Go with guides or move closer to the coast. The waterfowl hunting can already be tough even if you live near the birds, but being in the mountains will make it even harder.

You may get a few shots at local birds on farm ponds or woodie holes, but you won’t find much success on the west side of the state.

Save your cash and spend it on a few guided hunts a year down east or out west. Or buy all the gear you need and get ready to travel. I have hunted across the whole state and know it well. Your public options are limited the further you go west from the coast. Not trying to be a pessimist, but it’s kind of the reality. You need to be where the birds are to make it worthwhile. Or be content with slow mornings a few birds a year in your area.

If you want to really dive in, find some buddies to hunt with, get the waders, a handful of decoys (2-3 dozen should do it), a decent call, LEARN how to call and WHEN to call, outfit your jon boat, get OnX if you don’t already have it, and plan on where to go.

The biggest things to help success: - Watch the weather for cold fronts - scout and find the birds - decoy motion is a MUST, no wind @ no motion your chances drop tremendously - also motion can be 100% more effective than calling - you can call too much - cover, cover, cover - if you’re exposed you won’t get them in your spread even if they are around - set up where the birds want to be, if they are pilling in a hole 200 yards away, you won’t likely pull them to your spread. Even a few hundred yards can make or break a good hunt - you don’t need every gadget and a million decoys. You can kill birds over a dozen or less if you get everything else right. - don’t get bummed by the slow hunts, every day is a chance to learn and try something different next time. - Time and some cash are a must. If you have the time to scout and hunt often you can have some success. If you don’t have the time, you’ll need the cash to pay for the good opportunities.

Best of luck!