THE FAT LADY HAS SUNG

Well we closed up shop on Monday and I have no excuse for no posting before today. There is no shortage of geese in Burt County but there is a shortage of them, out around our blinds. For some reason it was a vacuum in the skies for the whole season out there this fall. Just a few miles north, those spreads were having one of the best season ever. A couple years ago, we had one single day when we harvested as many Canada’s, as we totaled for the whole season this fall. The ducks were not much better. Was a long hard year for Ralph, this fall.

There were 3 Canada’s that we took between this report and the last report I posted. Don’t remember just why but for some reason I could not get a report written so I just kept putting it off in hope there would be a day I could incorporate it into, but it just didn’t happen.

Was some memorable things that happened through the fall other than a bad season. Did have some interesting new hunters and had some hunter that have graced our pits, in the past, come back and set with us again. That is the fun side of my job out there. For two days I had a combat Vet, who was injured quite severely in Iraq, that sat beside me. It was an honor to talk with him. He is one of the reasons I can ask for a bed time prayer, at the end of these post.

Well thanks for all of you that checked us out this fall and please check back for the spring hunt. It just has to be a more successful hunt.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you, and please keep all our hero’s in your prayer

See Ya Carl

The ducks were moving today

Today was a day of watching again. When I say watching , I mean we were watching a fly over today. The Mallards flew over us almost all day. They were up in the MUCK, Low hanging clouds, all day long. These Mallards we have been saying for the past 3-5 years did not exists. They have not migrated this far south, or did not come this early, but we are seeing them this year. They flew today on large flocks of several hundred. What a great sight, truly did not think I would ever see it again. We did not decoy any but at least we got to see there is ducks.

As for today’s action; I think we had about 4 go-a-rounds on Canada’s. They were all in little flocks. Don’t think there was over 4 that escaped our iron curtain, we threw up. But totaled only 10 Can’s and a hand full of ducks. All the action was in the morning, but have the feeling it was the weather doings. Was one raw day, once the wind got up. Know my face is chapped. Also made the blinds a little cool, too.

Got an E-mail asking me to point out a party coming up this Fri night here in T-town. I am going to paste the info from his note to me

Burt/Washington County DU Chairman, and we are having a Waterfowler Hunter Party this Friday at the Tekamah Auditorium, Could you put a tidbit in your next blog and pass the word on to your members. It starts at 5:30 dinner at 7. $25.00 gets you a membership, BBQ Dinner and free beer. Register on the DU web page or call me 402-968-8932.

Sounds like some fun to me. Will see if I can make it.

Please say a prayer for all the guys and gals, that are protecting us, tonight in your bed time prayers

Also please check back

See Ya
Carl

Was a strange day

Yes it was a strange day. We got into the Sky Carp two times. Now days, that makes it a strange day. We never had the best shot on either flock, but when you have a shot at them in the fall you best take it. Took a total of 11 of them. Was a sight to behold too. The thing I found interesting, was we shot only a couple juveniles, and rest of them were adult birds.

The rest of the day was not the worst either, was into Mallards one time and
Canada’s once too. The bag had 22 birds tonight. Was not the top day, but was a good day for as few hunter we had. Also had a couple of High School freshmen, shooting, and they are wanting, to have a return trip.

The Mallards was another big flock, boy is that exciting to see that too. Had a dozen or so, drop in quick, so that was our shot. Have not seen big flock of Mallards for a long time and do they ever respond to the call good too. Had the feeling last fall I would never see that again. You just don’t know how great it is to be wrong.

See a fair number of Canada flock today, all were low so sure they are some birds that are staying in the area.

Remember the troops, with a prayer tonight.

Check back and we’ll See Ya Carl

Just Ducks

I have to finish with yesterdays report before I go to today’s.

How could I forget to say something about the Visitors we had yesterday in the lake. As I had pointed out I had my one grandson with me, and he is quite the spotter. Well he said there was a bunch of Snows coming at us from the southeast very low. Well we found them and soon realized there were not Snows at all. It was a family of Swans. Two adult birds and 6 juvies. What a magnificent bird!! On their final swing before landing they passed over the pits not over 15 yards high. I could even hear the wind passing through their winds. Ralph estimated that the biggest bird was 3 ft tall or taller, my guess it was nearer to 4 ft. His head was had to be about 24 inches above the Big Foot Canada’s decoys. They have to stand over 20 inches high. They got a drink and rested for about a half an hour, then took off on their journey. How could I forget such a story. I took some pictures but with out a telephoto lens, what I got, is not much of a picture.

Now to today. No geese, just a limit or two of ducks. They are still raking them over the coals north of us a few miles, but not many getting down in our area. We did have a big flock decoy in on us today. There was 100 plus birds in this flock. Have not had a flock like that come in to our spread in a couple years. Also seen a couple flocks today that were feeding in the area, with big numbers like 1-200 birds per flock. We have not seen that for over 2 years either. Give you the feeling that there may be a few ducks left after all.

Getting late so must hit the hay. So remember the troops again tonight and please check back

See ya Carl

Finely had a somewhat good day

The day got it start with one great sunrise, which I am planning to share with you. Shortly there after we got into the first birds, of the day. Had a small flock of Mallards come in on us and the crew made short work of them placing them all into the pond.

Had a grandson in the pits with me today and his gun was not functioning right, so I told him I had an extra with me today and if he would just go back to the van and get it, it should work. Well, before he got back we got a nice flock of Canada’s in and he missed out on the shot. That is the last thing a Grandpa ever wants. About a couple hours latter I was not feeling the best so went home for a couple of hours and while I was gone they got into 2 more flocks of Canada’s. The highlight of the day was there was one flock of 13 Canada’s and the crew took 12 of the 13. Way to go guys, some good shooting. Three go-a-rounds on Canada’s and flock of Mallards. The best day of the season.

We are hearing that all the setups up north thinning out the Duck population and getting there share of Can’s too. So we have some birds in the area, so maybe we can get this season into the harvest mode. Sure hope so because it has been so boring, so far.

Have some work to do before morning, so best get with it and get this posted.

So say a prayer for the troops and please check back.

