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 modifications of 10 – 12 ft 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 setting house, but additionally the hunters who pursue them. We, at AllOutdoor, joined the chase for Maine sea duck – particularly Common Eiders – by the best way of Savage Arms, TrueTimber, and Remington Ammunition via Penobscot Bay Outfitters.
Savage Arms Coverage on AllOutdoor
Equipment Loadout
While many people could be veteran waterfowlers all through lots of the central flyways within the Lower 48, most of us have by no means had the chance to hunt Maine sea duck breeds. It is a definite expertise that requires new techniques, new strategies, and we had 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 had been delivering on geese was a number of the additionally new Remington Premier Bismuth 12 Gauge 3” boasting Hevi Bismuth #2 shot. Finally, we had been clad in TrueTimber Prairie camouflage that includes Gore-Tex materials from head-to-toe: chest waders, area pants, lengthy sleeves, hooded sweatshirts, winter gloves, jackets, and extra.
Hunting Tactics for Ocean-Faring Fowl
To get on some Common Eiders for our late November hunt, we would have liked 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. While establishing our formation of Eider decoys and a lay-out boat at midnight, we needed to be aware of rock cabinets that will start jutting out of the water inside the 4 hours we hunted this one spot. The tidal change was very evident throughout our brief time looking. Once 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 looking.
Common Eider Sea Ducks
What was on our minds had been Common Eiders. You can see dozens of various duck breeds on the waters of Penobscot Bay together with a number of Eider breeds, however we had been particularly setup for the jumbo, lovely Common Eider. A a lot rarer sight can be a King Eider which boasts a outstanding, multi-colored beak. Eiders are recognized for diving deep to fish for mussels which they eat entire – shell, meat, and all. Their digestive system accommodates specialised, inexperienced bile to interrupt down the shells of their most popular meal. Eiders are additionally a particular duck as a result of they appear like they’ve been packin’ on the feed bag. They are both the most important, blimp duck you have got ever seen or are akin to a small snow goose. Regardless, they’re a hearty, powerful chook. They are also deceptively quick for his or her dimension. In all, we might harvest 3 eiders per day.
Morning Harvest
As the morning gentle 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 women, and so they all sought out the perfect feeding grounds or areas to relaxation. Within 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 offered to me the place I might barely determine them within the but very darkish bay… I missed! We all realize it occurs once we hunt. Whether it was poor sighting within the barely authorized taking pictures hours, lack of espresso, or operator error, I remained constructive and reloaded for the subsequent fly-by of Eiders. Within quarter-hour I received buzzed once more a number of instances and knocked down 3 Common Eiders in a row to finish my restrict for the day. It was then time to change out with others from my looking get together ready close to shore for his or her flip.
Final Thoughts – Maine Sea Duck Hunt with Savage Arms
Hunting Common Eiders on Penobscot Bay in Maine was a really surreal expertise. You are rolling within the bay in a lay-out boat just like a large kayak taking pictures at outsized geese which are eerily chunky and quick. Beyond that, we received 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. Moreover, 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 recollections.
For anybody who has not gone sea duck looking in Penobscot Bay with the Penobscot Bay Outfitters, we can not advocate it sufficient! Finally, there’s a nice because of be made to TrueTimber for outfitting our complete looking get together plus the assist of Savage Arms and Remington for super gear driving a profitable hunt. As at all times, tell us your whole ideas within the Comments under! We at all times admire your suggestions.
