I have not posted anything for a long time. It has been a busy summer for me. I will go into that later.
For the first time in several years, Ralph did not move the pits. However he moved the lake some. Across from, just in front of the pits, he move the east shore line, back about 40 to 50 yards. It, no longer looks like you could kill a bird sitting on the shore line. In fact it looks like that the ducks can swing, off the decoys and not fly over any land, as they turn to the East, and come back to the decoys. I like the look, but I am not making any predictions. It sure has opened up the lake for the big boys, and give them plenty of room to come up through the lake. The bar, that was off to your right and a little behind, when you were setting in the blinds, is no longer there. He has moved all that dirt and I can not tell you just where it is now, but it is gone. I think he has had, some big equipment in there, and done some packing too.
Pappa Goose, and Dorthy, have weathered the summer pretty good, too. I think they have went out to the lake almost everyday, just as they have, in years past. They also have all the decoys cleaned and painted.
From what we are hearing, our season will be getting under way, a little later. I think they have a meeting in August, but sound like they have made up their minds and everything opens October 11th. If that holds up, we will miss out on, most of the early ducks, and Canada's. I guess we can hope the Big Boys, decide to settle in and stick around for a while. On the postive side, all the mosquito's, should be dead by then.
As for me. I had my right knee replaced on June 2nd. The Dr. assured me that I would be able to go to the pits, come October. I was a little unsure he knew, what he was talking about. After all, I am over weight and on the upper end of, lifes ruler. Well believe me when I say he was right, I mean it. I have made a fantastic recovery. I quit using my cruches, started going up and down steps, like most people do, and started to drive the car all in the third week after surgery. The first two and half weeks was pure hell but since them it has all been worth it. I keep telling people, if I had felt this good when I retired, I would have not retired. So I am saying that I will not only be there on opening day, but am sure, I will be bringing the smoke pole too. I have no pain, when walking, any more. I don't know what will happen, when there is, gumbo hanging on my shoes. I guess we will find out.
As always, say a bed time prayer, for all the young people that are protecting our country
Check back in a few weeks, we will be back in action. I will make another posting when the dates are definent.
See Ya Carl
.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Didn't get a date posted
So sorry, that I goofed, but I got an E-Mail this morning stating that I have not posted a date for the Kohler Banquet.
So it is MAY 9 2008 at ANTHONY'S STEAK HOUSE at 72nd and F.
So sorry about that, but it would not me if I didn't screw up something.
Let you go.
Se ya there.
Carl
So it is MAY 9 2008 at ANTHONY'S STEAK HOUSE at 72nd and F.
So sorry about that, but it would not me if I didn't screw up something.
Let you go.
Se ya there.
Carl
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Kohler Banquet
Got a notice from, Jerry Johnson, on the annual Kohler Spring Banquet.
For those of you, that have never attended, this a fun and, very entertaining evening. We have this evening every year, under the disguise, as a way to say “thank you” to our wives or girl friend, for letting us to go hunting all fall and spring, while they set at home and was bored to death watching the TV. Don’t tell them, it is really, another chance for us to get together and brag on our shooting, claim that this pile of game was really shot by you, and a host of other unfinished topics, we have come up with, since departing from the blinds. Please also remember, there is no one that we want to exclude. If you want to show up PLEASE do.
As I have said in years past, “there is a very stick dress code” Sports Coats, Suits, Neck Ties, Jeans, Larry The Cable Guy shirts are all optional. However, Camo Caps, Hip Wader, and all your bird calls, hunting dogs, are all forbidden. Cubs Caps are OKEY if worn with the bill covering you nose, not the back of your neck. No Cardinal caps, Please.
I am not sure as just what the program is going to be for this eevening, but am sure we will have another try at playing the recording of Ralph “acceptance speech” he gave at the Legend of the Outdoors Hall of Fame Banquet. This was one great speech and is worthy of the time it takes to watch.
Jerry, sent out a very nice invitation, and I wish I was talented enough to copy and paste it to this posting. However, I have got it scanned into my computer, if any or you wish a copy, please E-Mail me, and I will forward it to you. Jerry incorporated a picture of “the Boss” on this invite. Great Job Jerry, it looks very nice.
Jerry also has set up a nice meal for us, so I will give all the important info to you
LOCATION: Anthony’s Steak House,
72nd and F Street
Omaha, Nebraska
Time: 6:00 PM Conversation and Refreshments
6:45 PM Dinner
MENU: Broiled Salmon Filet
Prime Rib (10 oz )
Top Sirloin (12oz )
Price range from $23.00 to $26.50
These prices covers complete dinner, condiments, Coffee or soft drinks,
Taxes and gratuity
This is a Friday evening and in years past, Anthony’s has had a band over on the dance floor, and some in the past have taken advantage of this, and waltz the evening away.
God Bless, all of you as well as all the troops.
See Ya Carl
For those of you, that have never attended, this a fun and, very entertaining evening. We have this evening every year, under the disguise, as a way to say “thank you” to our wives or girl friend, for letting us to go hunting all fall and spring, while they set at home and was bored to death watching the TV. Don’t tell them, it is really, another chance for us to get together and brag on our shooting, claim that this pile of game was really shot by you, and a host of other unfinished topics, we have come up with, since departing from the blinds. Please also remember, there is no one that we want to exclude. If you want to show up PLEASE do.
As I have said in years past, “there is a very stick dress code” Sports Coats, Suits, Neck Ties, Jeans, Larry The Cable Guy shirts are all optional. However, Camo Caps, Hip Wader, and all your bird calls, hunting dogs, are all forbidden. Cubs Caps are OKEY if worn with the bill covering you nose, not the back of your neck. No Cardinal caps, Please.
