Duck and Goose Combo Trip
November 15/16, 2011
A Waterfowler's Paradise
The 28,000 acre Potholes Reservoir in central Washington is often described as a waterfowlers's paradise and has been a destination for duck hunters for decades.
Formed by the construction of O'Sullivan Dam across Crab Creek in 1949, the impoundment flooded thousands of acres of shallow feeding habitat that are a magnet for dabbling and diving ducks in the Pacific Flyway.
The lake holds astounding numbers of widgeon, pintail, teal, bufflehead, canvasback, redheads, wood ducks, goldeneye, shovelers, scaup, and the most sought after species in the Northwest, the mallard. On any given week during the hunting season approximately 250,000 ducks can be found in the Potholes region.
The sheer numbers of ducks found on Potholes Reservoir and the 30 plus years of experience that the Meseberg's have guiding hunters on the lake is why we've chosen Mar Don Resort for The Outdoor Line's
We're offering both guided and non-guided packages thru Mar Don for this hunt to accomodate as many people as possible. With 28,000 acres of quacker habitat in their back yard containing hundreds of hidey-holes there's more than enough area on the lake to provide a quality hunt for everyone.
Mar Don Resort
The resort resides on the shores of Potholes Reservoir and has luxury park cottages, a motel, RV sites, sportsmans cottages, a bar and grill, and cleaning stations for birds. An on-site sporting goods shop has a full compliment of shotgun shells, duck calls, camo, and other hunting necessities. Mar Don Resort is one stop shopping for the waterfowl hunter!
The Hunt
For those that haven't hunted Potholes Reservoir, the lake is a confusing maze of sand dunes, creek channels, and islands that make it nearly impossible for the inexperienced hunter to access the pockets of water where the truly remarkable hunting occurs. Nearly impossible, that is, unless you roll with Mesebergs in the "Duck Taxi"!
The Duck Taxi is actually two 23 and 25 foot jet boats that they operate to ferry hunters to remote hunting blinds in the greenhead-holding recesses of the reservoir. In addition to the shallow running sleds they also operate airboats out of Mar Don.
Whether on a guided or non-guided hunt the years of experience these guys have running this maze of hunt-ending sand bars make the Duck Taxi a very valuable service on the lake.
The Mesebergs also have prime local goose properties tied up that provide excellent hunting throughout the winter months. Canada goose hunting is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in Washington State. These hunts usually consist of field hunting in either pit blinds or layout blinds.
Here's some great videos and a lengthy trip report from our 2010 Waterfowl Weekend at Mar Don Resort to give you an idea of what's in store for you.
Guided Hunts
Guided hunts on this trip will include an experienced guide, dekes, dog, and Mar Don's famous duck kabobs. This is your chance to say, "Throw another duck kabob on the barby mate!" After a few hours of shooting your guide will bust out the ol' feed bag and throw a mess of duck kabobs on the hunting blind barbecue. The kabobs feature marinated duck meat, pineapple, peppers, apples, bacon, and pieces of cheddar wurst. If a commotion breaks out in the Dunes Saturday morning you can bet your last shotgun shell it'll be Endsley and Nelson fighting over these delicious treats.
Non Guided Hunts
There's a lot of folks out there with enough experience to call ducks and set out a productive spread, but they may not have access to a boat and the knowledge to get to the best locations in the dunes. Non-guided hunts include a ride in the Duck Taxi to a brushed-out blind in prime duck waters, 45 dekes already set in a spread, and a pram to retrieve your downed quackers. Hunters are also welcome to bring their own decoys, dogs, and a cooler full of their own duck kabobs.
Ammo, Clothing, and Hunting Licenses
Clothing: Duck hunting in the dunes requires hip boots or chest waders, camo clothing and some layering to keep warm. Many of our repeat customers wear pack boots, heavy coats and bibs. On a guided hunt you do not need hip waders.
Licenses: Hunting licenses and Federal duck stamps can be purchased at Mar Don Store and hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase the necessary licenses before the morning hunt. If arriving after hours please contact the resort at 800.416.2736 with your info and they will have a license waiting for you.
Ammo: The best shells for ducks are number 1 and 2 steel or 2 and 4 "non tox" (Heavy shot tungsten etc.). The best shells for geese are bbb, T steel and b, or 2 "non tox" (Heavy shot tungsten etc.)
Cost
The Mesebergs have been kind enough to heavily discount these packages by an incredible 15% for The Outdoor Line's listeners! This incredible offer is good for this trip only.
"Waterfowl Weekend" Packages at Mar Don Resort
Guided Hunt-$500 per person ($630 Value)
Non-Guided Hunt-$400 per person ($490 Value)
Packages Include:
- Luxury Cottage, Triple Occupancy for Monday and Tuesday Nights
- Sand Dune Hunt on Tuesday and Goose Hunt on Wednesday
- Friday Night Dinner and Orientation the Beach Bar and Grill (Duck Calling Contest, Sponsor Schwag)
- Alcohol, Sales Tax, and Gratuities Not Included
Hosted By
Rob Endsley and Tom Nelson
To reserve your space on this exciting hunting trip contact Mar Don Resort at 1-800-416-2736 or log onto their website at www.mardonresort.com.
Featured Trip
Waterfowl Combo Trip
November 15 & 16, 2011
The 28,000 acre Potholes Reservoir in central Washington is often described as a waterfowlers's paradise and has been a destination for duck hunters for decades. Formed by the construction of O'Sullivan Dam across Crab Creek in 1949, the impoundment flooded thousands of acres of shallow feeding habitat that are a magnet for dabbling and diving ducks in the Pacific Flyway. The lake holds astounding numbers of widgeon, pintail, teal, bufflehead, canvasback, redheads, wood ducks, goldeneye...
Get more trip information