windy but fun shots

The day got off to a very early start.  When they come down and opened the blinds, there were about a hundred sky carp on the east side of the blinds.  As the morning progress, and before legal we were hearing big flocks of ducks lifting off the lake.  Then soon after it was legal, we had a small flocks of duck swing just a little to close to the blinds and we went into action.  We scored but nothing to great.  Then about sun up we had 4 big Canada's float in from the north.  The boss is still talking about the shooting on that flock and it is not bragging, talk.  We didn't do to well.  All should have been down, but you have to remember, we have not had any shots at Canada's and our mind were in need of a "Canada adjustment", in order to shoot good.  I can only report, my feelings, but I was nervous.  We have not had many chances, on them yet, this season.

At least this morning we were seeing birds, more in line what you are to expect for this time of year. 

We had three go a rounds on Canada's by 11:30.  We got some of the jitters out of our minds, and wiped out one whole flock, of one.

Also today we seen, heard, flocks a moving south.  All kinds of geese was on the move.  We also seen the big sea gull, pelicans, as well as the cormorant, making their south.

As you know we listen to the weather stations real good.  So the boss tells me I should inform everyone, that the time and the weather, has got itself lined up for a few great shooting days.  Now this is not my predictions, because when I predict everything goes in the tank, but Ralph says Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, are all powder burning days.

Summery of the day is, we are seeing a few birds that have moved into the area.  With the wind today it was sporting shooting.  When there is a wind they do find, a fast escape route. 

Will let ya go, but please check back.  Also say a prayer for our troops.  It is getting close to Veterans Day, so if possible say a prayer for them too.

See ya.   Carl

INFO AND PICTURE

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Yesterday I neglected two things.  First off I was wanting to say that we will be leaving the cafe a 5:45 with the time change.  We have been getting to the pits a little early, but have held off until daylight saving time ended, to make the adjustment.  Again we will leave the café at 5:45

 The second thing I did not post a picture of Remmy, but have had so many comments, phone calls, and E Mails, on last evening report, that I feel I should have posted the picture I took for Kyle’s scrapbook.   So the picture, is Remmy and the bird he brought back to the blind, plus the other two that Robert and Kyle had harvested.

No action today as far as shooting. But we were seeing late in the day a good movement of snow and blues and specks.  I am guessing at least 10 flocks total.  

I guess this all I can report today, but remember say a little prayer for our hero’s.  who are serving us and please check back.

See Ya    Carl

A Boy and His Dog

Been awhile since I updated you.  But there has only been a duck or two to talk about.  Today's story is more personal than informative. 

I had grandson Kyle with me today.  And what made it special, Kyle has a pup, that has had a rough life.  See first off this pup only a few day old was found in the middle of a busy road.  A young lady found him, and nursed him back to life and raised him to the age where he was off the bottle.  My son in law was looking for a pup for my grandson, and soon the two, pup and Dad met up.  Well Kyle was the one place in charged of the new addition to the family.  They named him Remington, but shortened it to Remmy.  The two of them,  become a team.  They done everything together, and went everywhere together.

Late last winter, while playing out in the country, there was a very serious accident.  The pup was not used to playing out side and to fear thing much larger than he.  Anyway this pup got run over by a pickup with a snow plow on the front of it.  He was rushed to the vet, clinging to life only by the help of his master.  See Kyle was assisting him, in his breathing, but he was still was breathing when they got to the vet.  They were giving the news they didn't want to hear, but they already knew.  It would be a miracle, if he was to survived.  The miracle, was granted and Remmy pulled through.

Well today was Remmy's first day in the duck blind.  Just over a year old, so we were not expecting to much.  Of course we had to put him into the blind, but once in the pit he made him self at home.  I really expected him to be all over the  pit, but he settled down like an experienced hunting dog.  Soon after legal shooting the guys in my pit said we have some geese in the decoys.  Of course plans were being made on the, sneak of these birds.  Both Kyle and Robert had waders, and was eager for attempt to harvest these bird, as the rest of us watched.  This was also, Kyle's first day of ever having waders, on a duck hunt.  And this task of getting geese out of the decoys was as new to him as being in a blind was to his dog.  But with orders being shouted to him as he and Robert made their way out to the decoys in the lake.  When they got close and the geese got a little nervous, we started encouraging them to shoot.  But these two sportsman waited until they were off the earths surface, then opened up.  Four shots rang out and three geese lay feet up in the pond.  I helped Remmy out of the blind and Kyle called him, and Remmy charged out to Kyle like he was a pro retriever.  With a little encouragement Remmy picked one of them up and proudly brought it back to the blinds.  It was nice the birds were little Cacklers, and not a ten pound Canada, but never the less Remmy, proudly handled this job. 