I am not sure as just what the program is going to be for this eevening, but am sure we will have another try at playing the recording of Ralph “acceptance speech” he gave at the Legend of the Outdoors Hall of Fame Banquet. This was one great speech and is worthy of the time it takes to watch.
Jerry, sent out a very nice invitation, and I wish I was talented enough to copy and paste it to this posting. However, I have got it scanned into my computer, if any or you wish a copy, please E-Mail me, and I will forward it to you. Jerry incorporated a picture of “the Boss” on this invite. Great Job Jerry, it looks very nice.
Jerry also has set up a nice meal for us, so I will give all the important info to you
LOCATION: Anthony’s Steak House,
72nd and F Street
Omaha, Nebraska
Time: 6:00 PM Conversation and Refreshments
6:45 PM Dinner
MENU: Broiled Salmon Filet
Prime Rib (10 oz )
Top Sirloin (12oz )
Price range from $23.00 to $26.50
These prices covers complete dinner, condiments, Coffee or soft drinks,
Taxes and gratuity
This is a Friday evening and in years past, Anthony’s has had a band over on the dance floor, and some in the past have taken advantage of this, and waltz the evening away.
God Bless, all of you as well as all the troops.
See Ya Carl
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
The last of the Birds are gone
I know I haven’t posted an update for a few days, but there is a good reason. Monday and Tue were zero days and we shut down for Wednesday Thursday and Friday. On Saturday there was a crew of eight in, from eastern Ohio that hunted with us through Monday. What a weekend. All the juvies showed up and responded to the calling system as good as we have ever seen. It didn’t seam to make any different whether the were flying a mile high or coming out of the fields, they responded, to the call. The decoying was unbelievable and got right down into, our working range. Shell were of a premium especially on Saturday, I had anticipated the season was over and had hauled my stock home, and had to make a run to town to retrieve them, just over a case. Good thing that Wal-Mart was open all night, for shells for Sunday’s shoot. The sights we seen out over our decoys is something that I will remember for the rest of my lift. The down side to this, was the problem of dressing of all these birds, after we shut down for the day. Made it impossible for me to also put out a report. We made our adjusted projected goal, of 400 and almost made it to the 500 number. Eastern Ohio will be back in Nebraska next year.
Now just what would you expect my report would read like, on 4-1 if not like above, yep April Fools.
The facts. We haven’t hunted since Tue the 25th. I had some home job to take care of and hadn’t even spoken to Pappa Goose until this morning. He said I was like a blister, I showed up after the work was done. I didn’t find out if he had any help or not, but he has all the decoys pulled, all the speakers picked up. He told me on Tue that that mud had to set a few days, before walking in it, to pick up decoys. I took him at his word, and worked on my honey do’s
As for all my projected numbers, I missed every one so far, this season, that I will never make another prediction, for at least 3 weeks.
So if the Good Lord is willing, I will be putting out reports again next season and of any thing that may need telling, until then. There is a Kohler dinner in the works, so if you are one, that does not get a invitation, please keep checking back, because if you want to come you are more than welcome, and I will make a posting, as to when and where that is, when I get the info.
So always remember the Men and Women that are protecting our country in your evening prays, until we hook up again.
So will see ya
Carl
Now just what would you expect my report would read like, on 4-1 if not like above, yep April Fools.
The facts. We haven’t hunted since Tue the 25th. I had some home job to take care of and hadn’t even spoken to Pappa Goose until this morning. He said I was like a blister, I showed up after the work was done. I didn’t find out if he had any help or not, but he has all the decoys pulled, all the speakers picked up. He told me on Tue that that mud had to set a few days, before walking in it, to pick up decoys. I took him at his word, and worked on my honey do’s
As for all my projected numbers, I missed every one so far, this season, that I will never make another prediction, for at least 3 weeks.
So if the Good Lord is willing, I will be putting out reports again next season and of any thing that may need telling, until then. There is a Kohler dinner in the works, so if you are one, that does not get a invitation, please keep checking back, because if you want to come you are more than welcome, and I will make a posting, as to when and where that is, when I get the info.
So always remember the Men and Women that are protecting our country in your evening prays, until we hook up again.
So will see ya
Carl
Sunday, March 23, 2008
For the third day in a row, we set the third highest kill for the season. Had several bunches try to get in and with the loaners that we sent Kev, “the undertaker” out on, and he brought back. We totaled 20, so there was some action, and a few shell shot. They are so spookie this year, and we are just not getting then down over the water. The ones that come in and lit, the singles, did set down in the water and not on the shore line.
Ralph has the spread looking so good, as usual, but there is something they are not liking.
Well since this is Saturday I best get this posted, and do my Saturday nigh out thing with my wife. We are not hunting tomorrow, because it is Easter Sunday, so there will be no report .
Remember to keep the troops in your bedtime prayers
See Ya Carl
I don't know what I done wrong, but this did not post last evening. Got a phone call and told me he knew we had got birds, and there was not report up, so I checked and there wasn't. I don't know what I did wrong. I always do it in word and then move it over so I had last evening thoughts.
I am going to blame it all on my wife, because she was hurring me to go get fed and watered, I must have missed a step some place along the way. So here is is late, sorry. CM
Ralph has the spread looking so good, as usual, but there is something they are not liking.
Well since this is Saturday I best get this posted, and do my Saturday nigh out thing with my wife. We are not hunting tomorrow, because it is Easter Sunday, so there will be no report .
