Drew a permit and need some advice

[cmducks]

Hey Folks - I was lucky enough to have my name drawn for a permit at Noxubee for opening morning. Because of some other commitments that I've been bogged down with, I've not had a chance to scout the area, and really know very little about it.

I know, I know . . .I've not done my homework, but believe me, if I had the chance, I certainly would. This little thing called a dissertation gets in the way sometimes . . .

I agree with the vast majority on here about not discussing the specifics of hunting areas in the state, so if you have any advice or suggestions, I'd appreciate an email (cmwilson@olemiss.edu).

Thanks.

[jstanard]

Man, was I ever lucky that Noxubee wasn't open for duck hunting when I was in school. It was bad enough that I missed most of my Freshman and Sophomore classes due to deer hunting and bass fishing. If there was a duck season, I might have never stepped foot on campus.

Congrats on your lucky draw.
Skip the dissertation...Everybody wishes they were back in college after they graduate anyway. This way, you can enjoy two more years! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[Anatidae]

Well they musta changed how they select for stands. In years past, you drew #'s to establish the 'order' in which you chose a stand.

Say there were 4 permit holders that showed-up that morning (and let's just say there are 12 huntable stands that day). Johnny puts 4 ping-pong balls (#'s 1-4) in a box. If you draw #1, you get your pick of those 12 stands. Otherwise, you just wait your turn. [img]images/smiles/icon_redface.gif[/img]

If you are a 'stand-by' hunter, you sign the standy-by sheet when you get there. After the permit holders have drawn, then they'll put 8 balls (#'s 1-8 or 5-12 or whatever is left) in the box and you draw for the 'order' in which you'll choose a stand.
It's really a good system....lottery. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

There has been a board that indicates past success on the various stands however, as with most hunting spots, changing conditions doesn't guarantee consistent results on a given stand. [img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img]

We haven't hunted there since it closed in '87 or '89. But prior to that, we hunted often enough that we knew what stands were best under various conditions. Got a good mast crop this year.....oughta be good huntin if the conditions are right! Good Luck [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[ November 15, 2001: Message edited by: Anatidae ]

[cmducks]

Thanks to all of you for your replies, here and by personal email. I'm looking foward to it. Thanks again.

[limit6]

cmducks,

I have been drawn and hunted at Noxubee the last two seasons and there is no reason to scout. The way the hunt works is on the morning you are chosen to hunt, you will pick your location out of a hat and that is where you hunt. They don't just let you pick a spot. If you will notice on the map they sent you there is an area labeled GTR #1, that is where all the duck hunters will be. I was also drawn again this year for Dec. 15, let me know how you do.

The best advice I can give you about Noxubee is to call before you go and check the duck population there. Last year it had been frozen up for two weeks when I went and all the ducks were gone. Don't mean to dampen your spirits, but didn't fire a shot last year.

[Penn]

It was the ping pong ball thingie when i was drawn as well. Luck of the draw once aain once you get there....So, on a first day's hunt, you don't have the luxury of seeing what other hunters have killed on those stoands....so, with that said, he does need some help....I'd say taking the far blinds down the dam...i think #21 or #23 maybe????

Same sort of draw procedure up here in a new public araea i MO as well....Hey A, killin pintails up here now....