Not much to report this evening about the hunting. Had a nice North West wind, with the absents of birds. Seen quite a few in the morning and thought we were in for a great day of migrating birds. Now we are wondering if it was birds that was setting in some of the wetlands restorations projects north of us, that moved because, they froze up, with this cold snap we had today.

However we do have some good news. The Boss got released from the hospital this afternoon. Their only explanation is, the Lipitor. They feel he has a allergy to it. Boy it hit him hard and made his so sick. I don’t know just when he will be allowed back in the pits, but am sure he will push it, just as far as he can. As you know the title of his book is “Born to Hunt”, and it has been said many times, that it is a great fit. I know I will be happy to see him back in his seat.

Must get this posted and do a couple of other projects, before bedtime.

So keep the troops in your prayers and check back. And maybe say one for the Boss, too.

See Ya Carl

The boss is still under the weather, but the amateurs are still at work, and we are getting some shots. More about that later.

They are still running some test, on the boss and he is feeling much better. He is hoping to come home real soon, and as far as I am concerned, the sooner the better. We hunted till sunset so we didn’t get down tonight, to visit him. I know they kept him pretty busy with test today. But sure he would have enjoyed the visit, and maybe a little of Dorothy’s food. He is not in love with the food they have been serving him, so Mother Goose has been bring him, a snack or two in her purse, to boost his spirits.

Now to the hunting, had a couple of opportunities today on duck and geese. I should not do to much bragging as to the kill but we did do real good on one flock of ducks. Placed 80%, in the pond. For you that live out side of our area, there was a pretty stiff breeze, here today. Guessing 25 to 30 MPH, with some gust, much higher. So if you are just a little slow you should save your ammo, but that is not the case most of the time. We gave them all three barrels. However we did place 2 geese and 4 mallards in the bag. As I said they get out of range so fast when they can catch the wind, so in reality there is just one good shot, and the rest is just personal, entertainment, therapy, or something. We all do it and it is fun, never the less. Makes you feel good, and your burning powder.

Have some calling to do this evening so am forced to cut this short.

As always, say a little prayer for the troops and include the boss in your prayers also.

See Ya Carl



.

The boss has been a little under the weather for the pass few days. We are having amateur day till he gets back. They are running a bunch of test on him at the Methodist Hospital, and are down to where they are thinking he has an infection of some type in his body. He has been running a temperature and chilling pretty bad so we band him from the pits for a few days.

As for the activity at the pits. Us amateur did harvest some ducks, but the exciting thing is we seen over 25 bunches of Snow and Blues today. They were not flying high but we could not talk any of them down. Now these bunches are not the type we have been seeing for the past few years, where there were hundreds in a flock. They were 15 to 150 birds in a flock, like in the old days. We turned a couple of flocks, but never got any to really decoy. Sure was exciting to see this type of flocks. A couple flocks of Canada’s and also was a few Specks in with the S&B’s.

Very few Mallards, a few blue bill, also a few Green wing. Harvest a couple of those green wing. We had a hen that we are counting as a harvested bird. See she lit out in the pond, and we talked her right over to the pits. Was just a few feet from waters edge, maybe 10 feet, we took a vote and gave her a full pardon. Took a Drake Mallard so calling it 4 ducks for the day.

As I said we are running Amateur day for a few days, but with this weather change north of us, you better be paying attention, and be ready to get here and take your limit, because it is going to get good.

Don’t forget the troops, when you say your bed time prayers tonight

Don’t forget to check back either, see ya.

Carl

We had a wonderful NNW wind today and all the other elements were in place, for a great day in the blinds. Should have been a shoulder bruising, powder burning, hunting day. And believe me, it started that way. Right after legal shooting we had a flurry of Mallards, and the sky was filled with flocks, of both ducks and geese. The geese were not to high to decoy and looked as they were all travelers, so we set our minds for a great day of shooting. After about a half hour of this activity, every thing cooled off and the skies went bare. We ended the day with just one duck and one goose in the game bag.

I know we passed on ducks that were less than a perfect shot, because there were going to be some great shots just a little later, in the day. But as I say, that a slow day in the pits, beats the hell out of a good day behind the desk---10-4.

Let hope that the activity picks up here in the next few day, after all the first day of November is the next hunting day from right now. So have a happy Halloween, and a safe night of trick or treating.

Please say a prayer for the troops and check back.

See Ya Carl

The first order of business it to tell you that, we have backed off the time we are leaving town to 6:30 now. I am guessing that will not change again before we go back to regular time. That changes on the 4th of November. Using the formula of one and one half hours before sunrise, we will then, be departing town at 5:30.

As for the activity of the past few days. Today was the only day that we took anything. We took one Canada, but decoyed several flocks of ducks. We had that great Northwest wind on Saturday and we didn’t have any birds, that was decoy able and today we had a wind out of the Southeast, and we had some birds that decoyed. Of course we had the decoys set for a Northerly wind so getting them close enough for a shot was difficult, however we did have ducks in on us several times. But the success rate was a little lacking again today. This makes me tell you about the shot on the Canada. Now remember we had shot at some ducks earlier and had no luck, so everyone was guilty of missing, so when the shot was called on the goose, it sounded like there was just one shot. I looked to my left, and I seen about four gun barrels smoking and I had shot too. So none of us were sure whether it was our shot or some one else, who done the deed.

The wind got up where it was really a nice wind. We had seen plenty of ducks early and also a few flocks of Snow and Blue’s. Heard some Specks so they are still on the move.

Another tense time this morning I have to tell you about. R K was work on his goose call, getting the pitch just right, as always he is standing while doing this, so he can continual, scan the shies, for game. As he surveyed the shies, to Southwest, he seen three birds sailing toward the decoys. He started to alerted us to a couple of geese. Well before he got the words out of his mouth, about geese he decided it was not geese but was Sandhill Cranes. There were three of them. We don’t see to many of them and when you do, you enjoy the gift. Well one of these birds did not have any legs extending out behind as usual. Have no idea as to why, but have to assume it was handicapped. His flight was not hampered, because he moved as graceful as his partners did, but am sure his walking is not so smooth. So if you are south of Tekamah Nebr, and spot a trio of Cranes, and one is short his legs please hit the comment icon, let me know. Lets see if we can track them on down to Texas, or where ever they winter. I know in some states there is a season on these birds so if harvested or hear it was harvested please do the same.

Better get this posted so as always say some prayers for the troops and please check back

See Ya Carl

I had to make a run to Omaha this morning so I didn’t go hunting. Also did not put out a report last evening, because it was a day with out a shot. So you get two day in one.

As I said I was in the Big O, all morning and after a few other stops, got home around 3:00 and they were pulling up stakes, for the day. However they did harvest 5 ducks.

I had built, a BIRD PERCH and they told me it was not occupied this morning. Hope you are wondering what the H--- I am talking about, so will explain.

We have some big, white, long leg, birds that love to set on the Canada’s decoys. First we tried just scaring him, by making some noise, but that didn’t work Next step was to contacted the Game Warden and he gave us some bird bombs, and we got a couple of them real close to them, but scaring him does not deter him. Ralph has brought the Decoys to town and scrubbed all the Poop off them, again. It is almost impossible to get them clean out there.

So I got to thinking just why does he love our Canada’s so much??? I thought that he was just looking for something to set on, out in the water, for some protection. Also there is a thought he was thinking these other birds will be a warning system, for him, if danger approaches. So I constructed a perch just a little taller than a decoy, and we set it near the decoys, hoping he would set on it, and poop all he wished. Well he didn’t set on it last night, so I am planning on adding some wood to the top plate so it would be just a little more natural thing, for him to set on. See I used all iron and he may come in so late he may not see it, but if I put a piece of wood on the top plate, he should see that, and use it.

