Today was a day of watching again. When I say watching , I mean we were watching a fly over today. The Mallards flew over us almost all day. They were up in the MUCK, Low hanging clouds, all day long. These Mallards we have been saying for the past 3-5 years did not exists. They have not migrated this far south, or did not come this early, but we are seeing them this year. They flew today on large flocks of several hundred. What a great sight, truly did not think I would ever see it again. We did not decoy any but at least we got to see there is ducks.
As for today’s action; I think we had about 4 go-a-rounds on Canada’s. They were all in little flocks. Don’t think there was over 4 that escaped our iron curtain, we threw up. But totaled only 10 Can’s and a hand full of ducks. All the action was in the morning, but have the feeling it was the weather doings. Was one raw day, once the wind got up. Know my face is chapped. Also made the blinds a little cool, too.
Got an E-mail asking me to point out a party coming up this Fri night here in T-town. I am going to paste the info from his note to me
Burt/Washington County DU Chairman, and we are having a Waterfowler Hunter Party this Friday at the Tekamah Auditorium, Could you put a tidbit in your next blog and pass the word on to your members. It starts at 5:30 dinner at 7. $25.00 gets you a membership, BBQ Dinner and free beer. Register on the DU web page or call me 402-968-8932.
Sounds like some fun to me. Will see if I can make it.
Please say a prayer for all the guys and gals, that are protecting us, tonight in your bed time prayers
Also please check back
See Ya
Carl
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Was a strange day
Yes it was a strange day. We got into the Sky Carp two times. Now days, that makes it a strange day. We never had the best shot on either flock, but when you have a shot at them in the fall you best take it. Took a total of 11 of them. Was a sight to behold too. The thing I found interesting, was we shot only a couple juveniles, and rest of them were adult birds.
The rest of the day was not the worst either, was into Mallards one time and
Canada’s once too. The bag had 22 birds tonight. Was not the top day, but was a good day for as few hunter we had. Also had a couple of High School freshmen, shooting, and they are wanting, to have a return trip.
The Mallards was another big flock, boy is that exciting to see that too. Had a dozen or so, drop in quick, so that was our shot. Have not seen big flock of Mallards for a long time and do they ever respond to the call good too. Had the feeling last fall I would never see that again. You just don’t know how great it is to be wrong.
See a fair number of Canada flock today, all were low so sure they are some birds that are staying in the area.
Remember the troops, with a prayer tonight.
Check back and we’ll See Ya Carl
The rest of the day was not the worst either, was into Mallards one time and
Canada’s once too. The bag had 22 birds tonight. Was not the top day, but was a good day for as few hunter we had. Also had a couple of High School freshmen, shooting, and they are wanting, to have a return trip.
The Mallards was another big flock, boy is that exciting to see that too. Had a dozen or so, drop in quick, so that was our shot. Have not seen big flock of Mallards for a long time and do they ever respond to the call good too. Had the feeling last fall I would never see that again. You just don’t know how great it is to be wrong.
See a fair number of Canada flock today, all were low so sure they are some birds that are staying in the area.
Remember the troops, with a prayer tonight.
Check back and we’ll See Ya Carl
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Just Ducks
I have to finish with yesterdays report before I go to today’s.
How could I forget to say something about the Visitors we had yesterday in the lake. As I had pointed out I had my one grandson with me, and he is quite the spotter. Well he said there was a bunch of Snows coming at us from the southeast very low. Well we found them and soon realized there were not Snows at all. It was a family of Swans. Two adult birds and 6 juvies. What a magnificent bird!! On their final swing before landing they passed over the pits not over 15 yards high. I could even hear the wind passing through their winds. Ralph estimated that the biggest bird was 3 ft tall or taller, my guess it was nearer to 4 ft. His head was had to be about 24 inches above the Big Foot Canada’s decoys. They have to stand over 20 inches high. They got a drink and rested for about a half an hour, then took off on their journey. How could I forget such a story. I took some pictures but with out a telephoto lens, what I got, is not much of a picture.
Now to today. No geese, just a limit or two of ducks. They are still raking them over the coals north of us a few miles, but not many getting down in our area. We did have a big flock decoy in on us today. There was 100 plus birds in this flock. Have not had a flock like that come in to our spread in a couple years. Also seen a couple flocks today that were feeding in the area, with big numbers like 1-200 birds per flock. We have not seen that for over 2 years either. Give you the feeling that there may be a few ducks left after all.
Getting late so must hit the hay. So remember the troops again tonight and please check back
See ya Carl
How could I forget to say something about the Visitors we had yesterday in the lake. As I had pointed out I had my one grandson with me, and he is quite the spotter. Well he said there was a bunch of Snows coming at us from the southeast very low. Well we found them and soon realized there were not Snows at all. It was a family of Swans. Two adult birds and 6 juvies. What a magnificent bird!! On their final swing before landing they passed over the pits not over 15 yards high. I could even hear the wind passing through their winds. Ralph estimated that the biggest bird was 3 ft tall or taller, my guess it was nearer to 4 ft. His head was had to be about 24 inches above the Big Foot Canada’s decoys. They have to stand over 20 inches high. They got a drink and rested for about a half an hour, then took off on their journey. How could I forget such a story. I took some pictures but with out a telephoto lens, what I got, is not much of a picture.
Now to today. No geese, just a limit or two of ducks. They are still raking them over the coals north of us a few miles, but not many getting down in our area. We did have a big flock decoy in on us today. There was 100 plus birds in this flock. Have not had a flock like that come in to our spread in a couple years. Also seen a couple flocks today that were feeding in the area, with big numbers like 1-200 birds per flock. We have not seen that for over 2 years either. Give you the feeling that there may be a few ducks left after all.
Getting late so must hit the hay. So remember the troops again tonight and please check back
See ya Carl
Friday, November 26, 2010
Finely had a somewhat good day
The day got it start with one great sunrise, which I am planning to share with you. Shortly there after we got into the first birds, of the day. Had a small flock of Mallards come in on us and the crew made short work of them placing them all into the pond.
