Those of us who watch the hunting programs on television dream of a place where clouds of ducks darken the sky. A place where it is a little remote and wave after wave of different species circle our decoys. A place where the fields flood with enough water to move the blocks, but not so much as we worry about filling our waders. Luckily there is such a place nearby, but you will need a boat to get there.

Many people travel to Fir Island and hunt the Headquarters Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Refuge, but many have never set foot on the Farmed Island Segment of the refuge.

The island is located in the south fork of the Skagit, just downstream from the town of Conway. It is a small island, but what it lacks in area it more than makes up for in waterfowl hunting pleasure.

Of course getting there requires a boat, but nothing of great size. A good sturdy 10-foot aluminum with at least a 7-horsepower engine should be able to make the run from the refuge.

At the refuge is a decent boat launch. There is no pier, but the approach is easy and there is enough bank area to move out of the way of other hunters.

You can also launch just north of the bridge that crosses just before entering Conway, but you need to make sure you have a big enough motor. Most of the time the river is not moving too fast, but if the tide is running out, motoring from the island back to the boat launch under the bridge can be a trick.

The run from refuge is about 100 yards; from the bridge it is about three to four times longer.

In addition, if you put in at Conway, be very watchful of the bottom. There are areas where it is very shallow, plus there are some stickups that can damage your boat or motor. Be sure to get as far on the shore as possible. There has been more than one hunter who has had to wait for the tide to go down, just so they could retrieve their boat.

You will see the spots where you can put ashore. Once there the dikes will lead you around the fields that have been planted in the spring.

There are numerous sloughs that cut through the island and while they too can be hunted, take caution and pay attention to your tide tables. With enough wet weather the barley fields will hold enough water to make for a quality hunt.

Since you will be hunting over these fields a dog is not necessary, but some birds will go down into the thick brush or deeper sloughs, so a good retriever is a help. There are no fixed blinds so finding cover or carrying in something to sit down on is a good idea. A good decoy spread is a must.

If the weather cooperates and the migration is in full swing, you will be seeing hundreds of ducks. Flock after flock of pintails, widgeon, and mallards will be moving off the big water and looking for a spot to feed. Teal, scaup and a few shovelers may also pay a visit to your spread.

Different species of decoys and more of them is the way to go here. Throw in a kite, flag or wind operated motion duck and you will have an optimal spread.

Pay close attention to the wind. Ducks like to land into the wind. Pick a spot in the field where you can watch your dekes with the wind at your back. Leave an opening in your spread to present a friendly landing spot for incoming birds. Many people like the traditional fishhook or “J” pattern, but creating a “fan” of decoys with three or four clear spots to land has become more popular.

Your typical waterfowl gun will do here. If you have done well your shots should be fairly close. A good 12 or 20 with No. one’s or two’s will work well. Remember, only non-toxic shot is allowed for all hunting at the refuge.

As for calls, you always need more. Give a good highball at passing flocks, then when they turn switch to soft quacks or feeding chuckles. When they drop their feet, it is best to keep quiet and prepare yourself.

An important note, you are only allowed 15 shells when hunting the island. Once those are gone, you are done. You are not allowed to leave and get more shells from you vehicle and return. This is to help cut down on the skybusting and have a little control over the crowds. Be prepared, during the weekends and holiday there will be more than a couple of hunters out there. Arrive early or wait for the lucky hunter to leave their spot.

If you hunt the afternoon, you will be treated to a sight of thousands of ducks descending on the fields. If your luck is like mine, it will be just after shooting light.