A NEW GAME PLAN

Ralph has shutdown for at least until after, this week.  Here is the plan, if the birds move back into this area and start feeding in our area, be will open back up.  He has pulled the plug on the lake allowing the water to drain.  Of course the ice will remain and pumping, to have a water, hunting hole is just a matter of hours.  If we see this is going to happen I will be alerting you, as far in advance as I can. All we were doing was burning up electricity, and propane, with no rewards.

It is so hard to believe, after all the years of those geese feeling in the area of this new lake that they will not feed there in the year 2013.  The season runs into the latter part of January so it could be a working plan.  Let's hope it works. 

Until then keep the gun free of dirt and rust and lets hope, for some great shooting days in January, if not before.

Have a great holiday, I mean have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, till them.

See ya.    Carl   

Seen some migration, and some sad news

Wednesday,

The day got off about like almost everyday this fall.  Just a loner or two teasing us.  At about 11:30 I get an Migration alert, on my I Pad, from Ducks Unlimited, stating that there was an  migration alert on the Missouri River bottom, saying there was 840,000 mallards on the Missouri River.  Did we get a laugh at the report, yep, but about ten minutes later here was about 20 mallards coming into the lake.  Now this was different than any flock of ducks I have ever seen decoy in, before.  Out of the twenty there may have been Five that got into gun range, but never more that one at any one time.  They lit all over the lake.  Many yards apart, very unlike duck do.  We were discussing this as these birds swam and walked on the ice to get all together.  I just had to ask, where the other, 839,980 were.  Then about a half hour latter we did begin to see ducks.  There were many flocks, and some as big as 3-400.  And to be honest with the type of sky we had today with the heavy clouds, what percent of the flock were we spotting?  It was not possible to see more than a quarter a mile in any one direction, well enough to see ducks.  Also did see a flock of Canada's, that appeared, that they were migrator’s.  But most of the Canada's we did see, were the ones that, are staging at the little lake just north of town.  They were feeding out in the fields both south east and east of us.  Guess what I am saying, today has been one of the most interesting of the season for us even tho the bag has just a couple hands full of ducks and no geese.  I neglected to tell, we also seen around the ten o'clock hour, a little flock of Snows and Blues.  They showed no interest in decoying.    

Now a bit of sad news, but Ralph received word this morning, an old friend, also long time guide, for Ralph, Chuck Doral, passed way, some time this morning.  Chuck had contracted lung cancer, and has battled it for I am guessing, nearly a year and a half.  We and I, have had our fun, with Chuck.  There are days of hunting with Chuck that I will never forget.  Chuck had his fun, and Chuck left some fond, memories. He will be missed.  RIP Chuck.

Tomorrow is supposed to be just a little fresh.  So if you have the time, layer a few clothes on and join us here in the blind.  With the snow storm and the cold, that is moving in on us may be the recipe, for a great hunt on December 5th.  I know I wouldn't miss tomorrow for nuttin.

Please remember the troops tonight and every night in your prayers.  Also if possible, please check back.

We will see ya.     Carl 

We are seeing more birds

Thanksgiving day,

There was a small group of us, that ventured out on, thanksgiving morning.  I had some family with me the included a grandson, two granddaughters and two son in laws.  There was also four hunter from Wichita, Kansas area.   After several hours discussing different subjects, including the bird less skies.  Which is almost unbelievable since starting with a great hunters wind, from the northwest, causing a biting wind chill, that put us on the seats and in the comforts of the blinds heaters.  As I say we had discussed about every subject there is, and consumed a huge breakfast.  One of my granddaughters, has spent time in the blind, so is aware of how and what we are hunting.  The granddaughter that had never been in the blind before, looked into the skies and said “there are some birds”.  Yes there was, there was about 35 mallards, giving our decoys a look.  We got the boss on the birds and with a few quacks on his call, he had them on a pattern that brought them with in range of our smoke poles.  He gave the command and our guns blazed away, thinning the flock some.  Within a few minutes we had another mallard that thought he liked the drainage ditch, for his resting place, but could not resist the sweet sound of my grandson’s call, and made the fatal mistake, of checking it out.  Everyone left the blind before 12:00 noon, with a feast waiting at a family table.           

Sunday,

Early this morning was the first morning that we have seen ducks, like we have see ducks back a few years ago.  Even tho we did not get shots, we had flocks with large number of birds, in it.  The past few years we have had flocks with 6-30, but this morning we had flocks that had 30 up to 125, and if you want to throw in high flyers that didn't decoy, a couple hundred in a flock.  All mallards and how refreshing it was to see this.  There were decoy adjustments because we had not allowed enough room for the larger flocks.  Is a little depressing that the larger flocks, we didn't get a shot from, but so refreshing to see mallards in large number again.  By the time we got the decoys right, they quit flying.  We got into just one flock and harvested a few.  Also got into a small flock of Canada's that was about the total activity for today.