Had a grandson in the pits with me today and his gun was not functioning right, so I told him I had an extra with me today and if he would just go back to the van and get it, it should work. Well, before he got back we got a nice flock of Canada’s in and he missed out on the shot. That is the last thing a Grandpa ever wants. About a couple hours latter I was not feeling the best so went home for a couple of hours and while I was gone they got into 2 more flocks of Canada’s. The highlight of the day was there was one flock of 13 Canada’s and the crew took 12 of the 13. Way to go guys, some good shooting. Three go-a-rounds on Canada’s and flock of Mallards. The best day of the season.
We are hearing that all the setups up north thinning out the Duck population and getting there share of Can’s too. So we have some birds in the area, so maybe we can get this season into the harvest mode. Sure hope so because it has been so boring, so far.
Have some work to do before morning, so best get with it and get this posted.
So say a prayer for the troops and please check back.
See Ya Carl
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Another day with spookie birds
Was not an event full day, unless you were Mindy Thomas. The lake had some geese when they went down and open the blinds this morning. Most left when they seen people working on the blinds. Had three that decided they could hang around with our decoys. We all got into the pits and they stayed. After it was legal an extermination crew was formed to go get them up and hopefully get them in the bag. Well Mindy, was on this wrecking crew, She had never been on one before today. She has been hanging around out there for a couple of years but the opportunity, has never arisen before, where she could go. This job has it draw backs, because it you are not successful, there is some razzing directed your way. Of course there are several sets of eye watching as you make every step. It was obvious they were with in range of these birds before the birds got nervous, and started walking out of the decoys. Well the bird Mindy was stalking took off and with a couple of flaps of his wings was above her head, with lighting speed she took careful aim and pulled the trigger, and the goose come crashing down!! D.I.P. (That means Dead In Pond) Robert, her husband , is going to have it mounted for her. I think she had to pose at all pits for a picture. I wanted to post a picture, of the proud lady and her prey, but the quality of my picture, would not allow me to do that.
I did not say before, but they got all three birds. We had a couple more come in, and brought home a bag of 5 for the day.
Had quite a few bird still on the move today, but there are still to smart to decoy. There was not to much activity on the duck front today. Beginning to wonder if there will be a day that is close to what we feel is a normal day.
Well keep checking back and always remember the troop in your bed time prayers.
Thanks for all you who sent B’Day greetings, was not necessary, but I did appreciate your kindness.
See Ya Carl
I did not say before, but they got all three birds. We had a couple more come in, and brought home a bag of 5 for the day.
Had quite a few bird still on the move today, but there are still to smart to decoy. There was not to much activity on the duck front today. Beginning to wonder if there will be a day that is close to what we feel is a normal day.
Well keep checking back and always remember the troop in your bed time prayers.
Thanks for all you who sent B’Day greetings, was not necessary, but I did appreciate your kindness.
See Ya Carl
Monday, November 22, 2010
BIRDS EVERYWHERE
Well the migration is underway, or may even be over. There was more than an abundance of waterfowl today. They flew most of the day. When I say THEY, I mean the ducks, the snows and blues, and the Canada’s. There was even plenty of Gulls, Eagles, and Hawks. Was not much of the day, when you would look up and not see a flock of something in the air. But to get them to decoy was another story. I don’t think, I would be lying if I said we had 35 flock of Canada give us better than a good look. To get them to finish was another story. Ralph has never in his life called such, borderline shots, long shots, but if you was going to get a shot he had to call such shots. Not the most productive shots. We did end us with 6 big Canada’s and one go-a-round on ducks. One of the Canada’s was a huge bird. If I remember right it was over 13 lbs.
Ralph said today that today is a day that just has to be in his next book. At least it was a day, he will never forget. As most of you know I am trying to put a book together too, on my experiences of hunting with Ralph. One of my chapters is titled “Birthday Hunts”. Well today was my B’Day and this day is going to be remembered, in that chapter.
That is the reason this report is so late, we had to eat out and then met with some of the kids and grandkids, for some ice cream.
Hope that one of these days I can post a report that is all positive, about the days hunt. Sure hope that there is one day where some of the younger ones burn up a couple boxes of shells. Would be fun to carry a sack to the burn barrel that was loaded with empties and had some shell boxes in it. More aluminum, pans, cans, and foil making the barrel than plastic and brass. And that is just not right to have that happen.
Best get this posted so please say a prayer for the young men and ladies, that serve our country, to night and every night.
See Ya and please check back Carl
Ralph said today that today is a day that just has to be in his next book. At least it was a day, he will never forget. As most of you know I am trying to put a book together too, on my experiences of hunting with Ralph. One of my chapters is titled “Birthday Hunts”. Well today was my B’Day and this day is going to be remembered, in that chapter.
That is the reason this report is so late, we had to eat out and then met with some of the kids and grandkids, for some ice cream.
Hope that one of these days I can post a report that is all positive, about the days hunt. Sure hope that there is one day where some of the younger ones burn up a couple boxes of shells. Would be fun to carry a sack to the burn barrel that was loaded with empties and had some shell boxes in it. More aluminum, pans, cans, and foil making the barrel than plastic and brass. And that is just not right to have that happen.
Best get this posted so please say a prayer for the young men and ladies, that serve our country, to night and every night.
See Ya and please check back Carl
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Plenty of sky action
Well we shot a Canada, today. It has to be close to 3 week since the last time I could report this. WE KILLED A CANADA TODAY!! However, we did have some great movement on Canada’s today. Just could not get them to decoy. Had many groups check in today and it was about the same on all reports, THEY JUST WILL NOT DECOY. Did hear that one spread Northwest of us, did get into a big flock and got 6 to 8 out of it.
We did have a couple go-a-rounds on ducks and took a few. We passed on one flock of Long Bills. Sure glad of that cause the die easy, and I get credit for all that die.
Need to get in tub and get ready to go feed and water, mother. Have to be home, before the game comes on. Sure hope I can keep her off the tables tonight, and get in early. GO HUSKERS
Say a little prayer for the troops tonight and I hope I have a good report tomorrow
See Ya Carl
We did have a couple go-a-rounds on ducks and took a few. We passed on one flock of Long Bills. Sure glad of that cause the die easy, and I get credit for all that die.
