duck hunting guide

[Matthew Longley]

Has anyone ever used a duck hunting guide in VA or MD?  Buddy and I are interested in getting out before the season ends, but neither of us have been before.  As I understand it you don't need a hunting license if you are with a registered guide?  Really appreciate any recommendations or general thoughts.

Sorry if this isn't quite fly fishing related, but to atone I'll bring a bunch of feathers to the next beer tie (assuming I get a hunt in and I'm able to, um, coerce them from their original owner)

[Matt Sheedy]

You don't need a license if you go to a RSA like Pintail Point or Gunpowder Game Farm, where they release farm raised birds(ducks and/or pheasants).  If you want to hunt wild ducks and geese, you'll need a hunter safety card and license.

[Brad]

Matt is correct, nobody is exempt from a Fed waterfowl stamp. 

If you have a canoe there is decent jump shooting for ducks and geese on the Potomac. 

[Eric Kruel]

You can do pretty well out on Pohick Bay through Fort Belvoir's MWR program.  They have several blinds along the bay and have a lottery system to select blinds on Sunday afternoons for the following week.  All blinds are on the water so you will need something that floats.  I haven't been hunting there for the last two years since my buddy sold his duck boat.  I have seen people use canoes and kayaks to get to the blinds as well.  You can either access the blinds though Fort Belvoir's marina or Pohick Bay park.  We did very well over three seasons for a couple of beginners that didn't really know what they were doing,  I was surprised at our success.  It is open to both military and civilians, give the archery center at Fort Belvoir a call for more info.

On Thursday, November 15, 2012 5:33:12 PM UTC-5, Matthew Longley wrote: