change.

[Anatidae]

I have a 3-step plan........

1) stop talking about public hunting places on the internet
2) don't buy hunting products from manufacturers that whored-out our heritage (and public grounds) to create a market frenzy.
3) don't subscribe to publications that print 'where-to-go' articles (like "The Best Places to Hunt in Mississippi") authored by 'townies' that hunt exclusively on private land who are trying to keep subscription numbers up.

Oh, my bad...........it's too late for all that.

[chevy01234]

So are we sure that Scatters is actually going to a draw or is this something that was a knee jerk reaction to someone's misinformation? Or someone's "Friend" told them it was happening?

Just curious if there are any links to any official press releases, minutes from the meeting, etc. It is the internet, I tend to take everything I read on here with a grain of salt..

Good luck to those that hunt public land if it is true...it has been a circus there for a while now maybe this will weed out some of the bad folks that rape our natural resources and show their true colors in other's home towns since they are not from there. I know alot of good folks that hunt out there, but have seen the worst too!

IF it is true, I hate it for my buddies that hunt a lot but most of them can hunt on the weekdays too so I doubt it will affect them as much as the resident "weekend warriors". Either way, it sucks not being able to just up and go when you'd like too whenever you'd like too.

[msbigdawg1234]

Honestly ,I cant speak for the other areas and WMA's but i can speak for what happened to Mahanna...at first i was 1000000000% against it but after hunting there during the draw ....it was the best thing that has happened to it.....hunts are enjoyable now and we are killing more birds( if ya know how to hunt the place).....I hate seeing us loose public ground to go when ya want but it was a good thing for Mahanna.......

[greenheadgrimreaper]

I missed over the part where it's only on weekends. To me, that doesn't sound too unreasonable. There are a growing number of waterfowlers, alot of whom, are fairly new to the sport who support draws overwhelmingly. These are the weekend warriors. Let them have their draw, sure...it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

And step (2) of Anatidae's plan is what is truly degrading to this sport. The same people who have left me absolutely DISGUSTED with the hardcore deer crowd are now doing the same with waterfowling. Same with bass fishing. Sportsmen/women are going to have to learn that something as precious as the outdoors cannot and SHOULD not be raped by these jackasses tryin to make a buck. Just like seeing these draws coming, I think the majority who don't fish or hunt will eventually turn against us because of the obvious exploitation of the fish and game we love so much. I think it'll happen sooner than later, in fact it already is.

Like I said, I don't have a dog in the race. I never hunt it on the weekends anyway, and I'll help out any way I can. But it's up to someone who's heart is really in it to get it going forward. However the majority of the time nobody steps to plate. Good luck with whatever you guys decide to do.

[LODI QUACKER]

It affects the Poor SOB that must work all week long not to mention the fact that children must go to school during the week. When else can you take your kids hunting. THE WEEKEND!!!

Cheating you and your children. The new moto for MSWF&P!

[MSDuckmen]

I have a 3-step plan........

1) stop talking about public hunting places on the internet
2) don't buy hunting products from manufacturers that whored-out our heritage (and public grounds) to create a market frenzy.
3) don't subscribe to publications that print 'where-to-go' articles (like "The Best Places to Hunt in Mississippi") authored by 'townies' that hunt exclusively on private land who are trying to keep subscription numbers up.

Oh, my bad...........it's too late for all that.

I forgot how funny Anatidae can be but he is right on track with his post.

As I sat here and read the 9 plus pages of post on this issue I have to wonder why all the people that are so vocal about this now was not at the WMA meeting to begin with. It is easy to sit here and throw darts at the Department for a decision they make when you the gripers didn't offer a solution. The heritage has already been bastardized by the new X Generation of hunters. Those that choose to buy these ridicules motors to get to the best spot first and set up there dozens spinners, calling on their 200.00 acrylic calls from the time they get there till they leave. Sky busting is the norm and little to no respect for other hunters or the heritage that was once a gentleman's sport that has turned into a free for all pack of juveniles that was never taught what it means to be a real sportsman.

I was at the meeting and let them know that just such actions that take place at the scatters is the very reason I moved to deer hunting more. Quality hunting is much better than quantity. I personal made the public statement that the answer can lie with only two solutions. One is the Draw that will eliminate the race and constant back and forth of the new hot rod duckers. Or simple remove the use of ALL motors on the scatters. If you can't walk in or pole/paddle in you don't hunt.

Every bit of this was brought on by the actions of the hunters on that WMA. Blame rest securely on the shoulders of the hunters and their actions. The Department has heard these problems almost every year that I have attended these meetings and no one offered a solution except for limits on shells on the WMA. That really made a difference didn't it. Seems to me that the hunters still found away around that rule.

The Department made a decision that they knew would not be popular, costly for them and more work yet they choose to do this to stop the constant bitching and griping coming from that area. They responded to the complaints as best they could. Does it suck? Yeah it sucks that hunters act the way they do and require actions like this to have to be put in place.