Need to get in tub and get ready to go feed and water, mother. Have to be home, before the game comes on. Sure hope I can keep her off the tables tonight, and get in early. GO HUSKERS
Say a little prayer for the troops tonight and I hope I have a good report tomorrow
See Ya Carl
Friday, November 19, 2010
Just a little action
Got something to write about tonight. Today was a slow day as far as geese is concerned, but what’s new about that. There was plenty of ducks in the skies, but they were real high, and near undecoyable. My computer says that is not a word, but sure you get the point. We did get a few in, and had I think 4 go-a-rounds. Most were Mallards but not all.
Yesterday was a morning filled with geese, but we feel they were all local geese. There was just flock after flock. We did have a flock of about 50 decoy to us and was doing everything just right. So pretty, with feet down and coming in against the South East wind. With in a few seconds we would have been into action on them, but as the fall goes, along come a airplane and had to fly right over the lake. Now let me tell you this guy was low, and right over the lake and drove the geese right out of the country.
There are reports saying, there is some cold weather and snow building in the north land so maybe that will drive some birds down. Also understand we are also going to have some pretty cold weather in the next week or so. So Maybe, Just Maybe, the hunting will get back to normal
Please say a little prayer for the troops tonight. Also please check back.
See Ya Carl
Yesterday was a morning filled with geese, but we feel they were all local geese. There was just flock after flock. We did have a flock of about 50 decoy to us and was doing everything just right. So pretty, with feet down and coming in against the South East wind. With in a few seconds we would have been into action on them, but as the fall goes, along come a airplane and had to fly right over the lake. Now let me tell you this guy was low, and right over the lake and drove the geese right out of the country.
There are reports saying, there is some cold weather and snow building in the north land so maybe that will drive some birds down. Also understand we are also going to have some pretty cold weather in the next week or so. So Maybe, Just Maybe, the hunting will get back to normal
Please say a little prayer for the troops tonight. Also please check back.
See Ya Carl
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Another Duck Day
This is going to be short. Two reasons Reason No.1 Sat, nite and I have to feed and water the old lady!!!! Reason No. 2 Have to have that done before the football game.
Was another day without a shot at a Canada. Ducks shots were fewer , but each go-a-round was more deadly. Daily total was about the same as last nights. I got more shots off. Duck decoying was so pretty, and shots were easier. Most of the ducks today were Mallards. Did see on flock of about 10 that was all Pintails. What a messed up year. Tomorrow is going to be another good day, and I wouldn’t miss it for nuttin.
I reported the other night that we had reports from Cheyenne Bottoms, that it was full of the Specks, so we were thinking they were all gone south. Well RK fielded a Phone call from a man that hunts there, and he told Ralph he had not seen them. So maybe there are all north yet. Sure are not seeing any geese at all, except for what we seen on Thursday.
Well I have to post this and get moving. So don’t forget the troops tonight in your prayer.
See Ya and check back, please Carl
Was another day without a shot at a Canada. Ducks shots were fewer , but each go-a-round was more deadly. Daily total was about the same as last nights. I got more shots off. Duck decoying was so pretty, and shots were easier. Most of the ducks today were Mallards. Did see on flock of about 10 that was all Pintails. What a messed up year. Tomorrow is going to be another good day, and I wouldn’t miss it for nuttin.
I reported the other night that we had reports from Cheyenne Bottoms, that it was full of the Specks, so we were thinking they were all gone south. Well RK fielded a Phone call from a man that hunts there, and he told Ralph he had not seen them. So maybe there are all north yet. Sure are not seeing any geese at all, except for what we seen on Thursday.
Well I have to post this and get moving. So don’t forget the troops tonight in your prayer.
See Ya and check back, please Carl
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Powder Burning Day
A better report today, but must tell about Thursday. Having a report that the Cheyenne Bottoms in Kansas was full of Specks, reinforced my feeling, that all the Specks had already gone South. Well yesterday, Veterans day, proved that was not the real story. We seen around a dozen, large flocks of Speck going South. So we are not sure they have all gone yet. Usually there is 3 to 4 days of the Speck migration. We have had day one!! Is there a couple more days, coming????? I’m not guessing. We also had a few flocks of Cacklers, and about a half dozen flocks of ducks. We did not get a shot all day long. When we had birds there was no wind, when we had wind, there was no birds.
Today was a different story. First off it was just a little wet but we kept the panels on all we could. My blinds faired pretty good, as far as mud and water. We had several flocks of Snow and Blues over us this morning early. Did not have much action in the way of decoying. Seen a few Specks, less than 20 birds through out the day, No Big Canada’s, but we seen Ducks like we have not in a couple, three years. Lots of Mallards. Some great decoying, but tough shooting. With this wind all shots were out the back of the blind so many shots, few ducks. Had some reports of other hunter limiting out, but we did not get so lucky. We did harvest 20 or 25 ducks, most Mallards. The old and slow, like me, got off 3 to 5 shots. The young and agile, may have shot up a box of ammo. Tomorrow with a North West wind should have shots out the front of the blind. Looking for a two box day.
About all the info I have for today, so please check back and say a prayer for our soldiers tonight.
See Ya Carl
Today was a different story. First off it was just a little wet but we kept the panels on all we could. My blinds faired pretty good, as far as mud and water. We had several flocks of Snow and Blues over us this morning early. Did not have much action in the way of decoying. Seen a few Specks, less than 20 birds through out the day, No Big Canada’s, but we seen Ducks like we have not in a couple, three years. Lots of Mallards. Some great decoying, but tough shooting. With this wind all shots were out the back of the blind so many shots, few ducks. Had some reports of other hunter limiting out, but we did not get so lucky. We did harvest 20 or 25 ducks, most Mallards. The old and slow, like me, got off 3 to 5 shots. The young and agile, may have shot up a box of ammo. Tomorrow with a North West wind should have shots out the front of the blind. Looking for a two box day.
