Youth Waterfowl Hunting

APPLY TO HUNT AT GARDNER CAMP TODAY!

Located in the Mississippi River valley, Gardner Camp is a haven for migrating waterfowl and a waterfowl hunter's dream.  Our location and habitat management make this Camp the area's best waterfowl hunting spot for youth. Three wells and numerous water control structures situated throughout the property ensures our ability to precisely flood and adjust water depths in ten different wetland management units.  Two of these units are flooded cornfields and the remaining eight units are natural moist soil lakes covered with wild millet, smartweed, and other duck food delights.  In managing our natural moist soil units, we let the water do the work--wet in the Spring, dry in the Summer, and wet in the Fall and Winter--so that native wetland vegetation grows and produces seeds.  In fact, it is estimated that one acre of moist soil managed habitat can produce food for 1,000 ducks!

Our youth waterfowl hunts are one-of-a-kind hunts specifically focused on youth.  Our instructors are experienced waterfowlers who focus on teaching youth in the blind about the entire process.  Hundreds of top of the line decoys, mojos, duck trolleys and ice eaters are set up and ready for youth to get their first duck. We have two wood-frame 10-man blinds that sit over the water and one fully-outfitted pit hidden in the middle of flooded corn. Our weekend itinerary typically includes safety briefings, side-by-side transportation to the blind, hot breakfasts in the blind, plenty of hunting time and camaraderie, watching the dog retrieve, and learning how to clean birds.

Thanks to Mr. Jack Gardner, these experiences are provided at no cost. We hope you join us soon!