You would think it was sacrilegious to hunt somewhere new. I don't exactly share my friend's religious devotion to our favorite duck blind. I must admit, however, that I find it difficult to stray away from our "known commodity" (not to be confused with a sure thing). What is really difficult is to explore a new hunting location, "cold". When I do this I always research the location thoroughly. I get maps, scout and talk to other hunters when possible. Regardless of what species of animal I am hunting or where the new place is, there is no substitute for setting up on location and seeing how it goes. It almost never goes as planned and therefore adjustments have to be made. Somehow we, I, always figure it out.
The subject of new hunting spots came up recently as we were vacationing in North Carolina. I saw large areas of wetland that looked very ducky. I told my wife that there must be a ton of ducks flying through here during the migration. That made me check the Internet for potential public hunting locations. I got up one morning and drove around to some of the local public hunting areas near Wrightsville Beach / Wilmington area. My wife volunteered to go along! I found a few awesome looking duck spots! I saw wood ducks, pintails, widgeon, teal, and scaup! I couldn't wait to text my friends and share my findings! A duck spot with plenty of ducks... that doesn't freeze! Fantastic! The response I got back was, "I've heard that before" and the like. I guess Gunner and I are going to be the brave souls to make the trip down to NC and send back pictures! I personally am excited at the possibility of getting in some good hunting in a warmer climate and only have to drive 10 hours! It certainly isn't against my religion!