About all the info I have for today, so please check back and say a prayer for our soldiers tonight.
See Ya Carl
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
A Very Happy Report
Everyone in the pit today should have had “SEARS” printed or maybe even tattooed on their, forehead, because we were all diehard hunters. With nothing in the shies it is hard to get many hunters. We do our best to entertain them, but they want to at least see some birds, while hunting. Well the past few days that was a tough order to fill. However today was another story. We had some activity. First there was a flock of 8 to 10 big ducks, give us a couple of fly over’s. Then there was two big flocks of small ducks, that we think either got out of a field or off the west lake. Makes no different as where they got off of, they went straight to the river and dropped in. Then there was a Cormorant that scared us to death, as he come sailing in. Then the excitement really got under way. There was 4 snows and a blue come floating down from the NW and decoyed in on the first round. Was not the greatest shooting or the greatest shot, but with it being so slow, any shot is a great shot. We took Three of the Five. Yes we should have taken all five but we didn’t. Think is was “total shock” of having a bird in range, was making our aim a little fuzzy.
The next paragraph is a true thrill for me to report. Sunday evening I walked to my computer, to check just how Nebraska had faired in the new football polls. As my computer come to life it showed I had an new E-Mail. When I open the Mail file there was a familiar name, “Edward Ward” and in the subject line was the familiar statement “Tomorrow” which by the way had not been there all season. I open that E-Mail as fast as my computer would go and checked the message. The contents of the message was one we had prayed for and was so happy to receive . “I’ll be there Tomorrow” They found some Meds that work and he is feeling and doing great. So happy to have him back in the pits.
Best be making some plans for a hunt, because this could be a short, but hot, migration this year. I have to admit that I would not miss tomorrow for nuttin.
Please say a pray for the Troops tonight and please check back
See Ya Carl
The next paragraph is a true thrill for me to report. Sunday evening I walked to my computer, to check just how Nebraska had faired in the new football polls. As my computer come to life it showed I had an new E-Mail. When I open the Mail file there was a familiar name, “Edward Ward” and in the subject line was the familiar statement “Tomorrow” which by the way had not been there all season. I open that E-Mail as fast as my computer would go and checked the message. The contents of the message was one we had prayed for and was so happy to receive . “I’ll be there Tomorrow” They found some Meds that work and he is feeling and doing great. So happy to have him back in the pits.
Best be making some plans for a hunt, because this could be a short, but hot, migration this year. I have to admit that I would not miss tomorrow for nuttin.
Please say a pray for the Troops tonight and please check back
See Ya Carl
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Just Info tonight
This posting is mainly just information, that may be of interest to you.
The first tidbit of info is the fact that Dorothy got home on Monday. How I neglected to report that last night, is a mystery to me. She is doing pretty good, and getting stronger everyday. They have a trio ladies come in and sit with her while Ralph is at the blinds.
The next most important story is that DST ends Sunday morning at before shooting time. I am going to give you times to follow. You set the clock back so we are showing up one hour earlier. The Café opens (Monday through Saturday) at 4:30 and we will be leaving there lets say Monday the 8th at 6:00 sharp. Now that is going to hurry us just a little, but if we hurry it should work OK. That would be like us leaving there at 7:00 today. Again if you are going to eat Breakfast please give the cooks and waitress some time to cook and serve your food. Drinking an extra cup of coffee is better than leaving you breakfast, so early is better than late.
Next, I received an E-Mail reporting to me that there is another site (of course I say COPYCATS) for you to collect some hunting info along the Mighty Mo. This group is setup in the Springfield Nebraska area. Another group of young, Computer Savvy Guys, who want to make my “Plain Jane blog” look SOOOO bad. They have movies, pictures all over the place, well organized, completely void of misspelled words ETC. They even have a section on followers, if you want to sign up. They will post your picture too, I think. Anyway they have a picture of this young Chick and she owns a restaurant. With the look in her eye I think she is trying to get me to send her the recipe to my world famous “Dead Cow Stew”. She just as well forget that.
Check them out At: http://www.platteriverwaterfowlers.blogspot.com/
Enough of that stuff, back to today’s hunting. Has Snows and Blues over us before legal this morning, as well as a few big ducks. They all moved out before legal. Must have set up camp , and kept all birds out of the area. With a hunter dream for a wind all day and no birds in the skies. We pulled up camp about 15 minutes early to our earlier deadline. Nothing in the skies and made our way back down road to the outhouse and turned around to look back at the decoys and what was over the pits. 18 Canada’s. Never had but two ducks close to the pits all day, and we don’t even get off the lake property and there they are.
Check out this blog and say a prayer for the troops, to night and every night.
Check back, Please. We’ll see ya Carl
The first tidbit of info is the fact that Dorothy got home on Monday. How I neglected to report that last night, is a mystery to me. She is doing pretty good, and getting stronger everyday. They have a trio ladies come in and sit with her while Ralph is at the blinds.
The next most important story is that DST ends Sunday morning at before shooting time. I am going to give you times to follow. You set the clock back so we are showing up one hour earlier. The Café opens (Monday through Saturday) at 4:30 and we will be leaving there lets say Monday the 8th at 6:00 sharp. Now that is going to hurry us just a little, but if we hurry it should work OK. That would be like us leaving there at 7:00 today. Again if you are going to eat Breakfast please give the cooks and waitress some time to cook and serve your food. Drinking an extra cup of coffee is better than leaving you breakfast, so early is better than late.
Next, I received an E-Mail reporting to me that there is another site (of course I say COPYCATS) for you to collect some hunting info along the Mighty Mo. This group is setup in the Springfield Nebraska area. Another group of young, Computer Savvy Guys, who want to make my “Plain Jane blog” look SOOOO bad. They have movies, pictures all over the place, well organized, completely void of misspelled words ETC. They even have a section on followers, if you want to sign up. They will post your picture too, I think. Anyway they have a picture of this young Chick and she owns a restaurant. With the look in her eye I think she is trying to get me to send her the recipe to my world famous “Dead Cow Stew”. She just as well forget that.