See Ya Carl

Another day with spookie birds

Was not an event full day, unless you were Mindy Thomas. The lake had some geese when they went down and open the blinds this morning. Most left when they seen people working on the blinds. Had three that decided they could hang around with our decoys. We all got into the pits and they stayed. After it was legal an extermination crew was formed to go get them up and hopefully get them in the bag. Well Mindy, was on this wrecking crew, She had never been on one before today. She has been hanging around out there for a couple of years but the opportunity, has never arisen before, where she could go. This job has it draw backs, because it you are not successful, there is some razzing directed your way. Of course there are several sets of eye watching as you make every step. It was obvious they were with in range of these birds before the birds got nervous, and started walking out of the decoys. Well the bird Mindy was stalking took off and with a couple of flaps of his wings was above her head, with lighting speed she took careful aim and pulled the trigger, and the goose come crashing down!! D.I.P. (That means Dead In Pond) Robert, her husband , is going to have it mounted for her. I think she had to pose at all pits for a picture. I wanted to post a picture, of the proud lady and her prey, but the quality of my picture, would not allow me to do that.

I did not say before, but they got all three birds. We had a couple more come in, and brought home a bag of 5 for the day.

Had quite a few bird still on the move today, but there are still to smart to decoy. There was not to much activity on the duck front today. Beginning to wonder if there will be a day that is close to what we feel is a normal day.

Well keep checking back and always remember the troop in your bed time prayers.

Thanks for all you who sent B’Day greetings, was not necessary, but I did appreciate your kindness.

See Ya Carl

BIRDS EVERYWHERE

Well the migration is underway, or may even be over. There was more than an abundance of waterfowl today. They flew most of the day. When I say THEY, I mean the ducks, the snows and blues, and the Canada’s. There was even plenty of Gulls, Eagles, and Hawks. Was not much of the day, when you would look up and not see a flock of something in the air. But to get them to decoy was another story. I don’t think, I would be lying if I said we had 35 flock of Canada give us better than a good look. To get them to finish was another story. Ralph has never in his life called such, borderline shots, long shots, but if you was going to get a shot he had to call such shots. Not the most productive shots. We did end us with 6 big Canada’s and one go-a-round on ducks. One of the Canada’s was a huge bird. If I remember right it was over 13 lbs.

Ralph said today that today is a day that just has to be in his next book. At least it was a day, he will never forget. As most of you know I am trying to put a book together too, on my experiences of hunting with Ralph. One of my chapters is titled “Birthday Hunts”. Well today was my B’Day and this day is going to be remembered, in that chapter.

That is the reason this report is so late, we had to eat out and then met with some of the kids and grandkids, for some ice cream.

Hope that one of these days I can post a report that is all positive, about the days hunt. Sure hope that there is one day where some of the younger ones burn up a couple boxes of shells. Would be fun to carry a sack to the burn barrel that was loaded with empties and had some shell boxes in it. More aluminum, pans, cans, and foil making the barrel than plastic and brass. And that is just not right to have that happen.

Best get this posted so please say a prayer for the young men and ladies, that serve our country, to night and every night.

See Ya and please check back Carl

Plenty of sky action

Well we shot a Canada, today. It has to be close to 3 week since the last time I could report this. WE KILLED A CANADA TODAY!! However, we did have some great movement on Canada’s today. Just could not get them to decoy. Had many groups check in today and it was about the same on all reports, THEY JUST WILL NOT DECOY. Did hear that one spread Northwest of us, did get into a big flock and got 6 to 8 out of it.

We did have a couple go-a-rounds on ducks and took a few. We passed on one flock of Long Bills. Sure glad of that cause the die easy, and I get credit for all that die.

Need to get in tub and get ready to go feed and water, mother. Have to be home, before the game comes on. Sure hope I can keep her off the tables tonight, and get in early. GO HUSKERS

Say a little prayer for the troops tonight and I hope I have a good report tomorrow

See Ya Carl

Just a little action

Got something to write about tonight. Today was a slow day as far as geese is concerned, but what’s new about that. There was plenty of ducks in the skies, but they were real high, and near undecoyable. My computer says that is not a word, but sure you get the point. We did get a few in, and had I think 4 go-a-rounds. Most were Mallards but not all.

Yesterday was a morning filled with geese, but we feel they were all local geese. There was just flock after flock. We did have a flock of about 50 decoy to us and was doing everything just right. So pretty, with feet down and coming in against the South East wind. With in a few seconds we would have been into action on them, but as the fall goes, along come a airplane and had to fly right over the lake. Now let me tell you this guy was low, and right over the lake and drove the geese right out of the country.

There are reports saying, there is some cold weather and snow building in the north land so maybe that will drive some birds down. Also understand we are also going to have some pretty cold weather in the next week or so. So Maybe, Just Maybe, the hunting will get back to normal

Please say a little prayer for the troops tonight. Also please check back.

See Ya Carl

Another Duck Day

This is going to be short. Two reasons Reason No.1 Sat, nite and I have to feed and water the old lady!!!! Reason No. 2 Have to have that done before the football game.

Was another day without a shot at a Canada. Ducks shots were fewer , but each go-a-round was more deadly. Daily total was about the same as last nights. I got more shots off. Duck decoying was so pretty, and shots were easier. Most of the ducks today were Mallards. Did see on flock of about 10 that was all Pintails. What a messed up year. Tomorrow is going to be another good day, and I wouldn’t miss it for nuttin.

I reported the other night that we had reports from Cheyenne Bottoms, that it was full of the Specks, so we were thinking they were all gone south. Well RK fielded a Phone call from a man that hunts there, and he told Ralph he had not seen them. So maybe there are all north yet. Sure are not seeing any geese at all, except for what we seen on Thursday.

Well I have to post this and get moving. So don’t forget the troops tonight in your prayer.

See Ya and check back, please Carl

A Powder Burning Day

A better report today, but must tell about Thursday. Having a report that the Cheyenne Bottoms in Kansas was full of Specks, reinforced my feeling, that all the Specks had already gone South. Well yesterday, Veterans day, proved that was not the real story. We seen around a dozen, large flocks of Speck going South. So we are not sure they have all gone yet. Usually there is 3 to 4 days of the Speck migration. We have had day one!! Is there a couple more days, coming????? I’m not guessing. We also had a few flocks of Cacklers, and about a half dozen flocks of ducks. We did not get a shot all day long. When we had birds there was no wind, when we had wind, there was no birds.

Today was a different story. First off it was just a little wet but we kept the panels on all we could. My blinds faired pretty good, as far as mud and water. We had several flocks of Snow and Blues over us this morning early. Did not have much action in the way of decoying. Seen a few Specks, less than 20 birds through out the day, No Big Canada’s, but we seen Ducks like we have not in a couple, three years. Lots of Mallards. Some great decoying, but tough shooting. With this wind all shots were out the back of the blind so many shots, few ducks. Had some reports of other hunter limiting out, but we did not get so lucky. We did harvest 20 or 25 ducks, most Mallards. The old and slow, like me, got off 3 to 5 shots. The young and agile, may have shot up a box of ammo. Tomorrow with a North West wind should have shots out the front of the blind. Looking for a two box day.