Before the day ended Remmy had mastered entering and exiting the blinds, by him self.  He ages several weeks today.  But grandpa thinks the boy did too.

That is all we harvested and almost all we saw, but will be a memorable day to some of us.

As always, remember the troops in your bed time prayers, tonight.

Also remember to check back

See ya.  Carl

WAS A POWDER BURNING DAY

Would like to say, that the day started off with a bang, but that is not it.  At about 2 minutes before legal we had 3 nice Whitefronts right in here.  Well I am sure you all know by now, that the duck shooting goes on hold when something like that happens.  And to make it even worst the ducks were diving in and out of here from several directions.  If they lined up right on the runway, they were pulling right over the north pits head, very low, and that shot, is never a smart move.  With no shortage of duck, you can't even complain. 

We have had several flocks of Specks in the area, and some giving us a pretty good look.  Most of them are high, riding the wind.  Have got into one little bunch of three, knocking them all down, but still trying to find one of them.

We have. A much bigger crew today so we are working the duck a little harder. We had one huge flock of (250-400), we had one great shot on.  They were riding the wind and the turned right in front of the blinds, giving us a fun shot.  The kill was not what one would expect, but it was a fun shot anyway.

At about 11:30 we got into our first, big Mallards for the year.   Nice red legs on these dudes.  Decoyed in so pretty, but with this wind they vacate the area, so fast.  With overcast skies that keeps them hid so well, that they seem to appear out of nowhere.  Folded up, just dropping. Not giving the hunters the most time to ready for a fast shot.

The weather is just what the average person really believes is the perfect day to harvest waterfowl.  Heavy skies spitting rain.  That is not, usually how it pans out on a good hunting day, but it is working today.  We love the wind, but most of the time the moisture puts the halt to the birds moving. 

At 12:00 noon, had a mass of specks, that we thought were Snow & Blues.  Big V after  Big V.  As I write this we have to have 1-2,000 specks flying over us.  Guess the snow has everything on the move.  We have seen; cormorant, pelican, gulls, all kinds of ducks and geese, except the Canada's.  We just don't understand why we are not seeing any of those birds.  Last few years, the Canada is the the bird we harvest.  We still are in awe, of the number of specks we are seeing today.  Many many thousands

I asked the Boss, if he had kept track of the number of go-a-rounds we have had on ducks, today.  He laughed and implied it has to be 15-18 go-a-round.  I am hearing rumors of the need for restocking the shell supply.  But what fun. 

A closing thought.  Boss said he has never seen that many Whitefronts in one day before.  And that statement, covers a lot of years.  We see a lot of Specks, in the spring, but nothing like we seen today.  Heard from platte river hunters and they had the same report.  Thousands and thousands of Specks.  Someplace is really getting shorted on them birds this year, because "population explosion" just can't be the answer, to what we seen, in this movement, today.  

remember the troops tonight Please

Check back 

and we will see ya    Carl              

ONE VERY EXCITING DAY

We have had a great aerial duck show this morning.  Both big and little ducks.  Have see even some mallards. Will have all the limits we can have here in a couple minutes.would not be stretching it if I said we had 25 shootable flock between legal and 7:30.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday should be days to remember.  Best be making arrangements for, a hunt. 

We just had a flock in tight enough that one gun just took 4 out of a flock by him self.  

Lacking one duck and we are limited out on ducks for the crew.   We are done on ducks, at 8:02. I agree we are short on hunters, but i can never remember of that ever happening before.  The boss said we could have polished off a box and a half of shell before 8:15.  He is not to far off on that statement.  Just need some people.  I have not shot, because I have all the ducks in my freezer that I want.

Had help walk in, so have another limit to fill  he is going to fill his own limit. 

We needed one more duck and stuck around for a long time trying for it.  Just think, call up just to check, get talked into hurrying to the pits.  Told you have to kill your own limit, and leave a couple hours latter with 5 birds.  Years ago that happened to me with whitefronts, but the limit was one bird.  I was there about 20 minutes. 