Check them out At: http://www.platteriverwaterfowlers.blogspot.com/
Enough of that stuff, back to today’s hunting. Has Snows and Blues over us before legal this morning, as well as a few big ducks. They all moved out before legal. Must have set up camp , and kept all birds out of the area. With a hunter dream for a wind all day and no birds in the skies. We pulled up camp about 15 minutes early to our earlier deadline. Nothing in the skies and made our way back down road to the outhouse and turned around to look back at the decoys and what was over the pits. 18 Canada’s. Never had but two ducks close to the pits all day, and we don’t even get off the lake property and there they are.
Check out this blog and say a prayer for the troops, to night and every night.
Check back, Please. We’ll see ya Carl
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
The feeling is "the migration has begun"
Need to up date you on the activities , at the blinds. Since I last posted a story we have had some luck. We did harvest a couple of Canada’s, over the week end. I have no excuse for not telling about them, other than I was just to lazy.
Today was just a little different from the norm, for this year. There were birds in the skies. We seen some Specks, Canada’s , Snow’s and Blues, Ducks, including a couple flock of Mallards. Hawks, all south bound. So we feel that maybe the migration has begun. Some of the birds like the Snow and Blues and the Specks were before the wind come up too. We decoyed the S&B’s in and got one young Snow. First for the year. We really messed up on Four Big Boys. See Dorothy has got home and RK went in early to be with her. I was listening to the radio, and we had geese decoying in on us. Lyle had spotted them and they were to close for him to make enough noise for me the turn the radio down, and help with the birds. During at that time was the only pass that they were in range, so they got out unmolested. Did get a couple of ducks after the boss left. The mallards had made up their mind they wanted in and we could not get them into range so they got to use our water , without paying any debt.
Tomorrow we are to have a favorable wind again, so expecting a good day,. I guess I also should mention, that we had reports from several spreads, all we re reporting about what we are saying (Birds on the move). Early this morning, we were hearing some shooting in the area to the northwest, so expecting to have some reports tomorrow of others hunters in the county having some luck too.
Best, get this posted.
Please as always, keep the troops in your prayers and please check back
See Ya Carl
Today was just a little different from the norm, for this year. There were birds in the skies. We seen some Specks, Canada’s , Snow’s and Blues, Ducks, including a couple flock of Mallards. Hawks, all south bound. So we feel that maybe the migration has begun. Some of the birds like the Snow and Blues and the Specks were before the wind come up too. We decoyed the S&B’s in and got one young Snow. First for the year. We really messed up on Four Big Boys. See Dorothy has got home and RK went in early to be with her. I was listening to the radio, and we had geese decoying in on us. Lyle had spotted them and they were to close for him to make enough noise for me the turn the radio down, and help with the birds. During at that time was the only pass that they were in range, so they got out unmolested. Did get a couple of ducks after the boss left. The mallards had made up their mind they wanted in and we could not get them into range so they got to use our water , without paying any debt.
Tomorrow we are to have a favorable wind again, so expecting a good day,. I guess I also should mention, that we had reports from several spreads, all we re reporting about what we are saying (Birds on the move). Early this morning, we were hearing some shooting in the area to the northwest, so expecting to have some reports tomorrow of others hunters in the county having some luck too.
Best, get this posted.
Please as always, keep the troops in your prayers and please check back
See Ya Carl
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Strange visitors today
Day Two, with high winds. We seen migrating birds this morning and they were in big flocks. But --- they were Sandhill Cranes. It is rare, to see these birds in the skies over Burt County Nebr. I remember many years ago there was a flock that had settled down in a field north of the lake. About mid morning they took off and I spotted them and hollered “Geese” and very soon RK I D them as Sandhill Cranes. A few day latter I seen our local Game Warden and told him about them, and he told me he had never seen a Sandhill Crane in Burt County. I knew he was not believing me so I said “well just check with Ralph” He then said if Ralph would tell me he had seen some I would believe him. We only see then when there has been a strong west wind, when they are on the move, and they get blown over to this end of the state. We had several flocks, pass over the lake today. Took some pictures but they just don’t show up that good, to post the picture.
There was very little to report there were just a few Canada’s and a few ducks. We did get into a flock of Pintails and took out a few of them. One was a pretty good specimen. A big drake with about a long a tail as you will see in the fall. With the cold air moving in tonight you just have to wonder if everything starts tomorrow. We have the feeling, we have paid our dues for this year and they just have to begin the move.
Please check back and also keep the troops in your prayers.
See Ya Carl
There was very little to report there were just a few Canada’s and a few ducks. We did get into a flock of Pintails and took out a few of them. One was a pretty good specimen. A big drake with about a long a tail as you will see in the fall. With the cold air moving in tonight you just have to wonder if everything starts tomorrow. We have the feeling, we have paid our dues for this year and they just have to begin the move.
Please check back and also keep the troops in your prayers.
See Ya Carl
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A great wind BUT
I got up this morning with great anticipation, just knowing it was going to be a gangbuster day. We had not taken the guns out of the hanger for over a week , much less harvest a bird. Well we had some rain over the night, a promise from the weatherman, that we were to have wind when we went to the blind, which we have not had, all fall. The wind was to keep building as the day progressed, reaching gust of 40 MPH Plus. And the wind did get blowing about as they predicted it would. The thought interred my mind that maybe I should carry another box of ammo to the blinds with me., so I loaded my self down just a little more. I have always given my kids the advice, While driving if you see a wild animal on the side of the road, God has given them the instinct to keep from you hitting them. So do not confuse them by honking your horn, flashing your lights, slowing down or speeding up, trying to out dodge them, just keep your speed and stay in your lane. Well with that lesson in mind, there was a Raccoon on the road, and I did as I have preached and I ran over him. Now when he went under my wheels he felt as big as a oil barrel under both the front and rear wheels. He was still on the side of the road as I come home this evening and he was not near that big. I passed incident off as a good omen that this was going to be one of the best killing days of all time. The rain drops were still pelting us as we made to walk up to the pits, and there was a great wind, out of the west. The rain was done before it was legal shooting time. Well this time before the legal shooting time is usually the time when you get the idea as to just what is going to happen for the day. If there are birds then, there is a good chance the day will a fruitful day. (Hint, the skies were empty) We had just one go-a-round on ducks. Seen one flock of Canada’s and two other flocks of very high geese, think they were Specks.