About all the info I have for today, so please check back and say a prayer for our soldiers tonight.

See Ya Carl

A Very Happy Report

Everyone in the pit today should have had “SEARS” printed or maybe even tattooed on their, forehead, because we were all diehard hunters. With nothing in the shies it is hard to get many hunters. We do our best to entertain them, but they want to at least see some birds, while hunting. Well the past few days that was a tough order to fill. However today was another story. We had some activity. First there was a flock of 8 to 10 big ducks, give us a couple of fly over’s. Then there was two big flocks of small ducks, that we think either got out of a field or off the west lake. Makes no different as where they got off of, they went straight to the river and dropped in. Then there was a Cormorant that scared us to death, as he come sailing in. Then the excitement really got under way. There was 4 snows and a blue come floating down from the NW and decoyed in on the first round. Was not the greatest shooting or the greatest shot, but with it being so slow, any shot is a great shot. We took Three of the Five. Yes we should have taken all five but we didn’t. Think is was “total shock” of having a bird in range, was making our aim a little fuzzy.

The next paragraph is a true thrill for me to report. Sunday evening I walked to my computer, to check just how Nebraska had faired in the new football polls. As my computer come to life it showed I had an new E-Mail. When I open the Mail file there was a familiar name, “Edward Ward” and in the subject line was the familiar statement “Tomorrow” which by the way had not been there all season. I open that E-Mail as fast as my computer would go and checked the message. The contents of the message was one we had prayed for and was so happy to receive . “I’ll be there Tomorrow” They found some Meds that work and he is feeling and doing great. So happy to have him back in the pits.

Best be making some plans for a hunt, because this could be a short, but hot, migration this year. I have to admit that I would not miss tomorrow for nuttin.

Please say a pray for the Troops tonight and please check back

See Ya Carl

Just Info tonight

This posting is mainly just information, that may be of interest to you.

The first tidbit of info is the fact that Dorothy got home on Monday. How I neglected to report that last night, is a mystery to me. She is doing pretty good, and getting stronger everyday. They have a trio ladies come in and sit with her while Ralph is at the blinds.

The next most important story is that DST ends Sunday morning at before shooting time. I am going to give you times to follow. You set the clock back so we are showing up one hour earlier. The Café opens (Monday through Saturday) at 4:30 and we will be leaving there lets say Monday the 8th at 6:00 sharp. Now that is going to hurry us just a little, but if we hurry it should work OK. That would be like us leaving there at 7:00 today. Again if you are going to eat Breakfast please give the cooks and waitress some time to cook and serve your food. Drinking an extra cup of coffee is better than leaving you breakfast, so early is better than late.

Next, I received an E-Mail reporting to me that there is another site (of course I say COPYCATS) for you to collect some hunting info along the Mighty Mo. This group is setup in the Springfield Nebraska area. Another group of young, Computer Savvy Guys, who want to make my “Plain Jane blog” look SOOOO bad. They have movies, pictures all over the place, well organized, completely void of misspelled words ETC. They even have a section on followers, if you want to sign up. They will post your picture too, I think. Anyway they have a picture of this young Chick and she owns a restaurant. With the look in her eye I think she is trying to get me to send her the recipe to my world famous “Dead Cow Stew”. She just as well forget that.

Check them out At: http://www.platteriverwaterfowlers.blogspot.com/

Enough of that stuff, back to today’s hunting. Has Snows and Blues over us before legal this morning, as well as a few big ducks. They all moved out before legal. Must have set up camp , and kept all birds out of the area. With a hunter dream for a wind all day and no birds in the skies. We pulled up camp about 15 minutes early to our earlier deadline. Nothing in the skies and made our way back down road to the outhouse and turned around to look back at the decoys and what was over the pits. 18 Canada’s. Never had but two ducks close to the pits all day, and we don’t even get off the lake property and there they are.

Check out this blog and say a prayer for the troops, to night and every night.

Check back, Please. We’ll see ya Carl

The feeling is "the migration has begun"

Need to up date you on the activities , at the blinds. Since I last posted a story we have had some luck. We did harvest a couple of Canada’s, over the week end. I have no excuse for not telling about them, other than I was just to lazy.

Today was just a little different from the norm, for this year. There were birds in the skies. We seen some Specks, Canada’s , Snow’s and Blues, Ducks, including a couple flock of Mallards. Hawks, all south bound. So we feel that maybe the migration has begun. Some of the birds like the Snow and Blues and the Specks were before the wind come up too. We decoyed the S&B’s in and got one young Snow. First for the year. We really messed up on Four Big Boys. See Dorothy has got home and RK went in early to be with her. I was listening to the radio, and we had geese decoying in on us. Lyle had spotted them and they were to close for him to make enough noise for me the turn the radio down, and help with the birds. During at that time was the only pass that they were in range, so they got out unmolested. Did get a couple of ducks after the boss left. The mallards had made up their mind they wanted in and we could not get them into range so they got to use our water , without paying any debt.

Tomorrow we are to have a favorable wind again, so expecting a good day,. I guess I also should mention, that we had reports from several spreads, all we re reporting about what we are saying (Birds on the move). Early this morning, we were hearing some shooting in the area to the northwest, so expecting to have some reports tomorrow of others hunters in the county having some luck too.

Best, get this posted.

Please as always, keep the troops in your prayers and please check back

See Ya Carl

Strange visitors today

Day Two, with high winds. We seen migrating birds this morning and they were in big flocks. But --- they were Sandhill Cranes. It is rare, to see these birds in the skies over Burt County Nebr. I remember many years ago there was a flock that had settled down in a field north of the lake. About mid morning they took off and I spotted them and hollered “Geese” and very soon RK I D them as Sandhill Cranes. A few day latter I seen our local Game Warden and told him about them, and he told me he had never seen a Sandhill Crane in Burt County. I knew he was not believing me so I said “well just check with Ralph” He then said if Ralph would tell me he had seen some I would believe him. We only see then when there has been a strong west wind, when they are on the move, and they get blown over to this end of the state. We had several flocks, pass over the lake today. Took some pictures but they just don’t show up that good, to post the picture.

There was very little to report there were just a few Canada’s and a few ducks. We did get into a flock of Pintails and took out a few of them. One was a pretty good specimen. A big drake with about a long a tail as you will see in the fall. With the cold air moving in tonight you just have to wonder if everything starts tomorrow. We have the feeling, we have paid our dues for this year and they just have to begin the move.