Heard from a friend, he said you handle this situation the S-S-S way.
You Shoot, the SOB.
You Scoop, out a hole for the SOB, and cover him
You Shut up, about the SOB

I guess that is all the news, so check back and hope we gets thing turned around

Say a little prayer for the boys and girls, that are protecting us
See Ya Carl

There is ducks like we haven’t seen here in years and they are decoying in for good shots. Also seen loads of Whitefronts, and got in to Canada’s twice today. Mother nature put everything in place for great day. Temperature was about as good as you would want and the skies were clearing so we had every type of sky you could like, the ideal wind, and we still set there with no hunters. What does it take to excite you guys. You are missing the boat. Sure was a fun day. Could have easily shot a box of shells, again today.

Here is the bag for the day, a couple of Specks, 5 Canada’s and all the ducks we wanted to haul home. What more do you want??? If we had more hunters we would have had a larger bag.

These Canada’s were some real nice big fat birds. We didn’t weight them but sure every one, went over the 11 lbs. mark. Also we had some real nice, big mallards. Had our laugh again today, when I doubled up on a couple more, of the Long Bill ducks. Boy, do they ever find my pattern easy. If I get close to one he dies.

Well I don’t know what else I can tell, to excite you any more than I have. There is some great shooting, going on at Kohler’s Hunting, if you are wanting a great hunt, get your butt heading this way.

Was asked to update you all on my predictions for the season as well as a progress report, so here goes. I predicted we would harvest 350 Canada’s 4 to 600 Ducks, and 900 Snows and blues in the spring Remember we had Rain for about 10 days and took nothing. Right now we have harvested 30 Dark Geese 110 Ducks, and most of the days when we shot we had to quit, because we had a limit or all the ducks we could get rid of. Like yesterday should have sent over 100 birds home with guys, but had to stop at 48 or 49, because of limits.

Please say prayer for all the guys and gals that are protecting us tonight, and every night

Check back and see ya

Carl

The last time I felt this good Steve Pederson had just got fired. I have that same great feeling today, WOW WHAT A DAY. I know very well that this old kid had no idea how to put the words together to truly describe, the quality, of this day.

If we would have had a bigger crew, we could have had a record day, for ducks. The birds were there if we would have had the hunters, we could of more than doubled, our bag with ease. Ralph and I were talking on the way out as to the number of flocks that decoyed to us today, and we are sure it would be over 100 flocks. As you know you don’t shoot into every flock you decoy and you don’t decoy every flock you see, but we got into our share. We limited again on Pintails, and almost had a duck limit, for everyone. Finished the day with around 50 ducks.

I know some of you will be thinking, why not more ducks than that if there was that many around. See you got, maybe one or two good shots in this wind and they are gone, but damn it was fun. Again, I must say, there were plenty of birds to fill many more limits, than we filled.
Most of the guys shot well over a box of shells, I know, I did and I didn’t shoot on every flock. Just a rough guess there were over 500 shell emptied today. It was tough shooting, but sporting, and I think that everyone had a great time.

Some of you guys better be getting your butt, headed this way and partake in this fun. I just can’t afford shooting all theses shells, and have all this fun while you guys are home, bored with, just watching the NFL, NASCAR, or working your job. I am forced to tell you, that retirement is hell, with nothing to do but hunt.

Did get into one flock of Canada’s. There is a great story about them too. This was before noon. They come in high and put on quite a show, decoying in, pulling across, right behind the blinds maybe 20-25 yards out 15 yds high, when the shot was called. Right in the area where I was shooting about mid point of the flock, they all fell and I dismounted my gun after, just two shots, because I thought they were all on the way down. When the smoked cleared, we had 5 down. That was a shame that we didn’t take more than that, on such a great shot. Later in the afternoon we stated seeing more and more geese. Most were whitefronts and some were Canada's. and this makes us think, that there is some great hunting, in store for us, for the next few days

Now if you have paid any attention to the weather reports, you should know, we have a nice northerly wind for the next 3 or 4 days. So that should mean some great hammering days ahead, so get on the way to here. You have been told.

Will let you go. As always, please say a prayer for the troops tonight

See Ya Carl

Was much dryer, walking into the pits this morning, in fact I am back into my Tennie-waders. What a change. This was I think the second night with out rain in about 10 days. Plenty of stars over head making it an enjoyable walk. The Ducks we flying around as soon as we could see. Harvested just a few, didn’t have many guns so was a little leery on busting into the Pintails. Had a mixed bag flock, come through that the boss was comfortable, letting us going into action on. We placed 3 DIP, on that go around. And I think we got into another flock later. Thought this was pretty good shooting for a down wind shot. My shot was at least 50 maybe 65 yds. See us OSFF, don’t get up as fast as the kids, and with the wind on their tail, them birds get down range fast. I am sure this duck thought he had made it through, this steel curtain, but my pattern had him dead center. Was just a cloud of feathers, rendering this critter GYD. This is when I found out, he was a, LNM.

The most exciting thing of the day was, the Specks was still flying and were quite a bit lower today. We had a few flocks decoy to us but was not able to get any to finish. They have the ability of getting your hopes up and then breaking your heart. It was getting quite warm in the pits, and most wanted to see if the Huskers would play better today, so we come in early. Back to the Huskers, if they play the second half as good as they did the first half, we have a chance, to hold a team under 500 yards for the first time this year.

The weather for tomorrow, should bring more birds and I hope some hunters. There is a chance of a North wind up around 30MPH tomorrow. With the ducks we have in the area, and the possibility of more riding that wind down, also the thought of the Specks and Canada’s moving, with this wind should make for a great day of hunting. I know there is no way I would miss this day in the pits. Unless, Steve needs help moving.

Acronyms:
DIP Dead In Pond
OSFF Old Slow Fat Fart
GYD Grave Yard Dead
LNM Long Nose Mallard

Game is back on, so will let you go. Say a pray for all our hero tonight.

See Ya Carl

Well we had sunshine, blue skies, Brisk Northwest wind, and BIRDS today. Should have harvested more, put had limited out on pintails. And every flock seem to have some pintails in it. But we had all the ducks we could get rid of when we did close up. There was even ducks come in while we had the pits wide open and was cleaning up. With guys standing out side and everything. Was seeing and harvested, a few Mallards along with Teal, Ringneck, Pintail, some divers. But have seen very few Gadwall and Widgeon, so they are yet to come.

On the goose front. We seen several flocks of Specks today and heard even more flocks. All of them were high, but they are on the move. There is a southerly wind forecast for tomorrow, that could make some of them want to decoy. If they ever get down to see the lake, I am sure we will decoy them. We have several spots, they should love to settle into. Also seen one very large flock of Canada’s go down just to the west of us. That was about all of them I remember of, but there was around 150 in that flock. Also had a blue flying around the pits when we walked in and later was setting in the lake. He was chased out of our lake and never made it past the west lake.

Boy is it ever fun to see them, ducks as well geese, decoy into the pond. The boss has out done himself, with this set up. Most shots are right straight up, or the shot I prefer out the front. With the winds we had today, a big part of the decoying, is out front and to the right, so you see it as you set on the seat. But the best part is, the birds are loving the lake too. We seen them pass other spreads and decoy right in to us. I told a guy when he shows up he should ware DEPENDS. Because when he see’s this setup, he is going to pee his pants.

With the sun and wind there was a lot of drying on the path, today, and did that ever help. When you take a step now you stay on top, and don’t sink into the mud a couple of inches. Was so much easier walking out today, than it was going in this morning.

Be sure to say a prayer for all our troops that are serving our country, tonight when you say your bedtime prayers.

