Jennette's Guide Service

Jennette's Guide Service, operated by Teddy "Tadpole" Gibbs, specializes in waterfowl hunting across two of North Carolina's most productive locations: Pamlico Sound and Lake Mattamuskeet. Since opening in 1984, the guide service has maintained a 100% success rate on trophy swan hunts—a distinction held for the past four decades.

• •Swan Hunts happen on the grain fields surrounding Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest wintering base for Tundra swans on the Atlantic Flyway. Swans fly daily from the lake to feed in nearby fields—prime hunting conditions. Each swan blind accommodates up to three hunters and uses 40–80 whole-body and shell decoys positioned on both sides of the blind. Swan season runs through January 31.

• •Sea Duck Hunts take place in the open water of Pamlico Sound, where significant populations of Surf Scoters, Black Scoters, and Old Squaw winter. Hunts use floating blinds in calm weather and stake blinds in wind. Each blind holds three hunters comfortably and is anchored with 80–120 decoys. The guide maintains contact via VHF radio from a tender boat 500 yards away.

"I've hunted with others in North Carolina, but if you want to hunt with the best you need to hunt with Teddy. We shot our limits of Surf and Black Scoters by 10:30am." — Scott Bettinger, Ohio

• •Deposit Required: $180 non-refundable per day. Dates held for seven days once deposit received. Balance due in cash on arrival.

• •Booking: Call (252) 542-0921 early to secure your preferred dates. No hunting on Sundays.

Firearms & Ammunition: - 12-gauge or larger shotgun (anything smaller cripples waterfowl) - 3" BB steel shot shells for swan hunts - 3" #2 steel shot shells for sea duck hunts

Gear: - Camouflage clothing and gloves - Rain gear - Regular boots, waders, or hip boots - Camera (decoy placement is impressive)

Jennette's Guide Service helps hunters obtain necessary licenses and permits:

• •Valid North Carolina Hunting License (required)
• •Federal Duck Stamp (required)
• •North Carolina Waterfowl Privilege (required)
• •Swan Permit ($10 each; 1 per person per year; apply by October 1, can apply as early as July 1)
• •Gameland Permit (required)

• •Swan Permit Details: Swans are taken by permit only. Apply early—spots fill up. Contact North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (919) 707-0061 or visit their website.

Testimonials consistently highlight Gibbs' dedication and knowledge:

"If there was a complaint, it was the hunts went all the way too fast. The Sea Ducks were hunted from a comfortable, large blind towed by his big boat out into the Sound... Amazing! Slots were all around the blind allowing one to observe the approaching birds without being seen." — Lawrence C. Gangle Jr. (hunted 23 countries, 40+ outfitters)

"Two years ago we shot very mature trophy Swans by 8:30am. The third day we also sea duck hunted and shot our limits of sea ducks by 8:20am. Teddy is a very dedicated guide and he will give you 110%." — Scott Bettinger

Jennette's Guide Service Teddy Gibbs 11150 North Lake Road Engelhard, North Carolina 27824 (252) 542-0921 Email: [email protected]

Engelhard sits on the edge of Lake Mattamuskeet in eastern North Carolina's waterfowl country. Pamlico Sound is 20 minutes away.

• •Four decades of consistency: 100% trophy swan success rate since 1984
• •Two distinct hunt types: Swan fields or open-water sea duck hunting—both highly productive
• •Professional boat handling: Floating and stake blinds, tender boat support, VHF communication
• •Permit assistance: Help navigating NC licensing, tags, and permits
• •Accommodation help: Lodging and meal recommendations available
• •Experience matters: Testimonials from successful hunters across multiple states

Book early. Swan permits are limited. Call (252) 542-0921.