What a Jacked up Year

Well, for us it's been a mess.  It's now December 6th, almost every water hole is froze up with current temp at 13 degrees.  We have at least 5inches of snow on the ground and for the last 3 days, the snow geese are just now pushing through.  There have been days of Canada Geese and Ducks but not a lot of days of Snows, until now.  Generally speaking the ducks and real geese push after the snows, what is going on?  We have all but given up on the season with just over a week left on ducks and I'm beginning to second guess our decision.  Every night, afternoon and morning you have been able to look up and see and hear the geese.  It is December 6th right?  This last storm didn't affect N and S Dakota so I guess it is just now getting cold enough up there to start the big push.  For those of you who have open holes it could be real, real good to finish out the season.  Back in the upper 20's next few days and upper 30's for the weekend, make sure you're ready to go.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest and thanks for all the hits.

Unusual Day

The weather guys were off just a bit this morning.  They said the wind wasn't going to blow hard until early afternoon.  Boy were they wrong.  We had 15 mph when we sat down and soon after 20-25.  Almost too much!   About 8AM we got a show from the ducks.  I almost couldn't believe my eyes.  With huge North winds, all the ducks were flying North from the South.  Have no idea where they were all coming from but there were thousands flying overhead for about 1 1/2 hours.  There are a large amount of birds, both ducks and geese roosting in the area, I suspect they all went out for the morning feast last night or early this morning and what we were seeing was their return to the roost.  The reason I say that is because they flew North into the winds and never returned our way. 
The weather is definitely turning, the lows are getting in the teens and the highs are barely reaching 30.  We had no ice this morning which was a little surprising, but I'm pretty sure that luxury is over.  Snow and West/NWest winds forecast for Saturday with 100% chance of precipitation.  May be a bit sticky as the rain portion of the precip is due to start tomorrow night and go pretty much all the way through Saturday.  There are plenty of waterfowl around, if you're into scouting and chasing there is plenty to do.  If you're in a spot waiting for "new" birds, it's probably going to happen this weekend. 
The season is winding down but at the same time "heating" up.  There is plenty of shootin' left if you're up for it.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

Closing up shop?

Tomorrow we are heading out in front of the approaching north winds and slight chance of snow. We are readying ourselves for the end. We have shot few ducks, only one of which was an actual mallard. Been a tough season and don't know if it is likely to get any better. We have 15 days and 3 or 4 more hunts if we try real hard. The large mallard numbers are not here yet. There are a lot of Can's around but few ducks. The first week of December is usually when they get here and that time is now. There will be a report after tomorrows hunt. Check back for the latest and greatest.

A Sky Full

Rolled in early in anticipation of ice and we were right. Took almost an hour to break ice and set decoys. From the time we sat down until we left at noon the sky was full of migrating waterfowl. I don't believe there has ever been a day when I have seen so many Canada Geese. All the birds posed a bit of a problem as the majority were high flyers. We unloaded on a small group of geese, and two small bunches of ducks so we didn't come home empty handed. There was some shooting around so everyone had success I would guess. The only problem with seeing this many birds is; how many more are left for us to see? The high skies once the sun popped up only made the birds higher and higher so who knows how many we missed? The birds are here, and should be going nowhere. That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

Well?

Here it is waterfowl fans, the storm we've been waiting for! The weather is getting ugly over the next 24 hours north of here. All kinds of South Dakota action today and high expectations for many of them tomorrow too! We have been staring to the north for weeks on end and it is now the weekend to get after it. Dumping snow and big winds are going to push the ducks our way. We have not had much action the last couple weeks and with the steady temps and warmer weather one has to hope the birds will get here and rot for awhile. There is plenty of food and no frozen water. Could be a fast and furious migration! That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

Nope!

The night ended without a shot fired. Didn't see the birds in the numbers and didn't get any looks. Seen just a few of the specks and not many ducks. It is nice to see the birds around but this is nothing, really, for the middle of November. There are not the numbers of Canada geese around that you would typically see this time of year. The ducks have been around for about 10 days now and are getting a bit stale. There has been zero birds pushing since around the 8th. We are in need of another weather system and there is not one in the near future. Before long it will be thanksgiving. Last year we went out turkey day am and found the ditch completely froze over. I just don't see that being the case this year. Good news is that we have a lot of season left. That's all she wrote! Check back for the latest and greatest.