See ya and Check back

Carl

There was a near miracle this morning, in Burt County, Nebraska. When we went to the blinds this morning there was a big hole in the clouds and there were stars visible over head in this hole. There was a forecast for strong Northwest winds, and our hopes were high. At that time there was very little wind and what there was, was coming out of the South East.

I took a picture of what was almost a sunrise, but shortly after that things turn and went down hill for the rest of the day. Down to the point that we walked out in the rain and there was a hunter’s car stuck, by the time we got that out, two others and I were about as muddy as you can get.

Later in the morning the wind, did get to blowing out of the Northwest, but only about 10 MPH, and it in some, rain showers.

The past couple of days, we had Garry Mason, out of Tennessee, founder of the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, hunting with us and we really, wanted to get him a shot. This was his second trip to our country in the past two seasons, and we had the same type of weather this year as we had last year. He claimed he would return and give us another chance. While here he did interview with Ralph for his TV show. I will do some investigating and see if it is possible for us to view it here in the Heartland. If it is possible I will alert everyone of time, station, ETC. He was on his way to So. Dakota, where he has interest in, a commercial pheasant hunting operation. He has about a month there and then may stop back on his way home.

I have to tell you Ron Cleveland carves some GREAT DECOYS, and last year donated a decoy to this Hall of Fame to be auctions off. It sold real good last year, and he committed to do another one every year for the Banquet. Hank Parker who went into the Hall of Fame with Ralph last year and was Master of Ceremonies for this year Banquet. He also acted as the auctioneer and auction off this decoy. He got $1,000.00 for it this year. I think they got $700.00 for the one he gave them last year. Well, the guy that got the decoy this year, told everyone he was opening the bid for next year's decoy, for $1000.00, right now. He has no idea what it is. Ron has got it done and gave it to Garry while he was here. So if you see Ron, please say something to him about this. Thank you’s and our positive comments is all the payment he gets for his generous gifts.

Better close this, as you can guess we didn’t shoot today, but have clear weather, and high winds coming tomorrow, so everything changes then. The slate has been wiped clean. If you miss tomorrow, you are going to be very very sorry. Why I wouldn’t miss tomorrow for nutt’in.

Remember the troops in your bedtime prayers, and check back tomorrow and see just what you missed.

See Ya Carl

Still getting rain here, has to run out one of these days, don’t it?? Tomorrow, the forecast is a strong Northwest wind. May be up to around 30 to 40 MPH, depending on what forecaster you listen to. My computer says that it may hit 30MPH but it still is saying there is a very high percent chance for moisture with it. But Friday it is to be clearing and still a wind from the Northwest at around 25MPH. Boy-oh-boy, the only way I would miss that, is, if they need some help, moving Steve Pederson out of Nebraska.

Went out this morning and seen a few ducks and a pair of Canada’s. The Can’s have been around the lake, and know just where we are, so take a safe route around us. I have no idea just what the problem the ducks had, but were not interested in our spread.

The Boss thinks that even if there is some rain with the wind tomorrow that it should shake something lose, but when the sun comes it will be Cady bar the door. Sure would like to know some one up north that I could call to see if the Specks are still lingering around up there or did they come through here in the dark. We haven’t seen to many Pintails yet, so that makes you think the Specks are still North too. With this lake set up, we should to talk some of those dudes, into gun range. Haven’t seen any Cormorants for three or four days, so guessing that most of them have moved through.

Must shut down so say a prayer for the troops in your evening prayers and check back

See Ya Carl

Well just so you all know, that I am still alive I will post a new report. We have had a long dry spell in hunting. The weather has been the other way. We have been in a Nebraska monsoon for the past few days. Steve is gone. So we have been hunting short days. We were not even seeing anything so there was nothing to report, except, Steve P got fired. I did write a nice report on Sunday, and when reread it, it was all bragging, on out local High School Softball team, that won the Nebraska State Tournament and complaining about the Nebraska Football team, and this was before Steve got fired, it was nothing about hunting so I didn’t post it. This is a hunting report, and not about other sports, like Steve getting the AX.

As for the hunt today. The rain has let up and the clouds have raised just a little, no sunshine, yet. Seen just a few ducks. Took one big green head, and shot at some Pintails. Come up on them just a little wrong so after all necessary adjustments, missed on shot. Can not get to wild on them because the bag limit is only one, and very easy to get to many down, so we put none down, remaining very safe. Thursdays weather sounds like a shoulder bruising day. Forcast saying, that there will be wind out of the North West, at 30-35MPH.

So hoping that there is something to report on most days from now on. We noticed on the way to town this afternoon that there was big flocks of Doves. This is past the middle of October and there is still Doves in the area, but since they are on the move I am guessing that our birds will not be far behind.

So remember the troops in your prayers tonight and every night, and check back

See Ya Carl

10-10-07

Was a little slower today but it was still a pretty good day. Got into the Canada’s two, no, three times. I can remember, when some spread, got into Canada’s the Kill was shown from one end of town to the other. Now days everyone thinks you should take a dozen everyday. Hunting should never get to that, and everyone should really enjoy each and every bird you harvest. So again, I will start, We had big Canada’s in on us three times today. One flock, was a single and there was a bunch of shots sent his way. Well at least he know just what gun powder smell like, but I bet the smile on his face will be there for a couple more days. The next go-a-round was a flock of three, followed by a pair. All five were placed in our game bag.

I do not remember just how many times we went into action on ducks but we totaled out with an even dozen of them. The ducks was a mixed bag today but there was two green heads among them.

Did see a couple flocks of Pintails. There was not a push of them as some had expected today, but it can’t be to far away. The same applies to the Whitefronts. We did not see any of them today, either. The Cormorant sightings, was slow today also. We are always happy when they, the Cormorants, have pushed through. When they are done, you know when you see something on the horizon, it is fair game.

I just have to tell all of you that have not seen the lake. This has to be one of the best setup we have ever had. If they keep flying the same pattern, that they have the past couple of days, the boss needs to patent this lay out. What a great job he has done on it, this summer. This is a real hunting hole, if it continues this way. Most always the birds will be, visible to the customers, and when they see the birds before the shot is called it is so much easier for them. I just do not have the talent, to describe to you, just how good, the shots have been. When you have to come up and find the birds, and then take your shot, you are just ineffective. I think the past couple days the customers have been shooting great, and I think that is because they know where the birds are before the shot is called. Now I know there is no way that every shot is going to be out front, but I am sure, most will be this year. The loaner this morning that was missed, was behind, when the shot was called, and he did escape out the front, but the customers, didn’t see that bird, until after the shot was called. So you hurry your shot and you miss so you hurry another shot and miss again. If you are shooting back up, like us guides should be, when we see it is getting away, we hurry a shot off and it is not the best either. Well it is all fun and provides us with some laugh, and that is what it is all about.

Looks by the size of this report that I had to much time on my hands so will shut it down. Please say a prayer for all the troops that are serving our country, tonight. Check back and we’ll see ya

Carl

10-9-07

Was a limit taking day. We were very short on guns, but we filled everyone’s limits anyway.

The day open with very few birds in the skies, and all of them were ducks, that have been setting and rousting in the lake. With so few ducks flying around, but we had no idea what the day was to bring.

