Attention Bird Hunters: Advise on Kayak HUnting

Hello Fellas,
  I am finally going to get into some bird hunting this year and looking for a little advise from some hunters. Are there any restrictions out there regarding shooting from a kayak? I am also wondering what rights you to get your kill if it lands on land. I am planning on kayaking occasionally in the Grizzly Island so I will head out there and talk with the local game wardens also but any hints or advice are greatly appreciated.
Tight Lines   oops     Shoot straight.

Later
Jimbo

Howdy Jimbo, glad to hear of another yak-hunter.  Best advice I have is to get in some practice before actually putting yourself into a hunting situation.  I have a few buddies w/ private ponds, and it dramatically shortened the learning curve shooting clays while on the water.  My biggest problem has always been with clothing.  With waders and a life vest, it's a pain in the ass to actually be able to shoulder and fire, especially if jump shooting.  I have an old Mossberg that I trimmed up the stock for just this reason.  Another lesson is to be sure and keep your potential target opposite your firing hand...life lesson:  Lower Klamath, a few years back, about 15 degrees.  After crunching through enough ice to hit open water, I slowly paddled along a nice edge of tules (off my starboard side) when a pair of mallards busted.  A quick swap of the paddle for the Mossberg, and I took aim, and squeezed off a round.  With my hips/shoulder/back twisted towards the birds, the recoil caused snap/crackle/pops from my spine that had never been heard before.  In hindsight, I should have approached the tules from my port side, allowing me a more natural shooting position.  Hope that makes sense.

As far as legality, you should be fine shooting from the kayak, I've never been hassled.  Just be sure of who is in your area, keep track of your buddies, and never take low shots for safety sake....common sense stuff.

Shoot straight and cast accurate,
beenfishin

Shooting is no big deal from a yak. Try to plan on shooting to the left or straight out if you are right handed. Your swing to the right is almost impossible more than just a little. Technically if you shoot a bird and it lands on private property you are not supposed to get it unless you have permission. Also, if hunting near a refuge like Sutter, you can shoot from the public water, but if it lands on the refuge you can not go in. Then if you don't retrieve the bird they can site you for wanton waste. Watch where you shoot! Almost all water ways are legal to hunt from since they are navigable waters. If not sure where is legal it is best to ask. Turning basin in West Sac, not legal. Deep water around corner, legal. Join us At morn at Tiki. We will find birds somewhere.

Thanks guys this is great info that I will use to build on. I will see if I can meet out at TIki to hunt but will definitely be there later in the afternoon.
Thanks
jimbo

I'm surprised Chucke and Fred haven't chimed in....they've done many of these trips before (with success).

Actually, you are required to make the best effort possible to retrieve downed game even if it requires a quick entry onto private property. Shooting game and making no effort at all is technically cit-able as "wanton waste". Of-course, you can't linger on private property after the attempt either, nor damage any part of the property such as a fence in the process of the retrieve. Some retrieves are just not possible, and wardens generally can cite a person for taking shots that will obviously create an "un-retrievable" kill such as shooting birds that may be just inside a fenced area rather than taking them when they are over public land or navigable water. This situation can present itself quite often as waterfowl are very good at flying right up to and skirting just inside levys and roads. It often becomes quite frustrating watching them turn at the last minute and often times a hunter may take a pop out of desperation. Also, lately, wardens have been able to enforce the "reckless discharge" law if they feel a person made extremely poor judgement when shooting, but this often relates more to shooting around parking lots, homes, bike trails and such.

You will learn that for the most part, a kayak is a great tool for transportation of gear and yourself to areas and a retrieval tool more so than an actual platform to shoot off of.

I have no problem shooting out of the Mini-X and your X-Factor should be just fine.

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area does not allow any "boats" on it, but the sloughs and cuts around it are fair game. Just make sure you don't hunt in any of the units that are preserves and closed zones.

Good Luck

I have shot a bunch out my tarpon, all that has been posted is spot on. The delta is dam good, just keep an eye on the tide if your in the shallows as you will  be dragging you boat out or waiting for the tide to come back.when the river spills it's banks, get in there, you won't be sorry! Mallards will flock to that like stink on shi, well you get it. Pm me let's get on after 'em!

Wondering if anybody wants to get together and try Redwood City launch and hunt. Used to hunt out there from an aluminum, but just have yaks now. The hunting areas have been cut down, but still lots of area and lots of Honkers!