Again tonight I am asking for prayers for the troops that are serving and protecting us here at home.   Also if you can find the time please check back. 

See ya      Carl   

The Hot Times

Tuesday,

The weather has got it's self in a downward spiral.  Very heavy clouds nice hunting wind, and very chilly.  What birds we were seeing were high and in a hurry.  But the flocks were showing up pretty regular.  There were high geese most of the morning, then there was nothing.  No geese and no ducks.  Have a big ice hole, for the birds to decoy to.

As many of you know that the boss kept records of all birds that both fly over and the flock we shoot into.  Ralph had logged the time of every shot, on every flock.  They took these books, and fed all this info, for many many years, into a computer, several years back, then asked the computer to print out, the top most popular time to harvest geese.  They are 9:23, 10:17, 12:08, 3:10.  Every year, these book are sent in and the data for that year, and updates the file and new pages are added to the BLUE BOOK.   Now remember this info was, first entered, when the goose we harvested, was the Snow and Blue.  As I understand these, HOT TIMES, still remain to this day.   Many of us, after every shot, checks their watch, to see if it is on one of the hot times.  Well it just come into play again today.  We have been watching, all of these high Canada's and Cacklers fly by at nosebleed altitudes, all morning.  The cutting wind had us on our seats.  Therefore anything approaching from the back of the blind, we were not seeing.  Suddenly there appeared, a lone old Canada, at shooting altitude, circling back behind the blinds.  Ralph applied, a well timed hoot, on his horn, and the goose, made a sharp, right hand turn and back out in front, and the crew polished him off. What time was it? 10:17 on the dot.  Hunting has to be slow, when one works that hard to make a story out of, harvesting a single bird.  But the time was so on, that I just had to point it out. 

It is scary as to the absent of duck, the sky was today. We are in a peak time of the Mallards push, and seen just three ducks, and they were, before sunrise. 

Enough, complaining for one day.  But please say a little prayer for the troops and their families tonight, if you would, please.

Also check back, if you can find time.

See ya.    Carl

A SHOT OF A LIFE TIME, WOW

Sunday

After a couple fruitless days at about 7:20, this morning,  the young eyes of the crew spotted birds north west over the hills, behind us.  With a lot of coaxing, we had them coming our way.  This was a flock of about three dozen.  The choir on their horns helping the boss when ask, talked these dudes into our "frozen pond".  At 7:30, right in front of my pit they were down to about twenty feet coming right at my pit.  Gaining altitude all the way, reaching the maximum height of maybe 20 yards.  As we shot, the shots got better.  Has to be the best shot this season, and a shot, that this crew deserved, too.  The boss call the shot and the fast guys were done, as the slower guns went, to work, with great shots, to be had.  Yes there was some ducking in my pit, you could say, we were experiencing an air raid alert, as victims were, crashed to the ground.  Think there was two that were in need of further un medical attention. Next we were surprised, with a nice flock of low flying Snow&Blues.  No shot.   Had another flock of 40-50 Can's that we almost had a shot on.  They decoyed in so nice but just seconds before a good shot decided it was unsafe to continue.  Again no shot

Was set up for ducks, but none decoyed.  Our water hole is so pretty, it is hard to think a bird could pass by with out dipping his feet into it.  But some flocks are pretty determined at times, and was able to avoid us. 

At about 1:30 the the hunters went home, leaving three amateurs, including me to protect the lake.  R K and crew was still at the parking lot just a cross the lake from the blinds, when we spotted a nice flock of the little SOBin Cacklers, approaching the lake,  so we decided we was not going to blow the horns, unless they were doing negative things.  It is hard for then to even fly and not do negative things, they are heart breakers in my mind.  Just let them do as they wish because you ain't directing them, anyplace.  Well the next thing we know, they all have their feet down and dropping in, toward the ice hole.  So with guns in hands we waited, for them to venture the last few yards, and we would go.  Well they gave us the old finger and flew off, as they always do.  I hate those little SOB'S and feel we should kill everyone of those little SOB's.  Again no shot! 

Will be hard sleeping tonight, because of the memory of the early morning shot.  Will be hard to have a shot, that will replace that one in the memory bank.