Finely, the skies were was holding a few pintails, that was on the move. Soon we had a flock of them, in on us, so we all took our limit, while we were picking them up, we had a nice flock of Canada’s drop in. As you can imagine, with men and dogs in the lake, does not lend well to finishing of decoy birds. So they were picked up and every one got settled back on the blind seat, when we were alerted to the fact, that we had a big Canada settling into the decoys. Quick action and a couple loads of steel, he was placed into the game bag, along with our limit of ducks. Then we had one hunter that just had to go do some shopping, so he was sent on his way with birds in hand, but another hunter was on the way out. Good thing because the action was just beginning to heat up. Even with some very bad shooting we still filled the game bag of 4 hunters with big trophy size Canada’s. If we would have had a dozen guns we could have filled there bag as well. After we had limited out, we just set on the blind seat, and watched in awe, as a few more, flocks come in and sat down, with in easy gun range. One time there was a pair that passed over number one pit, so low I am sure you will not believe me, when I say that they were maybe, 50 feet.

These were not big flocks, but they decoyed in so close and so good, that I am sure I will be seeing geese tonight in my dreams. We had our limit, and enjoying the sights, before 11:15. We took just a few blue wing teal, after the that, and pulled up stakes around 3:00. I may be hell to get old, but there is some time great thrill, attached to it too. Yours truly witnessed one them thrills, today.

Have to get this posted, so as always say a prayer for the troops and please check back

Carl

10-8-07

Had a rain over night so it was just a little muddy getting into the pits, this morning. Soon after daylight the Specks were being heard and seen. Seen several nice bunches of Specks, but decoying was not on their mind. I wasn’t feeling good so came back to town for a while. And most of this activity was while I was in town. Right after I got back to the pits, there was a flock of 5 Big Canada’s dropped in on us. When I say dropped I mean dropped in. They come in with the wind, and made a very short hook and into the water, giving us a very short marginal shot, which R K passed on. With a little scheming we got them air born again before putting two DIP. That was some very good shooting for the shot we had.

There was a few teal flying around and there was a nice size flock of about 50 that come racing through and we opened up on them. Not near enough meat to pay for the shells we shot, but it was fun.

The skies were dotted with big flocks of Cameron’s. There seamed to always be a flock some place, on the horizon. Had one flock that come over the lake, some of them even landed. Some come close enough, to the pits, that if we were not very law biding people, they would have ended, feet up in our pond.

Also have to report that after I left the pits on Sunday, they harvested two ducks. I have not got the best info or complete story, so can not give anymore info on this. The only thing I am sure of is; It was not a Aqua Shot. There also, was more than two birds. I think they were Blue wing, So I am guessing that there is something just a little strange, because no one will not even talk about it. Most generally there are 5 guys claiming each and every bird, well there is no one talking, so that alone makes it strange.

Again I must say we are seeing a large amount of Specks, so if you are wanting to be here on a Speck shoot, you better be making some steps to get here. We haven’t seen any big flocks, but when that happens it is to late, to alert you, and you show up. You should be there.

I have neglected to remind you, that DIP means, Dead In Pond

Well remember to say a little prayer for all the troops, that are serving this nation, tonight when you say your bedtime prayers.

See Ya Carl

October 6th, 2007 Opening Day

First day of the 2007 season, and it was a warm one. It is one thing to swat mosquitoes, but wiping sweat at the same time make it a short day. We have not had a frost in the area yet this fall, and as always you really need a good killing frost before the biting critters are asleep for the season.

As what we seen it was just a little exciting. Several bunches of ducks, and there were a few big ducks along with the usual, Teal, Widgeon, Gadwall, Woodies. Etc. Had a couple of chances, at some of them, but did not go. The Goose picture was even more exciting. Had a pair of big boys that passed right over the pit, giving us at best a marginal shot, but thinking they were going to circle for a better shot, passed on that shot. I was gone on the second opportunity. There were 3 in this bunch, and since I was not there, I am not sure just what happened, but understand there was another marginal shot on them too. This three settled into the decoys and escaped un harmed. Seen a single Canada, and I think that wraps up the total excitement on Canada’s.

Now the real exciting news. Had a flock of nine. Another flock of 14 and the third flock of four, Whitefronts. What is going on, are they getting ready to move?? They are a couple of weeks early, but when you start seeing them, they are usually well underway, for their annual push through this area. So keep an eye on this report and also listen to other reports, because they wait for no one when they decide to move, it goes in 2-5 days.

So we didn’t get any shots but all in all, was a fun morning. The sunrise was just a sunrise, so after it was apparent that, the 12:08 flight was not showing up we jumped the ship and come home.

This is the way I am doing it this season. If there is something to report I will write a report, but if nothing I am skipping that evening report.

So as always, Remember the troops in your evening prayers, and check back
See Ya Carl

Preseason Report

With a week and a day or so, before the season open I guess I better, up date you.

Ralph has work almost everyday this past summer, on the lake. And the place shows it. It almost takes your breath away, when you see it for the first time, it is beautiful. I did, get out and helped him on the phone and intercom, but the rest he done all alone. He and Dorothy also painted all the decoys, so they are all ‘show room ready’ too.

This picture was take on the road we took into the pits last season. Looking North West, up towards the west lake. The point on the right to the point on the left is about 75 to 80 yards , The pits are located in the Milo on the left, and we are looking at Pettits lake. Now there is way more lake on past what you can see in this picture. So there is lake you better say all around us. The road leading to the pits is going to provide a wind break for the ducks, and we are hoping we can pull them up over the blind

Ralph has always spoke of being in the middle of the action, well he is there this year. Most of the decoying you will see and still have your BUTT on the seat. When they get down and are coming in for the squat, you may loose them behind you, on some winds, but will be visible again before the: “Take’em”,. command is given. The duck shot should be a straight up shot, and they may not be visible, before the shot, but the goose shot will be right in front or front left. Bring something to wipe off the blood with, because there could be some spatter, this year. For sure, in the spring, on the carp shoot.

I guess I can’t miss it any further than they did on the Nebraska football team, so I am going out on a limb and predict, over 350 dark geese, 4-600 ducks, and over 900 snows and blues in the spring. Does that excite you any??? It is all possible, and most likely happen.

The only work that I know, I have to get done yet is, get my blind loaded. I have most of that loaded in the Red Beast, and ready to go. The most important item, is to have plenty of gun oil, so I purchased a new bottle.

I think I am about ready with the exception I have some food items to purchase for my meals, but have that on the schedule for this coming week end.

I know some of you are wondering just what time we are leaving the Café. So here is a good rule to remember. We can shoot at one half hour before sunrise. So it takes about an hour to drive from town, load on the pickup and drive you to the pits, get everyone into the pits, then go park the pick up and walk back. So if we leave the Café about 1½ hours before sunrise, everything will work. So allow yourself some time to eat Breakfast, if your eating, and you will be on schedule. Flo is ready for us at the café and feeds you pretty quick, and her prices are good, so if you can, please give her some business. I just check the sunrise sunset chart and for October 6th sunrise is 7:25, therefore we should be leaving town about 6:00.

Well the time is getting close where some of you may have a problem with a good night sleep, with all the dreaming of a fruitful season. That is excepable, but, before you get in that bed please remember all the Men and Woman, that are serving our country in your prayers.

See Ya Carl

Preseason Report

Need to up date you guys, on the happenings that are of interest to us hunters .

First off I am sure some of you know, but there could be many of you that don’t. Our old friend, and fellow hunter, Ed May, picked up his duck call and done some practicing. Got feeling pretty good about himself and entered the Nebraska Duck Calling Contest again. Took all the Marbles Again. Now this sport requires some wind and teenagers, and young guys have more wind, than people past 45 years old do. I forget the exact number of years older he was to the next oldest contestant, but everyone else was just a kid, compared to, our Ed. I am not saying that Ed is over the hill, but when you are competing in this sport you have a lot of competition that are teenagers and young adults. Well our old buddy showed them all up, and walked off with the big trophy. Way to go Ed. And congratulations.

