November 2001

With few exceptions duck hunting did not enjoy a banner year in the lower 48 states. However one of those exceptions was our seaduck hunt on the coast of Maine, in Penobscot Bay.

Some of the secrets to seaduck hunting in Penobscot Bay are the vast majority of Common Eiders, Old Squaws, and three species of Scoters that winter here. They feed on the abundant supply of shellfish. Another reason the hunting is always consistent is the many rock islands providing shelter for ducks, regardless of the wind direction or velocity. Plus these islands provide the perfect platform from which to hunt, regardless of the weather.

North of Maine, in Nova Scotia, Canada the coastal bays are wide open to the ocean, not containing the many rock islands of the coast to the south, thus not providing shelter for the ducks & hunters. So in November, which is a prime hunting time, our destination was Penobscot Bay, three hours by car, from the Portland Airport. To add to the trip we rented a van at the airport, drove twenty minutes north to the quaint village of Freeport, which is the home of that famous retailer L.L. Bean. Here we purchased our license and waterfowl stamp, had a good look around, and off again. I must say however that Marks Outdoors in Vestavia is more complete than the hunting department in Bean.

Our home away from home for this true duck hunting adventure was Captain Ned Stearns waterfront house on the back water of the bay. Ned's house and hunting operation can accommodate up to six hunters. While staying at Ned's we were served lots of Maine seafood, including a lobster feast the first night.

The typical day started about 4:30 am with a quick continental breakfast, jump in the vehicles, and off to the boat ramp. The short boat run is one to three miles from the ramp. Our group got settled on the rock island while Ned and his assistant put out about three dozen Common Eider decoys. The decoys have to be more securely anchored than anywhere I have ever hunted, due to the swift currents and tides that rise and fall twice a day eleven to thirteen feet. Hunting these coastal bays is not for the inexperienced. If you were not raised in these coastal conditions it is necessary to use an experienced, licensed waterman.

Just as the first light appeared a small flock of Eiders headed straight for the decoys. As they attempted to drop into the decoys the three of us sat up and emptied our Benellis resulting in five big Eiders. Fortunately on this pass we didn't wound any birds. The down on these big birds is so thick that unless you deliver a head shot the result will be a wounded Eider. In most cases wounded birds will dive and hold on to the bottom, and you have wasted a bird. We were shooting #2's, 3 inch ammo. And that did the trick.

As the morning wore on, flock after flock of Eiders, and Scoters decoyed readily until we limited out with five Eiders and two Scoters each. The three mornings of seaduck action usually ended by 9:30 am. But the day was far from over, as we had scheduled our trip in the double hunt period of the season.

The morning hunt is only half of the fun as the state of Maine allows a limit of five puddle ducks in addition to the seven seaduck limit. For two of our three day hunt we went into the upper bays, right after the seaduck hunt, and set up for Black Ducks, Buffleheads, and Green-wing Teal. The tides dictate when you hunt for puddle ducks. The third day it was necessary to return to the house for lunch, a short nap, and back to hunting. The success rate of puddle hunting was just as good as the early morning hunts. We collected a beautiful Black Duck each and finished up our limits with a mixture of other species, mainly Buffle-heads and American Goldeneyes.

This hunt is a must, for it is always productive in one of the most beautiful areas of our country. To get good hunting dates you must book early and go prepared for real winter weather.

Charles Arndt
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