Please check back and also keep the troops in your prayers.

See Ya Carl

A great wind BUT

I got up this morning with great anticipation, just knowing it was going to be a gangbuster day. We had not taken the guns out of the hanger for over a week , much less harvest a bird. Well we had some rain over the night, a promise from the weatherman, that we were to have wind when we went to the blind, which we have not had, all fall. The wind was to keep building as the day progressed, reaching gust of 40 MPH Plus. And the wind did get blowing about as they predicted it would. The thought interred my mind that maybe I should carry another box of ammo to the blinds with me., so I loaded my self down just a little more. I have always given my kids the advice, While driving if you see a wild animal on the side of the road, God has given them the instinct to keep from you hitting them. So do not confuse them by honking your horn, flashing your lights, slowing down or speeding up, trying to out dodge them, just keep your speed and stay in your lane. Well with that lesson in mind, there was a Raccoon on the road, and I did as I have preached and I ran over him. Now when he went under my wheels he felt as big as a oil barrel under both the front and rear wheels. He was still on the side of the road as I come home this evening and he was not near that big. I passed incident off as a good omen that this was going to be one of the best killing days of all time. The rain drops were still pelting us as we made to walk up to the pits, and there was a great wind, out of the west. The rain was done before it was legal shooting time. Well this time before the legal shooting time is usually the time when you get the idea as to just what is going to happen for the day. If there are birds then, there is a good chance the day will a fruitful day. (Hint, the skies were empty) We had just one go-a-round on ducks. Seen one flock of Canada’s and two other flocks of very high geese, think they were Specks.

There is some weather in the Dakota’s so maybe the migration will begin. Wind is to blow again tomorrow, so I’m not missing it for nuttin

So the bag for the day was 5 ducks (mixed species) one Coon. Quite a season when you get both a Coon and a Skunk. Over 40 years and both are a first.

Remember the troops in your prayers tonight and please check back, cause it just has to happen soon

See Ya Carl

We warmed up the barrels, some today

Good morning in the blind and a bad afternoon for Nebraska football.

I will cover the morning in the blind first. We had 3 or 4 flocks of whitefronts flying around before it was legal shooting time. Had one flock that gave us a couple of swings. Never got close to getting into range, even thou it was to early to shoot. We had several different of types of ducks in the area. Coots, Spoonies, Gadwalls, Weagon, Pintails Blue and Green wing, and Cinnamon Teal. Well we harvested most all except the Coots and Spoonies. Think we were in ducks 3 times and Canada’s two times. The Canada, decoying has been some of the prettiest you could ever see. The last two Canada’s, we took had their feet down before they got line up for the decent into the decoys. They had their wings cupped about as much of any birds I have seen, before.. At the time there was a nice breeze out of the NNW, lets say near 20MPH, and they took advantage of it. Had maybe a 35 yd shot. We had only 7 guns and we took 24 or 25 birds this morning. Great morning of shooting.

We come in early so we could watch TV. There was only one program on and it was a bad show. Four dropped touchdown passes and never scored on anyone one of those drives. We (Nebraska) owed them a butt whippin. Well I guess we were not ment to play for the National Championship, this year.

Dorothy got out of the hospital today. She was moved to our local nursing home for a couple of weeks. The pain is down considerable, and the Dr. thought it was time for her to get a little closer to home.

Please remember the troops in your prayers to night.

Please check back and
we’ll see ya Carl

Blind and Dorothy Update

There is so much news to share with you tonight, but going to make it short

They found the problem with Dorothy and she is now on the mend. In the fall, Dorothy she has cracked three of the tailbone, bones. Now that sounds like double talk, but I can not say it any other way. Today she was taken to Emmanuel Hospital , in Omaha and they done some procedure, to repair this. Relief, was promised, to be almost immediate . Have not got the word that, that is the case, but did hear she was resting comfortably, when
Ralph and Jeanie left her in Blair this afternoon. I know the Boss sounded less stressed out on the phone, so much better than he has for the past few days. Ralph has got down at least one good meal today, so that has to help him some too. Not sure when Dorothy will be coming home, or if she will be going to some assisted living center. Thank God they have got a handle on the pain problem. Will give updates, when I hear more.

Now to the hunting. As I said in the last post, that us amateurs were in charge at the pits. We have been doing well enough, that I should have had a posting last evening, but I just could not get one that sound right. Yesterday we took one big Canada and two ducks. But the interesting thing was we seen and or heard, 7 or 8 small flocks of Whitefronts. All were high, but we could hear them. Well not me but the guys that have good hearing could hear them. We also was seeing a few Canada’s, moving around.

Today was a different story. We killed three ducks out of four that got in range. That is about all we seen. Did have a small flock, of Loons, that slipped in on us, and was just north of the lake before we seen them and done a quick hide job. Coming right straight in on us, most of them gliding. We had to laugh at ourselves, but it happens several times every season.


Well remember everyone in your prayers tonight, the troops and our sick friends.

See Ya Carl

Less odor and better product

Today’s harvest was just a little more familiar “product” than what we took yesterday. We had a couple go-rounds on tall ducks with no success, but when we had 5 can’s land out on us today the results was just a little more successful. They got into the decoys and Kevin and Rob-Bob thought they could harvest a couple. It was a long shot on both birds but they put them back in the pond. Took a couple additional shot to be D I P, but who counts shells when working the Canada’s over. They did a good job. The boss was gone, so us amateurs, were all that was one duty, I have not talked to the boss yet, but sure he will be excited for us.

Again the Loons or Cormorants dominated the skies, but as we say “That is a good sign” because the good birds are not far behind them. They always have us hiding as they come sailing down the river. When they are flying straight on you, and you are always wanting them to be geese, they can make you feel foolish, but it is better to be safe than sorry. We know that Canada’s would not be in big flocks like we are seeing, right now but the Whitefronts do, and we sure would not want to miss out on a flock of those, birds. Would love to have a good day on those, this year.

All the ducks we seen today, were Pintails. But had great report from Canada on the number of ducks up there. Now if they would just move in to Nebraska, and not linger in the Dakota’s to long, and give us a good duck year.

Well we have some weather moving in on us tomorrow so looking forward to posting another report, then. Why I would miss tomorrow for nuttin

So as always remember, the troops in your bedtime prayers. Also include Dorothy, Fred and Ed, too.