Ralph has reworked the lake again this year. If you ever wanted to hunt, out in the middle of a lake, you are going to have the opportunity for that experience, this season. This set up, the Game and Parks may rule that we have an unfair advantage over the geese. Should be right in the middle of the action. The setup is not far from where we hunted last season, but you inter the lake down by the outhouse, and take a path up to the pits. Should be the first season where face mask, are required. Not camo face mask, so the birds don’t see you, but something to keep the muddy water out of your eyes, when they come splashing back, DIP.

I guess this paragraph should have been the first, but it is so far back in our mines, we don’t talk about it. How is Ralph doing ?? Ralph is doing great, he looks so good. He works like there is no tomorrow. I really believe he looks 15 years younger since his attack. There is no way to describe him other than to say it is unbelievable the way he has comeback. I told him I was keeping notes to eulogize him at his funeral, but had thrown them all away, because I won’t be there. I’m an Elm, and he is a Oak tree, is the only way, I know to describe him. I got bigger faster, but will fall and rot away, and he will still be growing.

Just found the season, for 2007. They set them today We open a little later than I thought we would, I was guessing Sept 29th.

Canada Goose.
Oct. 6 - Jan. 18
3 geese
Twice the daily bag.

Snow and Blue
Oct. 6 - Jan. 6 and Jan. 26 - Feb. 6
20 geese
None

White front
Statewide
Oct. 6 - Dec. 16
2 geese
Twice the daily bag.

Ducks
Low Plains Early
Oct. 6 - Dec. 16 and Dec. 22-23
Pintail duck season closes Nov 13th for us here in our zone

Better close this, Check back
We'll see ya, and remember the troops in your prayers, as always
Carl

KOHLER BANQUET

For those of you that missed the Kohler Banquet last evening, you missed one great evening. We had a hic-up or two along the way, but was a very enjoyable evening.

The meal was just about as good as you could expect. Of course us real country folk, get the feed bag on just a little earlier, than city folk do. And as I have said many times, “skinny folk can eat any time, but you have to feed us fat folk on time”. By the time the food made it to the table, I was worried that I just may pass out, because of malnutrition. I lucked out and they got it there just in a nick of time. Wow, was it worth waiting for. I had the Prime Rib, and it was just perfect.

Had of around 50 people, some of the guys didn’t bring there wives, but those wives that did show up, I am sure, had a great time.

We had a Video, that is to hit your TV screen some time later this summer. This was recorded and produced, by Gary Howey. It took you through a day of hunting, starting in the café early in the morning, trip to the pits, as well as some shot, on birds. He also worked in a great interview with Ralph, giving you a story of his life, as a waterfowl guide. This covered, from River days to present day, Decoy manufacturing, lake building, blind building ETC. He even had some questions on the Hall of Fame.

I will try to keep you informed as to when it is to be played on TV. I thought it was a very good film. We had a another Film we were to show, and this was Ralph acceptance speech that he made in Nashville. But we had some problems with that, and could not get it to play. Now this a promise, we will resolve these problems and show it next year. I am so sorry that this did not work, because this is what made us ask for a copy of Gary Howey’s show, was the fact, we had all the equipment there so why not have a bonus and show Gary’s show too.

We had a laugh or two, over some great stories, and of course it was good to see everyone again. Not much else to report, other than the fact Ralph is making just one great recovery. I think it is safe to say, the Dr. has turned him loose. And has given him the OK to start to do some work again. So he is very up beat over this. I think the man looks younger, since his attack, and I am sure he is feeling much better.

Remember the Kids that are protecting all our rights, tonight and every night in your prayers

See Ya Carl

Updates and Announcements

Sorry I haven’t got around to an update before today. But I been just a little to busy, and some if the info in this report, has not been finalized until this morning.

Ralph has been in therapy, and everything is going as expected. He is over heating the treadmill, and the therapist is scratching his head and wondering just why this 45 year old man is claming he is 89. He still is complaining about his new diet, and pills. Dorothy says she feels like a new bride, because the girls cleaned her cabinets (and if they thought Dad shouldn’t have it, it is gone) she said, she has to learn to cook all over again. I would guess she hasn’t looked at a cook book in years and now she has all new receipt she has to follow. I feel she has done a pretty good job, if it took 71 years to plug an artery. Ralph told me the other day that he had another truck load of pill showing up again, at the end of the month. He has not lost his sense of humor.

We have, picked up the decoys. I guess it is better to say it this way. Since it got cold and the lake was froze hard enough, that I could walk in it with my tennie-waders, I contacted Dax (because he had some decoys, there too). So that job is done and Ralph can quit worrying about them.

The next update is on the Kohler Annual Dinner. Now remember if you want to come you are invited. Just because you didn’t get a formal invite, that is no sign you can’t come and party with us. There is a couple of rules you have to obey. No.1 is: No waders or Cammo, are allowed.

No. 2 Your hunting dog is not part of the party.

Time, date, and location is:

I put them down backward.

Locations is at: Anthony’s Steakhouse @ 72 and F street, in Omaha.

That is just one block off the Interstate, so that is handy for everyone

The date is: May 4^th.

The time is: Refreshments at 6:00

Dinner is at 6:45.

Now if that is not enough incentive, to show up, I think the program will be great this year. This is not written in stone, but it has been discussed, that we should show, Ralph speech, he made in Nashville, when he accepted his induction into the hall of fame. Also, there has been, two hunting show that was shot at the blinds this past fall, One of these hunts, the one shot by Gary Howie, which will be shown on National TV later on this year, may also be shown there. In Hollywood this referred to a premier showing, right?? This will not be a rerun. So with all this exciting news, mark your calendar, and reserve the evening of May 4^th, and show up at Anthony’s for a great evening with a true Legend of the Outdoors.

Ralph will, most likely bring us up to date on the past season, may even brag on the quality of the shooting his guides turned in and I am sure he will have some other humorous jabs, to pass on about the events of the past hunting season.

Now also Remember the real reason for this Dinner, is to say thank you to your significant other. See, she allowed you to go hunting, now it is time for you, to say Thank You for all those day. You reward her with a nice evening out on the town. Bring her along. She will enjoy the evening. Remember, She can’t ware cammo or waders.

Ralph is home

Just come back home for the Kohlers, Ralph is home, and is in great spirits. Is a little shook up over the cost of his med’s. I told him after he made the statement that no one could afford all them pills. I said, the way you have to look it this is, most people have been on all these pills for 20 years, when they are your age, so look at how much you have saved over the past 20 years.

Ralph is Ralph yet. The kids said when he left the Hospital, he refused the wheel chair, and insisted on walking out. He is the only person I have ever heard of that got that pulled off. I think that is written in the corner stone, of ever Hospital All victims must leave the building in wheel chair. But he pulled it off and walked out, to the car.

Take a minute and touch base with him some how. He is going to have more time on his hands that he has ever had before. Needs help in burning up the time

Remember the troops in your prayers, and add the boss, to your special list, also.

See Ya

Carl

Update on Ralph

The events of the day went just a little different, than we had planned, and hoped, but they are still are something that we can live with.

When we arrived at Ralph room this morning, the Dr. was there, and gave Dorothy and Ralph, some incite into the operation.. Now I must insert this was just a little more serious attack, than I wanted to admit to. The blockage was on one of the big arteries, above the branching out, so this one blockage, was blocking several places on the heart. There is another blockage that is in place, but they want to handle that, by medication and not a stint. As luck would have it today, one of the kids, that had hunted with Ralph, several years ago, and was a specialist in the medical field, a Radiologist, stopped by, and he explained to Ralph all the reasons for each pill, he has to take. Also explained the importance of taking them. Ralph has never taken many pills in his life, so that is going to be a change too.

Now how is Ralph??? He is up walking around, Looks great, is laughing, joking as Ralph does. Was fielding phone calls all day, and complaining, about the Hospital food. He feels as though he in dire, need of, some Dorothy prepared food.

