03/26/2026
Spring Newsletter​​​​​​​3-25-2026
Eagle Lakers,
​The 2025-26 season was nothing short of Magical. Averaging 30-45 limits of ducks a day, during our busiest cycles, in 60 plus degree weather, is almost unheard of. It was by far one of our best seasons ever. We had very few slow cycles from Start to Finish. We harvested over 15,000 Ducks (95% plus Mallards) for the season. Those are incredible numbers from both a harvest and customer support standpoint. The loyal following that we have is much appreciated. Goose hunting was outstanding as well. The Honker Hunting was Really good in October and January with tons of lessers harvested throughout the season. With the Mild temps, a lot of the Migrating Honker population didn’t arrive until January. We probably had more Hunters upgrade to Combo shoots this year than ever before with limiting quick on ducks.
28 Gauges
​We couldn’t be happier with the performance of the 28-gauge Benelli shotguns this season. At the start of the season there were some concerns, but once guests had the opportunity to hunt with a 28-gauge, the feedback quickly turned very positive. Overall, we received about 90% positive feedback from guests using the 28s. Most of the concerns we heard came during slower hunting periods when limits weren’t reached.
To the (Average Joe), who was just here for a few day trip, probably wouldn’t notice how many more birds we were holding and how much more the birds were receptive to the call and decoying into close range.
If you hunted with us this year, you know how mild the season was. We only saw ice during three short cycles and never experienced a hard freeze. Even with those less-than-ideal conditions for waterfowl hunting, we harvested more ducks than ever before. That’s a huge testament to the effectiveness of the 28-gauge.
We will continue offering 28-gauge shotguns for use on the ranch and will also have suppressors available for 12-gauge shotguns there. Our plan is to purchase suppressors for Benelli and Berretta 12-gauges for guests who prefer to shoot a 12-gauge on the ranch. We will continue using 12-gauges on our other properties, just like in the past (without suppressors).
If you would like to shoot a 12-gauge, please let Fawn know when making your reservation whether you prefer to hunt off-property or are comfortable shooting a suppressed 12-gauge on the ranch.
We will have both 28-gauge and 12-gauge ammo available at the lodge for purchase. Ammo will no longer be included in package-price hunts. You are welcome to ship your own 12-, 20-, or 28- gauge ammo to the lodge ahead of your trip or bring it with you. We will also have plenty available for purchase at the lodge for those who prefer to travel without ammunition.
Key Dates
Tuesday, Sept. 1st​Dove Opener
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 5th & 6th​Early Goose Season
Saturday, Oct. 17th​Duck and Goose Opener
Monday & Tuesday, Oct. 26th & 27th​Duck Closure
Sunday, Jan. 31st, 2027​Close of the Season
Saturday, Feb. 6th​Youth and Veteran Day
Specials
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 24th & 25th​Ladies ½ Off DD Goose Hunts
Saturday & Sunday Oct. 31 & Nov. 1st​​Halloween-Kids ½ Off DD Goose Hunts
Wednesday, Nov. 11th​​Activity Military and Veterans ½ Off DD Goose Hunts
Friday, Jan. 1st-3rd​Kids-Vets-Ladies ½ Off DD Goose Special
Saturday, Feb. 6th​Kids & Veterans ½ Off Special, Ducks and Geese
*(Kids 16 & Under, $50.00 off all season long)
Fishing
​The bass and walleye fishing is just starting to heat up. Giant largemouth and smallmouth can be pretty epic early spring with more fish being caught as the weather warms. We have lots of good dates available for both lodge package trips or our drive direct guests. Check with Fawn for family discounts or corporate retreats.
Dove​ Sept. 1st-Oct. 11th
​Our dove hunting is second to none, unless you go to Argentina or Mexico and then we’re a good solid 3rd place!! 😊 You can expect to shoot multiple boxes of shells per hunt. We’re hunting in wheat fields, canola, watering holes, dusting areas, and roosting tree groves all in T-shirt weather.
Deer
​2026 season is ALL BOOKED!! Get with Ryan, (509)528-8754 to be put on a wait list or book for 2027. 100% success rate year in and year out!
Alberta Canada
​We’re looking forward to another solid season in Alberta! The 2025 field duck hunting was excellent, and we also saw strong numbers of ducks over the water throughout the season. The goose hunting for Giant Honkers is always outstanding. We have also been harvesting more and more specks every year, as well as a few snows. 8 goose 8 duck limit per day allows for some amazing action.
We still have a few select dates available. If you’re interested in booking a hunt in September or early October, get in touch with Ryan to reserve your spot.
Hope to see you in Alberta this fall!!
Again, thank you for your continued support of the Bernsen Family and Team Eagle Lakes.
I am enclosing the 2026/2027 ELR calendar for your scheduling purposes.
Happy Hunting,
MJB