Remember to keep the troops in your bedtime prayers
See Ya Carl
I don't know what I done wrong, but this did not post last evening. Got a phone call and told me he knew we had got birds, and there was not report up, so I checked and there wasn't. I don't know what I did wrong. I always do it in word and then move it over so I had last evening thoughts.
I am going to blame it all on my wife, because she was hurring me to go get fed and watered, I must have missed a step some place along the way. So here is is late, sorry. CM
Friday, March 21, 2008
Again today, a third high total, for the spring shoot, has been set. Also we passed over the first threshold or plateau. Was a better day than most have been for the year, but not what you would call a great day on average for a spring day shoot.
About ten minutes before legal time, was the best opportunity, but we had to pass on it. We had a big flock down in there, better than any other, large flock all season, but you just have to pass on them, when it is that many minutes early. Was a bitter pill to swallow.
The most positive thing about today was: for what we seen or had decoy, we probably average a better bag limit, than most days. We, or the guys, did make there shots count. Not many birds flew out of the spread, today. We were low on shooters and had 11 in the bag when it was all over. The count is now, up over a 100, so we are whizzing right up there.
Just was not many birds, moving today. If the Feds, are tell us the truth on the birds at Squaw Creek, they set tight today. Most of the time when there is a wind like we had today, they love to fly into it and we would have seen them. I know there was a heavy cloud cover, and that hurts, but you would have bet, we would have seen more than we did.
Best get this posted so say a prayer for our hero and please check back
See Ya Carl
About ten minutes before legal time, was the best opportunity, but we had to pass on it. We had a big flock down in there, better than any other, large flock all season, but you just have to pass on them, when it is that many minutes early. Was a bitter pill to swallow.
The most positive thing about today was: for what we seen or had decoy, we probably average a better bag limit, than most days. We, or the guys, did make there shots count. Not many birds flew out of the spread, today. We were low on shooters and had 11 in the bag when it was all over. The count is now, up over a 100, so we are whizzing right up there.
Just was not many birds, moving today. If the Feds, are tell us the truth on the birds at Squaw Creek, they set tight today. Most of the time when there is a wind like we had today, they love to fly into it and we would have seen them. I know there was a heavy cloud cover, and that hurts, but you would have bet, we would have seen more than we did.
Best get this posted so say a prayer for our hero and please check back
See Ya Carl
Thursday, March 20, 2008
One plateau to fall
Well we had a little action today. I know it seems trivial, but we had the third best day, today on snows. This is not forever, but for this year. This is no small accompaniment. See if you have birds you don’t have any wind, if you have the wind there is no birds.
We are getting dangerously close to the 100 birds mark. Down to less than a half dozen flocks to get that hurtle, behind us. Has been a real struggle to reach that goal, but with today’s nine, we are into the 90’s now. Again today, we got report from Squaw Creek, and they have stuck with their story of having over a million birds. Their quote is a “million plus”. This is coming from a federal agency, so I have to trust their word. We have not been seeing as many birds, as we have in the past, but with those numbers we just can give up hope.
Have a friend that wants to bet a steak supper that we will reach the 250 number. Well I am considering his bet. That is $20.00 for a steak and that would be a small price to pay for just a little shooting. Also I have a bad history of winning bets, so how could I loose.
I neglected to tell you, of another kill we had yesterday. Late yesterday morning we discovered that my blind was infested with a saber tooth field rodent. This was one of the long fanged species. So I mover out all of my hunters out (really they bailed out with out me suggesting them to do so) And I stayed behind, for the battle. He showed his teeth several times, but he was no match for this old hunter. Pappa goose refuses to count it as a kill, but I am still lobbying and just may persuade him yet.
Nothing else to report so will close this.
Remember all our services men and women that are serving our great country
See Ya Carl
We are getting dangerously close to the 100 birds mark. Down to less than a half dozen flocks to get that hurtle, behind us. Has been a real struggle to reach that goal, but with today’s nine, we are into the 90’s now. Again today, we got report from Squaw Creek, and they have stuck with their story of having over a million birds. Their quote is a “million plus”. This is coming from a federal agency, so I have to trust their word. We have not been seeing as many birds, as we have in the past, but with those numbers we just can give up hope.
Have a friend that wants to bet a steak supper that we will reach the 250 number. Well I am considering his bet. That is $20.00 for a steak and that would be a small price to pay for just a little shooting. Also I have a bad history of winning bets, so how could I loose.
I neglected to tell you, of another kill we had yesterday. Late yesterday morning we discovered that my blind was infested with a saber tooth field rodent. This was one of the long fanged species. So I mover out all of my hunters out (really they bailed out with out me suggesting them to do so) And I stayed behind, for the battle. He showed his teeth several times, but he was no match for this old hunter. Pappa goose refuses to count it as a kill, but I am still lobbying and just may persuade him yet.
Nothing else to report so will close this.
Remember all our services men and women that are serving our great country
See Ya Carl
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
We started out the day with some excitement and had visions of a great day. Had 4 that got circling our decoys, about 15 min before shooting time and then joined up with another pair, and continued for another 10 minutes before making a fatal mistake and got to close. When the smoke cleared there was still, two a flying. The troops are still suffering from, early season jitters, and don’t shoot the best. But this is still how the year is going. We started the day with no wind, a lot of ice, ground fog, and then get into birds; you just get the feeling that this could be the day. The weather forecast, was for clear skies, south winds, at 15 MPH, and over a million birds just 90 miles south of us. This appears to be a recipe for good to great day. Seen some flocks but, nothing like you would think on this type of day.
Got into some stranglers, through out the morning, bring our grand total up to a whopping 7. Then the afternoon the clouds moved back in and then the skies were barren, of birds again.