See Ya Carl

We were SKUNKED today

What an interesting morning. I have to start with my good Friend Robert Thomas II Alias Rob-Bob. Robert bought a new Shotgun, before the season open and had never shot it until today. See if I would buy a new shotgun, the only reason it would not be shot before I got it home is because I had no shell with me. He had bought a new Browning Maxus, last fall for his wife and loved it so much he just had to have one for himself. I just have to say right now, I agree with him it is one great gun and do not criticize him for wanting one. When you hear a gun company saying that their shotgun ,”Has the lightest recoil of any gun on the market”, it is a lie unless it is Browning, and they are talking about the Maxus. Roberts wife, shot a 3.5” shell through her’s last fall, and she does not weigh 100 lbs. To see this lady you have to believe she would be shooting a 20 ga., but not Mindy, she shoots 3” 12 ga, through her Maxus Back to Robert and his new gun, he don’t bring it out ,because he has not cleaned it as yet. This morning at the breakfast table I found out this fine machine was accompanying us to the pits, today. I was even excited over the thought Robert getting a shot with this new gun.

We walked up the road up to the pits and just as we get to the pits we are greeted with the aroma of Skunk. We believe we had pushed this animal up the road up to the blinds and it felt it was trapped and it give us a warning as it had escaped back down the bar, to freedom. Soon it become light and then we noticed it wandering around on the end of the bar, just feet off the end of the pit #1. He would go get a drink then wander around and them go lay down in the wide open spaces in front of blind No 1. We tried to heard him down the bar away from us but he look like he was more interested in attacking, us than going off to freedom. Took us just a little time to figure out this old boy was sick, and we had on other alternative, but to put this animal out of his misery.

Then the question became just how to do that with out causing a BIG STINK, and we have set with in a few feet of where he is and hunt, with customers. We don’t need a big stink. So our good old buddy with the Maxus, Rob-Bob goes into action. He lets the skunk, go lay down and go asleep again and then sneaks up with in about 20 feet of him, with the Maxus and gives him a load, (A 3”#2 Winchester Expert load). This Skunk is D I A. That means Dead In Air. Mud and Skunk were both flying 3 feet in the air. NO ODOR, just a very successful kill. Then “Bless his heart” Robert took the skunk on a shovel and took him across the lake and buried him. We owe you Robert, big time.

So then we discussed just how this report was to be titled to night. Like we did, or maybe “The Maxus will never be Skunked”, another suggestion was “Pepe La Pew”. Forty years of going out there and never had anything like this before.

Now to what was in the sky. Seen plenty of Cormorants today, just few Pintails, and one Canada. When will it get started???

I have some bad news I must post. Ralph’s wife, Dorothy, fell the other day and is in the Hospital in Blair. She broke no bones, but is bruised up very bad, and is in a lot of pain. She is not eating good and the pain pills they are giving her, is making her sick. So it is slow going right now. Ralph is not feeling right about going hunting, with her in the hospital. He has been going out everyday but he heads back pretty early, to go to the Hospital

So your bed time prayers need to include Dorothy tonight, as well as the troops.

See Ya Carl

The Skies had some birds today

Well I have finely have something to write about. As you know only the duck season is open. So with just one bird legal to harvest the interest in hunting is down. The phone don’t even ring much. Until this morning we had harvest only one bird. Now for the critic, out there, “The Boss” will not shoot in any flock where there is a Woodies or a Spoonie,. Well this time a year that almost rules out all shots. Those Spoonie’s die easy and I get credit for all that fall and I refuse to try to change his mind. Well today there was evidence of new birds moving into the area. Seen 5 or 6 flocks of just Pintails, and we seen a few other flocks of bigger ducks. We had only two shooters this morning and we had 3 go-a-rounds. Doubled the season harvest in nothing flat. Was very exciting between legal shooting time and about 8:00. I think I used up about 4 shells. I have been trying to shoot with both eyes open, due to the suggestions of my eye surgeon. So there is big efforts put into this new task. You know the old phrase you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and I fit into that bracket. On one go-a-round I felt good on my shots but I checked with the other shooter and he said he was shooting the same area I was so not sure if there was success or not. Know that my ability of claiming has not fell off, since last season. Got my share this morning.

Also was an increase in the Canada’s sightings today. That is an important note with that season opening this Saturday. The Boss is excited about the prospects of harvesting a few more of those old dudes this fall. He has opened the lake up some and thinks they are going to be flying by in the “Kill Zone” Low and Slow. Well let that happen and the “Grinders” that hang around out there, will put the hurt on them, big time. As we walked in this morning there was a flock that got up off the pond.

Shot some pictures of a great sunrise this morning too. Will not bore you with that pictures but just have to let you know we had a great one, today.

As usual, I ask you for a prayer for our troops. Today I am asking you to expand that just a little. Two of our fellow hunters, are having a tough time of it, as I write this. Ed Ward from Omaha, wrote me a note telling he has been having some problems since July, and may not make it out this fall. Ed was always a joy to have in the pits. A couple three years ago we had an shot where we never killed a bird out of a small flock of Canada’s and I properly referred to Ed in that nights report as, THE CRUSTY OL’ DUDE WITH THE CLICKTY CLACK. Ed, Get them Dr. working on finding the right meds and get back out there. We will get you to the pits and out, no worry about that. The other one is Fred, Fred is from Wisconsin. He too made the day fun. Fred come out with BIG TOM, so I know that will make many of you readers, know who I am talking about. Tom Called and said Fred is suffering with an advanced case of cancer. So along with the troops please include these two in your prayers every day.

Check back

See Ya Carl

The season is about to begin

Almost everything is done and waiting for Saturday morning. I had to order a new mic. For mission control, but it is coming right to me and I just have to plug it in. The intercom is ready other wise.
When I went to the lake yesterday afternoon there was a concentration of ducks, like I have never seen before. I have said, there were more ducks get up off that lake than I seen all fall last year. That may not be stretching it a bit but there were 5 huge flocks, and each flock were in the thousands. Was out this morning and there was a few big flocks, but nothing like yesterday.
You have responded pretty good for the plea for cards, for the Kohler’s. Dorothy told me it was not quite hit 100 yet but it is very close. At least we passed the 75, number, which would have been one card for each year of Marriage.
Saturday begins the action. So I know I will be flooded with E-Mails asking what time?? Well the sun comes up at 7:21 we can shoot 1/2 hour before sunrise 6:51. Takes about an hour to leave town, drive to the shed, get to the blinds, get unpacked, get your guns out and loaded. That computes to about 5:50. So plan on leaving Tailgators at 10 minutes before 6:00. Take the girls about 30 to 45 minutes to take your order and cook and you eat, so adjust your clocks and be there.
Don’t forget HIP number and Federal waterfowl stamp, I almost did.
Remember the troops in your bedtime prayers, and please check back. Hopping there are some very good reports this year.