There is some weather in the Dakota’s so maybe the migration will begin. Wind is to blow again tomorrow, so I’m not missing it for nuttin
So the bag for the day was 5 ducks (mixed species) one Coon. Quite a season when you get both a Coon and a Skunk. Over 40 years and both are a first.
Remember the troops in your prayers tonight and please check back, cause it just has to happen soon
See Ya Carl
There is some weather in the Dakota’s so maybe the migration will begin. Wind is to blow again tomorrow, so I’m not missing it for nuttin
So the bag for the day was 5 ducks (mixed species) one Coon. Quite a season when you get both a Coon and a Skunk. Over 40 years and both are a first.
Remember the troops in your prayers tonight and please check back, cause it just has to happen soon
See Ya Carl
Saturday, October 16, 2010
We warmed up the barrels, some today
Good morning in the blind and a bad afternoon for Nebraska football.
I will cover the morning in the blind first. We had 3 or 4 flocks of whitefronts flying around before it was legal shooting time. Had one flock that gave us a couple of swings. Never got close to getting into range, even thou it was to early to shoot. We had several different of types of ducks in the area. Coots, Spoonies, Gadwalls, Weagon, Pintails Blue and Green wing, and Cinnamon Teal. Well we harvested most all except the Coots and Spoonies. Think we were in ducks 3 times and Canada’s two times. The Canada, decoying has been some of the prettiest you could ever see. The last two Canada’s, we took had their feet down before they got line up for the decent into the decoys. They had their wings cupped about as much of any birds I have seen, before.. At the time there was a nice breeze out of the NNW, lets say near 20MPH, and they took advantage of it. Had maybe a 35 yd shot. We had only 7 guns and we took 24 or 25 birds this morning. Great morning of shooting.
We come in early so we could watch TV. There was only one program on and it was a bad show. Four dropped touchdown passes and never scored on anyone one of those drives. We (Nebraska) owed them a butt whippin. Well I guess we were not ment to play for the National Championship, this year.
Dorothy got out of the hospital today. She was moved to our local nursing home for a couple of weeks. The pain is down considerable, and the Dr. thought it was time for her to get a little closer to home.
Please remember the troops in your prayers to night.
Please check back and
we’ll see ya Carl
I will cover the morning in the blind first. We had 3 or 4 flocks of whitefronts flying around before it was legal shooting time. Had one flock that gave us a couple of swings. Never got close to getting into range, even thou it was to early to shoot. We had several different of types of ducks in the area. Coots, Spoonies, Gadwalls, Weagon, Pintails Blue and Green wing, and Cinnamon Teal. Well we harvested most all except the Coots and Spoonies. Think we were in ducks 3 times and Canada’s two times. The Canada, decoying has been some of the prettiest you could ever see. The last two Canada’s, we took had their feet down before they got line up for the decent into the decoys. They had their wings cupped about as much of any birds I have seen, before.. At the time there was a nice breeze out of the NNW, lets say near 20MPH, and they took advantage of it. Had maybe a 35 yd shot. We had only 7 guns and we took 24 or 25 birds this morning. Great morning of shooting.
We come in early so we could watch TV. There was only one program on and it was a bad show. Four dropped touchdown passes and never scored on anyone one of those drives. We (Nebraska) owed them a butt whippin. Well I guess we were not ment to play for the National Championship, this year.
Dorothy got out of the hospital today. She was moved to our local nursing home for a couple of weeks. The pain is down considerable, and the Dr. thought it was time for her to get a little closer to home.
Please remember the troops in your prayers to night.
Please check back and
we’ll see ya Carl
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Blind and Dorothy Update
There is so much news to share with you tonight, but going to make it short
They found the problem with Dorothy and she is now on the mend. In the fall, Dorothy she has cracked three of the tailbone, bones. Now that sounds like double talk, but I can not say it any other way. Today she was taken to Emmanuel Hospital , in Omaha and they done some procedure, to repair this. Relief, was promised, to be almost immediate . Have not got the word that, that is the case, but did hear she was resting comfortably, when
Ralph and Jeanie left her in Blair this afternoon. I know the Boss sounded less stressed out on the phone, so much better than he has for the past few days. Ralph has got down at least one good meal today, so that has to help him some too. Not sure when Dorothy will be coming home, or if she will be going to some assisted living center. Thank God they have got a handle on the pain problem. Will give updates, when I hear more.
Now to the hunting. As I said in the last post, that us amateurs were in charge at the pits. We have been doing well enough, that I should have had a posting last evening, but I just could not get one that sound right. Yesterday we took one big Canada and two ducks. But the interesting thing was we seen and or heard, 7 or 8 small flocks of Whitefronts. All were high, but we could hear them. Well not me but the guys that have good hearing could hear them. We also was seeing a few Canada’s, moving around.
Today was a different story. We killed three ducks out of four that got in range. That is about all we seen. Did have a small flock, of Loons, that slipped in on us, and was just north of the lake before we seen them and done a quick hide job. Coming right straight in on us, most of them gliding. We had to laugh at ourselves, but it happens several times every season.
Well remember everyone in your prayers tonight, the troops and our sick friends.
See Ya Carl
They found the problem with Dorothy and she is now on the mend. In the fall, Dorothy she has cracked three of the tailbone, bones. Now that sounds like double talk, but I can not say it any other way. Today she was taken to Emmanuel Hospital , in Omaha and they done some procedure, to repair this. Relief, was promised, to be almost immediate . Have not got the word that, that is the case, but did hear she was resting comfortably, when
Ralph and Jeanie left her in Blair this afternoon. I know the Boss sounded less stressed out on the phone, so much better than he has for the past few days. Ralph has got down at least one good meal today, so that has to help him some too. Not sure when Dorothy will be coming home, or if she will be going to some assisted living center. Thank God they have got a handle on the pain problem. Will give updates, when I hear more.
