Seven days and counting

Well the streak is in tack yet. For the seventh day in a row we harvested Canada’s. We took 4 again today. I think this is the third time in a week we have taken 4 Canada’s. Any way for the total of the seven days it is up to 73 now. That is better than 10 per day average.

But, the neat thing that happened today is, we never had a bird fly out today. Was a real wrecking crew, in house. First we had 5 ducks come in, then there was a lone Blue, and then the 4 Canada’s, and the shot duration was short and the results was always the same ALL DIP.

Ducks: Well we did see a few Mallards today, but had a report from a hunter, that hunts with us sometimes. He was hunting in the Watertown, So. Dakota area, this past week end and reported to us that Sand lake Reserve is reporting 85,000 ducks, but that is just a drop in the bucket, of what is rafted up in that area. His quote was “I have never seen so many Canada’s and Mallards in my life”. We trust this guys assessment. So that is a positive thing we have to look forward to. Those birds come through our area. Now if we can get them to come this way in the next 2 week, should help our very low bag count. Just don’t see or have the early morning ducks, flying around. Always used to have a shot or two , before sun rise. You don’t see a duck at that time anymore. We would set and watch the clock, just waiting for it to get legal so you could shoot, but today you eat your lunch and drink your coffee, with no worry of missing a shot.

As always please say a little prayer for the troops tonight at bedtime, and please check back

See Ya Carl

First the picture. This young lady, took issue to the remarks in another Blog about R K and the Boys taking Canada’s again. She got waders so she could help retrieve. She also took issue with my statement in yesterday’s report when I said, “good shooting guys,” when I wrote they took 6 out of 8 birds. That is when the picture was taken. We have a different young lady hunting there tomorrow. She is as serious hunter as you will ever meet. So will watch what I write tomorrow too.

The Canada shooting slowed down a little today, but it has been a great run. Have got Canada’s for the past 6 days. Was a little slower today than any of the other past 5, but it brought our total up to either 68 or 69 for the six days.

This morning we had high hopes of a big Canada day with the weather forecast the way it was with a great Northwest wind , a clearing sky, as well as a cold front moving through. Seen plenty very early this morning but they were as usual, hard to get to decoy that early in the morning. By the time it got to what we call “Goose Time” there were not so many on the move. Had several flocks coming from the south this morning. So we must have a few that are camping in the area. Southwest winds tomorrow so we will see what that brings.

Ducks: don’t know what to say on them. Not seeing any, we fielded a few phone calls today, asking if we were seeing any, because they were not. Everyone heard, or seen, the push of ducks we seen a couple a days ago, but have not seen any since. Did they move on through?? Sure would be fun to have a morning again, where you would have ducks buzzing around and diving into the decoys. Maybe some setting in the weeds around the lake quacking to you while you were waiting for it to become legal.

Please say a little prayer for all the troops and their families tonight at bed time.

See ya and Check back

Carl

Took Canada's again today

Not much wind until after lunch so the decoying just would not work. We were seeing birds, but to get them to decoy, just would not work. When the wind did come up we were seeing our first sight of migrating Mallards. Up until then we had not seen enough, of what we thought may be migrator’s, to admit we were seeing ducks on the move. Late in the day today, we were seeing huge flocks of Mallards. Boy did it look good to see them. too We have not seen enough yet to admit that the Fed are right, but at least we are seeing some.

We started off early this morning seeing Canada’s but with a very light wind, decoying them was impossible. Once we got some wind we decoyed two small flocks. One with 5 and places all of them DIP and then a flock of 8 and only two of those got away. Good shooting guys. Took two real big ones today. One weighted in at 13 lbs and the other at 13.2 lbs. All of them we good sized but this was the two big ones.

Since this is Saturday night and that is Mommies night to dance on the tables, so this has to be short. And then I need my beauty sleep.

So remember the guys and gals protecting our right to go hunting and many other things, in your bed time prayers.

Check back with the hopes we have bigger and better report tomorrow.

See Ya Carl

A two day report

This is a two day report. Thanksgiving day and today. Will do it the way it happened.