May have to lower my projections to a mere 100 birds. The only bright spot, for the season is the fact so many birds are still south of us.
Well this is all the complaining I should do, for one day so will get this posted
Please remember to say a prayer for the troops that are serving us.
See Ya Carl
Got into some stranglers, through out the morning, bring our grand total up to a whopping 7. Then the afternoon the clouds moved back in and then the skies were barren, of birds again.
May have to lower my projections to a mere 100 birds. The only bright spot, for the season is the fact so many birds are still south of us.
Well this is all the complaining I should do, for one day so will get this posted
Please remember to say a prayer for the troops that are serving us.
See Ya Carl
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
We got some clear skies, also a good north wind and still a small number. in the bag. They just have our number this year. It seems like we have, tried just about everything and they still out smart us. Didn’t see the most birds by a long shot, but had plenty that decoy to make it a good day out of it, if they would just finish. They are always just a few yards high or wide. A couple of times we landed some and the rest of the flock just flew off and left their friends setting on the ground. Most generally, when you get one to set down, the rest join it, or them. But that is not how it is this year. Sure hope they asked me to help bomb them. I owe some of them a favor, and I am up to making things right.
Just for the record we killed 4 today. 400, is beginning to look like an impossible number, too.
Say a prayer for the troops tonight and check back for some good news
See Ya Carl
Just for the record we killed 4 today. 400, is beginning to look like an impossible number, too.
Say a prayer for the troops tonight and check back for some good news
See Ya Carl
Monday, March 17, 2008
Things were just a little slow today as we expected it to be, with the moisture in the air. We got rain and some snow flurries, but none of it stayed. Just enough to make it real muddy around the pits.
Seen just a very few birds in the morning and then it clouded up and give us the moisture. After that moved out then we got a very few minutes of clearing skies and that is when we got into three little flocks of birds. Then the clouds moved back in and the moisture was back in the air.
For those few minutes of good hunting, we took 6 geese, but we have a couple more down that we should count, but didn’t.
With nothing else to report will get this posted. Please remember the troops in your night time prayers
See Ya Carl
Seen just a very few birds in the morning and then it clouded up and give us the moisture. After that moved out then we got a very few minutes of clearing skies and that is when we got into three little flocks of birds. Then the clouds moved back in and the moisture was back in the air.
For those few minutes of good hunting, we took 6 geese, but we have a couple more down that we should count, but didn’t.
With nothing else to report will get this posted. Please remember the troops in your night time prayers
See Ya Carl
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Unforgetable sights today
What a fun day. Was all froze up early and no wind to help things out. Finely the wind come up and the cleaning crew done a quick job of clearing us a nice water hole. All the time we had flock after flock of geese moving mostly from the north. It was a huge movement to the south. We understand there is new snow falling north and some fell, yesterday to the south, so they must be trapped in our area. After some decoy adjustment we started decoying some birds. When you got one flock started there were almost always, other flocks that joined in. Was very exciting, with flocks, numbering into the hundreds and some times into the thousands all circling our spread. Not always, did we get them, into harvesting range, but what a sight. Maybe I am getting to old, but to me, the decoying was enough to make me happy and the shooting was just gravy. Would like to get the bag numbers up, but the bag number is not everything. It would not be possible for me to begin to put a number on the birds we seen today. You had the feeling we seen every Snow Goose that has moves through this bottom this spring. Also makes you think that this season is never going to get the numbers down to where the Feds wants them.
Our bag total today was just 24, but I don’t think that anyone that stuck out the day was disappointed in the day. Had some hunter that had to head back home before things got going, and they missed out on a good day, and we feel for them. They drove a long way and should have got to enjoy the afternoon sights.
If you are wondering what happened to last evening report, well I didn’t get one posted. There were just to many problems. First off, I had some computer problems and could not get it to work, and I worked on it for a couple hours and called it all kinds of names that can’t be printed. Then all of a sudden it started working again. Then it was Saturday night and my sweetie demands we eat out so that takes some time. And this old man requires some bed time, because 4:00 comes pretty early. So when I got the Computer working again, I went to bed.
So the total for yesterday was only 3 birds, but they give us a great aerial show all day long. I should make comment that we had a few juvies and some Ross’s in the bag tonight. I am very sure that this is the first of both.
Have some other things to finish before bed time so must post this. Also I must let some of you no that I know I had, misspelled POLES on the last report, but once it is posted I am not smart enough to change it. When I check what I posted I seen it, but it was to late.
Say a prayer for all our Service men and women tonight and please check back
See Ya Carl
Our bag total today was just 24, but I don’t think that anyone that stuck out the day was disappointed in the day. Had some hunter that had to head back home before things got going, and they missed out on a good day, and we feel for them. They drove a long way and should have got to enjoy the afternoon sights.
If you are wondering what happened to last evening report, well I didn’t get one posted. There were just to many problems. First off, I had some computer problems and could not get it to work, and I worked on it for a couple hours and called it all kinds of names that can’t be printed. Then all of a sudden it started working again. Then it was Saturday night and my sweetie demands we eat out so that takes some time. And this old man requires some bed time, because 4:00 comes pretty early. So when I got the Computer working again, I went to bed.
So the total for yesterday was only 3 birds, but they give us a great aerial show all day long. I should make comment that we had a few juvies and some Ross’s in the bag tonight. I am very sure that this is the first of both.
Have some other things to finish before bed time so must post this. Also I must let some of you no that I know I had, misspelled POLES on the last report, but once it is posted I am not smart enough to change it. When I check what I posted I seen it, but it was to late.
