Considering a late fall river trip. As I listen to heavy gunfire across the Brazos valley, I am reconsidering. I'm thinking it must be a rare occurrence (kind of like getting struck by lightening) that a paddler gets shot during hunting season-don't hear of such things in the news. I suppose it could be that most paddlers are smart enough to stay out of the woods in Nov-Dec. But I don't hunt and don't have a clue what a responsible hunter is thinking when the prize walks by. So for the hunter/paddlers, are there unwritten rules about firing along a remote river terrace not knowing what is beyond in the water (or the other bank for that matter)?

You should only run into duck hunters. If you see their decoy set out just paddle by quickly is the courteous thing to do. They should be shooting up towards the birds so I'd say the likelihood of you being shot is low. If you run into deer hunters while kayak fishing you're doing something wrong.

If they r poaching they might fire your direction and bolt.

Hearing distant gunfire while fishing is common.
Ive been fired at while fishing b4 On Lewisville. Hasnt happened in a loooong time but u never know what they r doing, exactly what they r shootin at or their state of mind. Believe it or not some people get off sending projectils your way. Just leave and call the GW if u feel they r poaching or u heard or caught projectiles. Their number is on the back of your fish lic. If I see decoys I wont enter unless they wave me through. Im not gonna fish where someone Is hunting. Just not worth the risk In my mind. Now, U r allowed to defend yourself If they r firing at u. Just understand that u are at an extreme disadvantage to retaliate while on the water, especially when u cant see them.

You might want to check the lakes you fish and just determine what areas hunting is allowed. I know Lewisville and Grapevine have set areas for duck hunters. If you are weary of fishing around hunters, just find a spot where hunting is off limits. If I remember I will post both Lewisville and Grapevine hunting maps on this thread.

I paddle the Brazos a lot and always see deer along the banks. I guess my assumption was some opportunistic hunter with a riverfront lease might try to pick them off at a crossing.

At the coast, it showers steel this time of year. I've never been too worried about it. I was shot at one time, at LAKE WORTH. I was in an airboat. Apparently, they weren't fans. To the point of discharging a firearm.

Good topic was talking with a buddy of mine about this the other day. I fish and hunt both, for those who don't duck hunt just remember.. If you are within I'd say 300yds of the decoys you are "screwing up" their hunt. No duck will come near them when they see something else like a boat of kayak in the vicinity. It's not like fishing where you can roll up next to someone and both still catch fish

Also duck hunters are probably one of the most irritable groups on the planet, but fortunately most are done by about 10am. Everyone be safe!

I was out on Lewisville in the Hickory Creek area around 4pm the other day and a duck hunter started letting loose the cannons. I saw shot splashing all around my kayak, never did see any ducks though.

I guess I know why that was happening now!

I've encountered lots of duck hunters on the Brazos. They have all been courteous and understand that there is only so much distance you can give them on the river.

I would not be concerned about deer hunters.

It is illegal to interfere with lawfull hunting, so if you fish near a duck hunter to the point that birds will not fly to the decoys because of you, the game warden can issue you a citation. Paddle past quickly and as far away as possible, don't stop to fish and you will be fine.

I once had a wade fisherman come within 50 yards of my blind once, we kept hunting and since the birds would not come in and fly high past we took long high shots, well he was in the pellet landing zone. He did not like it and called the game warden. 30 minutes later he left with a fine.

Shot landing zone is no problem, I fear bird shot falling from the sky less than I fear bird droppings falling from the sky.
Intentionally taking shots at a fisherman because you don't want to share the water is a different story, in my case, a high traffic area in the most popular water around.

Also, the law states "No person may intentionally interfere with another person engaged in yadda yadda". -- a direct quote
I never even saw hunters around me, had no idea they were there until shot started landing.

If he was within 50 yards, you could have tried explaining it to him, as a non duck hunter, I never would have known this to be an issue.

Don't let an inconsiderate fisherman turn you into a sky blaster.

Isn't the idea to acctually catch some fish?
Personally i think i'd find it at least difficult to focus or enjoy the fishing experience in the "same general area".
Again, hearing distant gun fire outside city limits while fishing is common to me.

I feel horrible every time I have to paddle through a field of decoys but when fishing a moving river, there are no other options. I never launch before day break during duck season for my own safety. When I do encounter that field of decoys, I paddle around them as fast as possible as stated above. Most hunters are understanding but occasionally you run across one that gets completely offended that you ruined his hunt......