What is a Rail Hunt?

Clapper Rail Hunting in North Carolina

North Carolina's diverse coastal ecosystem is home to a wide array of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Among the many fascinating species found in this region is the clapper rail, a secretive and elusive bird that offers a unique hunting experience. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of clapper rail hunting in North Carolina, exploring its history, regulations, and the thrill it offers to avid hunters.

Understanding the Clapper Rail:

The clapper rail (Rallus crepitans) aka Marsh Hen is a medium-sized marsh bird known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a clapping noise. These birds inhabit the salt marshes, tidal creeks, and estuaries along the North Carolina coast. With their secretive nature and excellent camouflage, clapper rails can be challenging to spot, let alone hunt but if you know when and where to go you can have a hunt that will reside in your memory for a long time to come.

History and Conservation:

Clapper rail hunting has a long history in North Carolina, dating back to the early settlers who relied on these birds for sustenance. However, over time, the population of clapper rails declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and overhunting. Recognizing the need for conservation, the state implemented strict regulations to protect these birds and ensure their long-term survival. Nowadays the Clapper Rail population seems to be thriving and their numbers restored to a viable species to hunt.

Regulations and Licensing:

To engage in clapper rail hunting in North Carolina, hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses and adhere to specific regulations set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). These regulations include bag limits, hunting seasons, and specific areas where hunting is permitted. It is crucial for hunters to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and contribute to the conservation efforts and not to mention avoid getting a ticket.

The Thrill of Clapper Rail Hunting:

Clapper rail hunting offers a unique and exciting experience for avid hunters and a hunt probably unlike anything you have ever experienced. The challenge lies in locating these elusive birds within their marshy habitats. Usually hunting is done from a polling skiff on a flood tide to reach the areas where these birds like to reside. If I could compare it to anything I would say it’s about as close as you can get to something like pheasant hunting quail hunting but from a boat. These birds will flush when the boat closes in on them so being quick on the trigger is of upmost importance for having a successful hunt. Many times multiple birds will flush as well providing a fun challenge for doubles and often triples. Most people will use a 20 gage for these birds as they are smaller in size than say a duck and use an improved or modified cylinder paired with 6 or 7 shot. Lead is allowed for shooting rails but my recommendation would be to find steel or some other non toxic shot if at all possible.

I will generally only run Clapper Rail hunts when there is a flood tide so in my area that would be at least a 4.9 ft high tide, but the bigger the better. As the tide begins to flood the birds have less and less areas that they can conceal themselves and at the peak of the flood tide is generally when hunting is the best.

Tips for Clapper Rail Hunting:

1. Research and scout the hunting area beforehand to identify prime locations where clapper rails are likely to be found. Also listen carefully for them talking. I have been out fishing before and heard clapper rails many times in the marsh grass, i’ll try to make a mental note off that location and when a flood tides rolls around most likely that will be productive hunting grounds.

2. Be patient and observant, as clapper rails are known for their stealthy movements and ability to disappear very quickly. The have a ridiculous ability to blend in with their environment so trying to find them by sight many times is fruitless. Target areas of thick grass with beds of dead grass that they are able to stand on. If you find a large flooded area that has some strips of thick grass, most likely clapper rails will be occupying that area.

Conservation and Ethical Considerations:

While clapper rail hunting can be an exhilarating pursuit, it is essential to prioritize conservation and ethical hunting practices. Hunters should respect bag limits, avoid shooting non-target species, and leave no trace in the marshes. By doing so, hunters can contribute to the preservation of clapper rail populations and ensure the sustainability of this unique hunting experience for future generations.

Conclusion:

Clapper rail hunting in North Carolina offers a thrilling adventure for those seeking a unique coastal hunting experience. With its rich history and the challenge of hunting elusive birds, clapper rail hunting provides an opportunity experience something not many have.

If you would like to book a Clapper Rail hunt in the Wilmington area please reach out to us at BlackBird Guide Services as that is a service that we offer under the “Cast & Blast” trip option.

Get out there and have a good time!