Say a prayer for all our Service men and women tonight and please check back
See Ya Carl
Friday, March 14, 2008
The smoke poles burped some fire today
Well, we burnt some powder. There were casings and empty boxes in the garbage. They did decoy all the way in today. I can see the boss was right when he said “if you get all the ice out of the lake, you can decoy them birds”. Sure looks funny to me, when they don’t use the water anyway but if the water is frozen, they don’t like the land either, and that is where they want to land. The wind got all the ice out of the lake and they decoy right in but every bird that set down, landed in the decoys on the bank. They just don’t like flying over ice, is the way I see it.
We have reports that they have filled up Desoto Bend reserve south of here and there is still plenty of them in fields in the area that have sheet water standing, in them. Also the report there is still over a million at Squaw Creek. This should give us some good days in the near future.
We ended the day, with a total bag of 34, it was not anywhere near, a record but a good successful days hunt. There has been some days here in the past week we would have loved to ended us with a percent of that. I think the Goose Gods were just testing us.
We had one flock down in there that contained several hundred birds, and we had a marginal shot, but the boss opted for a great shot and we lost them. As one of our hunters said to me after we quit, “The sight was something that not many people get to see and to see it should instill memories for a life time”. I have to agree, with him. I have seen it several times and I remember ever one and can not tell you when we did shoot as to the number we took.
I have a dear friend, that don’t like it when I don’t give him all the details, of these great sights. So just for you Glen. We had a North wind at the time of about 10-12MPH, and we are looking to the north east, the main mass got to about 60 yards, a few lower, but they were scattered. They were all talking and look content, but just flew out. If we would have shot maybe a half dozen cripples, another round maybe 25 plus DIP. He made the right decision
Have to close this, so say a bed time prayer for the Troops and check back
See Ya Carl
We have reports that they have filled up Desoto Bend reserve south of here and there is still plenty of them in fields in the area that have sheet water standing, in them. Also the report there is still over a million at Squaw Creek. This should give us some good days in the near future.
We ended the day, with a total bag of 34, it was not anywhere near, a record but a good successful days hunt. There has been some days here in the past week we would have loved to ended us with a percent of that. I think the Goose Gods were just testing us.
We had one flock down in there that contained several hundred birds, and we had a marginal shot, but the boss opted for a great shot and we lost them. As one of our hunters said to me after we quit, “The sight was something that not many people get to see and to see it should instill memories for a life time”. I have to agree, with him. I have seen it several times and I remember ever one and can not tell you when we did shoot as to the number we took.
I have a dear friend, that don’t like it when I don’t give him all the details, of these great sights. So just for you Glen. We had a North wind at the time of about 10-12MPH, and we are looking to the north east, the main mass got to about 60 yards, a few lower, but they were scattered. They were all talking and look content, but just flew out. If we would have shot maybe a half dozen cripples, another round maybe 25 plus DIP. He made the right decision
Have to close this, so say a bed time prayer for the Troops and check back
See Ya Carl
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Just 395 to go
Just 395 to go.
In the past two days we have seen the most amazing, aerial show we have ever seen. Birds like you have never seen before. Flock followed by flock all morning and most of the first half of the afternoon. We have got the total kill whittled down to just 395 more to go. Now don’t get excited and feel we have, harvested 603 birds in the past two days. I have just changed the projected kill for the spring season down to 400 birds. That number may have to be changed again to a lesser number. They are as tough a bird to decoy as anyone has ever seen. We have had reports from all over this flyway, saying the same thing. No body is decoying them, nobody is killing them. We did kill 3 today, bringing our total kill for a week of hunting, up to 5.
Believe me, when I say there is no shortage of them. I have no idea just how many we have seen in the past two days, but reports are, there is still birds in Squaw creek, and the other day they had 1.4 million. From Squaw Creek they fan out, flying North, Northwest, and even West, so we don’t get all of them, however we have seen, an awful lot, of those birds. You would think one of these days, we would see some, young or old birds, non breeder type, that would decoy. If everything that has flown over, are breeders, they just as well give up on the conservation season, and bomb them, because there is to damn many, for hunters to try to thin out.
Enough complaining tonight, so will close this and get it posted.
Please say a little prayer, for all the young people, that is serving our country.
See Ya Carl
In the past two days we have seen the most amazing, aerial show we have ever seen. Birds like you have never seen before. Flock followed by flock all morning and most of the first half of the afternoon. We have got the total kill whittled down to just 395 more to go. Now don’t get excited and feel we have, harvested 603 birds in the past two days. I have just changed the projected kill for the spring season down to 400 birds. That number may have to be changed again to a lesser number. They are as tough a bird to decoy as anyone has ever seen. We have had reports from all over this flyway, saying the same thing. No body is decoying them, nobody is killing them. We did kill 3 today, bringing our total kill for a week of hunting, up to 5.
Believe me, when I say there is no shortage of them. I have no idea just how many we have seen in the past two days, but reports are, there is still birds in Squaw creek, and the other day they had 1.4 million. From Squaw Creek they fan out, flying North, Northwest, and even West, so we don’t get all of them, however we have seen, an awful lot, of those birds. You would think one of these days, we would see some, young or old birds, non breeder type, that would decoy. If everything that has flown over, are breeders, they just as well give up on the conservation season, and bomb them, because there is to damn many, for hunters to try to thin out.
Enough complaining tonight, so will close this and get it posted.
Please say a little prayer, for all the young people, that is serving our country.
See Ya Carl
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
998 to go
Was a rough day in the pits today,. as it has been for the past few days. However we did finely get into the birds today.
