I got drawn for a hunt for 12/26. I went on a youth hunt there like 20 years ago. Anybody been recently?

I've never drawn a hunt (only put in a couple times) but I have been out on the refuge in the winter time. About 7-8 years ago I went with a group from auburn one Saturday. There were probably a couple thousand or so ducks we saw. Lots of different species. From what I've heard it's best to set up away from the permanent blinds if at all possible. I think hunting is on Wednesdays and Saturdays...at least it used to be.

Thanks otb that answers one of my questions.From what I remember we hunted I the permanent blind, I was wondering if anyone knew if they still had the blinds and of you had to use it or not. I'll ask someone in charge when it comes closer to time.

Did you receive your letter saying you’d been drawn today?

Yeah got it yesterday.

Been hunting the alabama unit since I was a kid. I had a really nice hunt there in the snow as recently as 2017(? I think). Year before last was poor and last year was unbelievably poor. Several hunts averaged less than one duck PER BLIND. Sometime around 2013 or 2014 they quit planting corn in the hunt unit due to budget and hog issues. I don’t know what was done this year as far as prep. They’ve been trying to manage for moist soil since they quit planting but last year around the blind I hunted it was obvious by the vegetation present that the ground hadn’t been tilled in a few years to stimulate the natural millets. I know 2 years ago it was too wet in the fall for them to even get in there to mow around the blinds.

Long story short, it’s a crap shoot. I’ve had good hunts and bad hunts there, with more bad hunts recently than in year’s past. As was posted before, your best chance is to get away from most of the permanent blinds (rules say you have to be within 100’ of them though). Some are hidden well enough. The people running the hunts are typically very friendly and will help you with questions. Follow the rules. I’ve been checked by a fed out there before. 25 shell limit but it’s obvious by the amount of shooting that people don’t follow that rule.

Double check your letter. The 26th is on a Saturday which would mean the Georgia (Bradley unit) side this year. Alabama (Kennedy unit) is on Wednesdays this year. If it is Alabama, pm me. I have been down there many times over the past five years.

Its the GA side.

I’ve hunted the area for years. On and off the refuge. Both sides of the river.
I’d be more than happy to answer any questions if you want to message me

It has been years since I went on one of these or was drawn, but I remember being told that you had to hunt from the permanent blind and setting up away from it was not allowed. It very well could have changed since then, but that was my recollection.