The X

Teal flights are often but not always early, short, and sweet. If you find yourself watching but not shooting shortly after daybreak, it may be time for a quick move. This is one reason Haydel favors a mobile approach in the early season. 

"After a few flights in the morning, you can usually predict what's going to happen," Haydel says. "That magic window of opportunity may last an hour and a half, and it may last half an hour. If you're hunting one of those short days, moving quickly can be critical. If you're hunting light, you can always move, and if it doesn't pay off, you can move back." 

"I always like to be on the 'X' at first light, but I've had some great teal hunting later in the morning," Daughrity adds. "Some mornings, teal don't seem to really start flying well until nearly 8 o'clock. If you are not on the X from prior scouting, all is not lost. Of course, if the birds are piling into a spot 200 yards away, you need to relocate immediately, because the flight can fall off at any time." 

Continue Reading >>