Thanksgiving has been a day when a few of my close friends and my grandsons enjoyed the hunt. We make something for breakfast and have a long visit. This years RK did hunt too. There was some other hunters that need to be away, while the wife got a big meal for them. This year our breakfast, was delicious as usual, and the hunting was good, calling at a few ducks. The grandkids had to get in earlier, than was earlier planed. So at about 10:30 we zipped up our blind bags and headed for town. As we left the pit area, there was the usual greeting passed, “Hope you make it to the shed, before we shoot” and we give it back with “Me too”. As we made it to the area, where the pickup is parked we heard a Canada honk. We looked up and seen 8 big old boys making the hook and heading right down the gut, toward the decoys, Corn Shucking all the way, up to the decoys. They took 5. What a sight. I think there was also a duck harvested Thursday too.

Now on to today. We pulled up stakes so we could watch the Husker game, missing only a little over a quarter. Was pleased with the outcome but sure wish we had just a little better offense. Next is the Big Twelve Championship game, against Texas. Not to confident we can have such a happy outcome.

Earlier in the day we had two go-a-rounds on Canada’s, placing 6 DIP. Could have been a little better on the one flock, but on the first flock, we had more luck and took more than we should have. So it balanced out. There was a heart breaker today also. We had flock of over 100 come from the North, and look so good, all the way. At that time there was just no wind at all and I think that is what got them all mixed up into little flocks going all different ways. Well one flock almost run into another flock, so they got a little leery and left the area. Boy there was some big ones in that flock.

There was not many ducks in the skies. Not sure that the Fed’s are telling us the truth on the number of ducks. I feel it is safe to say, we have seen more ducks in most any week of any season, other than past 5 years, than we have so far this season. The reports of them so thick in the Dakota’s, and we just are not seeing any. Why aren’t some of them moving out with this colder weather up there. So many times in the past you would see flock of several thousand working a field, and we have not seen that for 5 years, and maybe more. Maybe they are just flying over this area, but you would think we would see something to make you believe that.

Enough complaining, Please check back and keep the troops in your prayers

See Ya

Carl

Another fun day

A second day of shooting. Did not end up with quite as many Canada’s in the bag today but, we enjoyed some great decoying. We had birds give us the whole enchilada of decoying today. They “CORN SHUCKED” high and they “CORN SHUCKED” low.

There was still a good movement of geese, yet today, but not every flock would decoy. Yesterday almost every flock of geese that come along,we could get to work, but today it was different. Some flocks would work and then the next flock may just fly over and act as though we never give them a call. Then there were some that acted like they were coming off a long trip, and found home. I think we had a better quality shot today, and also we had more guns. Most everyone in my pit used up most of a box of shells. I think we were into Canada’s 4 times and about 3 time on ducks, so if you went into action on every go-a-round there was 21 shots.

The ducks were responding, better today than they did yesterday, and I think there were more flock today too. Was shocked that there were so few birds around real early, you know in the dark. Fully expected to have the lake full of Canada’s, and maybe even some ducks. Well that was not the case the pond was bare. There was no duck buzzing your decoys in the dark, or after it was legal. Think it was after sunrise and after, before we started seeing any ducks. That has been the norm, this fall that there are no early ducks, in the morning.

Needless to say that the past two days are far more desirable, than it was for about two week, ending, just yesterday. At least there were birds in the sky as well as birds that decoyed. During the dry spell there was nothing, except a few Spoonies that took up residents in the lake. They would leave about sunrise and returned, some time after we had give it up.

About time I close this and get it posted. Remember the guys and gals that are doing the dangerous stuff, far from home, and missing out on the Holidays. Please include their families in your prayers too.

Check back and we’ll see ya

Carl

Birds and a Birthday cake, make for a great day

Was a busy day. A powder burning day. We put the smoke poles into action starting early and kept them working most of the day. The garbage sacks contained several empty shell boxes and plenty of empty hulls.

