dogdoc Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 I am just wondering if anyone has ever had a pond built solely for the use of waterfowl. I am thinking about building a 2 to 3 acre shallow pond strictly for the use of waterfowl--hoping that during the hot dry summer the pond will almost dry up so that I can plant rice or millet and then let it flood in the fall? I am wondering how this would work. Around my land there are a lot of flood control ponds that were built in the 60's and the area is loaded with waterfowl--I just don't have anyway of getting them on my land. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbonhunter Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... ya Doc I helped a guy do his (some bobcat work and such). What do you have for a water source??, or are you just going to use rain water?? Do you have any natural water collect IE. wet spots?? We did the same thing to a corn field/bean field/timber area. has a little bit of everything. Kinda the same thing was going on there as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterfowler_gal Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... We built one about 4 years ago (with same deal as Aaron said with bobcat and back-hoe...) It has meshed into the land quite well. We actually don't hunt it very often though because we have this huge natural swamp this is a pure hidden haven that we have hunted since I could remember going out with my Dad, my brother and my Uncles. I know Ducks Unlimited www.ducks.org You might find some info on their too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTF Posted March 12, 2005 Report Share Posted March 12, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... Good luck. I hope it works out. Sounds like a plan ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted March 13, 2005 Report Share Posted March 13, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... I would definitely get ahold of your local Ducks Unlimited chapter Todd and let them know of your plans. I'm betting they would help with the seed, management, and maybe even some money to help out, they do around here at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbonhunter Posted March 13, 2005 Report Share Posted March 13, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... DU is kinda fickle about there money, if its in an area they want to work at than they will be a huge help, alot of times they will donate, all the riser boxes and Pipe that you need. I would find your wet areas or normal drainage, build three foot dikes perp. to that flow, will hold about 18" of water. I wouldnt rely on rainfall to fill you up as it will be a shame when you dont get enough water to fill it up. Even wet soil plants will die if submerged for too long, alot of guys build two or three marshes stair stepping down a drainage, as one over fills the next starts, you will always have plants growing. Dont be suprised if it takes the ducks a year or two to "find" your marsh. after awhile each season will bring more and more life to the table. We used a series of 10 dikes and small spillways so that you dont have serious damage to the dikes in times of high waters or floods. Here are some links for ya Todd read the page and follow those links should tell ya everything you would ever want to know and then some. http://www.conservation.state.mo.us...etmng/index.htm http://mdc.mo.gov/landown/wetland/smacre/ http://www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/program...s/wetindex.html http://www.rwbjv.org/Best_Mgmt_Practices.html http://www.michigandnr.com/publicat...tland/index.htm http://www.habitatnow.com sorry the links dont work but i did this on the quick reply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted March 14, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... thanks guys. I'm planning on using rain to fill it. I'm having the local county extension agent come out and look at my land to determine if I can get it done. May even be able to get some federal money to help build it. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coles Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... alot of the people around here make a big deal out of it when people make a pond. some people that bought land from my grandparents made a small pond. not sure of its use cause its too small and shallow to have fish and way to small to attract any large number of waterfowl. but anyways they dug it where there is a small spring and all the farmers made a big deal out of it. i dont know why, they arent blocking the off the flow of the spring so its not hurting anything. sure makes for good dove huntin though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted March 14, 2005 Report Share Posted March 14, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... dogdoc. best of luck with it. Some of my family is into that sort of thing, they have made many ponds, most of them are alot smaller than yours. The ducks and geese are all over them . I think you will do fine, it might take a little time for them to find it. too_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted March 15, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... good news--I am planning on meeting the a guy from the US Fish and Wildlife tomorrow. He's going to look around the place and give me his opinion--and if he thinks it might work there is a good chance I can get some matching funds thru the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program--that would be awesome. I'll let you guys know how it goes! todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterfowler_gal Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... Keep us updated. You should post some pics of the area you are looking to turn into a wetland. I am curious to see before and after pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted March 16, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... Well, I met with the US Fish and Wildlife biologist---he thinks the spot looks great and will work. He thinks I can build a 3 to 4 acre wetland area and was very optimistic. I am pumped. Now I have to meet with the state guy to get the area surveyed and get things started! I'll keep you informed! todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbilly Posted March 17, 2005 Report Share Posted March 17, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... Our small town just opened a wetland for migrating geese and ducks. Our town has a lot of ducks that come in the summer. This is the first wetland that I know of around Southern Indiana. I might volunteer my time this summer to help out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted March 17, 2005 Report Share Posted March 17, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... Man Todd, If you can pull this off, you will be a happy camper for years I don't think there is anything better than waterfowl hunting ( even deer ) LOL. Well, on most days too_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted March 17, 2005 Report Share Posted March 17, 2005 Re: Building a pond for ducks.... [ QUOTE ] Well, I met with the US Fish and Wildlife biologist---he thinks the spot looks great and will work. He thinks I can build a 3 to 4 acre wetland area and was very optimistic. I am pumped. Now I have to meet with the state guy to get the area surveyed and get things started! I'll keep you informed! todd [/ QUOTE ] Man, that's awesome Todd. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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