New Hunter looking for advice on scouting

I am new to the waterfowl game, having always wanted to hunt them but never had the opportunity but this fall I am finally taking the plunge. I know scouting is crucial to success in waterfowl hunting just like hunting anything else but I am looking for advice on what to look for when looking for areas to hunt. Also any other advice on waterfowl hunting anyone wants to give would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

If you pond hunt I would use the DNR website with Google earth. Find an area with a high consintation of sloughs and one will have a good number of birds.

http://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/magazine/september/scouting-101/

Here’s a quick look into scouting for waterfowl from last September’s Magazine.

I also highly suggest buying Scott Threinen’s Duck Society and Goose Society DVDs. From the big picture to the little details, it’s an excellent educational tool.

One thing I would add to this that it took me a long time to grasp was that the number of birds it require to have a good hunt. Its relative to the area that you’re hunting but on the prairie… if we see a few hundred birds using an area we investigate. If its a few hundred birds that have spilled over from the main wad, then thats good. If the main wad is only a few hundred… we keep moving. To get a really good hunt for 4 guys on a small pond, we want to find at least a 1,000 or more. For a field, I’d rather see 2-3k before getting too excited.

Not sure where you’re from your profile doesn’t say.
Here in MN it can be as much about finding permission as it is about finding birds. You won’t be the only one out scouting so if you find a place that looks promising you should seek out permission right away before someone gets in there ahead of you. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been scouting just to find a good spot then head to the land owner’s house and there is a truck with guys in camo pulling out of the driveway or the owner tells me there were guys just there.
If you’re looking to hunt public land your success will likely be directly related to the amount of work you are willing to do and distance you are willing to drive. Places that are easy for hunters to get at or close to populated areas are going to get pounded because many hunters aren’t willing to do a lot of work to get where they need to be. For public land the more out of the way and harder it is to get at the fewer hunters and likely more ducks you’ll find.

In the end though….it is all about windshield time and putting a lot of miles on your truck but when you find the proverbial “X” it is….oh so worth it!!