He didn’t get to come home today as we thought he may, and that does not pose any problem. The girls are on their way back, and they are having some connection problem, with their airlines, so are coming in much later, that they were scheduled. I brought Dorothy back to Tekamah, and the girls will stop by the hospital, in the morning and pick up their Dad and bring him, on home.

Just in case you need an address for a card or letter, the address is

820 Q Street

Tekamah, Nebr.

68061

He is going to have to slow down some and change his diet some also. Of course as the way I look at it is. If it took 89 years to plug it, there is not much change needed for another 30.

I think the big change is needed in his attitude toward work. In other words, slow down, give an order, ask for help.

Of course we still are accepting all prayers, and also remember the troops, with a prayer too.

Check back and See Ya

Carl

The latest, on Ralph

This posting is to let you know, that our Boss, Ralph suffered a heart attack Monday morning 3-26-07. It all got started around 8:00. We first took him to the Blair Hospital, where it was diagnosed as a heart attack and they had ordered the Helicopter, for a flight to Methodist Hospital. Dorothy and I come back to Tekamah for phone numbers, of their Kids and a few other things for Ralph. By the time we got to the Hospital he was in and almost out of surgery for the placements of one stint. We never did get a visit from a Dr. but Dorothy had got in to the recovery room, for a very short visit, and to inform him we were returning to Tekamah, So Dorothy could get a little rest. The Daughters will be in town before sundown Tue, and this will help Dorothy. We will be going back to Omaha in the Morning 3-27. When I have more Info will post it

The latest report from the nurse’s desk he had a good night and was setting up and every thing is going fine, will bring you up to speed when I have more info.

A little pray, will be appreciated and felt.

See Ya

Carl

Was warm in the pits, so we closed early

Not many birds were even spotted today, and most were impossible to decoy. Got so warm, that we pulled up stakes, and come to the house, early. Somehow we did manage to, harvest 3 and should have had another one or two. But that is hunting, not getting all, you thought you should have gotten. The flock we took the three out of, come to us out of the west and really looked good coming, but just could not commit. The three stayed around after the flock left and made the mistake of coming in over the pits. I was not fast enough to get a shot, but they all come down so how cares.

Remember all the guys and gals, that are guarding out country, in your evening prayers.

See Ya Carl

The game bag, should have been fuller

Did see some birds this morning and they did decoy, but with no wind we could not get them to finish, so we could get a shot. Then late morning we did get into a flock, also had a couple of singles and pairs fly in also. Total bag was under ten. But we did get to take our smoke poles out of the rack and put them to used. The shot we had was a great shot and we should have had a few more. I think we took only 6 out of a flock of at least 25 that were in range.

It is beginning to look like the season is coming to a close. Sure wish we could get a good deep snow storm, north of us, and send them back, so we could have another round with them. Now if you should know some one in So. Dakota, done send them my name and tell them I am wanting them to have some more winter, but it would help our hunting.

We are in a little early, today, so I am going to close this, and see if I can get a little chair nap.

Say a prayer for all the troops tonight

Check back

See ya Carl

There were only four that we stopped on their journey north

Had plenty of low clouds this morning, there was no activity in the pits this morning.

Most of the day there was the threat of rain, and birds just don’t fly when the moisture is high.

We had just one flock that got close enough to us to say they were decoying to us. That was about the extent of the activity for us today. However, out of that flock, there are four, that will never see South Dakota again. That was the total, of our bag today.

It was so cloudy that there may have been birds moving all day long, and we would have never seen them. Every once in a while, there would be a hole that opened up, in the clouds and, we would spot a flock, but we could not get then to work for us.

Remember the Troops tonight in your evening prayers, and please check back

See Ya Carl

Burn't some powder as well as a memorable finaly

Had a very busy morning. Not seeing to many, but everything that come along come in. They just love to fly into a stiff breeze, and that is what we had this morning and it was right out of the north, at about 15 to 25 mph. They were tough to get far enough north for all pits, to have a great shot. You know, in a wind like we had today, in less than a second, they can gain 20 yards. So shooting and calling the shot is tough. So some go-a-rounds the harvesting was a little short and on other go-a-rounds we made up for the short round.

Around noon they shut down and we never seen anything so we decided that we was going to shut down at 4:30. Well as you might expect, at 4:30, and we had the pickup parked there, people walking around loading their gear and the game, dogs running through the decoys, and everything you don’t want going on when you are hunting, was going on. Someone says, I hear geese. A quick scan of the skies and we spotted 8 to 10 dropping towards, the spread. Well some guys had some shell in there pocket and shared with others and we uncased our guns and loaded, while they were on one of there swings, the boss called the shot, and we bagged at least 5. Rockie is scouting out the lake for others that we dropped then and before. This extra unloading exercise, brought the daily bag up to 45 and this total may be revised upwards tomorrow. This has brought the season total up to 450. If we can have a few more days, this could turn out to be one of the best spring hunt we have ever had. Would be nice to break that number too.

Not anything else I can talk about tonight so will close this.

Don’t forget the troops tonight and say a prayer for them.

Also please check back

See ya Carl

The smoke poles, cooled just a little, today

First off there is an update on yesterday. There was some more birds picked up after the hunt, and one picked up by a hunter leaving early, bringing the total for yesterday up to 78.

We need to hunt real hard if we get it to that number, for today. Had some great shots, and several near misses. But only managed, to bag 40, for today. Has been some week, for this spring hunt. If my memory serves me right there was no skunk days, because I think that 7 was the least and 78 for the most. I think, that in the eight days, from Sunday to Sunday the total for that time is real close to 300 birds, and it may be a bird or two over. Has been an exciting and rewarding week. And the sick thing about it is, we feel that there was about 3 days where we should have had a hundred on each of them days. Another amazing thing is that we have had on problem, with getting some one to take all of these birds. Not many depressed hunter, leaving the pits this past week. There may have been a couple that were depressed, because they left to early.

Will let you go. I want to go check out the fire damage that we had in Herman this morning. We lost one of our feeding and watering holes. Had several dept. fighting it most of the morning.

Say a prayer for all our service personal tonight, in your bed time prayers

See Ya Carl

A powder burning day, again

Was a number one day, with a couple of broken records. The decoying was breath taking with the east wind, so everyone could see most of it. Had some great go-a-rounds to go with it. On the first go-a-around, ,we had a flock that was all spread out across the blinds and right up over the top of us. Now this was on a flock, where flock shooting was not an option either. And some how, we took a record 29 birds, out of it.

Most of the morning was spent down in the pits, because there was not much of the time, that there was not birds over us. The action slowed down in the afternoon. But the day ended with a new daily record. If they can find a couple of sailers we will have 76. That is a pretty good day. As for the number of shell everyone shot up today, I can not guess, but it was a bunch. My blind had two sacks of trash, and there was plenty of shell boxes and empty shells, that filled them. I didn’t go through a box, but my knees are brothering, so I don’t go up on every go-a-round and when I do go, not many times do I get my gun empty.

I have a feeling that there are some smiles that will take a while to wipe off a few hunters faces, after this day.

I think Mommie wants to go out, so I better go feed and water her.

Say a prayer for the troops tonight, and also be sure check back

See Ya Carl

Was a tough day.

Was just a real bad day at the pits. We could get most of the flocks to decoy, but to get them to finish was another story. The bag had less than twenty in it at days end. And for the number of birds we seen today you feel we should have had a few more when we closed up, for the day. But isn’t that hunting??? If you had great success on every hunting trip, that would not be fun either.

