The Biologist, Christian Winslow, has some tips for prospective hunters:
1. Most waterfowl hunters use the Prairie. However, there are a number of other places to hunt on the area, such as: potholes at the end of the Galva, off inlets from Pass Manchac, 1st Canal, Cecil’s Ditch and Schlieder’s Ditch. A look at an aerial photograph will show miles of old logging runs and other potholes.
2. On opening weekends there are a lot of hunters. Later in the season, especially on weekdays, hunter numbers are way down and working birds is much easier.
3. Consider hunting on up in the day. Many hunters show up for the morning flight, then go home. Persistence often pays.
4. Hunt the weather fronts which may bring in new birds.
5. Watch the wind. A cold front rolling in from the north or northwest for several days may leave the water in the Prairie very shallow. East to Southeast winds tend to blow the water in.
6. Hunters may shine a light before dawn to let other approaching hunters know where they are set up.
7. Use of a pirogue or dog may help reduce cripple loss.
8. Hunters should remember to fill out a DSCP each day, and shooting hours stop at 2 p.m. each afternoon.