Almost all morning as well as the first half of the afternoon, the sky contained birds, and most of them were Snow and Blues. We could turn them, but they were just not interested in getting down into range. However depressing that may have of been, it was still better than not seeing any, or they never, give us a look, as it had been in the past. To be fair with us, the lake still has most it’s surface covered with ice. We have a water hole of only about one and a half to two acres. Most of the ice so rotten now that you can’t walk on it, so maybe tomorrow will wipe most of it out. It is all honey comb, but still about 3 to 4 inches thick.
This is getting real late for a start of action, but I am still sticking with Ralph’s prediction of a 1000 birds. As I stated above, we have just 998 birds to go. With 1.4 Million at squaw creek, and I am sure there are some still in Texas, I don’t think that is asking to much for us to have a mere 1000.
Hoping to hammer out another report tomorrow night so till then, keep the troops in your prayers and please check back
See Ya Carl
Almost all morning as well as the first half of the afternoon, the sky contained birds, and most of them were Snow and Blues. We could turn them, but they were just not interested in getting down into range. However depressing that may have of been, it was still better than not seeing any, or they never, give us a look, as it had been in the past. To be fair with us, the lake still has most it’s surface covered with ice. We have a water hole of only about one and a half to two acres. Most of the ice so rotten now that you can’t walk on it, so maybe tomorrow will wipe most of it out. It is all honey comb, but still about 3 to 4 inches thick.
This is getting real late for a start of action, but I am still sticking with Ralph’s prediction of a 1000 birds. As I stated above, we have just 998 birds to go. With 1.4 Million at squaw creek, and I am sure there are some still in Texas, I don’t think that is asking to much for us to have a mere 1000.
Hoping to hammer out another report tomorrow night so till then, keep the troops in your prayers and please check back
See Ya Carl
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Friday and Saturday, have been what we call slow days. Did see a few Snow and Blues yesterday, but never seen a one today. But on the brighter side, we had a south wind today and we got the start to a nice open water hole. My feeling is that the birds have the instinct that tells them that the fields are froze here yet, and the water holes are not open, so this morning they went and exercised out into the wind, which took them away from us. Well we have warmer weather coming our way tomorrow, Sunday, with a north west wind so I am expecting to see some activity in our area. There could be some of the fields that contain a considerable amount of snow melt, water, open up, as well the dirt will be thawing, so they will be able to start feeding in our area and our activity will be picking up. Once they start feeding here then they will start moving into this area. They are just to the south of us about 150 miles by the hundred of thousands. Have heard numbers like between, several hundred thousand to one million, and they all should come our way. Even if you cut that number in half and then divide it by two, it is still a big number of birds coming our way.
Since I like complaining I just have to say that the past two mornings have been down right cold. And it didn’t quit with being “just cold” in the morning yesterday; it stayed that way all day long. However it did get pretty nice this afternoon. The farmer just to the south of us, did decide to pump his hog confinement pit today, and even with a pretty good wind it still spiced up the air around the pits, most of the day. Sure was glad it wasn’t one of them days where you have a gentle breeze, from the south, or it may have drove us out of there, early this morning.
Can’t think of anything other news, to pass on so will let you go.
Say a prayer for the troops tonight, and please check back
See Ya Carl
Since I like complaining I just have to say that the past two mornings have been down right cold. And it didn’t quit with being “just cold” in the morning yesterday; it stayed that way all day long. However it did get pretty nice this afternoon. The farmer just to the south of us, did decide to pump his hog confinement pit today, and even with a pretty good wind it still spiced up the air around the pits, most of the day. Sure was glad it wasn’t one of them days where you have a gentle breeze, from the south, or it may have drove us out of there, early this morning.
Can’t think of anything other news, to pass on so will let you go.
Say a prayer for the troops tonight, and please check back
See Ya Carl
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The First day
We had a spectacular aerial show almost all day long. The Canada’s flew hard and heavy through the day. Small groups, large groups, very huge groups, you name it and we had that size flock. Some of the time you would bet that a flock that size just has to be Snows and Blues, but they always turned out to be dark geese. The feds just has to be thinking that there is a need for a spring season on them before they are in trouble too. I got an E-Mail where that the southern part of New York State has open a spring season on Canada’s and the central flyway has to get on the ball and do the same. I am almost sure that Nebraska does not have the room for the geese we seen today, to nest . It is oblivious, it does not take a very big water hole for a pair to nest on and every bird don’t nest, but we seen birds in number, today that is going to take a big area for them all to nest. The fact is, we have been seeing dark geese migrating for several days before today, and I am sure we will see plenty in the days to come.
The snows and blues were not visible from out vantage point today, but had numerous phone calls of a big push, both into and on north of the Mound City area of Missouri. That is just over a 100 miles south of us, so they have to be showing their selves here in the near future. They may have been some today if there had been some room in the sky, for them to fly in.
Did have a nice Sunrise this morning, so I am posting that picture. with this report.
For those of you that are interested, there is a very nice article on Ralph, in this months (March 2008) issue of Nebraska land Magazine. I was hoping that they were going to post it on their web sight and you could read it there. But I don’t think is going to happen. But if you Goggle “Nebraskaland Magazine”, they have instructions so you can order it. This article is 10 pages long. With some very interesting pictures. There is also going to be another article, in April’s issue, and that is on the K&W decoy, so that should be a keeper issue also.
Well must close this so please as always say a prayer for all the young men and women, that serve our great nation.