See Ya and happy hunting Carl

The Pictures

See when you get old you have to retrain me every year. So Sorry Carl

75th Festivities

Need to bring everybody up to date on the 75th festivities. First off for all who sent cards, thank you, and for those who didn’t “get r done”. Took 75 years to reach that point, in life, what is a few day late, hurt. We did not reach the 100 card point, I wanted but we did come close.

Also this week, the local paper done a story on them and it can be read on line by going to: http://www.midwestmessenger.com/articles/2010/09/21/burt_county/news/news01.txt

Lyle, I and our wives took them out to dinner, Wed. evening, along with some other guest and had a great evening. Not to proud of the quality of the pictures, I took have excuses, but that is just what they are excuses. There is just to much glass, and I just don’t get behind the camera enough anymore to see the problems in every setting. But you get them anyway. I think you can click on each photo and enlarge it. Got some red eye and other bad photography, but I wanted you.

Anthony’s announced on the house intercom, that we were in the house and you could hear applause form other areas of the building. The area we were at was defiantly AWE STRUCK, and gave them a standing ovation. Lyle’s wife had baked and decorated, a cake so we all enjoyed that too.

The goose is also a gift they receive from the owner of the Bigfoot Decoy company. What a great gift!!!

Been having plenty of rain that has kept me from completing the intercom project, but it will be done soon. Other than that I think the boss is ready to hunt. He has been reporting that he is seeing big number of ducks, but as you know that can change with the weather, over night. I guess I should sat the are Blue wing, Pintails, Woodies and them birds we see early. But I t5ell you that because it is sounding like there is good numbers. He is also saying he is seeing plenty of Mallards. Lets pray we see a good movement of Mallards this fall., and have a couple three good Mallard shoots. It has been so long since we have had a year with Mallards. Of course there is plenty of Canada’s around too. Most are locals, but there is some migrater’s too.

Having trouble getting pictures to go through with the data so making a seperate posting for pictures.

See Ya Carl

Preseason update

Well it is about time I get busy and post a report, and bring everyone up to date.

The blinds have been moved, and I have some work to finish before we start hunting from them. I supposed you are interested as just where they are now. We shortened the walk just a little. The are about 15 yards closer to the outhouse.

For you that do not live in this part of the country, I best include the opening days for you.
Ducks open for us on the first Saturday of October, and that is the October. 2nd Canada starts a week latter on October 9th.

The boss has had a hard summer out there. We have had so much rain, and the growth got away from him in the lake. Just a few days ago he, got over everything. I have not been out so cannot talk first hand, but heard it looks good, as it always does. I have the intercom to get wired and there are plans to go do that this Saturday. Have some help coming so should not take us long. I am guessing he may be pumping by the weekend. He has spent many hours this summer pumping water off the crop land, North of the lake. I don’t remember just how many times he said he had run that pump, but something like 6 different times. Now when that happens it is not just a few hours, of pumping. Sometimes it is a week of around the clock, pumping

Before I forget it, come Sept 16, is Ralph and Dorothy 75th wedding anniversary. Got that feeling it is going to last don’t you. Can you believe it, that is a long time. Trying to organize a card shower. Their address is 820 Q Street, Tekamah Ne. 68061 I have some doubts you will find one that says 75 years on it, but find something. If you know others that know them and would send a card please pass this info on please. . Lets fill their mail box with cards.

Well check back and remember to keep the troops in your daily prayers

See Ya Carl

Two issues to cover today

The number one is the spring season. We got a late start and we quit on time. Along that line I guess you could say for the time we hunted we had a fair hunt. But if you look at the spring hunt as we look at it, it was not a fair hunt, It was a bad hunt. But when you are playing with nature, as all hunters and fishermen do, a bad trip just happened, every now and then. We had 3 pretty good days, and they fell back to back. If you were there on those days or even part of those days, you had some fun like spring is all about.

The Boss, and Dorothy too, have been under the weather , so we shut down. Lyle and I both though he would give us a call, when he, planned to pick up the decoys, and we would give him a hand. I had robber the battery our of mothers car, to use out there, and I was hearing about it, so yesterday I enlisted some help to carry the batteries out through the decoys. Well when we got to the lake, all the decoys were picked up, batteries were gone. He had done it all alone. The last word I heard from him, about decoys was , “They can set there for awhile”.

Enough complaining, so issue No. two.

The annual Kohler Dinner: Has been set. Mark you calendar for May 6^th. That is a Thursday night. It will be held at Anthony’s again this year. Address is 7220 F Street. I have no idea just what the specials will be this year, but you can bet it will be good. As always you do not need a formal invitation, if you know about you are welcome. I will let the Boss fill you in on the data of the season there, as he always dose.

When I find out more info on the dinner I will up date.

So till we hook up again, please keep the troops in your prayer, and check back. Get your Calendars marked for the dinner

See Ya Carl

Had, clear skies, sunshine, southerly winds, reports of birds still south, but seen a minimal amount of working birds. All of them in the morning. One flock we did not get the blaster on fast enough, so they just flew on by. Later there was a small flock of 4 that locked up when we got the call on them and never went out of the lock mode, all the way in, that way until we shot. Had so few shooters but they made quick work of them. Some time latter there was a flock of around 20 that come from the north and they were all decoying but, three come in so fast that the boss called the shot on them and we put them all in the sack too. That about covered the action. The reports of plenty of geese in the Hamburg Iowa and plenty action going along with the sighting. We have been getting those reports for a couple of days but have not seen any of those birds yet. We don’t feel we have seen our share of young birds. They are the easy ones to decoy, and usually give us the best show. Today’s weather , is the best weather for their movement , so was excited, early this morning about the prospects of the day. We keep wondering if it is over, but again we have not seen the big numbers of Juvenal birds.

Hoping the weather holds and we do not see the predicted rain that is in the forecast. Have seen enough mud to last me for a little while. Just got my blind dried out and most of the mud scooped out.

Say a little prayer for al the wonderful young men and women that are serving our great country. Also please check back and lets see if I can report a few more birds before we close for the season

See Ya Carl

Two in one today

I have two days to report to you. I could not get a report to sound good last evening so after many tries, I quit. Monday, I think we had just two go-a-rounds and put 8 in the sack. Was a pretty short crew for both yesterday and today. I think the bag had 6 in it, today.