We almost doubled our goose total for the season, and they were all big Canada’s. Most were to the tops side, of the weight bracket too. You know in the 11 to 12 pound side. I know the two I carried out may have weighted only about 11.5 lbs when I left the pits but were over 20 lbs before I got to the truck. A couple of hunters left with out taking any birds but almost everyone had their limit. Not for sure but I think we had 7 go-a-rounds on Canada’s. We also had a few ducks. With the wind we had today, about 20MPH, it was a sporting shot, and never a chocolate shot for the day, accounting for the huge number of hulls in the trash. Remembering the long dry spell, we just went through, I would not want to change a thing about today, including the misses and long shots. One great day.

Don’t remember just how many flocks of geese we seen today (+30), and just how you would have counted them. One time we had about 6 different flocks all decoying to us at one time. There was another time when we had a flock come in from the North and a flock from the West, both decoying in and then there was a nice flock of about 100 Mallards all circling us at the same time. Of course we passed on the ducks. Another time we had a flock of seven come in low as we worked a bigger flock, and the seven landed in the lake behind the blind, they were not even shot at.

Also had a few flocks of Snow and Blues, but could not talk any of those into our spread. Some were small flock, but as the day went on, the flocks got bigger. Seen one flock of about 400 to 500 birds in it. I am going to say we had to see at least 30 flocks of Mallards too.

There was also a little celebration in my pits. See I had another birthday on Sunday, so today Robert and Mindy Thomas brought me a B’day cake. This cake and the birds, make for a damn good and memorable day. Thanks Mindy, you are a super jewel. Was going to post a picture of the cake but cut off Mindy's head in the picture, so were passing on that.

Remember the troops in your bed time prayer and please check back

See Ya

Carl

Some action today

Okay folks, I have not died, have not been in the hospital, have not been ill, have not been gone, but have been sick of this hunting season. Did see a little activity today. Had two flocks of ducks in on us early this morning, got shots at both flocks. Harvesting 7. Very low on hunters, so that was not to bad for the number of guns that were in action. We are getting a little change in the weather pattern, as well the Jet stream is moving into our area in the next few days so expecting a push of birds. It is so hard to believe that it is Thanksgiving, and have not had much of a migration as of yet. The boss keeps telling us he see more Canada’s in July out on the lake with no water, than we have been seeing here of late. Supposed to have an unbelievable number of ducks and Canada’s in South Dakota, that should be moving into our area, as soon as there is some weather to make them to get airborne. The next couple of days the forecast is for North or Northwest winds. Could prove to be exciting, lets hope so.

Well keep checking back and see if there is something to report. Also remember to say a little prayer for the troops, tonight and every night

See Ya Carl

We are still waiting

Today was about the same as the past few. All of the big activity was early in the morning. Did have a pretty good wind most of the day, but the birds were not on the move, yet

For the past few years the Snow’s and Blue’s have move through in such large flocks that decoying them was almost impossible. So the Boss has not spent much time thinking about them. Well this year has been different and they have been in the size flock we seen in back in the 80’s. Flocks of 50 or less, and you can work, that size flock. We may need to set a few more decoys, if this trend keeps up. Not seeing many Canada’s, and the skies is almost void of ducks. Did see a pair and a spare of pintails, that come in and land in the pond , escaping with out being shot at.

The Bag included Two big boys, one Blue, and one duck, and that is not much of a bag for the 9^th of November.

I am hearing the ground is so wet in the Dakota’s that all the crops are still in, and they are covered up with waterfowl, and they are not moving out. We have not seen a real good Pintail push yet. There is a few being reported in the reserves, south of us, but there has to be the biggest share of them still north yet. The Fed’s have told us for the past few years that there is plenty of Mallards and we have not seen them. Well the reports today, it is unbelievable of the Mallards that are covering the Dakota’s right now. So just maybe we will see them this year. Sure hope so. Hope is about all that keeps us going to the pits daily, it just has to get started some time and tomorrow may be the day. Surly not all of them are going to wait for the big storm are they???