Please check back and
See Ya Carl
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
3-6-08 is the day
Well we begin to occupy the pits tomorrow. There is just a few Snow around this morning. It was very cold with the flurries, and that is all we got was flurries, but there was a very bitter cold wind, with it. Making you wish you were in the pits with the burner on. With a little sunshine that will all change, because they are just a few miles south of us. The calendar is saying they should be north of us, so when we get a sunshiny day they will be flying and that is all we need, to have a good day.
The most positive thing this morning was, they were pushing the decoy legs in, with out drilling, out on the bank of the lake. The frost is almost out and then it will start to dry out some. Speaking of the mud, be sure to bring foot ware that can handle mud, because that is what you are going to live in, out there this spring. Hope we can keep the blinds, half way respectful. It is going to be a job to do, but we will try.
As I said in the last report, we will be leaving the café at about 5:30, so if you are eating breakfast, please give the girls a break and get there with enough time for them to cook it and serve you, and you have time to eat before 5:30. Please help on this.
I will be putting out reports every day that we harvest birds. Now if there is a big storm that pushes through and shuts us down, I may not put out a report. Well if I can complain that just may unties me to post a story. I am not expecting that there will be to many boring days this spring. I am expecting some late report because I have to help dress a big bunch of birds. Now that is confidence speaking.
Well lets hope this the for runner to many action filled reports
Check back and keep the troops in your prayers
See Ya Carl
The most positive thing this morning was, they were pushing the decoy legs in, with out drilling, out on the bank of the lake. The frost is almost out and then it will start to dry out some. Speaking of the mud, be sure to bring foot ware that can handle mud, because that is what you are going to live in, out there this spring. Hope we can keep the blinds, half way respectful. It is going to be a job to do, but we will try.
As I said in the last report, we will be leaving the café at about 5:30, so if you are eating breakfast, please give the girls a break and get there with enough time for them to cook it and serve you, and you have time to eat before 5:30. Please help on this.
I will be putting out reports every day that we harvest birds. Now if there is a big storm that pushes through and shuts us down, I may not put out a report. Well if I can complain that just may unties me to post a story. I am not expecting that there will be to many boring days this spring. I am expecting some late report because I have to help dress a big bunch of birds. Now that is confidence speaking.
Well lets hope this the for runner to many action filled reports
Check back and keep the troops in your prayers
See Ya Carl
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Are you readdy for some fun
Well I guess we are going to go into action this next week. We have customers lined up for Thursday, but if you are wanting to go into action before give Ralph a call and get his input and he may decide to go into action before. He is the one that makes that call. As for the times. As always the Rule of thumb is We leave the Café about 1 ½ hours before sunrise. It takes about one hour to get from town to the pits, get the vehicles parked ETC. On Monday the sunrises at about 7:00 we can shoot about 6:30 there for we leave TAILGATATORS BAR AND GRILL AT 5:30.
As for bird activity, we have seen just a few Snows and Blues, but the Canada’s are flying very thick. Not all the snow is off the fields in our area yet, but we have temperatures forecast into the 50 today and tomorrow, so it should be history by Monday. Had reports that hunters in the Lincoln area are manning their battle stations, for this week end, and they have been seeing a few birds.
If hunting, in near future, be prepared for mud. It is going to be super muddy for a while, so you have been warned. The Boss is giving some though to an alternate form of transportation into the blinds, and we are working on that.
As for the Setup; It was setup with the Snow and Blues spring hunt in mind. The boss keeps saying if they come through here and we have the hunters on the days that the pushes occur, we should harvest 1000 birds this spring. How about breaking some daily records for snow and blues, like we did on Canada’s last fall. I’m up for a couple days with counts of a 100 plus. The thing I think will help is, the fact that all shots should be out in front, and very few shots straight up or behind. Also, all flock should be visible to the hunters before the shot is called. When the shot is behind, and you have to find the birds after you stand up, hurts your shooting. Going to be some fun days. Also remember you can remove your plug, install extension, and shoot till your gun is empty, in the spring. It is time to have a ball.
As always say a prayer for all the great people that are serving out country.
See Ya Carl
As for bird activity, we have seen just a few Snows and Blues, but the Canada’s are flying very thick. Not all the snow is off the fields in our area yet, but we have temperatures forecast into the 50 today and tomorrow, so it should be history by Monday. Had reports that hunters in the Lincoln area are manning their battle stations, for this week end, and they have been seeing a few birds.
If hunting, in near future, be prepared for mud. It is going to be super muddy for a while, so you have been warned. The Boss is giving some though to an alternate form of transportation into the blinds, and we are working on that.
As for the Setup; It was setup with the Snow and Blues spring hunt in mind. The boss keeps saying if they come through here and we have the hunters on the days that the pushes occur, we should harvest 1000 birds this spring. How about breaking some daily records for snow and blues, like we did on Canada’s last fall. I’m up for a couple days with counts of a 100 plus. The thing I think will help is, the fact that all shots should be out in front, and very few shots straight up or behind. Also, all flock should be visible to the hunters before the shot is called. When the shot is behind, and you have to find the birds after you stand up, hurts your shooting. Going to be some fun days. Also remember you can remove your plug, install extension, and shoot till your gun is empty, in the spring. It is time to have a ball.
As always say a prayer for all the great people that are serving out country.
See Ya Carl
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Preseason Report
Today is the 20th of February and this is the target date for opening the spring season. Well this winter just doesn’t want to go away, there is a wind chill out there of over –30 this morning, and very few decoys set. Ralph has some hunter lined up to hunt, in just a few days so I guess that gives one a little hope that spring is just around the corner. We have several inches of snow still on the ground and when it does warm up I am sure the geese will be right behind the thaw. So don’t lock the smoke pole in the storage locker, just yet. I purchased a case of shells and plan on using them all this spring. Looks like we are going to have to relied on ol’ mother nature, to give us a break, if it that happens, but I can still have some hope.
