However, two conditions when boat hunting is best are when the water is high and ducks are working in the swamps, and when a freeze is locking up shallow-water areas and ducks are moving to open water. Then, some fantastic shooting can be had along the edges of the main basins of the lake where open water can be found. Bourne looks for a spot that is protected from the wind, tosses out decoys and hides the boat in adjacent reeds or other vegetation.

For the best freelance opportunity, Bourne said his best advice is to go with a mud boat/motor, like a Go-Devil or Mud Buddy. An outboard will work on Reelfoot, but it will take a beating, and it can't get in the hard-to-reach places like a mud boat. He said to get a map and locate the public launch sites. Next, wait until dawn to go out, so you can see where you're going and where ducks are working, then just go exploring.

Big spreads aren't important when working small holes or shoreline areas. Bourne hunts with two-dozen of what he calls "good-looking decoys." He also takes waders to be prepared to leave the boat and wade in to where he sees ducks working. Wading can be very treacherous in a soft bottom, but if you're tough, Bourne said, you can make it. He recommends using a wading staff to keep from falling, and carrying a few decoys in a backpack.

TO CALL OR NOT TO CALL?
Bourne said being in the right spot is better than being a world champion caller. Good calling is always a plus, but at Reelfoot, if you get in the right place, quiet close-in calling will be very effective. He said the famous "Reelfoot highball" is needed only on open water or in holes under crossing areas to attract passing ducks' attention. If you get into a hole where the ducks want to be, calling is almost an afterthought. Another of his tactics in small, secluded holes is to rig a jerk string or use some type of motion decoy to impart ripples on the water.

When it comes to variety, Bourne said Reelfoot attracts a broad range of puddle and diving ducks. Predominant species killed changes with the time of year. Early on, gadwalls, teal (bluewings and greenwings) and mallards are the predominant species in the bag. And later on, he said it turns to mostly mallards. Hunters on Reelfoot will also bag widgeon, wood ducks, pintails, spoonbills, black ducks, scaup, ringnecks, canvasbacks, redheads and other species.

What's his best tip for Reelfoot success? If they're not working where you are, go somewhere else. Bourne also said that even on Reelfoot, there are times when hunting is good and when it is poor. Best chance for success -- again -- is when a big cold front is blowing in new birds from up north.