{"id":3718,"date":"2024-09-17T08:58:06","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T13:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atomiccoffee.com\/WWA\/?p=3718"},"modified":"2024-09-17T08:58:06","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T13:58:06","slug":"warden-meinholz-serious-about-waterfowl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atomiccoffee.com\/WWA\/warden-meinholz-serious-about-waterfowl\/","title":{"rendered":"Warden Meinholz: Serious About Waterfowl"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Taylor<\/a>By\u00a0<\/strong>DNR Conservation Warden Taylor Meinholz<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the early goose season on our doorstep, I\u2019d like to share with you how I prepare for one of my favorite times of the year that is as much social as actual hunting.<\/p>\n

And it helps to have a patient family and friends. More on that in a bit.<\/p>\n

My DNR conservation warden station is in Kenosha County, and I hunt primarily in southeastern areas. However, I have hunted waterfowl all over our state. My hunting started when I was twelve, and I\u2019ve been serious about waterfowl hunting for a decade.<\/p>\n

Like you, I treasure my time outdoors anywhere in Wisconsin, but waterfowl hunting is in another category for me. The waterfowl season is a way for me to get together with my friends, recall stories of our past adventures, and create new memories that will become the stories we tell next year.<\/p>\n

Equipment Prep: practice, practice, practice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before the early goose season starts and ushers in the next seasons, I take a close look at my gun.<\/p>\n

I clean and maintain my gun. Then I head to the range to test it. This is important as you don\u2019t want any surprises when you\u2019re out. I also see how I\u2019m doing by shooting trap and sporting clays.<\/p>\n

Planning the Hunt: manners, manners, manners<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most hunters agree the most important part of the outing is locking down the location. Birds are more comfortable when they have found food and security.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my general rule: When scouting geese, wherever you see the birds congregating on Friday is where you should hunt on Saturday.<\/p>\n

When approaching someone to hunt on their property, remember to be polite and always ask for permission. If you don\u2019t get permission no matter how polite you are, don\u2019t get discouraged. You may talk to ten people and get eight who say no, but you also may get two who say yes.<\/p>\n

The Set-Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

When setting up in the field, the most important thing is the hide<\/em>, which is where the hunter and blinds will be located.\u00a0 If the geese pick you out, it doesn\u2019t matter if you are a champion caller, they will not come close enough for a shot.<\/p>\n

Best-case scenario? Set up with the wind and sun at your back. Hopefully, birds will land wings out, feet down at ten yards.<\/p>\n

Safety & Regulations<\/strong><\/p>\n

There was no way I would end without reminding all of us of some important safety tips and regulations.<\/p>\n