Did see one nice flock of about 30 whitefronts, that give is a good look, went south about 2-3 miles, then come back, only to break our heart again.  They just love to do that.  I really believe that is why God invented them.  You know, to humble hunters.  In the fall they won't get within 300 yards of a shotgun, in the spring they cuttle right up to your blind. 

If tomorrow is better, it will be a fun day.  I know I wouldn't miss tomorrow for NUTTIN.

We headed home at about 2:00.  But one great day.  To bad we didn't have a few more hunters.  The boss thinks, we could of shot up about 2 1/2- 3 boxes apiece if we had wanted to today.  Was some great sights, great shots, and some lasting memories of a day that might have been.  Of course I can hear wings again, with these new ears, and we had some flocks of teal, that I think I could of heard without hearing aids.  50 birds at 3 feet over your head, make a loud noise, as they dive the lake. 

Empty Pit Alert

We come home early from the pits today. But the boss just called me asking me to alert everyone that he has had a couple call stating. 

That since around 1:00 there are birds in the air.  Big push of Pintails and some Whitefronts, on the move

We were spotting some duck, moving down the river high, just before we abandon the pits. Guess, we had starred into the clear skies with no success for several hours, and though there were better things to do, so come home. 

Maybe you should think of coming to the pits, Monday if nothing better to do. Since this is so short and have not reported it, here is a picture of the Speck we shot a few days back.  This picture was taken by Bub Walters. 

Remember to say a little prayer for the troops tonight.

Keep checking back please.  Some how we are going to get this season underway one of these

Our Migration Has Started

Well we found out just why we are out in the pits!  We actually took the guns out of the racks and shouldered them, a few times today.  Still have the opening day jitters, and not connecting to well.  But at least there are a few empties in the trash cans.

We still had strong winds and heavy clouds, today,  just like the two preceding day, but there were birds in them clouds, today.  Early this morning we heard some Specks, and then we seen a flock or two.  The Canada's were absent, but we were getting some shots at ducks.  Green-wing teal then some Gadwall, Wigeon, and last but not the least, a couple flocks of Pintails.  We knocked down some very pretty Pintail drakes. 

The birds are doing just what the boss said they would do.  The shots have been right out in front, great shots.  The decoying has been better than the shooting, but we are having fun, none the less.

Shortly after 1:00 we started seeing the whitefronts, moving.  They were riding the wind and were high.  Did turn a few out of one bunch, but that was it.  Also seen a flock of Canada's.   So we had ducks in the morning and geese in the afternoon.

Remember the troops in your bed time prayers, and please check back. 

Just a reminder:  I wouldn't miss tomorrow fro nuttin.

See ya.   Carl   

Started slow, but ended in fun

Need to up date you on the events of today.  Most of the early morning we could hear the rumblings from up north.  Later in the morning we began to get reports of the northern spreads, killing there limits of ducks.  We were seeing, just a very few ducks.  Then the reports were they were closing up and heading to the house.  Also there were reports, that the, "North land hunters" were seeing whitefronts.  We were seeing none of this action.  We did have a little action on real small flocks small ducks.  I think we jumped up a couple times on them.  Then we heard some specks, and then seen a couple more flocks of them.  They were all high birds but at least we were getting to see some birds.

Then, just before noon, I stood up and had the broom corn knock the battery door off one of my bionic ears.  So in the process of me trying to find that door and battery I had both front and rear flap up, when I heard we had a goose sneaking in on us.  So we dumped a few loads at him.  Then we had a group of four sneak in on us from the east, and again I was searching for a battery door.  We had a great shot at them, but no one was ready to shoot, so we had to call them off the water, for a less than great shot. 

So I am saying we are at least seeing some birds.  The reports of the last couple of days, are indicating that our Speck push is very near and duck in the area.  We even seen a couple big mallards today too. 

As always please say a little prayer for the troops tonight, at your bedtime. 

Please check back and hoping I have a more exciting report tomorrow.  As I said the signs are it is building for a good days in the near future.

See ya. Carl

weather condition were great, shootins was slow

The day started off with excitement, but hammering was not that great.  The first thing we kicked some Canada's off the pond.  Right after legal time we had about 8 big mallards, almost made the fatal mistake.  But some how they escaped with out any harm.  Then about 7:30 we had around a dozen big ones come low and slow from the north.  We are sure, they were the ones we had kicked off the pond early.  They hooked up so nice and we where making plans on how we were going to cook them.  They were just over the road, when they got scared.  We tried hard on the horns, but they were to shook up to give us a chance.  Then about 8:00 we had a little flock of blue wing that hit the water right in front of the pits, out about 30 yards.  The boss was on the horn so I called the shot.  I guessed I surprised everyone, that I was calling the shot, so a very disorganized shot.  Then is when I found out, I was so busy organizing my pit I had not put shells, in the smoke pole.  They did down 2.  Boy, did they ever get talked to, cause how am to claim birds if they don't shoot, better than that.