We done a total, total on what we have done this season and it is short by a long way. However, with the weather the way it is, it is not that bad. We have gone over 150 birds, so in comparison of years past it is bad. Again we would be winding down on the hunt in ordinary years, when we had our first good days hunt, this season. Once the snow line went past our area it was open in the Dakotas, so we did not get much of a play on the breeders. As for just how much longer we are hunting, (I am getting mail with this question), I have no idea. The reports are not favorable from the south, but we are still seeing several flocks a day, and they are decoying so My guess as long as we are seeing birds, we will be there.

I need to mention that the birds we were seeing over the week end and yesterday seamed to be mainly Ross’s, but today there was more Snow and Blues. I have a feeling there is a message there, as to the migration, but not sure just what it is.

Can’t make sense of anything I am trying to write so best close this and get it posted

Besure to remember the hero’s that are serving our country overseas as well here in the home land, tonight in your prayers.

Check back again, please. See Ya Carl

The action was late in coming

Was a very slow morning. Did not see a Snow of a Blue, and it was about the time I was wishing I could go home and kick back in my recliner, and maybe catch a wink or two of sleep. When we started to see them on the move. We thought there was going to be plenty of movement today with the clear skies, snow to south, and plenty of movement yesterday. But the movement was late in coming. Most of what we seen was almost all Ross’s and they have the ability, to fake you out on a shot. Not only do they not fly, where you think they are going, but dive and dart around in the process. In plain English, “you shoot where they aint”. Some say I have the habit of doing that all the time. We got into birds three times today, winding up with 22. So that brings our total for Sat and Sunday up to 99. We were hoping to break the 100 mark yesterday, but it just did not happen, and we could not do in the whole weekend. There was no wind today, and that did not help with the decoying, either. A little breeze can really be an advantage.

Not much to report so will post this and get ready for tomorrow. Say a little prayer for all the young people that are serving us, around the world, tonight and every night.

See Ya Carl

The smoke poles got warm today

After the near blizzard of yesterday, nearly 4 inches of snow, and almost needing a snow plow to get to the shed, hopes were not to high this morning. However we did drive out to the pits under clear skies and with all the stars shinning. I had met with my crew before the walk in and had talked them out of taking another box or two of additional ammo for each. This would lighten their load quite a bit and it is a long walk, with so much moisture, of the past 3 months. However it was cool enough to put a heavy layer of ice on the pond, as well as a little frost in the ground, making the walk much easier. When we reached the decoys it was easy to see that each of them had a heavy coat of snow plastered to their north and northwest side. Once at the pits there was snow to clean off the broom corn, before you could open of remove the covers. Got that done, lit the burners, and then got the customers into their seats. Then the duty’s turned to getting the blaster operating and check the time when it would be legal to shoot. By this time the sky was lighting up a little in the east preparing for old Sol to brighten up the day. His absents has been the norm for so much of this spring season, so this was likely be about the only exciting thing to look forward to for this day. With all these duties done, I poured a cup of hot caffeine, reached for a brownie in my lunch kit and decided it was time to get acquainted with my crew. I had two young boys and their uncle. The youngest had never waterfowl hunted before and had never seen a blind that was dug into the ground, so everything was new to him. I laid out the ground rules, just in case there should be a flock come along. We had just got each name logged into my brain when the word come there are birds behinds us and they were locked up. Even us old hunter enjoy hearing this type of news even though I was sure they would just give a little look and go on. At least there was something to get the customers a little excited. The next thing I know we are picking up birds. Then the empty hulls were starting to cover the bottom of the trash can and then there were empty boxes being tossed into it. Then we were talking about the boxes of ammo I talked then out of carrying down and weather or not a return trip to the parking lot, was going to be necessary. Have to say with a slight adjustment in the shooting habits, stretched the ammo, to days end. You know it is a good day when I burn my dinner, because of the activity in the shy, but it happened today.

We have some guys that are going to sleep good tonight, since they run all over the country picking up the sailers, that was scattered around the lake. The dogs, are going to sleep too. That is hard work when on every retrieve you are breaking ice for each step. The ice was not heavy enough to hold the dogs, so their job was a rough one too. I can not tell you the number of go-a-rounds we had today or total number of birds for sure.

The carry out count was over 75, but blind score was above that. We are just a couple birds short of spring record, and that is 79. So the tally is around 75-77. I know with a good sweep of the property we could pick up birds to set a new record. I do know there are some young hunters that are going to have a lot of memories of this day for a long time. Of course there is a lot of us old hunters that will talk about today for many years too.

Need to get this posted, so best stop. Remember the troops tonight and every night in your prayers.

Please check back and will see ya Carl

Back to the moisture, and clouds

One clear day and then back to the Muck. Was cloudy when we went to the blinds this morning, but no moisture was falling. The activity we had today was all during the very early minutes, of the day. Was not even good light when the first flock tried to get into the spreads. We took them taking 4. Just minutes later we had one more, make the same mistake. Then the weather started dropping it’s first drops of moisture, and the flights stopped.

We had about 2 to 3 inches of very wet snow fall, making the blinds a wet muddy mess. The lake is not in shape to hold the rain and snow fall or the runoff from the fields that surround the lake. Again when we look out over the landscape we have solid white fields to look at. I know the rain and snow, got me wet this morning and I am not warm yet, as I write this.

Will let you go, but remember the troops in your bedtime prayers tonight.

Check back

See Ya Carl

WE BURNT SOME POWDER TODAY

There were a few empty boxes in the garbage tonight. I bailed a little early, because the wife is under the weather. I carried out the trash from my blind, and I could count three empties in my sack. So I know other blinds had a few empties too. Of course when most unplugged guns, hold at least 5 shells, empting a box is not that hard to accomplish. We got onto a nice flock of Blues, just before I left the pits and I think that was round 7 for us today. How nice, a south wind and some sunshine was today. The birds were not so plentiful, as they have been in the past few days, but today they would decoy. Had the feeling today was going to get exciting, from the get go.

With the winds in the southwest thus putting, most of the decoying out front, and this alone makes the day more fun. These birds and their antics, while decoying, is always a treat, to watch and today was no exceptions. They do entertain you; the shot is only the ice cream, on the cake, when you are hunting the Sky Carp.

I had to call the first shot of the day, not my favorite job, but it worked and we wiped out a pair, or the whole flock. So on each go-a-round I let RK know, on the shot “I called” we took the whole flock. The last shot we had before I left there was a flock of 7. Well they took all seven of them. Had some shooters today, one flock of 18 little Ross’s, they took 10 out of it. Another story of today. Had a flock of about 10 Blues and one Snow come in from a mile high. When we give them the music, the locked up and never beat a wing as the dropped from only specks in the sky, down into gun range. May be just what I dream about tonight.