Just a few Yards Off

We were in the right field just a bit off the mark. The specks, ducks and can's were right on cue. The first bunch of specs sat down about 200 yards away from us. Rather than kick them off we waited. Should not have done that! After about 15 minutes we had 1000+ specks feeding. The ducks and can's followed their lead. We did walkout with 2 big can's. To do it over again; we should have kicked of the first 50 and waited to see what would've happened without all those feeding birds. Going out at sundown to hit the ducks. They have been hitting the field much harder at night, see what happens. Check back for the latest and greatest.

Great 2011 Hope

Well we've scouted for the last 4 days and have found what appears to be the mother-load. By 8am we have ducks, cans and specks all in the same field. We are heading out bright and early to set up hoping to have one of those days. Not sure what is more exciting, setting up for the hunt or knowing that we may get into some feeding specks. Now that oughta be a rush. We weren't able to go out tonight so hopefully no one else blew em up before dark, that could severely damage our hopes for morning. Going to take the new iKam extreme along just in case it is one to remember. That's all for now, check back tomorrow for what should be an action packed update!

Get Ready

Just got inside from letting the hound out for his nightly doo-dah and couldn't believe what I was hearing.  I ran around the neighborhood real quick like just to make sure no one had their snow goose horns playing in their garage.  Nope!  It was real, actual migrating snow geese in the air, in this rain we're getting and the slight north breeze.  Was out there just a couple minutes and heard 2 large flocks making noise.  We had an unexpected late afternoon hunter and his words were, "you name it, it's migrating".  A good sign.  I then jumped on the Legends blog and they reported the same thing.  Our hunter went out late afternoon, 4 ish, and stayed 'til quitting time.  So two reports from the area indicating steady movements of migrating birds all day long.  It appears that it's time to kick it into high gear, or at least a gear higher than the "granny-low" we've been running in.  Looking forward to the next few days and this favorable weather moving in.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

North Dakota Style

Decided to switch gears this morning and try out our skills pothole hunting.  We got the line on some ducks that have been pond jumping.  Took off bright and early not sure what we were getting ourselves into.  Had decoys, laydowns and robo's and walked in.  MUDDY, MUDDY, MUDDY.  Haulin' in all the gear in what was "soup" wasn't real easy. 
If shootin' time would've been 10 minutes earlier than it was, all 4 guns could have limited out in less than 5 minutes.  As it was, the ducks sitting before shooting time either swam away or flew away when it was time to say "go".  Luckily for us it didn't take long for the birds to start doing their thing.  The first shot of the day we found a cinnamon teal in the bag.  One shot, one duck.  Not a bad start.  Yes it is November 6th and we shot a cinnamon teal.  We hung in there until about 9AM before we called it good.  We rolled out of the mud with 9 ducks, our best day yet.  There was very little movement of migrating birds.
Saturday we had 3 guys in the ditch and they had 3 rounds on decoying birds with the big South winds, looks like our "thinking" was right on.  There was zero aiming oil in the ditch so a bit of rust on the feather dusters interfered with a big bag, but decoying and working birds nonetheless.
There are definitely huntable numbers of birds in the area.  An eager scout this evening found a field with well over 1000 specks feeding in it.  Still not a lot of Can's but huntable numbers of ducks.
The weather is set to turn again Monday night into Wednesday morning, should bring another push of birds into our area.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

