Generally speaking, the 2023/24 season was pretty good with a few tough days. November was disapointing for the most part, most of the birds arrived later than normal.
Bufflehead & Sea ducks accounted for most of the shooting. It was a good year on Black ducks, they were by far our the most abundant puddle duck. Brant & Greenwing numbers were way up. Bluebill, Goldeneye, Redhead, Mallard, Shoveler, Ruddy duck, Gadwall &Wigeon were also taken. There were more Snows this year than in the past 5 years but we weren't expecting them are weren't ready. Next year we will have spreads out. There were good numbers of both Hooded and Red breasted Mergansers. We also had good numbers of Canada geese.
We added layout boats last year. Layout boats are weather sensitive and we had a bunch of wind this year. Layouts can be uncomfortable to set in for a long period of time, but for the right person and the right conditions they are a option.
We will again be offering our early booking special ; $215.00 pp for all hunts booked and deposits received by May 31st. Hunts booked after May 31st will be $229.00 PP. We are also offering our early season special; hunt 2 days and get the 3rd day free on hunts taken in November only. The hunt 2/ 3rd day free sold out early last year, so book asap. You can take advantage of both specials, but they can't be combined. $50.00 per person, per day is required to reserve a hunt. Deposits are not refundable, but are transferable to another open date with adequate notice, including the following year.
This is the time to book your Rail hunt if you want the best dates. Rail opens Sept. 14th stays in intil Nov. 3rd, reopens Nov. 13th & stays in until Dec.1st. The best dates go fast. This years regular waterfowl season is anticipated to be Nov. 20th thru Dec. 1st & Dec.19th thru Jan. 31st. Brant is Dec. 23rd thru 31st & Jan. 11th thru 31st. Canada goose Nov. 19th/ Jan. 1st & Jan. 16th til Jan. 31st. Snow goose Oct. 17th til Jan.31th. We plan on hunting the Chesapeake this coming season, for mostly Divers & seaducks. It should offer a better shot at Can's, Redheads & Bluebills and they also have plenty of seaducks. If you are interested let Jan know when you book. The Chesapeake is more weather sensitive than Chincoteague so it depends on the weather conditions.
If you would like to reserve a hunt please call Jan at 757-336-3474 anytime before 5pm. If you need information on a hunt please call Captain Pete at 757-894-8148, but it's best to reach Pete by email at pete@duckguide.com
PS. For those that fish, check us out on facebook; fish tales/ duckguide.com or www.chincoteague.fish
Captain Pete