We have had some of the most perfect shooting conditions today.  And have seen several flocks of birds, but most were pelicans and some loons.  Have seen a few ducks, but nothing like you would think you would see, with such great weather conditions.  I think we have had three go-a-rounds on ducks.  All were teal.

We closed up and headed to the house at about 2:00.  Had a great wind all day long, but just not the birds you would expect to have, this time of year and with the weather change, we have just gone through.

Remember the troops in your bedtime prayers, tonight and every night.      

Check back and we will see ya.   Carl

We are ready to go

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Have to get you updated on the fall season.  But the first order of business, is to say a big thank you, for all the help we had with the anniversary.   The card shower didn't get to what I wanted but it got so close.  I wanted them to get over 100 cards.  Got so close, the last I heard they had received 96, nice cards.  We still could reach that mark, because Ralph told me that they are still getting a few.  Thanks for your support.  Then the dinner we had.  Have had so many positive reports.  There was over 50 there that night.  I know the Kohlers were so happy of the turn out.   THANK YOU  THANK YOU

Now to the season.  Bird spotting at the lake has been slow, but that could be changing, with this cold front moving in, between today and the weekend.  Sounds like we may even see a flake or two of snow fall, on opening day.

All the corps have been harvested around the lake.  That is a first, not to have crop standing some place, as you scan the shore line.  One of the most different thing, of all.  The bean field that lies east of the lake, they have worked up and the planted winter wheat.  Just think of a 60 acre decoy, once we get some rain.  The geese love that wheat when it pop up, out of the ground.  Then if it is muddy they like to wash their feet too.  Could lead to a sore shoulder on a migrating day.

Departure time from the cafe is at 6:15 Saturday.  I should say again that we are meeting again at Tailgaters, except for Sundays.  Then we will be meeting at Buddies Mini Mart.  That is the first mini mart you come to when coming from the south.  They have a full breakfast, as well as what most mini marts have in the way of breakfast sandwiches.  Also some pastry, that I pretty tasty too. 

As usual, Ralph has worked his butt off in the lake.  I am going to say at least 60% of the lake is food.  Millet, Milo, and Buckwheat.  The lake looks great.  He also has pushed the bar that was in front of the pits, last year, out in the lake about another 40 yards.   We also have a little deeper water in front of the blinds.   

Hoping to see you during the season sometime.  As you know this is the Bosses last year of hunting. and as always; tonight in your bedtime prayers say one for the troops, that are protecting our freedom.  

See Ya   Carl

Inportant Date

The young couple pictured here are celebrating an amazing number of years of marriage on September 16th.  We are trying to make this event a memorable one for them.  First we are wanting a card shower for them.  I will include the address later.  Second we are having a Dutch treat meal at FAMOUS  DAVE'S  on Sunday evening September 16th at 5:00 P M. To celebrate 77 years of married life.  We will have a party room reserved, but we feel we should give this establishment an estimate number of bodies to expect.  So if you can possibly join us for the evening, PLEASE drop a line to either Lyle at gunsmoke@gpcom.net or me at ducks.r.dead@huntel.net. 

Also if you have an idea that someone you know that may want to join us in this celebration, by either sending a card, or joins us for the meal, again please, hit forward, and send this invite on, with our love and blessing. 

I know some, that are receiving this E-mail live so far away, or other issues that attending the meal is out, but please, send them a card, we all have great memories of this couple, and sure wanting to pass on, your blessings too.   

The Kohlers address is:           

820 Q street.

Tekamah Nebr.

68061

Dinner address is:

Famous Dave's BB'Q

12020 Anne Street

Omaha, Nebr.

This is in the South West Corner of 120th & L Street.

Also, I have to report this is the final year that Ralph will be hunting.  So if you are wanting to hunt with " the legend " you will have to "Get R Done".  Ralph and Dorothy, are going to retire in California, after this years hunting is complete.  As I am sure most of you know Ralph will be turning 95 in January, so I feel he is old enough to make that decision.