Well remember to say a prayer for the troops and their families, tonight and every night, this Holliday season

Please check back if you can find the time

See ya.     Carl             

A plea from the Boss

Tonight's report is more of a message from the boss than a message from me.  With this weather front moving in from the north and a very drastic temperature change, should push some birds our way.  There was nothing to even look at today, but sure along with the moisture  falling from the sky, there should be some birds too. 

We did have a flock of big Canada's that gave us a swing, early today, but they were not in the mood to stick around.  There was one real big dude too.  Also had a few ducks.  One ventured to close to the spread, that warranted a shot, and he found himself, feet up in the lake   

Well again, if you can possibly find the time you should get in some blind tomorrow, because this weather should provide some excitement, for you. 

Let ya go.   See ya.   Carl

  

Only Amatures, Having Fun

Unfinished business of Sunday's hunt.  Everybody give up on the days hunt and headed to the house.  Three of us stuck it out.  We were rewarded with a nice flock of 7 Mallard's.  With a few toots on the ol' horn we had them in gun range harvesting two very nice drakes. 

Monday,

The day started out with a great wind, but as the sun was breaking the horizon, and our wind dying out, we seen this lone Canada pumping toward our spread.  He was to close for us to let the boss know, so Robert and I had to call our shot.  With two well placed shots scaring the boss half to death, but placing the goose DIP right in front of the lead decoy.  Minutes later we call a flock of 40-50 mallards that was passing us by.  We gave them the old "highball call".  The next thing we knew we were witnessing the beauty, of a big flock of decoying birds right over our decoys.  We are not bragging on the kill on that flock, but the sight of a large flock of ducks is the memory we will live with.  Hunters with binoculars can see, a lot of game moving to our east (out over the river), leading us to believe the day maybe building to a fruitful day.

About Ten thirty, had a pair of snows that attack us, from the air.  The boss was gone grocery shopping, but we got one low enough to kill, and we done just that.  His buddy, would not get in  range, so he escaped.  Hind site says maybe, they would have come all the way in and we could harvested both.  But that is chancy with the decoys so far away, and the fact, they was not coming in together, and I am sure, we would never of had a shot on both.  I am sure we made the right decision.  We pulled him right over my pit.  

The afternoon we, was not seeing any birds.  Pulled the plug and headed in at about 2:00.

As always, say a prayer for the troops tonight and please remember that many of family will not be together over this Holliday season, because their love one are on guard, so ask for a special blessing for those families

Please check back.  Watch the weather, it has to be forcing something our way here real soon.  See ya.    Carl

Posting a picture taken by Don Archer the other day i love hope you enjoy

FATHER AND SON SHOOT OUT

Thursday

Again it was slow.  I had two hunters from eastern Iowa today again.  A father 60 ish son 30 ish,   On the way out to the blinds the dad made it clear, if we had a decoy shot again today, that the son was to have that shot, he had the shot yesterday. We had this Green Wind Teal land in our spread, just before sunrise a few minutes  So I told him to kill that duck, well it took some prompting to get the son to get up and perform on this bird.  I am forced to tell, that the teal will never get to see Oklahoma, because his southern traveling day are over.  Some time later we had this lone, slow flying, old Canada come mousing down the flyway.  A couple of hoots on the horn, he was in full "set down mode".  The boss call the shot, at about 30 yards.  The kid beat us old folks to the shot.  Well after the smoke and feathers cleared we had one, big old boy, feet up DIP, floating in front of us.  Again, this bird, will never see southern Nebraska either.  Well latter, daddy, got into the action, and plastered a mallard, on a nice long shot.  There was a partner with this bird, but he eluded both father and son vision, and flew out with drawing and fire.      

About all the action for the day.  Remember the troops tonight and please check back

See ya.    Carl

Still Slow

Wednesday

First off I have a short report on yesterday.  They killed one Mallard.  I had to leave the pit at mid morning because of my wife, had a health issue.  But the report was just the one mallard shot very early in the morning.

So now today.  We were greeted with an absolute beautiful ice hole.  Had a couple of loner ducks the gave us a shot.  Two hunters polished off one but the other one was flying slow so they didn't make contact, with that one.

Ralph decided around 8:00 that he needed to adjust the decoys.  As it would happen just after they got into the water two flocks mallards, wanted in.  The hunters didn't want to shoot with the help in the lake, so we passed on them.

Then, the next excitement, was at around 11:00, we spotted what I and other thought was a duck, setting out on the bar.  After closer investigation, it was I-D'ed as a Cacklers.  A quickly formed execution squad was formed, and sent out on this mission.  Well he took flight, but the lead executioner, put him down.   DIP.  The new lake has bagged it first "little SOB", of the season.  I think this completes the list of spices.  Ross, Snows, Blues,  big Canada's, Cacklers, and Specks.  I forgot about the big Hutch.  I think they call that, a short neck Canada, too. We need one of the yet.