Have a few birds to add in for a couple of other days. First yesterday, Rockie, scoured out the south end of the lake, last evening and come up with three more birds, so that makes that tally 53. Also Craig Caskey was back today, and said that he had picked up 2 additional birds on his way home when he left early, on the day when we harvested 69, so that makes that day,71. Which is a record for a one day hunt, for us in the spring.

This is for all you readers that have not ever hunted, with Ralph Kohler. All these birds are taken before any has had a chance to land, and all shots are good sporting shots. We pass on all sky busting shots too. For example, today we may have had maybe 15 to 20 more birds if we were to take some high shot, giving up on a big flock, and taking a shot on two or three birds. Ralph wants everyone to have a good and as near equal opportunity as the hunter in the next pit.

Nothing else to report, so say a pray for this country’s hero tonight at bed time and please check back.

See Ya Carl

Another great day

Had a pretty good day again today, even if we did have a tough time decoying them. We had way to many flocks in on us today with out a shot, that it would have been very easy to have harvested twice as many birds as we did. There was some, just outstanding decoying, and then not to get a shot was a little depressing, but when the day was all over and we counted, we had harvested 50, to complain seams so selfish.

There was some low flock, but most was real high. The boss has always said they are the best to decoy, and we did turn some of them. Early in the day there was some that were west of us, but by noon they were coming right over us, and we turned our share of these flocks. Have no idea as to just how many go-a-rounds, we had, but I am guessing everyone had to shoot up a box of ammo again today.

Have to close this, so please check back tomorrow and lets hope there is another great report.

Say a prayer for all the troops tonight.

See Ya Carl

We burnt some powder today.

Was a memorable day today. I am sure most shooters went through, a couple of boxes of shells, today. I almost did and there were a couple times where I didn’t shoot, I think age has the reason, I didn’t get up fast enough.

I have no idea just how many go-a-rounds we had today, but I do know we had two fantastic sight on two flocks. They done everything that the Snows and Blues do so well, and that is what makes them such great sport birds. They stood in the breeze, Corn Shucked, come in with feet down, both slow and fast, they displayed it all. The only thing that didn’t happen, they didn’t come in real thick, so you had to pick a bird.

Today was also a record for this year. The all time, spring goose, record almost fell and that is 69, today’s bag was almost 70 birds too. Some where between 66 and 69, we are not sure.

We give up at 4:30 so we could have broke that record, but we were concerned about getting them all disposed of. So most of the hunters gave us a hand and we had a goose dressing party and dressed them out in about 15 minutes. We just pulled the breast meat.

This makes one great summer sausage, and it goes over real good at parties. Can’t have to much of it.

My Dinner is ready so better close this.

Remember the troops tonight, in your prayers

See Ya Carl

Was a sloooow day

Things slowed down again, so the action was pretty slow. However we did a good job when the opportunity confronted us. When it look like, we were going to get skunked, we had a nice flock of about 30 float in on us. When they heard our music they locked up real good and were making all the right moves, when along come an airplane. As you know S&B geese and airplane are not a good mix. Well after the plane passed we got 7 to come back, and they took several rounds before they got down into range. When the command was given, we were down to just a few gunners, and they were up to the task. Took, a call back to complete the job, but we got them all down. That was the total for the day. Had several thousands setting in a field just North West of our blinds, about 3 miles. So that was pulled most all the birds to that field, and kept us just watching.

Our local newspaper, done an article on one of our hunters, and it is in this weeks newspaper, but you can read it on the web by going to www.burtcountyplaindealer.com. Then go to sports and click on the story about Internet Links Army Man to Kohler’s Blinds. I think it is some good reading.

Have to go, so remember all the troops tonight in your bed time prayers

See Ya and check back

Carl

Nice bag of game tinight

Was another good day today. Was not the best day of decoying birds, but all and all when they decoy, did we had some quality shots, at least on two go-a-rounds. In fact on one round, I was not in the pits at the time, they took over 20 out of that group. They were thick, and stacked. It was one fantastic sight, from my view, I was setting on the tailgate of the truck, but it still was a thrill.

Never had the biggest crew today either, but they rained them out of that flock. Most of our shots were into small groups, but there was know one that was not happy with today’s action. The bag had 42 in it when we left, and with just a little luck, we maybe could have doubled that. There were enough birds, that is for sure.

Have some things to get done, this evening, so have to make it short tonight. .

But be sure to say a little prayer for all the troops, tonight at your bed time

See Ya.

Carl

Fair day with great sights

Things were slower as far as number of birds, harvested, but to Paul Harvey the day. That means to, give you the rest of the story. Had one shot that made the whole long wait, worth waiting for.

But first off, we got busy pretty early in the morning. We begin to think that maybe the day would be near a record day. There was some geese in the area, and they were giving us a good look. I think we had about 15-17 in the bag when they got the idea, they were not going to finish and give us a shot. There were even high migratory, and we were turning them, and they would drop down, but would just not finish. We tried several different tactic and nothing would work, and everyone was getting a little depressed and some even went, home. One guy I won’t name him, left, to watch a NASCAR race. Now think about that, watch a couple dozen cars run around a 2 mile circle, or would you rather watch 600 to 1000 geese sail around, in a ¼ mile circle. Well we got the geese and he got the cars. Took that flock, over 6 minutes (according to the digital read out, on my recorder) to screw down into gun range, before we went into action. Had 2 or 3 sailors out of the bunch that we didn’t get picked up, but had just over 15, we did get picked up. They were just stacked on top of us, geese were going in all directions, at once, what a sight.

I am not sure the total for the day but it was but it was over 30. Didn’t quite measure up to expectations, we had in the morning, but it was a fun day, and no one that stuck around, was upset. Had another huge flock, that decoyed in after that bunch, and it was even bigger, that we didn’t get into, but the great sights was still there. If you judge the success of days hunt by the size of the bag, and forget all the sight, then you are hunting for all the wrong reasons. I know some times that this report reflects that, and I am sorry, because there is so much more to hunting, than harvesting.

Well this has got carried away, so time to close.

Remember all the Guys and Gales that, are protecting us and our great nation, tonight in your prayers

See Ya and please check back

Carl

The action has begun

Well the hunting picked up today. The morning was frustrating, there were so many geese, on the move. All kinds, Canada’s, Hutch, Cacklers, Specks, as well as the Sky Carp. We could not do anything with them. They would start to decoy and then just fly out. My opinion, as to what was going on is, these were all the breeders, and they always push the snow line pretty hard, and they were checking it out. Then this afternoon they were coming back knowing very well they were as far north as they could go, so we decoyed them this afternoon. Never seen any dark geese come back, south.

I had one of our nations, hero’s, hunting with me for the past 3 days. Never had one good day of hunting. He had to head back home, today, and wanted to leave at noon. Well he packed his gear and headed for his car just after noon. I am sure he never made it there, before we had a flock start to decoy. Other flocks joined in and this kept them excited and we finely got into them. I am sure he was not out of the parking lot when we open up on them. We had one huge flock circling, of over a 1000 birds, when we went onto action.

The afternoon was pretty action filled, and had some great go-a-rounds. In fact one go-a-round we took 20 birds out of a small flock of about 40. As one hunter said, not just the bottom of that flock, fell out, some of both sides fell too, when we opened up.

The day end, with a bag of, over 50, for the day. Why I would not miss tomorrow for nuttin.

Please include a prayer, for all the troops that protect this nation, tonight, and every night. It is not that hard to do, and it means a lot to all of them. I have I have heard it from them.

