One of the key things I have learned over the years is that when you see an old codger at the landing of your favorite duck hunting slough it is in your best interest to go strike up a conversation with them.

The beauty is two fold. First, they are likely looking to talk to you. In general I have had very few older hunters who will completely blow me off. If they do, no skin off my back. Usually they are ready with a few stories before you even say hello! In here lies the great thing, you just need to steer the conversation towards hunting and stories and information gleaned from a lifetime on the water just starts pouring out.
Ask them if they grew up or have hunted the area for years? It likely will be followed up with stories of yesteryear and great hunts they had. Trust me, there are tidbits worth gold in those stories if you are willing to listen.
Perhaps they are just there checking things out and not even actively hunting anymore. This is even better! They will fill you with the great lakes to hunt in the area and likely have been at other area lakes. A simple question of how other hunters have fared often yields a quick scouting report for a mere couple minutes of your time.

Have you ever had a conversation will an elder statesman duck hunter?