That was all of it for the day. 

Getting close to the middle of November, you would think we would have more activity, than we are having. 

Remember the troops that are protecting our country.  Also please find time to check back.

See ya.    Carl

WINTER IS HERE

Armistice day shoot.

November 11 1940, there was a blizzard, that hit the Midwest where there were many hunter caught in that blizzard, and several perished.  We had visions of that today, as temp went from around the mid 30's to downright miserable.  No, I do not remember that day, but have heard about it almost all my life.  Well it never got to the blizzard conditions, today, but the snow was going horizontal, not falling to the ground, and at times looked very much like a blizzard.  This storm that was bearing down on us is not a storm that holds much moisture so they say, but is just a cold temp. storm.  All morning as the temps fell, we stared into the clouds and seen no birds, but around noon that all changes.  The snow began as the clouds got heavier and we begin to see, birds in the sky.  First it was ducks then it was ducks and geese.  One time we went into ducks, with geese right behind us.  For those, that know the boss, that is not good.  But this storm, certainly has some birds on the move.  For as cold as it was and as windy as it was, a day was not as productive, as you would think.  The geese seen so nervous.  We had several flocks of Canada's but they all got out of there with out being shot at.  We have not been seeing any Canada's, but that changed today.  So hoping, this trend continues.

Really not sure of the ducks, in the bag, but we got some shooting, for the hunters.  With the wind it was fast shooting.  After the first shot there was not much of a chance of hitting a duck.  They just don't stick around to long. 

Well I best get this posted.  Remember this is the day that is reserved for the veterans, of all ages so say a prayer of thanks for them all tonight. 

Well will see ya.   Carl

    

SEEING A FEW MORE GEESE

Sunday. 

Early-mid morning, we had a lone Canada drift over our pond.  He was called over the pits, and the boss called a shot on him.  The hunters went up on it, and I see it was hit, but the boss and Lyle didn't think he was hit hard.  I watched this goose fly out and then lockup and head downward in a glide.  I and my hunters marked him, in relation, to some tree along the road, east of the pits.  After awhile Lyle though he should go see if he could find this bird.  I was sure he went in dead, and if he could take a line off the trees and the blind, he may find him, because I am not good on how far out a bird was.  But Lyle got his dog on the four wheeler, and went huntin.  Not long after he hit the field I heard him on the radio, stating he had found the bird.  It was a bean field, and that was helpful, but it was very lucky, too.  It is much easier if you see it go in rather that listening to someone tell you where it went in.  But everything worked out.  We got the goose. 

Seen a few flock through out the day, but only one bird got close enough to harvest.  Had Snows & Blues, a nice flock of Cacklers, a small flock of Canada's, and a flock that come in from the south, that was a mixture of Canada's and Cacklers.  They all give us a look, but then pulled out.

Ducks were not even, an option today.

Tomorrow we are going to experience the beginning of our first cold snap, for the winter.  By Tuesday morning we are to have temps in the teens, and near zero, wind chill readings.  Hope this moves in some birds. 

This is veterans week, so remember all veterans, and their families in your bed time prayers.

Also please check back,.

See ya.  Carl   

Thursdays and Fridays Report

For some reason Thursday's report didn't post so I pasted it above today's report

Thursday.

This morning before legal, we had ducks a plenty and then we had a nice flock of 16 big boys.  Gave us a nice show, before guiding to the north end, setting down in the lake.  They stay there, until we had an organize safety check, on a flock of ducks.  Guess the noise bother them.  We also had a "suicidal snow" that was hanging around here.  Well we scared the hell out of him, and now he is gone too

We had a flock of 7 Redheads,  the crew took 5 of the seven. 

Before legal, we had two snows set down in the decoys.  But on one of the safety checks they got scared and flew out.  Then about noon there was a lone Blue that tried the same trick.  After several minutes of counseling from me. Two hunters went out and he is now in the game bag. 

For you guy waiting for the action to pick up  before coming out and hunting, you best check the weather that is predicted for us next week.  If that don't tell ya, to lube up the smoke pole and join us in the pits I don't know what to tell you.        

