Paddling into backwaters while carrying just the basics can put you on relatively unpressured ducks in South Carolina. Photo by Jim Casada

By Jim Casada

Three generations ago, in one of his many enduring books on the outdoors, Hunter's Choice, South Carolina's best-loved sporting scribe, Archibald Rutledge, included a story entitled "Paddling Them Up." In it he described a method of hunting, which for reasons that mystify this writer, seems to belong to a world we have largely lost. The piece covers an incredible afternoon of waterfowling on the Santee River near his Hampton Plantation home along with reflecting on other hunts. One such outing saw what today might be reckoned incredible prodigality - taking a mixed bag of 25 ducks with a box of shells - but it was legal at the time and waterfowl were incredibly abundant.

Much has changed since that time period, and anyone who looks back with longing will understand why Rutledge entitled one of his books Those Were the Days. Non-toxic loads have replaced lead shot, migratory ducks seem to reach South Carolina much later (if at all) than they did then, waterfowling habitat has changed appreciably, and waterfowl numbers are way down.

Not all changes, however, involve doom and gloom. Thanks to the work of the South Carolina Waterfowl Association and lots of dedicated individuals, we have far more wood ducks now. Similarly, resident Canada geese have become so plentiful as to be a nuisance on golf courses and other locations.

But most significantly for present purposes, the technique Rutledge described and used so often, while widely overlooked, remains as viable as ever. With that in mind, what follows is a much closer look at the various aspects of "paddling 'em up" and what they can mean to the dedicated waterfowlers.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of craft. The lightweight nature of a canoe makes it easy to maneuver in tight quarters, lift over or portage around in-stream obstacles, and one can be launched almost anywhere. On the other hand, canoes are not particularly stable (a keel will add some stability), nor are they roomy.

Johnboats do have plenty of room, including space for decoys if you want to mix some "sit-and-wait" action with your paddling; they are quite stable, and they are more comfortable. The downsides of johnboats largely revolve around getting them in and out of the water (you need a launch area or at least something approximating one) and in taking them into or through really tight spots. Either type of craft can be equipped with a trolling motor, although keep in mind that you can legally hunt from a moving watercraft only if it is being paddled.

Whatever your personal preference, neither type of boat is particularly expensive, and with a bit of do-it-yourself gumption you can customize one quite nicely. Old pieces of carpet placed in the bottom of a johnboat or canoe will keep things quieter, and in that regard a wooden craft has real advantages over an aluminum one. A little work with camouflage spray paint will take care of blending with your surroundings, and if you want to make a quickly erected "blind" utilizing camo cloth stitched to slender river canes, that is easily accomplished.

Other touches, such as a special storage box in a johnboat, seat cushions, waterproof stuff bags or similar accessorizing, will be your choice.

When with a partner, the sensible approach is to take turns with paddle duty (or, it should be noted, you can opt to use a pole with a johnboat if you wish). The shooter sits in the front, gun in hand and ready to deal with any ducks that get up; the hunter with a partner does not have the disadvantage of losing the time it takes to drop a paddle and grab for his gun.

The paddler or poler in the back may get a shot at a duck getting up belatedly or in the occasional situation where they circle back, but his first job is to steady the craft and give the fellow in front optimal opportunities. You can change after an agreed-upon time period, after each duck taken, or maybe you will be lucky enough, as Rutledge was, to have someone who will do all the paddling.

Almost all the action will be jump-shooting, and you never know when ducks will get up within range. Most frequently it happens as you round a bend in the river or creek, although you can jump ducks on long, straight stretches if they are hidden by downed logs or perhaps resting in a little backwater.

Speaking of backwaters, you should always investigate any slough or navigable area off the main stream. These are plentiful along Lowcountry rivers and in swamps, but you'll find them in the upstate as well. Ducks use such sites as refuges, and the ability to get to them can afford you some interesting shooting. How well I remember, for example, exploring an inviting little finger of water - probably not more than 25 feet wide - on the Black River. A hundred yards or so back, ducks started getting up, and until we ran out of paddling water, every twist and turn saw more ducks in the air.

Whenever the current and conditions allow it, hug the shoreline closest to the direction of the next turn in the stream. That will keep you out of sight for the longest time and provide the greatest likelihood of ducks getting up well within range. Also, be alert to a couple of other circumstances.

One is the fact that ducks will at times - especially if you get right on top of them before they take wing - be so confused that they make a long circle back overhead after being scared off. Be ready for that to happen and you may get a longish passing shot or two.

Secondly, anytime you hear geese honking in the distance and goose season is open, have loads ready at hand to deal with bigger birds. Shuck your smaller shot out and stuff them in, ease to the shore or some place where you are reasonably well hidden, then wait. Often geese follow the course of the river when traveling, and on more than one occasion I've had them pass overhead within easy shooting range. Such events can add a welcome cherry atop the waterfowler's sundae.

A couple of other possibilities await those who paddle to ducks. If you see ducks on the skyline that seem to be landing in an area off the river, chances are excellent they are heading to a pothole or swamp. Providing you won't be trespassing on private land, it's often possible to sneak up on such spots for some brief, hectic action. Or if you come upon a protected shoreline spot or little hideaway with feathers, tracks and droppings all over the place, give some consideration to hiding your boat, building a little blind (or use the above-mentioned homemade one if available), and doing a bit of calling and waiting.