Not much more to report so will close this

Say a prayer for the troops tonight and please check back

See Ya Carl

Changing winds but still a little action

We had no wind, changing wind, and a great wind today. Early in the morning if we would have had just a little wind we would had a great day. There were both ducks and geese giving us a look. I should also say the geese were Snow and Blues, and there was about 4 to 6 bunches and all were either to early or during the time when we had no wind.

At about 10 minutes early we had a nice flock of about 30 to 40 that come in very quite. Two almost landed in the decoys, then pulled out and come right over the pits so low, we thought we could have snatched them, out of the sky. Then when it got legal we lost all our wind and getting them birds in for a shot with a slick lake is not possible. By about 8:00 the wind come up and we had a great wind the rest of the time we were out.

Later on in the day we had a flock that got playing around with us and a 3 pack, got just a little low. A couple found themselves D I P. Around 11:00 or so had a small bunch of small ducks, doing a speedy buzz job, daring us to open up. We did and a couple of those paid the price.

Sure would like to talk a little, about last night game, but do not want to offend anyone from Oklahoma. But just have to say, when it comes to defense, I think we had the best squad. The boys done good, and the state is proud of them. A great game, their on the way back.

Had another great sunrise but I will spare you, and not post another picture. Been a great week for sunrises. Probably was none in Oklahoma.

Say a little prayer for the troops, and there families, especially for those serving in the hot spots, as well as those, involved with the mess at Foot Hood.

See Ya Carl

Was a little action today

Guessing that I must update you. However there is a little to write about. Did have just a little of action today.

Sorry about the picture I promised, but the great thing about the picture is, there was a great sunrise three days in a row. So now if I post one which one??? May go check them out and post one anyway. Yes I will post Mondays

As for the action: The past few days every morning we spot a few flocks and are sure that thing is going to kick in and we have a day. Well about as fast it begins to look good it shuts down just as fast. Had allot of action this morning for about 2 to 3 hours and then it turned off again. Everything was high, but at least there was something to look at. Also was seeing plenty of Eagles today too. I always thought they followed the duck and geese and feasted on the injured ones that got away. What we are seeing they are in front of the Waterfowl. Rumors are, that the Dakota’s ,have so much water and no crops out, so what is to move them out and send them on our way. I have a feeling it will take a big snow storm. Can they get snow and us not??? Sure hope so.

Since I last posted something I think we have got 4 ducks and one goose. Two of the ducks and the goose is what we took today. We were so excited that we almost called the World Herald, sports dept and reported this hot action. Beginning to think that I made a bad investment when I bought shells before the season opened. Not quite ready to offer them for sale but it is getting close.

Well remember the troops, and please include the families involved with the tragedy at Fort Hood, in your prayers tonight. They are in need of our support.

Please check back

We’ll see ya Carl

New Month New Hope

New month, November, and 22 days into the season and we have our first picture. Our maker sent out his sky artist, and they painted a good picture in the shy worth getting the camera out of the blind bag and to go into action. I will do my best to include. Now remember I am old and am working with an different type of operating system, so cross your fingers.

Was probably the most promising looking day of the season. We had just a few duck buzzing around, and it was clear we were going to have a sunrise, of quality, as Old Sol was making his way to the horizon. We were interning a new month, with a great wind blowing and making the lake look so good. There was even a fresh set on the decoys. The picturesque sunrise was there, for over a half hour, before the sun broke up over the clouds and really brought on the day. We were seeing geese moving down the valley, and a few were passing over our lake. Before 8:30 we had one of the largest flock of Canada’s come floating down over the river, we have ever seen for this early in the season. Late in the season it is not uncommon to see huge flock of around 150 plus birds but not this early. Just prior to this big flock we had two come into the lake and belly up in front of the blinds and they were rendered DIP in short order. Where I am going with all of this we soon were jolted back to reality, that this is still the 2009 season. We had 2 or 3 close encounters with identified fly objects (geese) with no contact . It ended up being a pretty long dry spell before we pulled up stakes and come to the house.

As always please say a little prayer for all the hero that are protecting our nation

See ya Carl