Fri

Today started off with very high hopes.  Was some ducks around, but at the same time we had a push of Snows&Blues.  With the stiff south east wind they were flying in, time of year, we were sure we were going to pleading with hunters to help us out.  Two to three head miss, prompting a decoy shift, then the shut off just as quick as they seam to start.  We laid off the duck, thinking we would mess up a goose shot. Got one flock in for a marginal shot.  Was exciting to have a fall shot on those birds.  They always offer an exciting show, for all, if the wind is right so their show is in view for all to see.  They can made an old hunter feel young again real quick.  Well these birds today were in range for about one second.  I can only speak for my self, but they were in range about as long as it took me to stand up.  I squeezed off three rounds, as fast as I could and I am sure rounds two and three they were out of range.  But just the boss called the shot they rolled back, and we all should have placed out guns, back in the rack, and hoped they would circle back for a better shot.  But you just can't un ring a bell, get words back that have been spoken.  We did knock one down out of that flock, and also took two out of the decoys.  Anymore if you get to harvest any of those birds in the fall, you have to feel you had a good day of hunting.

Say a prayer for the troops, tonight at bed time and check back

See ya.   Carl  

DUCKS A PLENTY

The lake was loaded with birds this morning when we arrived.  Both ducks and geese.  The activity, was pretty hot for awhile, on ducks.  We are on a strict harvest plan out there.  If you shoot you take birds.  You say you want a limit of ducks, and you shoot you are expected to take what you ordered.  This is on ducks, we want that to be the plan on the geese too.  Not sure just what we could have taken if we would have had a crew today.  Many many ducks, and they were good shots.  We stuck with just big ducks today, but there was several flocks of Green Wing Teal, that we did not bust into.  Quick reflexes saved a flock of long bill ducks, today.  Came right straight in on us and the boss, gave the command, but a keen eye and and a loud alert, save the crew.

Did see several flocks of geese high, but they did not like what we had to offer.  Specks, Carp, and some dark ones too.   Also had Canada's, a group of three and a pair that was low.  They had to be survivors, of an attack from another spread.  They would look so good, then fly out, and not look back.

Will get this posted so say a pray for our heroes tonight, and please check back.

See ya.   Carl  

THE MIGRATION IS ON

Tuesday.

Storms moving in, drizzle and predicted fowl weather for the day.  Hunting in the rain is not to popular, so we had no hunters.  The decision, was easy when the drizzle set in.  We headed to the house.  But before the moisture started we were seeing birds.  Even before it was light this morning, we were hearing geese flying over.  And there was all flavors of geese too.  We seen Specks, Snow&Blues, Ross, and even a flock of Hutch.  Several flocks of ducks, and there were different spices of those too.  Looking like the migration is underway.  It is about time. 

We need this storm to get moved out, but it sounds like it should be gone pretty early in the morning.  We have been saying that we were in need of some weather north, to drive them down.  As the boss, has said many times, "I wouldn't miss tomorrow for Nuttin".   My advice you should listen to the boss, and find a place for your Butt, in the pits.

Best get this posted so you can arrange to get tomorrow off. 

See ya.   Carl 

SEEING MORE BIRDS EVERYDAY

Monday morning. 

Had an early goose shot.  Boy is that ever a shock.  To have an early morning goose shot.  At just about legal we had 9 geese float over us.  We started calling them and we got a couple rounds out of them.  I am understanding they were whitefronts, now. Then later on we had another small flock, and the boss asked me to blow my whistle.  Well that means the whitefront call.  So I have to assume that we had two bunches of specks this morning.  Then at about 6:45 there was 6 snows and blues come.  And they wanted in bad.  After two maybe three passes that were just a little far, they pulled one of those back behind the blind, then right up over the top routes.  Two, Grave Yard Dead.  Can't say they were DIP, because they both laid on the ground between the blind and the lake.  We should of done better, but only two guns, so we best be, happy, happy, happy, as Phil R. says.  

I went in early yesterday, for a family deal, and they had a shot on about a dozen, Snows and Blues,  but no cigar. 

After the S&B shot, everything shut down.  Should report that the two birds we took this morning one was a Ross goose.  It was a big one, but it was definitely, was a Ross.  Also we had a couple shot on ducks today, and a near miss on about thirty GWT.  we were doing some work around the pits, and was surprised, but they, really did not buzz close enough for a shot. 

Remember to ask, our maker, to bless those, that are serving our country, tonight!  And check back, we are getting signs, that the birds are ready to head our way.  

See ya     Carl  

HAD AND SEEN A LITTLE ACTION TODAY

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Well it has been awhile since I posted anything, but we have not been seeing anything worth reporting.  What we have shot is very meager.  Other than a snow goose that got shot out of the decoys, maybe a total so a half dozen ducks. 