Sure would be nice, if the clear weather holds for a while but reports are we are back in the muck tomorrow. We got the pump a going today so we are lowering the lake water a little. But rain will just fill it back up. NO RAIN PLEASE

Remember the troops tonight in your prayers. Also remember to check back

See Ya Carl

Water, Water, Everywhere

Well I am back on the road to recovery. Told the Dr. I had to get better to die. So he prescribed me $100.00 worth of meds, and I got better.

I will try to get you back up to speed on the hunting. The first issue has changed from snow to the water. The bottom is so full that only the highest ground and the roads are all that is sticking out. The ditches are all full of snow and water cannot run away so all the drainage ditches and road ditches are full of water. The Tekamah bottom is what I have always vision the Mississippi river delta looking like. It is a serious problem. If we had any birds settle down into the lake it just may cause the water to run into the blinds. What a spring it has been so far this year. A day of sunshine would really help.

There is no shortage of birds in the area. Reports are that there is a million birds, in Burt county alone. Not going to guarantee that is the truth but it is not to far from right. Sounds like there is several flocks, and each flock numbering into the 2-300,000. With the water everyplace it is difficult to attract them because, what we used as a calling card (water) is already every place, so why would they want to set in with 2-300 decoys when there are several thousand live ones in sight.

Ok just how we have been doing in the kill department. We had two days, back to back, when we harvested birds. I think the count was 6 each of these days. But with plenty of birds in the area and if we get some sunshine they will be moving around, so we could catch up very fast, in that department.

Be sure to say a little prayer for the troops tonight, and check back and lets see if I can’t bring better news in the hunting department.

See Ya Carl

A sportsman sky, was todays view.

The spring aerial show is underway. The report were flowing in, That birds were filling the sky way south, starting at about St Joe, and as they passed each check point we would receive a call, and it continued until we were seeing them. I will admit we did not see the number that were report south of us, but you just have to believe some stopped on the way. Of course some could have drifted west or east of us too. Got one bunch in on us and decoyed several others. If we could get some good ol’ sunshine, we just may leave the pits with a big smile on our face. Today was the first day we had, Snow and Blues over us, but again this was the first day that there were not showers every few minutes.

We have open water, but there is still ice on the lake. Not sure just how thick it is, and quite sure it is so rotten a dog would break through, but it is still there. Have a nice hole out in front of the pits and that is all that counts. A couple of times today we would look out on the water and there would be a huge chunk of ice come floating by, so there is spots opening up, for the chunks to float.

Northwest of us there was several thousand Canada’s feeding. I remember days when you would have thought a flock of that size is never seen in Nebraska. There is an abundance of them. In the fall you rarely see a big flock of white front (Specks) but a flock of a 100 or more is not uncommon in the spring, and they didn't disappoint us to day either. Still not convinced there is any duck to brag about. We never seen many in the fall and our opinion was not changed, with the low numbers, we spotted today.

Had a nice group of hunters this morning and they were rewarded. I think there was hunters in 5 blinds today. None were what I would say full, but there was hunters in blinds 2 through 6. The shot we got today was really a pretty good shot, but with the early season jitters we did not harvest as well as we should have. We took six and should have taken nearer to 20. I and not going to point any fingers, because my shooting was far from perfect too.

We will be leaving the Café starting on Sunday at 6:30, remember that is the first day of Daylight saving time, and the 6:30 is the new time.

There is plenty of deep mud in our area so dress with Mud in mind.

As always, remember all the troops with a prayer tonight, and every night.

See Ya Carl

Your Nebraska Hunting License

Hunters, Please pay attention to this. You need to purchase your hunting license, ON LINE before you come this way. There is a place you can purchase it in Blair, but have no idea of where that is, or their hours, at this time. I am going to do my best to give you step by step instructions, but I did not get it right myself, on the first try. Rockie asked me to get his on Sunday, and messed up, so today I had to call them and get it straighten out. They accept VISA & MASTERCARD, credit cards and or Bank Cards. If you are 29 or younger you will have your FIREARM HUNTER EDUCATION I D NUMBERS too.

Number one caution. If you have ever, had a license before from Nebr. They have your profile already, and have that under last name, date of birth and last 4 numbers of your SSN. It didn’t look like there was enough info so I backed out and I that is where I messed up. Then when I got into where they were getting all the good stuff on you again, Read everything very good. The last question almost threw me. The one about if you have had your license taken away or are behind on child payments. READ IT GOOD. Because you have to answer it yes. No. one thing, do not back out once you started, because they are not going to issue two License without them knowing it is a duplicate, because you have lost the other one.

So the best plan of attack is to have your License before you get to the café in the morning, of the day you plan to hunt. Just take your time and you will be OK, but do not assume anything, and read the line good. The guy in Lincoln made me aware of the last question, and told me that is the No. one Mistake.

I got on the right site by Goggling “Nebraska Hunting License”, going to their home page and then clicking on License and Fees.

Yes we are hunting, and I will be out there soon.

Remember the troops in your Prayers, and Please check back

See Ya Carl

Is spring here, or what??? It has been quite the winter. Have been getting inquiries as to whether or not we are opening for the spring season. YES WE ARE. R K had to get a big bulldozer out to open the road so we could get to the pits or lake, to get thing ready. Well we got out there and have tidied up the pits a little, and have got the decoys set, but I have not got the Blaster in as of yet. Will get that done in the morning, if the rain holds off.

I am just guessing but I would say we will be making daily appearances about Monday the 8^th. Have not seen many birds yet if any. Monday we were working out there and spotted 5 white birds over the west lake. At the time we passed them off as snows, but since then we seen another flock of 6 and with glasses they were ID as Swans. So this makes me think they were swans too. Here is my reasoning: Number 1: is why were there 5??? I understand that these birds are pared up this time of year so we should have had 6 birds. So say if one lost it’s mate, I don’t think that bird pushes on north, with the breeders. I have the feeling it falls back and migrates with the non breeders. Other than that the only other geese we have seen have been dark geese.

Have been getting many reports starting on Wednesday of ton and tons of S&B’s moving into the Hasting - Grand Island area. Got a couple report today, they are moving into the Lincoln area. Have not had a report from a source that I trust yet, so am not taking those report to serious.

I know I will have my E-Mail full if I don’t tell you that the approximate time we are leaving town will be about 5:30. It is going to be a muddy mess so ware tall boots. There is going to be mud until, the snow melts, frost is gone and couple of warm sunshiny days with some wind.

Have more prep work to get done so must close this. As always, please remember the troops in your Prayers every night. Also please check back

See Ya Carl