Now to the hunting. As I said in the last post, that us amateurs were in charge at the pits. We have been doing well enough, that I should have had a posting last evening, but I just could not get one that sound right. Yesterday we took one big Canada and two ducks. But the interesting thing was we seen and or heard, 7 or 8 small flocks of Whitefronts. All were high, but we could hear them. Well not me but the guys that have good hearing could hear them. We also was seeing a few Canada’s, moving around.
Today was a different story. We killed three ducks out of four that got in range. That is about all we seen. Did have a small flock, of Loons, that slipped in on us, and was just north of the lake before we seen them and done a quick hide job. Coming right straight in on us, most of them gliding. We had to laugh at ourselves, but it happens several times every season.
Well remember everyone in your prayers tonight, the troops and our sick friends.
See Ya Carl
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Less odor and better product
Today’s harvest was just a little more familiar “product” than what we took yesterday. We had a couple go-rounds on tall ducks with no success, but when we had 5 can’s land out on us today the results was just a little more successful. They got into the decoys and Kevin and Rob-Bob thought they could harvest a couple. It was a long shot on both birds but they put them back in the pond. Took a couple additional shot to be D I P, but who counts shells when working the Canada’s over. They did a good job. The boss was gone, so us amateurs, were all that was one duty, I have not talked to the boss yet, but sure he will be excited for us.
Again the Loons or Cormorants dominated the skies, but as we say “That is a good sign” because the good birds are not far behind them. They always have us hiding as they come sailing down the river. When they are flying straight on you, and you are always wanting them to be geese, they can make you feel foolish, but it is better to be safe than sorry. We know that Canada’s would not be in big flocks like we are seeing, right now but the Whitefronts do, and we sure would not want to miss out on a flock of those, birds. Would love to have a good day on those, this year.
All the ducks we seen today, were Pintails. But had great report from Canada on the number of ducks up there. Now if they would just move in to Nebraska, and not linger in the Dakota’s to long, and give us a good duck year.
Well we have some weather moving in on us tomorrow so looking forward to posting another report, then. Why I would miss tomorrow for nuttin
So as always remember, the troops in your bedtime prayers. Also include Dorothy, Fred and Ed, too.
See Ya Carl
Again the Loons or Cormorants dominated the skies, but as we say “That is a good sign” because the good birds are not far behind them. They always have us hiding as they come sailing down the river. When they are flying straight on you, and you are always wanting them to be geese, they can make you feel foolish, but it is better to be safe than sorry. We know that Canada’s would not be in big flocks like we are seeing, right now but the Whitefronts do, and we sure would not want to miss out on a flock of those, birds. Would love to have a good day on those, this year.
All the ducks we seen today, were Pintails. But had great report from Canada on the number of ducks up there. Now if they would just move in to Nebraska, and not linger in the Dakota’s to long, and give us a good duck year.
Well we have some weather moving in on us tomorrow so looking forward to posting another report, then. Why I would miss tomorrow for nuttin
So as always remember, the troops in your bedtime prayers. Also include Dorothy, Fred and Ed, too.
See Ya Carl
Monday, October 11, 2010
We were SKUNKED today
What an interesting morning. I have to start with my good Friend Robert Thomas II Alias Rob-Bob. Robert bought a new Shotgun, before the season open and had never shot it until today. See if I would buy a new shotgun, the only reason it would not be shot before I got it home is because I had no shell with me. He had bought a new Browning Maxus, last fall for his wife and loved it so much he just had to have one for himself. I just have to say right now, I agree with him it is one great gun and do not criticize him for wanting one. When you hear a gun company saying that their shotgun ,”Has the lightest recoil of any gun on the market”, it is a lie unless it is Browning, and they are talking about the Maxus. Roberts wife, shot a 3.5” shell through her’s last fall, and she does not weigh 100 lbs. To see this lady you have to believe she would be shooting a 20 ga., but not Mindy, she shoots 3” 12 ga, through her Maxus Back to Robert and his new gun, he don’t bring it out ,because he has not cleaned it as yet. This morning at the breakfast table I found out this fine machine was accompanying us to the pits, today. I was even excited over the thought Robert getting a shot with this new gun.
We walked up the road up to the pits and just as we get to the pits we are greeted with the aroma of Skunk. We believe we had pushed this animal up the road up to the blinds and it felt it was trapped and it give us a warning as it had escaped back down the bar, to freedom. Soon it become light and then we noticed it wandering around on the end of the bar, just feet off the end of the pit #1. He would go get a drink then wander around and them go lay down in the wide open spaces in front of blind No 1. We tried to heard him down the bar away from us but he look like he was more interested in attacking, us than going off to freedom. Took us just a little time to figure out this old boy was sick, and we had on other alternative, but to put this animal out of his misery.
Then the question became just how to do that with out causing a BIG STINK, and we have set with in a few feet of where he is and hunt, with customers. We don’t need a big stink. So our good old buddy with the Maxus, Rob-Bob goes into action. He lets the skunk, go lay down and go asleep again and then sneaks up with in about 20 feet of him, with the Maxus and gives him a load, (A 3”#2 Winchester Expert load). This Skunk is D I A. That means Dead In Air. Mud and Skunk were both flying 3 feet in the air. NO ODOR, just a very successful kill. Then “Bless his heart” Robert took the skunk on a shovel and took him across the lake and buried him. We owe you Robert, big time.
So then we discussed just how this report was to be titled to night. Like we did, or maybe “The Maxus will never be Skunked”, another suggestion was “Pepe La Pew”. Forty years of going out there and never had anything like this before.
Now to what was in the sky. Seen plenty of Cormorants today, just few Pintails, and one Canada. When will it get started???
I have some bad news I must post. Ralph’s wife, Dorothy, fell the other day and is in the Hospital in Blair. She broke no bones, but is bruised up very bad, and is in a lot of pain. She is not eating good and the pain pills they are giving her, is making her sick. So it is slow going right now. Ralph is not feeling right about going hunting, with her in the hospital. He has been going out everyday but he heads back pretty early, to go to the Hospital
So your bed time prayers need to include Dorothy tonight, as well as the troops.