However today, things are looking much better.  I have dumped two barrels on a flock of blue bills, crippling one very slightly.  But the exciting things, we have seen several big flocks of geese.  Think one may have been Canada's, but the rest was Snows&Blues, Specks, and one flock that just may have been Cacklers.  Had one bunch of Specks early, that we got to circle, about three circles, but no cigar.   Throughout the day we had to see around twenty flocks of geese.  All were very high, riding the wind south, but at least we seen geese today.  However, we are still baffled as to why we are not seeing Canada's. 

Now the ducks, we did bust into a small flock of ducks.  Our execution squad did a number on them.  NOTHING FLEW OUT. Will have to admit, there were more shot fired at them, after the dumbing volley, than the volley to put them in the lake.  I know one hunter shot 5 barrels at them.  Well at least the dog had an easier time picking them up, that way. 

If you have not heard, and I have not posted this, but the other day we had a big Cat in the lake.  The bar that was out there, most of it is gone.  Boy oh Boy, do we have big water now.   

Other news I have lights in my blind now.  Not all the wiring is done, but we now can see, in the morning, to get settled in.

It is now November, and this migration just has to increase, everyday. 

Just have to say during the big see-do-nothing period, that the master provided us with some great sunrises.  Will not post this morning, but it is one of the better ones, but think I will post a picture of the dirt work being done.  

So remember the troops in your bed time prayers, and check back  because it am sure there will be a more regular posting than has been, here of late. 

See ya.   Carl 

The action has picked up just a little

After a couple boring days we had early morning action this Sunday morning.  Plenty of teal flying around to warm up the smoke poles on.  Think the got 3 go-a-rounds and then we had a big Canada sneak in on us from behind.  He lit in the lake and with a short crew was impossible to send a  message down through the pits.  Well he swam out of range, and got up when they shot on some teal.  Then later we heard anotherCanada, and he gave us a shot.  They harvested him, with a volley of steel.

Late day hunter took a whitefront. 

Unreported bag was fri 2 ducks, sat 1 duck. Today's bag was 6 ducks, I Canada, 1 whitefront.  Things are looking up. 

Pray for the protesters, and our military heroes, tonight, in your prayers.

Check back when possible

See ya.  Carl. 

MORE ON HAWKS

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Received another E Mail on the hawks.  There is a possibility that it could be another hawk, other than the Swainson's Hawk.  The other Hawk is a "Broad-Winged Hawk".  I was so sure I had the answer when I learned of the Swainson's hawk.  Will have to say that the Swainson's Hawk would still be in his migration route, where as the Broad-Winged Hawk is west of his migration path by about 50-100 miles.  But that is no reason to say that it could not be, that hawk.  I remember a few years back I was talking to our game warden, about Sandhills-Cranes.  He told me he had never seen a Sandhills crane in Burt County.  While hunting at Kohlers, there was 9 that got up just north of the South lake and flew right over the blinds. Just a few years back, there was a very strong west wind, and there was thousands of them flying down the Tekamah bottom, that day and the next day.  So birds do get blown off their route. I guess we will just have to say that there was something different going on when we and others seen all these birds, doing in our eyes strange things, which, we had never seen it before.  But I know how Ralph studies the skies, and for him to say that he had never witness this site before, says something to me.  A sincere, "thanks boss" for pointing it out to us youngens that this was an unusual site going on, above our heads.

Back to hunting today.  Again, plenty of duck on the pond, this morning, but no hunters and home duties to handle, made us close up and come home.  Again this morning we chased some geese off the water, but the skies were void of them after that. 

Our maker provided us with a great sunrise, again this morning.  The last two mornings they have been, great.  This is from this morning. 

Well, say a prayer for all our young people that are protecting our country, tonight, and every night.

Check back, I hoping I will have a nice harvest to report on soon.  Maybe they will be Specks. 

See ya.   Carl   

More on our Mystery Hawk

I think it was Sunday, I reported that we were seeing this strange migration going on that Ralph in all his years hunting, had never seen before.  Now that covers many years.  This morning when I checked my E-Mail I had a E-Mail with some enlightening news.  I have not checked but I think his E-Mail to me, will be posted in the comments of the Sundays Kohler Report.  His comment sent me to goggle and I am sure he is absolutely right.  I forwarded his note to a friend that is a former teacher and studies, strange things, in the bird world, like this.  He sent me back an E-Mail saying he also was sure that this guy is on target.  He said we were seeing, the Swainson's Hawk.  With the wonderful tool, the I Pad, I have, and I put to uses on this, by taking pictures of my screen, with the different stories I found in goggling, about this hawk.  Then I spent my morning reading these stories.  What an interesting bird.  But how could Ralph spend all these years out there in their flyway and never seen them before.  My guess the reason is, they are late this season.  They may pass through here, before the waterfowl season, in mid September.  But these birds were high, and unless taking time to study them, anyone could have passed them off as gulls, or other birds.  But once we got studying the profile of this bird, did we get curious, as what it was. Then when there are flock after flock, we really got us curious.  Now this bird is a very interesting bird.  It migrates from northern Canada to southern Argentina.  Well that is the extremes range.  There are some that hatch in the U S, but most are north of the Canadian border, and some even in Alaska.  I think my data, I was reading, was saying they migrate 10-14,000 miles. They ride the thermals to gain altitude, then dive to the next thermals, where the again rise, without using energy.  

