I hunt on a lease but I have spent many days hunting public land on Sabine and Lacassine NWR.
1. There will always be "arce clowns out there". Do not get into an argument with them...remember everybody has gun and some could be loaded. One moment's action could haunt you and your family for the rest of your life.
2. Scout where you believe the birds will be well in advance of your hunt. It is also good to have several alternative spots. Remember you are hunting on public land. There is no such thing as "I was here last week so this is my spot!" Some hunters will respect that but some will not. If you get into an argument with them and it gets confrontational you may lose. Just move on to another spot, you will probably do just as good or even better.
3. If you are moving through a spot and somebody shines a light at you, be respectful, shine back and keep moving. They were there first...if you had done your scouting then you have plan B and C.
4. If you have been in a great spot and someone is there and sets up before you get there the "suck it up" and keep moving to another spot which some else has set up then go back to plan B or C. There is no duck hunting spot that is worth you becoming "Bubba's Butt Buddy". As I as stated earlier...we all have loaded guns out there...keep cool! Best of luck to all of the refuge hunters. Please remember, we have a lot of kids out there, the way we handle situations will have a profound influence on them and the future of hunting.
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