See Ya Carl
We walked up the road up to the pits and just as we get to the pits we are greeted with the aroma of Skunk. We believe we had pushed this animal up the road up to the blinds and it felt it was trapped and it give us a warning as it had escaped back down the bar, to freedom. Soon it become light and then we noticed it wandering around on the end of the bar, just feet off the end of the pit #1. He would go get a drink then wander around and them go lay down in the wide open spaces in front of blind No 1. We tried to heard him down the bar away from us but he look like he was more interested in attacking, us than going off to freedom. Took us just a little time to figure out this old boy was sick, and we had on other alternative, but to put this animal out of his misery.
Then the question became just how to do that with out causing a BIG STINK, and we have set with in a few feet of where he is and hunt, with customers. We don’t need a big stink. So our good old buddy with the Maxus, Rob-Bob goes into action. He lets the skunk, go lay down and go asleep again and then sneaks up with in about 20 feet of him, with the Maxus and gives him a load, (A 3”#2 Winchester Expert load). This Skunk is D I A. That means Dead In Air. Mud and Skunk were both flying 3 feet in the air. NO ODOR, just a very successful kill. Then “Bless his heart” Robert took the skunk on a shovel and took him across the lake and buried him. We owe you Robert, big time.
So then we discussed just how this report was to be titled to night. Like we did, or maybe “The Maxus will never be Skunked”, another suggestion was “Pepe La Pew”. Forty years of going out there and never had anything like this before.
Now to what was in the sky. Seen plenty of Cormorants today, just few Pintails, and one Canada. When will it get started???
I have some bad news I must post. Ralph’s wife, Dorothy, fell the other day and is in the Hospital in Blair. She broke no bones, but is bruised up very bad, and is in a lot of pain. She is not eating good and the pain pills they are giving her, is making her sick. So it is slow going right now. Ralph is not feeling right about going hunting, with her in the hospital. He has been going out everyday but he heads back pretty early, to go to the Hospital
So your bed time prayers need to include Dorothy tonight, as well as the troops.
See Ya Carl
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
The Skies had some birds today
Well I have finely have something to write about. As you know only the duck season is open. So with just one bird legal to harvest the interest in hunting is down. The phone don’t even ring much. Until this morning we had harvest only one bird. Now for the critic, out there, “The Boss” will not shoot in any flock where there is a Woodies or a Spoonie,. Well this time a year that almost rules out all shots. Those Spoonie’s die easy and I get credit for all that fall and I refuse to try to change his mind. Well today there was evidence of new birds moving into the area. Seen 5 or 6 flocks of just Pintails, and we seen a few other flocks of bigger ducks. We had only two shooters this morning and we had 3 go-a-rounds. Doubled the season harvest in nothing flat. Was very exciting between legal shooting time and about 8:00. I think I used up about 4 shells. I have been trying to shoot with both eyes open, due to the suggestions of my eye surgeon. So there is big efforts put into this new task. You know the old phrase you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and I fit into that bracket. On one go-a-round I felt good on my shots but I checked with the other shooter and he said he was shooting the same area I was so not sure if there was success or not. Know that my ability of claiming has not fell off, since last season. Got my share this morning.
Also was an increase in the Canada’s sightings today. That is an important note with that season opening this Saturday. The Boss is excited about the prospects of harvesting a few more of those old dudes this fall. He has opened the lake up some and thinks they are going to be flying by in the “Kill Zone” Low and Slow. Well let that happen and the “Grinders” that hang around out there, will put the hurt on them, big time. As we walked in this morning there was a flock that got up off the pond.
Shot some pictures of a great sunrise this morning too. Will not bore you with that pictures but just have to let you know we had a great one, today.
As usual, I ask you for a prayer for our troops. Today I am asking you to expand that just a little. Two of our fellow hunters, are having a tough time of it, as I write this. Ed Ward from Omaha, wrote me a note telling he has been having some problems since July, and may not make it out this fall. Ed was always a joy to have in the pits. A couple three years ago we had an shot where we never killed a bird out of a small flock of Canada’s and I properly referred to Ed in that nights report as, THE CRUSTY OL’ DUDE WITH THE CLICKTY CLACK. Ed, Get them Dr. working on finding the right meds and get back out there. We will get you to the pits and out, no worry about that. The other one is Fred, Fred is from Wisconsin. He too made the day fun. Fred come out with BIG TOM, so I know that will make many of you readers, know who I am talking about. Tom Called and said Fred is suffering with an advanced case of cancer. So along with the troops please include these two in your prayers every day.
Check back
See Ya Carl
Also was an increase in the Canada’s sightings today. That is an important note with that season opening this Saturday. The Boss is excited about the prospects of harvesting a few more of those old dudes this fall. He has opened the lake up some and thinks they are going to be flying by in the “Kill Zone” Low and Slow. Well let that happen and the “Grinders” that hang around out there, will put the hurt on them, big time. As we walked in this morning there was a flock that got up off the pond.
Shot some pictures of a great sunrise this morning too. Will not bore you with that pictures but just have to let you know we had a great one, today.
As usual, I ask you for a prayer for our troops. Today I am asking you to expand that just a little. Two of our fellow hunters, are having a tough time of it, as I write this. Ed Ward from Omaha, wrote me a note telling he has been having some problems since July, and may not make it out this fall. Ed was always a joy to have in the pits. A couple three years ago we had an shot where we never killed a bird out of a small flock of Canada’s and I properly referred to Ed in that nights report as, THE CRUSTY OL’ DUDE WITH THE CLICKTY CLACK. Ed, Get them Dr. working on finding the right meds and get back out there. We will get you to the pits and out, no worry about that. The other one is Fred, Fred is from Wisconsin. He too made the day fun. Fred come out with BIG TOM, so I know that will make many of you readers, know who I am talking about. Tom Called and said Fred is suffering with an advanced case of cancer. So along with the troops please include these two in your prayers every day.
Check back
See Ya Carl
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