Enough of that, and back to today's hunting.  Today as every morning we had Canada's in the lake.  There was plenty of ducks flying this morning.  But the hunters we had were wanting geese.  We did have a pair geese come in, but our shooting was bad.  Ralph said if we would had a crew, we could of had 40 ducks and a couple Canada's.  What is wrong with a day like that??  Hope we have some hunters, when the Whitefronts, come through.  We are expecting them any day now.  They seam to enjoy the wind from the south. 

Tonight as always. Remember our hero that protect us, and check back if possible. 

See Ya    Carl

One pretty day to hunt!!!

Tue, was just a little better than Monday was.  Monday we had a few blue wing Teal, bright and early, buzzing the lake.  But as you know the boss just can not call a shot when he is not sure the airways are void of Canada's. Monday was one of those days where it was late before you could see any distance untill later in the morning.  When he felt he could see, the ducks were gone.  We ended the day with zero in the sack.  But we did see tons of Cormorants, and a few pelicans.  Today we seen a few Cormorants and tons of Pelicans. 

Today, again we had the teal, zipping around and the boss could see, with, today's crystal clear sky, so he turned the hunter loose on a couple bunches of them.  We also had a nice small flock of pintails.  With only a couple of hunters they got to go on them two.  With, your reflexes set up for teal zipping through, then to be turned loose on some pintail,I think they were out in front of the much slower, pintail.  The truth is, they looked bad.  Knocked down only one. That old boy is still hiding on the shore line someplace out there. 

Just have to reflect a little, on the new lake.  Every morning there has been good number of Canada's that we have kicked off the lake.  Yesterday morning we had three different flocks.  One down by the pump, that sounded like there had to be close to a hundred birds in that flock.  Boy was that something when they got up.  Plenty of talking from them.  Then right behind the blinds there was some that jumped up like we had snuck up on them.  We had got so close Ralph heard their winds, and did that ever excite him.  He has not heard the bird wings, for several years.   As I say there is not much in the line of geese that pass this lake up. 

Bact to today, what a pretty day, after all the gloomy days.  And a great wind to go with it.  Was so clear that it was apparent there was not going to be a sunrise picture, long before sunrise.  We stuck it out till about 2:00, because we were sure there was going to be a flock of Whitefronts, come barreling down today.  About the only goose we seen was a poor old loaner that settled in with no hesitation, the hunters made quick work of him. 

I think the game bag had that goose and 5 teal, one was a green wing.  Pretty light for such a great day, weather wise. Think the forecast is for a repeat of today, tomorrow. 

Will love it.  Hope the hunter pick up, before we get much of a migration, because, there is not much history of the geese passing this new lake.  And if we have just a handful of hunters and a push of birds, we will be back in town before our breakfast is digested.

Best close this up.  Please say a little prayer for all our service personnel, tonight before you hit the pillow. And please check back, when ever you have time.

See ya.    Carl    

SLOW BUT EXCITING

Day two.  Things  were much different today.  Had very few duck this morning.  As you know Ralph is a goose hunter so to call a shot on duck when there is as chance of a goose, out in a dark sky is not his game.  So after things lighten up some he did let the guys go on a couple flocks of teal.  Had about 50 big boys setting right on the north edge of the lake.  They jumped up and flew over to the lake on the north edge of town. 

Today we were seeing a sight, either we are not aware of, or a very strange occurrence. 

We have been seeing large numbers, of a members of the hawk family, circling like eagles and hawks, do while hunting.   There were 50-100 birds in each flock.  We are not sure just what we were seeing.  Now with us setting in a new location.  Is this something that happens in this flyway, that we have never seen before, or is this something that is just plain strange?  At first we thought they were eagles, but then decided they were to small for eagles, but bigger that a falcon.  They just have to be, a hawk of some type.   We had to see at least 4-6 huge mass, as I say 50-100 of them just circling as they passed by.  But with this wind, even if they were circling, they come and went pretty quick.  Other birds we seen migrating today were: cormorants, few pintails, gulls, and clouds.