See Ya Carl

Hunting pick up just a little

The hunting picked up a little today. All of our action was before the mid day hour had arrived. I don’t remember just what time it was, but again it was just a few minutes after the sun had show itself from under the cloud cover we had early this morning. The first flock come floating in from the east and it was obvious that they wanted in and didn’t waste to much time getting into gun range. As I said yesterday, the boss was having a good time out of the fact that we got only 3 out of the first flock we had got to shoot into for the season. We had pleaded that we would do better on the next go-a-round. This plea was falling on ears, that didn’t want to hear promises. Well on this flock we harvested 9 out of it. Done a very respectable job. Then we had one hunter, who was not there on yesterday’s shot, and he was claiming that, everything over 3, was the same as the number of shell he had shot into this flock.

Had several report, that has mind boggling numbers of geese on the reserves down on the Nebraska Missouri line. And they are still coming in every hour, so they have to be moving on North. The lake lost so much ice today, and what is left is so rotten that it is not going to last much longer.

We had two more little flocks in on us later, and we cleaned out both of them, bringing our total up to 15 birds for the day.

This Sunday, we change our clocks for day light saving time. I have told a couple of people that we will be leaving the café at the wrong time. We will be leaving the café at 6:15. If you are one of those that I told wrong, I am sorry, I really messed up. I even told the café the wrong time. Since I am talking about the Café, the Manager “Flo” wants me to tell you that she is now open in the evening for dinner. She would enjoy your patronage. The Sign on the window says TAILGATORS BAR and GRILL, so she is a full service station, for exhausted hunters, evening meal. So if possible please stop in and help her out, she works herself to death, serving us hunters.

Please remember all the young hero’s that serve our country, in your evening prayers tonight and every night.

See Ya Carl

Was just a little slow today

We kept getting reports all morning long stating, that the sun was shining, in the callers, area and the skies were full of Snows and Blues, as well as other species of ducks and geese. It took just a mater of a few minutes for them to show up in our area, once the skies cleared, but that was near to the end of their activity for the day. We had one flock decoy to our spread, at the most deadly hour and minute, of the day. 12:08, we got into a little flock of about 35 and took 3. Can’t make an excuse for the bad shooting other than, early season jitters. Everyone vows, that we will do better on the next flock. But that flock never come along.

Not much else to report.

So please remember the troops in your prayers this evening

Please check back and maybe we will have a report of a good days shoot.

See Ya Carl

The 2007 spring season in action

We started the 2007 spring season off this morning. Well we didn’t start shooting this morning, but, we were in the pits with smoke poles, loaded and secured, and ready for action. We had drank all our coffee, down our cookies, cooked and ate our lunch, before we seen our firsts Snow geese. They were just not to plentiful, was seeing a few dark geese and a few ducks, but the S&B’s were not to be seen. But the good news is, when they did show up, we left no survivors. Around 2:00 we spotted two Snow’s high out over the lake. We welcomed them in with our sweet music and on one pass out in front, the boss gave the command, and they were rendered DIP. Remember that means Dead In Pond. We are still shooting 100 percent. I will have to admit, there was just a few more shells shot, than 2. By the way, this is one flock, where I didn’t miss a shot, see I didn’t shoot.

It is very muddy and we have to walk out, but if we could get some good sunshine and a wind to dry the road, in a couple days that would be in shape to drive on too. Most of the snow is out of the fields, and there was report that the geese had pushed up to, within a few miles of Omaha, so we should be seeing geese right away.

However, we are having some trouble with our phone. I am guessing that the problem is all the snow, someplace between the lake and town. I will take some more tools for testing, tomorrow and just maybe we can find the problem. This morning it was very clear, and then all of a sudden, we had a very noisy phone. This is why I feel it is in one, of the many post, the phone company has, between us and town. Most of them are buried under, a couple ft. of snow. So if this is the problem it could take a day or two for this to go away. So if you are trying to call, and having no luck, this is why.

Need to close this, so please check back.

Keep the troops in your prayers.

See Ya Carl

The Pits are ready

The pits have been dug out and we think we are about ready for the spring shoot. Word is they are just south of us a couple a hundred miles, and when the snow line moves just a little further north the action should start. When do we think that will happen. My guess is in the next day or two. Could be tomorrow. We need to pray that we don’t get any more snow and a little warm breeze would help dry it up just a little. Of course if a few would just show up with muddy feet, that would not upset me, one little bit. The wind had blown most of the snow off the fields, so the sunshine the past couple of days, has done wonders, and there are big black muddy fields out there, on the bottom.

The boss has the place looking great, especially so, when you factor in the late snow storms and high winds. Rockie has arrived, so we should be ready for the action.

Just a warning, show up with gear, that will still function, if muddy.

Remember the troops in your prayers tonight and every night

See Ya Carl

After the blow.

I am hearing that we totaled 12 inches of snow out of this last blow, but the rest of the story is we get another 2 inches this afternoon, and the wind is still blowing in access of 30 MPH.

The boss has made it to the pits, but did not open any blinds. That job has been set for tomorrow morning, for the clean up crew. So from that, I think the hunting is out for over the week end. We had some customers coming from Minnesota this week end but that is where this storm went, when it left here, so they probably got the message from Mother Nature, and changed their mines.

Should have everything in place for, blind occupation sometime after the weekend. Think we have customers on Wed. So get you best gumbo wallowing gear in shape, because this spring hunt is going to be remembered for the pounds of mud, we haul home.

So keep checking back and I will try to keep you posted on the progress of the season. Also remember the troops, in your prayers, everyday.

See Ya Carl

Spring Snow and Blue season

Well, if we can get this weather pattern settled down, maybe we can get this Spring Season on the way. Thought we would be occupying the pits, before now, but the weather will not act like “spring”, long enough. I think we have customers for this week end, so we will have to be there, good or bad weather.

Have seen some birds. Last Fri, and we were working out at the lake , setting decoys, cleaning blinds, etc. We started work at 7:00 am and almost immediately we were seeing geese, both Canada and S&B’s, I think there had been 9 or 10 flock (of Sky Carp) by the time I got out of there. I left at 8:30, so that was a pretty good push. Ralph and Dax, did go set in the pits, for awhile, after I left, but passed up shots, just to enjoy the Canada activity, For those of you that do not live in the area, since then, we have had 2 snow storms and another in the forecast. Why should it be different, because winter is never over, until Easter, and that is still over a month away. There is still more work to be done before we can say “we are ready for the spring hunt.” But we will get there sometime.

I have taken a picture of the spread, but the quality is so bad that I will not include. I don’t know, weather I have a dirty lens, or some other reason but, it didn’t come out.

This is my fifth day in the battle with the flu. There has been two, good thing, come out of that. No. One: I have it out of the way before the season. No. Two: I have proved most of the people, that know me, they are wrong. If they were right, my weight would be about 142 lbs now but, I am still over 250, but the belt is about 5 holes shorter than it was before I got sick. That is the excuse I am going to use for not getting this report posted, before today.

So Keep checking back and I will try to keep you updated on all the happening

Also as always please keep all our hero’s, in your prayers, and please check back

See Ya Carl

Ralph is wondering if there is anyone interesting in hunting anymore of the fall season??? There has been reports, of some geese, moving along the river.

He is running the pump to keep a hole and I understand there is some goose tracks in the snow around the hole, but with no one there, we don’t know if it was a large group or was it a small group there for a long time OR several groups, just moving through????? Any way if you are interested Please let us know, because if not we want to close pits and shut down the water. We especially, need to know about this coming week end. We know it is going to be a muddy hunt, but sometime that is great hunting.

I also need to take a trip back East to my daughter’s, as well as I want to make a little side hunting trip, and shoot some more holes in the blue sky.

Have no other news, other than the football game and that takes me to many pages for me to type. I think that also needs to be written in red and I am not sure just how to get that done on this site.

Say a prayer for all the troops, and check back, keep us posted ETC.

See Ya Carl