They are dammed if they do and dammed if they don't. The Genius that brought Pollis's name out has no clue how the decision was made or who made it. The forum user only wanted to point fingers and call names and threaten the Department. Well good luck with that I hope it works out for you.

Blame who you want but you really might want to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you have done anything to help the situation by offering solutions that will work or have even made the effort to attend the meeting to hear what the others are saying. It is interesting how the roaches come out when the lights are turned off.

It is really shameful to read some of the post and know that these people see themselves as sportsmen. We whine about regulations and whine when they are not enforced and whine when there should be more regulations. Be part of the solution or shut up.

[Trip]

I understand that people are going to cry and moan about every decision made, but I don't see where going to the draw can do anything but hurt duck hunting on wma's in MS. It does not matter if you are on a wma, lake, or an oxbow of the ms river people are going to set up by you or try and beat you to a spot. I've been dealing with it my whole life. What good is complaining and letting the state come in and lay out more rules going to do anyone? If you beat me to a spot that I wanted to hunt, enjoy it today because I'll be there earlier tomorrow. If you set up too close I will let you know, and you can either join me or watch the show. All of these things happened this year and they will happen next year, but why not act like men and quit complaining b/c someone has a mudmotor or expensive call and just hunt to the best of your ability when you get the opportunity.

[MSDuckmen]

I understand that people are going to cry and moan about every decision made, but I don't see where going to the draw can do anything but hurt duck hunting on wma's in MS. It does not matter if you are on a wma, lake, or an oxbow of the ms river people are going to set up by you or try and beat you to a spot. I've been dealing with it my whole life. What good is complaining and letting the state come in and lay out more rules going to do anyone? If you beat me to a spot that I wanted to hunt, enjoy it today because I'll be there earlier tomorrow. If you set up too close I will let you know, and you can either join me or watch the show. All of these things happened this year and they will happen next year, but why not act like men and quit complaining b/c someone has a mudmotor or expensive call and just hunt to the best of your ability when you get the opportunity.

That pretty much is the point Trip.
Today in the scatters you can't have a quality hunt as there is too many that want it all. What I have seen it doesn't matter if you tell them they are too close or not. The constant back and forth to the launch. The boys who shoot all their shells then go back to the truck for another box. It's a joke it is not hunting and has very little to do with the heritage what was once a joy.
The real problem was the invent of the spinner. When they came to be any yahoo that could hold a gun found out they could kill a duck with a spinner. No time required to learn the art of duck hunting just throw out a bunch of decoys and a couple spinners and start calling.
when the ducks are with 50 yards let them have it. Blind limits are the norm and more birds are wounded and educated today than they ever were a decade ago. You have been dealing with it your whole life. Well I dealt with it for 40 years and yes you would have the occasional booty but for the most part people respected each other. I sure don't see that today.

[Double R 2]

Or simple remove the use of ALL motors on the scatters. If you can't walk in or pole/paddle in you don't hunt.

Gets my vote. Keep all motorized vehicles out of all WMAs.

[greenheadgrimreaper]

They are dammed if they do and dammed if they don't. The Genius that brought Pollis's name out has no clue how the decision was made or who made it. The forum user only wanted to point fingers and call names and threaten the Department. Well good luck with that I hope it works out for you.
Blame who you want but you really might want to look in the mirror and ask yourself if you have done anything to help the situation by offering solutions that will work or have even made the effort to attend the meeting to hear what the others are saying. It is interesting how the roaches come out when the lights are turned off.
It is really shameful to read some of the post and know that these people see themselves as sportsmen. We whine about regulations and whine when they are not enforced and whine when there should be more regulations. Be part of the solution or shut up.

I'm sorry but I have to comment. MSDucks I have respect for you, I do. However I find it hard to read your post when they are so condescending. Am I a genius no, but you do not know me or others who have commented and I've seen you say it yourself- for folks to withdraw passing judgement on your character if they do not know you. You don't know me. You don't know me as a sportsman, as a person.

It seems you come on and comment on a subject with condescending tones then back off and leave. You have no idea what goes on around here, apparently. I have dealt with the MDWFP. I have had roundtable discussions with Kevin B., Ed Penny, Jeff mangrum, Mississippi DU officials etc. about waterfowl issues important to myself and others. I demanded respect and Ed and Kevin still came across as rude for what believed, was because we were questioning the dept. I had no idea of this coming but I have been calling for solution to the draw problem.

Once again, making judgments on others' character isn't wise if you don't know them or what they have been saying. I have for, at least 3 years been trying to move others to speak out and voice solutions to the draw problem. And I'm sorry if Polles isn't as beloved to others as he is to yourself...however it seems under his control the dept has continually made bad decisions on wildlife matters, and a majority of people are getting more and more angry at the Dept. Not just deer and duck guys either.

So call me the "genius" the "roach", what have you. But I can assure you MR. Dan, that regardless of your blind assumptions, I stay involved on all matters of the wildlife that I hunt via email, phone, etc., and I will not hesitate to speak out against govt officials if I don't agree. Period.

[greenheadgrimreaper]

Oh and btw, when the debate over mud motors without mufflers came up, I said I didn't have a dog in the race as the only noise I make is a j-stroke with a paddle. I have always thought no motors on wmas would be a tremendous move to cut out the BS. As a matter of fact Ed Penny told me that the tradition has been to manage waterfowl areas where motors could access the areas. He said they are looking to get away from this mindset. Sounds like good news to me. As long as I don't have to get drawn to hunt it.

[MSDuckmen]

greenheadgrimreaper
I didn't call anyone out only made an opinion on the subject. Regardless

I feel the problem is just as I stated. The problem falls directly on the shoulders of the users of that resource for many reasons.

I posted weeks ago on Feb 14th about the meeting that was taking place and it died a slow death with only Don Miller making the time to attend.

It may seem that I was calling you out but the fact is I called out the responce that was being given. If you feel that it was directed to you then you must think you were doing the same things I was talking about.

You are right in that I don't know you. I don't know many on this board anymore. I have been disappointed by several that frequent this site. No doubt that there are many great people on this site I just choose to do things in a different way than most. With that comes personal values and ethics.

The one thing that is common in this issue that can be related to our new president is that people want change. Well Change is what we got and now people don't like either. I didn't vote for the president the X Generation did, and I didn't vote to make the scatters change but I was there to offer solutions and listen to the problems. I don't recall seeing you there!

I'm not out to call anyone person down but I'm not going to sit back and not voice my opinion when Names of people I respect start getting thrown around as if they were the problem.

Until people have walked in the shoes of those men that have to battle the babies every day no one has an idea what their mind set is.

[greenheadgrimreaper]

The Genius that brought Pollis's name out

Hmmm...not calling me out...I know damned well I'm speaking out against the authority, I don't have to question my subconscious. However, I digress.

I didn't know about the meeting as I wouldn 't have had the funds to get there anyway. I will have to point out that it seems you have a close relationship with the higher up officials of the Dept; so is it safe to say that you automatically have bias towards this subject anyway?

And seriously...save it with the Generation X bs... you want to lose credibility with the young people? Especially the ones who have a sense of respect for authority and decent raisings? Start dissing us and referring to us as Generation X and voting for change blah blah blah. If I am anything it's generation 3. Because waterfowling in my family runs way back. I know nothing of this "generation x" you speak of.

I gave up hunting the scatters, for the most part. I have a canoe and a few crappy blocks, and I do my dibble dabbling around when I can. My disdain for the sport has been a long time coming anyhow. Even if I would have know about the meeting I wouldn't have gone, so you can hold that over my head...I guess... Like I said I stay in contact with Dept people via email and phone on subject matters dear to me. And I have and will sit down face to face to discuss it. Whether the scatters goes draw, at this point, is no matter to me. I can honestly say I have recommended to dept guys honest, sensible solutions to help the problem. If they think making it a draw is THE solution then fine.


I was only giving my take on the best way to start a petitioning process to a fellow who obviously feels dear about the place. If speaking out is a crime, then give me my tombstone pizza and pull the trigger.

[LODI QUACKER]

Some of yall absolutely MAKE ME SICK AT MY STOMACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BS!!!!!!!

They dont like the race, Make a small change. Its not that difficult guys. A draw takes the resouces away from EVERYBODY. You all know its the truth. You may not want to admit it because your buddy is making the decision but its the truth.

Political BS and good ol boy system in MS is an absolute crock of feces.

Point is, the crybabies and whiners that get these things started DO NOT CARE!!!!!!!! They stir this pot of stink up and hope for the best. The Best for them is for it to go to a draw.

Why you ask. so they dont have the Numbers of hunters competing for the birds on ther PRIVATE land.!!!!

Dont tell me for one second that the only option is to go to a draw. Thats BS!!! Thats the easiest solution for management, no doubt about that, but the only one. No no other options have even been tryed.

[MSDuckmen]

Some of yall absolutely MAKE ME SICK AT MY STOMACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BS!!!!!!!

They dont like the race, Make a small change. Its not that difficult guys. A draw takes the resouces away from EVERYBODY. You all know its the truth. You may not want to admit it because your buddy is making the decision but its the truth.

Political BS and good ol boy system in MS is an absolute crock of feces.

Point is, the crybabies and whiners that get these things started DO NOT CARE!!!!!!!! They stir this pot of stink up and hope for the best. The Best for them is for it to go to a draw.

Why you ask. so they dont have the Numbers of hunters competing for the birds on ther PRIVATE land.!!!!

Dont tell me for one second that the only option is to go to a draw. Thats BS!!! Thats the easiest solution for management, no doubt about that, but the only one. No no other options have even been tryed.

Actually it is not the best solution as it puts much more work on them. The problem is the hunters that push the limits and show little to no respect for the others or a solution would not have to happen to begin with.
My vote would have been to stop all motor use on the scatters. Got to paddle or push pole only but there would have been those that oppose that as well.

Sorry your feeling so sick but hey warm weather is on its way.