Checking with other hunters we find out they were harvesting duck, in good numbers.  I understand both big and little ducks.  No one was seeing or harvesting any Canada's.  One flock of Pintails, gave us a good look, but stayed wide. A couple of flock is B W Teal did give us a couple of shots.  Don't look for me bragging on the kill on them. 

Late morning we had a big Canada dropped his tail while flying over when, we hit him with the call.  Made about a round and a half dropping so fast, his ears had to be popping, as he settled in to our spread.  A hunter tried the sneak attack, he was too smart to fall for that stuff and escaped with out drawing a shot.  At about one o'clock, Ralph had left the pits to drive a hunter back to his car, when either that goose or one of his friends, tried the same trick. Anyway this second goose didn't fare as well.  What would you expect, with no supervision, the crew opened up on him and dumped him into the pond. 

 

Then the best part of the day.  We could see another rain showerBearing down on us, so we figured we should close up and head to the house.  Hunters walking on the road and Ralph and I were closing our blind.  Some one said, I hear geese, and we looked and they were spotted east of the lake.  Grandson started calling them, Ralph and I kept working on our blinds.  Then there was the buzz that they are turning.  So I had to look.  Just about as far as you could see in the muck, I could see them, and as far as I could tell they were flying away, even it was hearing "you got them Kyle".  Well he worked, hard on them, then they just kept, coming back, and back.  Once they got to the south end of the lake, started "corn shucking" as we call it here, Maple Leafing other places.  Anyway,  they are dumping air, a gesture to show they are happy. All the time coming right up through the lake. It appeared, to me they were going to settle in the decoys, leaving us with only the vision, so I joined in on my call, and then to help.  There was about eight, that then pulled toward the pits, pulling the entire flock, right up over us.  A couple hunters had loaded shells, into there ol smoke poles and Ralph called the shot.  One down and two hurt.  At least we got one for the effort. And I got one excited grandson. His dog seen this bird fall and made a charge for this bird, for his first retrieve of the year.  Could be no better close, to a rainy day.

As always remember the troops with a prayer tonight, and please check back again.

See ya.   Carl

OPENING DAY FOR THE NEW LAKE

Well the excitement was high, as we departed the cafe. Many knowing the location, had drove out and got here earlier.  You know it being opening day, and everything.  Good thing because I had never driven, this route, in the dark, and drove right by the first corner.  This is bad when the helps get lost on the way to the pits, but it happened. 

At about legal time we had six big ones drop in land, right in the decoys. Just a little to far to shoot.  After about a half hour, we had another, group of 5, pump in from the northeast.  They got a little to close, especially when there is a group of hunters with itchy trigger fingers, hiding in pits, Well these air borne were good for the hunters on the north end and the hunter hiding in the DAUBERT HILTON, had their eye, fixed on the floaters out front, in the decoys. When the boss gave the command, there was some steel sent airborne. Have to say the southern boys were more deadly that the northern boys on that group.  After a few barrels on the cripples, we had 4 of the floaters, kicking at the stars.  They were a long shot.

Later in the morning we had another 5-6 come in from the north east again.  They thought the new puddle was looking nice, and ventured in, just a little bit, to close.  Again the squad went into action.  This time, it was maybe a little more a equal shot for all.  Again they deposited four more, on the pond. So before 8:15 we were into three flocks of Cans and a total of 8, DIP.  Not the best percent, but how can you complain with what we had in the bag.  Sure these were all local birds. 

For several years I have asked for some deeper water, to help with the duck decoying.  Well we have some deep water this fall.  Used to have water where a dog could run for all retrieves.  This lake we have some deep water.  When you push up a road, and then room to set the blinds, it takes some dirt.  Had a couple guys and dogs venture into the deep water, this morning.  Well the dogs were swimming, and for awhile I thought, the guys were going to need to swim too.  The boss wanted plenty of water to start the season, and then we get additional two inches of rain, so we have water. 

Most of the hunters were wanting to watch the Nebraska game, so we abandon, the pits, after 11:00 and come to the house. 

Can not complain on this morning action.  Did hear of other hunters harvesting nice numbers of ducks.  We had our chances on ducks, but it was with geese in the decoys, and with Ralph, that ain't happening.  Did see some big ducks but most were little ducks.  Even though, we had a wind, that was out of the South East which, the lake and the decoys are not set up for, we just could not complain, with the quality of decoying.  They were never looking at anyplace to set down other than in our spread.  I have to think, Ralph feel that is what he was aiming for, when he laid out this lake. 

Best get this posted, so as always, remember the troops in your bedtime prayers. 

Also please check back,  

See ya.  Carl