Rainwater Basin
Habitat: Emergent marshes, typically less than 24 inches in depth.
When to hunt: October and early November, teal during September season.
Primary species encountered: Dabbling ducks, Canada and white-fronted
geese in fall, snow and Ross's geese during Conservation Order.
Equipment needed: Concealment often difficult, given shallow water and
lack of tall emergent vegetation. Material for temporary blind or concealment
recommended. Blinds on public areas must be removed daily.
Public hunting areas: Abundant. Over 90 waterfowl production areas and
wildlife management areas in region.
Comments: The Rainwater Basin area is popular, given the amount of
public land available and the shallow marshes that allow most hunters to
access them with no need for specialized equipment. Hunting pressure can
be intense on weekends, but weekdays see fewer hunters. Concealment from
waterfowl is probably one of the more challenging issues facing hunters in the
Rainwater Basin. Water conditions vary annually, so hunters need to put some
time into scouting for water as well as ducks and geese.
A drake blue-winged teal feeds in the
shallows of Cottonwood Lake State
Recreation Area near Merriman.
PHOTO
BY
DOUG
STEINKE
PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
Dave McDermott and wife Angela
teal hunt at Ducks Unlimited's Verona
Complex in Clay County.
