HENDERSON HARBOR, N.Y. — Optimistic waterfowl hunters peer out into the predawn darkness over their steaming cups of coffee at rain that seems to be falling horizontally and say, “Hey, it’s great weather for ducks.”
Unfortunately, when such a rain occurs on a duck hunt that is scheduled to take place along the shore of Lake Ontario, it is usually accompanied by waves known as rollers that can keep standard duck boats tied to the dock.
Those conditions were exactly what a group of Pennsylvania duck hunters encountered last November when they awoke at 4 a.m., prepared to get into their waterfowl gear and then head to the dock at Henderson Harbor, New York, across the street from West View Lodge. There was no way the weather dampened their spirits, however, because they knew they would be anchored and in position before dawn’s early — or, in this case, late — light and awaiting the morning’s first flight of ducks.
Months earlier when booking their duck hunt at the Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show in Allentown with Bill Saiff III of Seaway Waterfowl Professionals, they had purposely selected dates in mid-November even with the understanding there was a chance for challenging weather. That was not a concern because they knew that the specially modified duck boats Saiff uses for his clients have met any and all challenges of wind, waves and weather, getting clients across the open water in the harbor to the secluded back bays that provide ideal conditions for waterfowl hunting.
“All of our waterfowl hunts are designed with the goal of giving our clients a successful hunt, and that begins and ends with them having a safe hunt,” Saiff said. “That begins before we leave the dock with an orientation where we explain the safety features of our boats and what each hunter needs to do in case of an emergency.
“When we reach our hunting location, the first thing we do is put out a spread of 60-65 decoys, then we tie the boats off along the shoreline and give everyone a chance to get out and stretch their legs. Before anyone loads their shotgun we have a very detailed briefing that covers when to shoot, where to shoot and what to do before shooting.
“There is no need to rush and make a lot of movement when the ducks are approaching because we call them to within a typical shooting range of 30 yards or less. That’s why we recommend using a 12-gauge with a modified choke using 3-inch No. 2 shot or BBs for ducks and 3-inch BBs for geese.”
Saiff’s 22-foot aluminum duck boats are powered by 90-horsepower Yamaha motors and have been modified with inward-sloping sides to deflect waves when crossing open water. They also serve as a blind when anchored. Inside are compartments to store decoys and still provide plenty of room for a propane heater when needed, four hunters, one guide and one Labrador retriever.
“We’ve been in this game for 32 years, so we’ve learned where we can hunt and when we can hunt no matter the conditions we face,” Saiff said. “We don’t want to scare anybody, but there is potential danger involved anytime you go on the water.
“Still, the last thing you want is a blow-off day the day you have to hunt, so that’s why we’ve made sure our clients are going to have a good experience. That’s another reason we only hunt mornings as to not pressure the ducks in the evening.
“I enjoy being out on the water in almost any kind of weather, but then again, I enjoy all types of waterfowl hunts. Hunting ducks in a swamp and geese in a field is just as much fun.”
For information about waterfowl hunts with Seaway Waterfowl Professionals, contact Bill Saiff III by visiting the website at www.billsaiffoutdoors.com, emailing saiff@gisco.net, calling (315) 771-3514 or visiting him at the Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show, Friday-Sunday, March 6-8, in the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds.