A rooten tooten day

The day got off with a bang. At just before 7:00 this morning, I had just finished a e mail, and had just put the Pad away, when I heard the boss cuss. Then I heard the command to get ready. Then in less than 5 seconds the next command was to "TAKE EM". Not much time for an OSFF to be ready. But I went up with the old smoke pole, and to the right front, a ball of S&B'S was hanging. It was one of them, pointed and shoot, shots. Again with only four guns on the lake, we done ourselves proud. When the smoke cleared we had 9 DIP and one that got up and flew off.

Have has several flocks that give us a good look but did not decoy in. Since the big kill, we have had a few loners and a pair make the fatal decent. We just are not letting many get out, when they get in here. The wind was blowing hard, to our delight, it is a great wind. Things look better, and the birds respond better when we have the wind

We have had a first for the season. Had a nice flock of birds decoy. 4 out of the bunch decoyed in much faster than the rest and the boss went on them. They were all little Ross geese. This was the first, this season, where there were several in the flock. They are short 4 now

Was another day when we had a memorable aerial show, with the Canada's. At one time we had over 125 big Canada's in the lake one time. There were some big ones.

The picture was from this morning.

Had all the birds that every one wanted, today so we come in. Total for the day is 15. We are in need of guns and bird takers.

About all I can tell ya today. But remember the troops in your daily prayers. Also please check back.

See ya. Carl

Got these SOB about 2:00 today

Old business first. Had to many home jobs, to get a report out last evening. Also I know the picture did not post. Damn technology, is baffling to old men, and I am proof. If things go good you may get one tonight.

Sunday. First no wind and then we had to much wind. There is a difference between my count of birds yesterday and R K. I had 6 the boss says 5. But we could not get them in so they were up wind to us, where they, just can't roll out. So, the kill per flock was BAD, but I was sure we got at least one, on each go a round. But anytime you have a 25 MPH wind, or greater, and you are up wind, if the first guy don't kill, you ain't killin much. We were closer to a 40MPH than a 25MPH wind, yesterday

Now to today. Still plenty of birds but to get them in close is hard. Had 3 or 4 bunches in pretty good but not close enough so they left unmolested. But at about 2:00 a bunch that was a long shot, but the boss had, had enough, so he called the shot. By then we were down only 4 gunners. We took 6 out of the flock. We had 4 DIP and 2 swimmers. We was happy.

Have more home work to do, so have to post this

Remember the troops and please check back.

See ya. Carl.

A test and a hunting report

By the time old sol got go this point we had two birds in the sack. Not the greatest sunrise but it was something I can post. It is from this morning, see I am trying new things with this I Pad, and putting a picture on as I write, is a new trick I am trying. Hope it makes through all steps to posting. Just have to do some of that fancy stuff other sporting bloggers have been doing for years.

Also I have a bird that we harvested yesterday that went unreported. Had a lone Ross that made a fatal mistake yesterday and got just a little to close.

We had plenty of birds, through out the day, but as advertised they are a tough bird to decoy, this spring. We can get them to start, but to finish in gun range, is tough. With a great wind today out of the north, that made the air much colder than the temperature really way. Speaking of that cool breeze, I threw on an extra shirt this morning, because of the wind and it was a smart move on my part. Guys they are tough this year. I love the spring hunt, but hunters are not going to get them birds, under control. They may just have to bomb them, before they get sick and infect all waterfowl.

It really hurts your heart to see all the ducks and the other geese, fall into the lake and you can't grab the old smoke pole and go to work. But just be able to set back and watch, is one great thrill. I asked the boss today if he was sure, if maybe our calling didn't have a bad affect on those birds in the fall. WOW just to have one day, with a Speck flight, like we had today, in the fall. Seen way more pintails today than we have in a couple of falls. I guess what I am saying is, the day was worth it, even if we didn't whack and stack a bunch of sky carp.

Best get this posted, so remember the troops tonight and please check back .

See ya. Carl

An on line address for you to check out

Hope I can get all this to work, but I have an on line address for you out of the area readers to check out. The Omaha paper done a article on the boss. That article is on line with a video that you can watch. The guy done a pretty good job and some great video. The address is.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120227/SPORTS07/302289992/-1#74-years-and-counting-hunter-preps-for-another-season

It is worth your time, I don't know just how long they keep something that up on line. My suggestion is to check it out quick. Hope you can copy and paste this address

Guessing when we have a forecast with some sunshine in it, we will be in the pits.

Remember the troops and check back

See ya. Carl

Waiting for you phone calls

We are ready for hunters. Was out this morning and finished the blaster. RK was helping me. Anyway there were birds in the area Sunday and some of the local hunters were hunting. So I asked just when he was wanting to hit the blinds. His answer was as soon as someone says they are wanting to hunt. I know the forecast says we could have some snow here tonight, and I am a firm believer that those birds know more about the weather than we do. What I am saying with the reports I am hearing with well over a million birds setting at Squaw Creek area, why are they not moving. I believe it is we are due another storm. Is this the trigger, when this storm is done it will be CADDY BAR THE DOOR. We will see, but my feeling is, best be ready, cause it is going to happen that way!

Also asked when he wanted us to hit the road for the pits. He thought around 5:50 would work. The cafe opens open regularly at 5:30 so I will be talking to her about opening a little earlier, when we get to going. I will let you know when she opens earlier.

I think Rockie said he was traveling on the first of March. He thought he was going to be late, but sure he is right on time.

I forgot to tell you to remember the troops in my last posting, and have got a couple of E Mail's telling me so. Thanks for getting on my case, about that, because that is very important. So as always, please remember the troops in your bedtime prayers tonight and every night.

Also please check back, hope this a fruitful season

See ya. Carl

We are getting very close

Got some reports, of some snows flying over the area, today. I seen some Canada's this morning but no snows, but I was not outside, just watching. I do not know, just when we will be manning the pits but am sure we will be there no later that the upcoming weekend.

Also I had made a call to a hunter in the Lincoln area and, they were seeing birds for the first time, today.

We are meeting still at Tailgators restaurant, yet this spring. I will give you the departure time in the next report. I am not organized, like I should be. But sunrise, is now around 7:00 so that puts us on the road around 5:30. Now, remember it gets earlier every morning, not later as in the fall.

Will let you go, but just wanted to let you know, we are getting reports of some birds being spotted in our area. So hunting is very near.

See ya. Carl

We are about ready to man the pits

I know I should have posted something here long ago. I would like you to think I have tried real hard to post something, but I have no excuse except I have wrote several, but they just did not sound good. I can not even say I have been under the weather. For you, that don't know, we have had a very mild winter here in Nebraska. Was just a few weeks ago that we got a foot of snow, and we have still got some of it yet.

Of course the boss has kept himself busy. He had the decoys set before the snow, and I understand the ground was not even froze, and he just pushed them in the ground. As you can tell with that statement I did not help set them. That is different than in years past, when we had to drill holes, in order to set them.

As for when we will be setting up shop and being ready to hunt, I am guessing we will be out there by this weekend. Now that is not official but the timing is about right and there is plenty of geese at Squaw Creek, and has been for a long time. There is something telling them not to venture on, as of yet. The last report I got, I think they said there was over 750,000 there. That is a bunch of birds. I need to take time and check the web and see if there was any action, in the Lincoln area this past weekend.

But keep checking and I will try to post when we start.

As always, say a little prayer for the troops, and please check back.

See ya. Carl

After the storm, we are beginning to see birds

Well at least, we were seeing birds, today. Seen a few ducks early. I say a few but there were a hand full of huge flocks. But the exciting thing is, we are seeing many flocks, big and small flocks, of Canada's. Would have a hard time of guessing the number of flocks of these, the boss has logged into his book. Some have given us a look and some have not. Had one bunch that broke up into smaller bunches. Most of them we thought had settled into a field North of us and we were working on a couple smaller flocks, still in our area. Well we had a group of about 5 or 6, which we were going into action on, and when we went up, there was the big flock, bearing down on us. Action shut down after a couple of shots, but was too late. Put one DIP. The afternoon was filled with flock after flock, of all kinds of geese. Some give us a look, and some a serious look, but with no luck. We are guessing it is the snow, even though we have open water, there is a lot of snow.

The sun never come out as the weatherman had promised, but when some of the clouds thinned and the blue shown through, we were seeing Snows and Blues by the hundreds floating south. They must have been at least 10-15,000 feet up. They were just little shining dots.

Not much activity, but beat the hell out of yesterday. We didn't get any rain but had to have at least 6.5 inches of wet snow.

Remember the troops in your nightly prayers.

Hope is will be a shorter time before the next report, but please keep checking back

See ya Carl

No 2 box day but a powder burning day never the less

We had wind, and strong when we loaded the pits this morning. We had, a pair of carp circle early, but no cigar.

At about 9:15 our action got underway. Had a flock, we had followed for several minutes as they pumped up against the strong, northwest wind for several minutes. They were all over this lake, but finely got in front of us, then sliding back right in front, low. Offering us a memorable 15-20 yd. shot. There had to be about 55 of them when the boss call the shot. When the smoke cleared there was 14 laying in the lake for sure. Still sure there could be a couple more in the fields. We will be looking for them. One great shot BOSS!!

Should have run some of them over the scales, but this is one of those days when you just don't spend time doing things like, weighing birds.

Another flock from the south. Should have harvested more but got at least 3 anyway. Plenty of geese on the move, but not getting as many to decoy as we should.

There are stories to be told but there was to much activity, to type. Total now is 26. Kill is down with the couple of shots out back of blind.

Wind is still up over 30MPH, but that leads to some picturesque decoying. Have to hurry your shooting when the birds are down wind of you, much better than no shooting.

I think I can classify this as a POWDER BURNING DAY. I don't think anyone has burnt up a box yet but I am sure there several very close.

We now have 30 of the big boys in the old game bag, plus a couple of Mallards.

No frowns when we closed up shop. Was a very exciting day. I can will also assure you that if we would have had a couple of the latter shots out in front instead of behind, the bag would have been much heavier. We had them down and in, but just behind the blinds and them they get away so fast rolling out with the wind. The first shot of the day spoiled us, because that flock had to escape right over the blinds, so they spent a couple of seconds getting closer to us before really escaping.

Say a prayer for the troops tonight, as always and also please check back.

See Ya Carl

Slim bag but a fun day

We are making another time adjustment, we will be departing the cafe at 6:00.

For once this season we had ducks in on us early. This season has been strange for us here, in that way, we have had so few early morning ducks. I am sure if we would had early morning duck, the boss would be saying ducks just don't like what we have to offer. What we have seen have showed up later in the day. We had a pair of mallards that provided us one, excellent shot.

Also early, before it was legal we had two passes, by a flock of snow & blues. Before they got out of the area there were three flock, overhead. They know how to avoid getting shot, so as usual they moved on just before we could have shot. Guessing that is why there is to many of them, today. See, that one bunch was right on top of us at about 20 yards, on one pass. Would be fun to hammer a few of them again in the fall.

Shortly after 1:00 had a flock of about 35-45 big CAN's locked up way north and guided in all the way. Maybe a half mile. Was one great site in this wind. They wanted to land on the bar, out front. Had to call hard to keep them off the bar and they were rolling out in the 15 MPH southwest wind, making it a pretty challenging shot. Had 4 on the lake and one sailor to the east end of the west lake. This decoying has to be one of the highlights of the season. Miss America is below average looking in comparison, of this site. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.

Great wind for tomorrow predicted.

Please say a prayer for all the troops, and check back.

See ya Carl

Have a happy Thanksgiving

Shortly after the clouds thinned up enough, to have just a little sunshine to filer through, we started to see birds, then at about an half hour later we had five Canada’s come from the north. They didn't get in for a good shot, but we took two out of the flock. One sailed out of our area. For awhile we were seeing and hearing birds. They were not decoy able, but at least we were seeing something.

The 12:08 flight was a loaned that come in from the west low. Made two rounds and then tried to set with our decoys. He was DIP.

So the total for the day was 3 big boys. We had one that we should of hung on the scales. It was a real big bird. RK guessed it at 13 LBS.

Remember the troops tonight in your prayers and check back when ever you can.

See Ya Carl

Fighting ice

We were still fighting the pump this morning. Have the Pump Shop working on it as I type. Sure they will have it back on line within the hour. Water is on at 10:30, thanks guys

Seen the first bunch of Mallards, of the day, that look like they would decoy. Could not get them to decoy into our ice patch.

While I was with the tech working on the pump, the hunters opened up three times. One Cackler, one Canada, and a long shot on a Blue, that left wounded. We're seeing a few bunches of Snows and Blues moving. We have got reports, stating the Sky Carp, was moving south in South Dakota, so guessing that is why we are seeing some flocks here today. Hope a few drop in here.

Including a picture, that is not a sunrise, but worthy anyway. The gentleman’s son, found these decoys on line and bought them. They were three K&W decoys that Ralph and Monty West manufactured, back in the 50’s. These three still had the original paint job. Quite the find.

As always say a little prayer for the safety of the troops that serve us tonight.

Also please check back, cause one of these days there is going to be a report about one great “powder burning” day.

See ya Carl

Tons in the sky but few in the pond

Was, one cold day this morning. This the first cold day, we have had some uncomfortable day before, but this day it is really cold, and then we find out the little pump went down and we have no open water. Going to have to gets some parts to get her back on line. Not an exciting thing, to happen at this time of year. But things never break down when you are not using them.

Have been into some Mallards an wiped out the whole flock of seven, followed up by a lone Canada. I think we got two Canada’s, I spent to much time on the pump to remember just what happened there.

Do know it was one of the biggest migration of Big Canada’s we have ever seen. Were also quite a few ducks moving too. With my new ears and I turn them up so I can enjoy it when the birds are calling, and it seamed like there were birds close most of the time.

Best get this posted and keep mama happy by not, setting at the computer.

So say a prayer for the troops and check back tomorrow and we will see ya

Carl

A funny thing happened today

The weather was a little different than forecast this morning. Our Northwest wind was a Northeast wind. We also had a little water falling out of the heavy clouds that covered the sun.

The group of hunters I had setting in my blind was a little anxious, because there was two brand new smoke poles, and was wanting to test out these guns. Both were formerly Clickity Clack owners and sporting brand new auto loaders. Bet before the day is over one or both, the owner will be shorted on a go-a-round, because he cannot pump it.

As the morning progressed, the wind got moving a little more into the Northwest. We are now seeing, more birds moving. There just has to be one of these flocks, that are interested in our spread.

At about 11:00, we had a flock of about 30 big boys, that like what we had to offer. They were low over the decoys out front when we went into action. In this wind they just kept getting closer. I was out of shells, way to soon. Wow was there some great shots late. Had 7 DIP. Have a couple of Biguns. Almost 13 pounds on a couple of them.

Bingo, I was wrong on the Clickit-Clack owners. He didn’t try to pump it BUT one of them was petting his new Smoke pole, and in the process he flip the magazine cut off lever, and got only one shot on the Canada’s. No tears but plenty of ribbing.

Sorry but you will have to put up with one of my Sunrise pictures to night. This was taken yesterday and I just have to post it.

Remember the people that lay their lives on the line for us tonight and every night.

Check back and we will see ya

Carl

Has the migration started????

Well maybe it is going to happen. Had reports of geese moving late yesterday. When they come down and open the pits this morning, they kicked out birds. At about 20 minutes, before legal, we had a flock of Hutch and some little Clackers give us a few swings. The north blind may not be dry for days because they were so low over them, they could almost grab them. After it was legal, about ten minutes, they give us another chance. After the smoke cleared we had 6 DIP. Then just a few minutes later we had a single that tempted us, and he failed. All of this was followed by a huge flock of over 200 Canada's that come down the river. They give us a little look, but no cigar there.

We had, ice this morning, about an half inch thick, stuck with us till the wind come.

Wind started blowing at about 12:30. Took, only a few short minutes to go from no wind to a great hunting wind. If only we would of had it early this morning when the skies were full of birds. We keep seeing birds but instead of minutes between flocks it is over an hour. We have seen our share of them today, but wished we could of had a few more shots at them. The bag is not to big, but better than it has been. Never a bad day when you have some dark geese in the bag. Also we have a big fat old Mallard.

The picture was not of today, but I like it, so you get it today.

Please to say a little prayer for the troops tonight.

Check back and lets see if we can have another report tomorrow

See ya Carl

Cold and Slow

Had both ice and geese on the pond when we arrived this morning. After another decoy adjustment, we settled in, and let a couple Canada's slip through.

The ducks flocks are in small bunches today. The Canada's come in pairs, and the ducks, were not making an easy shot for us either.

One of the highlights of the day was we had about, 75 Cacklers come darting and diving down thought the bottom. Took a notion to give us a look. Well after missing us for the sixth or seventh time heading on their merry way. They drive you nuts. One time I thought the boss was going to get to call a down wind shot on them. They evaded that shot too. They were in play for over five minutes. They are almost as good at breaking your heart as the Speck are.

About 3:30,, we had about 20 big Canada’s float over the lake, but had food on their minds and chose a field north of us, for their feast. We will see them in the morning.

Today's bag was three big boys and one was really a big one and less than a hand full of Mallards. At least they were mallards.

As always remember the troops in your prayers.

Please check back

See ya. Carl

A day with great conditions, BUT

Early morning shooting, was confined to just ducks. Had a couple go-a-rounds on ducks. Had one flock that was hurrying a little, at about 99 MPH, a small crew took 9 out of it. Seen a couple flocks of Cacklers, that give us a good look, but no tamale. Am hoping to work over of their friends yet this season before it ends.

We had a major migration of snows today. All were about two miles high, and could not hear. Also seen several flocks of pelicans. Believe it, there are still pelicans around yet today. This is November 9th and we are still. seeing birds that should have moved south in September or early October.

Afternoon proved to be limited to several near misses on ducks. Can't help but wonder if we are ever going to have one of the powder burning days, us water-fowlers, love so much. Guess I am saying "I NEED A TWO BOX DAY"!!

We have been getting the feeling that we are “Snake Bit” proof of that is, I will take today for an example. We decided that we were not going to kill anything, so was packing to go to the house. Blind flaps were up, dog running around, people walking around, and talking, Blind bags, trash bags, gun in cases and laying out, when some one says a few non reportable words. There was a Canada goose hanging about broom killing range of one of our hunters. I wonder if the movement brought him in??? Or maybe it was, he was fact we had every weed laying in the right place. Well he is still flying unless he was laughing so hard that he run into a tree, and broke his neck.

The summery for the day is around 20 ducks.

Let you go, so please say a little prayer for the troops and also please check back.

See Ya Carl

Quite the aerial show today

As legal time arrived we had birds over us nonstop. Both ducks and geese. We had not set the decoys just right and could not get them in for a good shot. For once this year we had a fair number of guns, so the boss was wanting a good shot. After a small adjustment the flight pattern was some better.

Before 9:00, we were into some geese. Early season jitters lead to a light kill. The sad thing was there was both Cacklers and the big ones. Well only little ones fell. The crew got a serious talking to about that. Decoys got rearranged.

The rest of the day was birds a plenty and then nothing for some time. Going to say it was a pretty good migration.

Got report that there are birds stopping and using Desoto Bend, so lets hope some of the movement we seen today stopped also.

Total bag today was around 15 ducks and the Cacklers.

Know this report is short today, but we had too much to talk about in the blind, to write a good report.

As I reread this I see I did not point out that we had a small movement of Snow’s and Blue’s, also today. Had a big flock early this morning. My guess was they were in the lake but heard us come out and was airborne before anyone knew. I am guessing there was in excess of 500 in that bunch. There was a number of other flocks of them today too.

For got to say that departure time from the Café is now 5:45.

Will let you go, but please include the troops in your evening prayers

See Ya Carl

The sky was very interesting today

Well it has been a week since an update, so here goes again. Been waiting for more than an hand full of duck, to make a report.

As legal time come we were seeing a few ducks , then some cormorant and now we are seeing some high flying Snows and Blue's. Have had two rounds on small bunches of ducks. So maybe we will have a bag limit big enough to report, tonight.

Just spotted a flock (35 ish.) of Whitefront’s. Something is brewing weather wise, best be packing the lunch kit and grabbing a seat, here in the pits. Hearing shooting through out, the old valley This morning.

Flash!!! Something we don't see in the fall. A flock of about 35 little, Ross Geese. Almost got them in. There is weather brewing. We are in need of some guns.

Before 9:00 we have seen Cacklers, Canada's, Specks, Sky Carp, Ross's, Crows, several species of, ducks, including Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard’s, and Pintail’s. WOW, a bird watchers delight and a hunters dream. Already four go-a-rounds on ducks, however no mallards as of yet.

About noon we got the midday thrill, when up over the west lake we spotted what first was a flock of 15 ducks, that turned into about 125 Whitefronts. They give us a hap-hazard swing then got back on their way to the south. The last posting, I said that we were to the end of the Speck migration, but as usual, I guessed wrong. Has been a much more fun day than it has been for sometime. Not seeing anything, makes, for a long boring day. Could really stand some more shooting, but seeing is so encouraging. Totaled out with 5 flocks of specks, giving us a pretty good look. A flock of about 75 at about 1:30, that had 4 that got the heart rate up pretty good, the whole flock look good but the 4 was really acting good. They would lock up and sail on every round. The main flock finely pulled them out.

We are thinking, that we have seen as much game today, as we have the rest of the season, total. Was a very entertaining day. I am sorry but I put this together as it happened today, sorry that it reads a little funny, I will try a different approach tomorrow.

Just before we pulled out of the blinds there was a huge flock of Specks that went down west of us. Had to be pushing 200 birds. Ended up with no geese but a couple short limits of ducks

Please say a bedtime prayer for all our hero's, and please check back. Maybe we have this season migration underway. I sure hope so.

See ya. Carl

The new era

Well, we are entering into an new era on this blog. I have received my iPad and will, try writing the blog from the blind. This is new for me, so go easy on me for a few days. I know there has been a couple days lately that I have not posted when I should have. No geese killed but a few ducks have. See I have had my head into this new machine, and put you off.

As, I said, we had harvested a few unreported ducks, but I am not saying, there has been any big movement of ducks. There has been a few Specks moving, so guessing that migration is getting close to it's end. However we did hear a couple of flocks yesterday morning.

Mid morning, we got into a nice bunch of gadwall, harvested 5, not bad for being short on gunners today. Earlier we got into another pair. I know the totals are not that good for almost November, but today was looking much better than the past few has

The next challenge is to be able to post this so best get on that. So remember the troops in your bed time prayers, tonight

Also please check back, it just has to get better.

See ya Carl

GOT THESE SOB BOUT 12:45

Things are looking up, at the ol’ pond. No wind early, but hope began to “filter in” when the wind come up, and then the most amazing thing happened. This old man, with his new artificial ears, heard Specks before anyone else did. Now it has been years since I heard birds in the distance, so this was exciting for me. Well I got everyone alerted to the fact, there were Specks in the area and then we had four split off. Soon we had them decoying into the lake. Took some time to get them all picked up but we manages to find them all, even though one fell in the standing corn. Great job, on the part of Lyle , Keith, and Lyle’s dog. Specks are such a Trophy to us, that it is a shame to have one down and not find it, so this was the icing on the cake to get them all picked up.

Were seeing just a few ducks. So many reports of the big number of them this fall and here it is almost November, and we have not seen any number of any kind, of ducks. We have a promising weather change, starting tomorrow, so we are excited about tomorrow. Why I would not miss tomorrow for nuttin.

I should have reported that we seen 4 nice flocks of Specks yesterday, so seeing some today was not a surprise. We anticipated, we would be seeing some today and was hoping we would have wind when they showed up. As I pointed out above, things worked out in our favor.

I am trying to find a I-Pad to do the report on in the blind, so have to cut this short and start to study Craig’s list again.

So remember all the troops in your bed time prayer tonight and please check back and hope it is a even more exciting report, than this one.

See ya Carl

It is warm and slow

Needing to update you. Nothing is to exciting going on. The weather has been just to warm for a migration to get under way. Almost the first of Nov. and we have not had a real killing frost as of yet. Temp. are forecast to be in the 70 in a couple of days, again.

I have been a little lazy or depressed and have not posted, all of the activity I should have posted. A few days ago we did kill a couple of loaners and today we killed another. Boy it is hard to get excited over a loaner, but this morning we had not seen a goose for a couple of days, and one come flying over. He almost acted like he was lonesome , when our choir, went to work. He turned around on a dime and floated towards the decoys. We stopped him a little short, of his destination. We have also harvested a few ducks, but nothing to be excited about.

We did see another flock of geese, high. Did not get a good ID on them but think they were Specks. Was also a few ducks around early this morning, which is also a little different , than it has been. We did not get any of them to give us a good look.

Have to get my head back in the football game, so please keep the troops in your prayers, tonight and every night.

Please check in again and we will see ya

Carl