I just returned from AR after a great morning of goose hunting with Tim Reaves of Southern Waterfowlers. Our small party of 3 shot 29 geese by 9am and two were banded snow's. Tim's was banded in Manitoba and mine in James Bay. Both males. We shot our limit (2) of prized Speck's in 30 minutes over my new full body speck decoys. They fell into those 6 dekes like it was time for Christmas dinner. Our mix consisted of Specks, Blue's, Snow's and a Ross goose. The conservation season will run Jan 28-Feb 1st and reopen Feb 4th-April. Best time in south Arkansas is February unless it gets cold and then it may last into March. Cost is $200 per day (pay when you arrive) no deposit required. Food and lodging is included. You are expected to help put out and pick up decoys but that doesn't take long because they will work to smaller spreads if your in the right place. I recommend 12ga w/3" 1s or BBs but your welcome to bring your favorite scattergun. A visit to Mack's Prairie Wings store in Stuttgart is a must; it's a duck hunters candy store. RNT calls are next door. No license needed but you must have an Arkansas Conservation number. It's free, just call the AR G&F and ask for it. Keep it in your billfold while hunting. No limit; no plug in your shotgun; hunt till 30 mins after sunset and electronic calling is allowed. Tim can be reached at:870-308-0496



The conservation season is now booked full~ Dates won't be confirmed until after next week; the end of duck season. Those that have already talked to Tim will be sorted out for their dates right after the AR duck season closes (Jan 27th). I'm heading over soon so many I'll get to post another report before the conservation season starts.

You guys look like you were hunting in a desert. LOL
Congrats on the banded geese and those blues are especially nice!!

Thanx LionHead. I'm going to mount the banded snow and one of the blue's. I'm still looking for a speck with a 90%+ black belly.

Do you hunt out of pits or layout blinds ?
How many in a party ?

When we hunt snow's they are very mobile, so the best blind is no blind. We use available cover and that comes in many forms. If your well camo'd and use a full face mask or paint, you'll not be seen. Usually, a party is close friends: 3-4 guys but we have hunted as a mixed group at the request of another guide. There were 10 of us and we hammered some geese. That is a rare occasion and not what is common. Put your own group together or come hunt alone, but fire power is really needed on flocks that can number in the thousands. This morning he told me he saw the most geese he'd ever seen. LDK

David, I'd like to talk to you about this in Reno. I think this is a hunt my wife and I may enjoy for a few days.

Scott

I could probably swing this for a few days as well, if there is a group that needs a few more...

Scott, Patricio, I may be in as well if you guys go. May have a buddy as well. Not gonna be at Reno but PM me if you put something together. I am not to restricted as to when.

Guys, I won't be in Reno, I'm finishing up on ducks and geese here at home (a most important project you see ) and getting ready for the NWTF convention Feb 15-17th. I'd be more than happy if we could meet for this light goose hunt (Snow's, Blue's and Ross geese) and Tim told me yesterday he'd never seen so many geese. Lots of rain here in the Southeast but he always advises whether to come on down or stay home if things go south with the weather. Camp is on the backwaters of the Arkansas river and for sure, it's out in the Counnnnntry! Any of you want more details just give me a call. Stuttgart is only 35-40 minutes away and the rice field along the road are sure to please the waterfowl photographer/bird watcher. Mack's Prairie Wings store is the proverbial "kid in a candy store" for the hunter and home decor fan. This would be a grand affair if we shot no geese at all. Call me, we can make this happen. LDK

Our conservation season is now booked full. If any openings become available, I will post it here. Those that have called and talked to Tim will be given firm dates after next weekends closing of the AR duck season. Thank you, LDK