 I am forced, to say he will be missed, but I also have to say, I have enough memories, from hunts there, that will fill out my life.  His insight into, how and where the decoys, will never be matched.  The memories of tough days, when birds would not look at you, and his talent, of making that little adjustment, that turned that day around, will always astonish me.  Both sets looked the same to me, but they didn't to the birds.  The great days, and yes some of the bad days too, I will remember.  Enough of that, I just can't go there, yet.

Remember, if you will please, grab a card, and get it in the mail for their anniversary.  I thank you. 

Kohler Dinner

Should of had this posted several day ago.  Questions and memory has got into my way

But plans for the Kohler Dinner are complete. 

It is again at Anthony's just off the interstates on 72nd St.

It is May 2nd, and that is on a Wednesday evening.

The time is 6:00 for cocktails dinner is 6:45

On the menu they have; the Top Sirloin, Prime Rib, Salmon Wedge, Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Don't have prices of meals price include your tip ETC.

 They are asking you to either bring cash or pay by checks.  They can not handle credit cards

Again, no dress code

Again so sorry this is so late,

All about Chocolate today

Today's story, is more about people than hunting. Over the years there are hunters that just come back year after year. With the boss's years of hunting, some of those groups now are returning with their grandchildren. However that is not the root of this story. These groups and some individual have gained the knowledge, over the years, of his sweet tooth. From the candy isle in a store they pick up little rewards to share with him, on good day and bad days. His favorite is chocolate. Mostly I want to tell about, the "doggy biscuits" offering he receive after a well enjoyed shot. To help you understand better, in the fall lets say we decoy in 30 big Canada, for a good shot the Hershey's & Snickers are everyplace. Today, we had this crew from eastern Iowa, with a high school age, young lady, that we all wanted, to get a shot for her, in the worst away and today was the very last chance. After enduring two "no shot" days in a row, two blues give her, and her and old smoke pole, the chance, to go into action. We were all very happy, as you should be. Well here comes out of one of their hunting bag this huge Hershey candy bar, and she was sent, to the bosses blind with it in hand. I was not ready with the camera for the delivery, but I got his response, captured in a picture. He quickly grabs, a little one out of his stash, and this big one, with a jewel of a remark, as how he is treated. Something about how he was treated yesterday and this today. It was a gem. Just had to post the picture.

As I say we harvested two blues before the 80+ degree weather sent us home.

Say a prayer for out troops that are protecting us, and please check back. Sounds like we are going to try to stick it out for at least this next week

See Ya Carl

Was a little more normal today

I will try to catch you up on the past few days. the last posting I had stated, that we had harvested 6 birds. Well most everybody, had gone home. but there were a couple stuck around. they were rewarded with a shot. They took two more, bring the days total up to 8. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, each day we took a bird each day. Today i had to leave the blinds, early again. But when I left, at about 1:00 they had 5 in the bag. Had two go-a-rounds. shooting was not the best, but i can not say anything, because I never do good on that shot.
Do have to say we have had some great sunrises, these past few days. With the fog almost daily, or maybe I should call it River Haze, because the air temp has been so warm, but it has been a producer of some great sunrises. Just have to include one this evening.
I best get this posted, so please send a little prayer to all the young hero, that are serving our nation. Also please check back.
See Ya Carl

REPORTS OF BIRDS TO COME

Has been just a little slow in the pits for the past few days. A couple of days that have not been reported. Thursday; There were plenty of birds but we just could not get them to finish for a good shot. The Boss called a couple long shots that proved not to be to successful. In my mind he was feeling that us shooters felt that we could kill those birds. Well either they were to far as he says, or we are not to good of shots. Maybe it was both, but we only killed two. Friday; Tons of birds, and they flew for hours. I am not stretching it much when I say the airlines don't fly that high. We could only see the snows, as tiny white dots. There were string after string. Quite the Ariel show.

Today; We had a big flock of geese in the lake, for the first time this spring. Now I mean more that a dozen, when I say first time. But I think we had three go a rounds today. Was just a few birds on each go a round. We bagged a total of 6.

Reports today that at Riverton Reserve, in south west Iowa still had, a very big number of birds. We are looking for some young dumb ones, maybe they will decoy and we can get some number in the bag.

Sunday morning we start daylight saving time. Departure from town will be 6:30. WOW I feel rested already.

This is late so best get it posted. As always, remember the troops in your prayers tonight. Also please check back.

Let ya go and we'll see ya. Carl

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