Three in one today

This is going to be a three day report, to get you up to speed.

Sunday. I had a social engagement, with a meal attached so you know I am going to that. It was past my bedtime when I got home, so plans were made for a two report on Monday. Sunday was not the most productive day, and we totaled out with just a pair of Canada’s.

Then on Monday Dec 1 2008, we had some shooters, and I do not mean in numbers, they were dead eyes. Now remember the weather. Was a wind chill of about 10-12, and the lake was forming little pads of ice and the wind was blowing them down, till something stopped then like older ice. We had a great water hole out around the decoys, but the lake was slowly filling with ice. On the first go-a-round there were 6 birds and they took 4 of them. And the ice was not to much of a problem on that group of birds. The first flight was about 11:05 and at 1:05 the exciting bunch come into play. They were going down just to the west of us, but we got on the horns and convinced about 35 of the flock of about 125-150 to come along. This group were out in front and lead the way all the way. The first pass they gave us a borderline shot, but our crafty boss, passed on them even though they were looking like they were going to land. A few well timed blast on the horn and they pulled out and circled back, and come right over the pits at about 25-yard shot. When the smoke cleared we had, 8 in the pond, and three sailors. Now this is where the "report" of this report comes into play. Since this ice was not very thick, and Dutch ( Lyle’s dog) could not walk on it, and it is so much work to break on each and every step. Some of the birds were near the east side, and after a couple of trips through this he started thinking just how to make this easier for him. He went across and picked up a dead one, and on the way back started herding one that had a broken wind and was hurting in that leg, but could still walk. If the goose turned to the left Dutch would turn that way and kept herding this bird from about center of the lake to just a few yards from the shore when he got to closeer and the ice broke under the goose and he caught up to it. First he tried to bring them both in, but soon figured he could do that and brought in the live bird and then returned for the dead one. Lyle’s dog has come so far this year, he is turning into a real asset.

Monday Dec 2 2008 The first anniversary of the big day last year when we took 79, and this old boy was sick. Was coming down with what ever it was before we shut down last night and was sick all night so stayed home today. So this part will be done by phone. R K tells me that they have only taken 2 so far today. If that changes will include it in the next report.

Say a prayer for the troops and please check back

See Ya Carl