We do have a party planned to set decoys and clean blinds for this week end, so hope the weather warms just a little and the wind goes down some by then.
Since there is no hunting and for those of you that receive the Nebraskaland magazine, check it out the 2008 March issue. They have a 10 page article, in there on Ralph and there is more coming in the April issue. I understand the April story is more on the K-W decoys. There are a few great pictures. That should peak your interest. For those of you who don’t have a subscription, they do have them for sale, at some news stands. and there is always the internet. They do not have it posted yet, and I don’t have any idea as to when they will but keep checking the address is: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/nebland/, and I am sure it will be up soon. I need to tell you the day that reporter was there taking pictures, he worked for great pictures. We had a fair shoot that day and a great sunrise and he sat up on the hill waiting, in a cold wind, for an action shot. He finely gave up and come back to the warm pits, before the action got under way. He shot many pictures, so what ever direction he took the story, he would have a few picture, to supplement his point. What I am trying to say is, he worked hard for his story, and it shows as far as I am concerned.
Well, I will keep you posted on the activities here on the Tekamah bottom, in the mean time, keep your powder dry, and the troops in your prayers and maybe we can get this spring season underway here in a few days.
See ya Carl
We do have a party planned to set decoys and clean blinds for this week end, so hope the weather warms just a little and the wind goes down some by then.
Since there is no hunting and for those of you that receive the Nebraskaland magazine, check it out the 2008 March issue. They have a 10 page article, in there on Ralph and there is more coming in the April issue. I understand the April story is more on the K-W decoys. There are a few great pictures. That should peak your interest. For those of you who don’t have a subscription, they do have them for sale, at some news stands. and there is always the internet. They do not have it posted yet, and I don’t have any idea as to when they will but keep checking the address is: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/nebland/, and I am sure it will be up soon. I need to tell you the day that reporter was there taking pictures, he worked for great pictures. We had a fair shoot that day and a great sunrise and he sat up on the hill waiting, in a cold wind, for an action shot. He finely gave up and come back to the warm pits, before the action got under way. He shot many pictures, so what ever direction he took the story, he would have a few picture, to supplement his point. What I am trying to say is, he worked hard for his story, and it shows as far as I am concerned.
Well, I will keep you posted on the activities here on the Tekamah bottom, in the mean time, keep your powder dry, and the troops in your prayers and maybe we can get this spring season underway here in a few days.
See ya Carl
Thursday, December 20, 2007
This should have been posted a couple of days ago, but I have been having some major sewer problems at my house and have not had time to put a new posting together.
With all the snow we have on the ground and more in the forecast, Ralph asked me to tell you he is shutting down for the fall season. We have had a couple of good days on ducks and some great days, where the harvesting of the “big ol’ boys” was truly, a couple of dream days. For those that were there no Dec 2, 2007, the day, will live in your memory forever, I am sure.
I have not got any totals put together, and how they compared to my predictions, but I had the Snows and Blues in on that, so will try to give all the numbers at the closing to that season of that. I do know the ducks, I missed big time, because we never had a Mallard day all fall. The Canada’s, we may have not hit that either, but I had that set high. It was a good year on them (Canada’s) anyway. Then the boss out of action for a week too, and that hurt the totals also. So I have excuses, for not reaching my predictions.
Using our grandfathers for predicting the weather, we may be in for a long spring hunt. We have been have our share of fog in this area, this is putting some snow in our area around the middle of March, and that is also Nebraska’s big snow month. So maybe, we will get two or three go-a-rounds on them. Where they go north and get pushed back and then have to head back north. This blind setup this year, was put together with the spring hunt in mind. The boss says we should harvest near 1000, if they come back this way. Start stocking up on shells, or at least saving your nickels so you can buy some. Your going to need them for the spring.
So with all that out of the way. Everybody, please have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Also please remember all our Service Men and Women in your prayers each every night.
Good Lord willin, I will be back on with some post before the spring season kicks into action, giving you some idea as to when, Ralph will be start hunting again.
See Ya Carl
With all the snow we have on the ground and more in the forecast, Ralph asked me to tell you he is shutting down for the fall season. We have had a couple of good days on ducks and some great days, where the harvesting of the “big ol’ boys” was truly, a couple of dream days. For those that were there no Dec 2, 2007, the day, will live in your memory forever, I am sure.
I have not got any totals put together, and how they compared to my predictions, but I had the Snows and Blues in on that, so will try to give all the numbers at the closing to that season of that. I do know the ducks, I missed big time, because we never had a Mallard day all fall. The Canada’s, we may have not hit that either, but I had that set high. It was a good year on them (Canada’s) anyway. Then the boss out of action for a week too, and that hurt the totals also. So I have excuses, for not reaching my predictions.
Using our grandfathers for predicting the weather, we may be in for a long spring hunt. We have been have our share of fog in this area, this is putting some snow in our area around the middle of March, and that is also Nebraska’s big snow month. So maybe, we will get two or three go-a-rounds on them. Where they go north and get pushed back and then have to head back north. This blind setup this year, was put together with the spring hunt in mind. The boss says we should harvest near 1000, if they come back this way. Start stocking up on shells, or at least saving your nickels so you can buy some. Your going to need them for the spring.
So with all that out of the way. Everybody, please have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Also please remember all our Service Men and Women in your prayers each every night.
Good Lord willin, I will be back on with some post before the spring season kicks into action, giving you some idea as to when, Ralph will be start hunting again.
See Ya Carl
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