Figured it Out

Yesterday's post I mentioned that I didn't believe there were many Mallards around.  Well was I wrong, they just aren't decoying at the Ditch.  Some reports from yesterday indicated large numbers in the area and good success.  So why do you say we shot ZERO, well here's what we got.  We've decided we're just not in a North Wind spot.  We keep hunting these migration days with big North winds and really never have much to show for.  The birds are always around just not setting up on us.  Some logic; there is about 25-30 acres of water on a 1/4 mile E-W x 1/2 mile N-S stretch, the competition is on South end and we are on the North end.  Makes sense why they always do better than us on North winds and why some of our best shooting days in 3 years have been on non-North wind days, particularly South.  We could've missed multiple great days at the ditch over the last 3 seasons cause we're always spending time on North Winds/Fronts/Push Days.  Changing course!!!!! We will never again have high hopes on big North wind days.  Any other direction and we're equals. 
So there you have it, the latest over thinking!  Whatever we need to do to feel good I guess. And...speaking of feeling good.  Seems as if we have some fans among some local law enforcement.  Running late just north of town this AM and a county mounty was there to get every ones attention with his pretty red and blue lights. Upon pulling over, "License and Registration", "I don't have my license", "why don't you have your license", "well as you can see(fully dressed and wader'd up) I am going duck hunting and I'm late", "where are you going", "Gatekeeper's place", "how do you know the Gatekeeper", "we lease our spot from the Gatekeeper", "you muckbottom?" "yes I'm one of them", "I read the blog all the time, get going and quit speeding, and good luck today".  That's all, no warning, no ticket, no nothing.  What a great guy!  And he reads the blog! Thanks for not ruining the morning! 
That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

PS - not much going on today hardly any shooting around the area, we left at 11AM

Rain, Wind, Cool and Ducks

The day started out with a boom boom on a single little teal.  There were ducks flipping around all morning.  We stayed out 'til 1PM and shot just the one teal. We just weren't right today.  The guys just to our south unloaded at least 1/2 dozen times and took at least 25 while we were there.  A lot of ducks have moved into the area, but I don't believe we saw much in the way of Mallards.  Still seeing Cormorants and just one bunch of Specks.  During our stint, we sat for about 2 hours without seeing anything.  The wind gave up just a bit from 30 to 15mph or so and from 1130 to 1230 there were groups of high flying ducks every couple minutes. Couldn't get any to play!  We will be heading out tomorrow again in hopes that the sun and clear skies attract them to us.  Did run past the local Wildlife Refuge about quitting time and there are definitely more birds around than there were 2 days ago.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

Why Not?

In a matter of hours we are going to have our first real climate change of the season.  Whether we see ducks moving or not is unknown.  Sure seems like we should start seeing something more than Teal and if the big winds and shift in temps don't send them this way, guess there will be another day.  Tell you this much, the Duck Doctor hasn't "officially" called yet with my diagnosis for tomorrow, but I will have to get a note in order to return to work on Friday.  Could be right, could be wrong.  I did read that the Legends Ditch shot a few gaddy's Monday, so we are hoping to have some come sailing in tomorrow.  It was 70 today so tomorrow may be too early but we have Thursday too.  That's all for now, gotta get the breakfast, lunch and snacks around for the all day rot planned for tomorrow.  Check back for the latest and greatest and thanks for all the hits. Don't forget http://muckbottom.mobapp.at

A bit embarrassed

We headed out this morning as simply a formality. We didn't expect much but we were disappointed nonetheless. There were a few small groups of ducks and one group of specks. We had zero decoying opportunities and blew the call zero times. Shooting time was 728am and we were loaded up, and de-geared and sitting in the truck by 830am. Not a very good showing as we like to think of ourselves as sportsman and not just killers. But when it's not happening, it's just not happening. If not for the wind we would have probably just stayed home. We didn't give it much of a chance and I don't believe we made the wrong choice heading home extremely early.
There is a bit of weather heading from the extreme northwest into Canada over the next couple days, I believe the leftover's will be here Wednesday. Maybe that will push the gadwall and wigeon this way? Thats's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

A little movement

The wind blowing made a few more birds trickle this way. There were more cormorants again, some more specks and a few more ducks. Watched the guys just south pull one Canada out of a dozen or so and we went 3 for 3 on smileys, again, and one for one on teal. That's four ducks, our best day yet. Things are progressing ever so slowly. We are seeing birds moving almost on a daily basis, but no real push today. The brown ducks have still not shown us that they are headed this way. We are 5 days from November and this is the fewest birds we've seen in October, in the ditch over the last 3+ seasons. The best is yet to come! If you haven't been out yet don't worry there are plenty more to come at a later date. Nothing indicates the birds have even thought about leaving the tundra. That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

First Reader Report

SPIT TECH GUY WROTE:  Thought you might want a report from the Great White North. Well, northern Nebraska anyway.

Just returned from the Niobrara area for opener. Wow, what an eye opener. Been huntin that area for 25 years and never seen anything like it. Cover devastated and new channels created and closed shut. On top of that the river is as low now as I've seen it and it's tough to get to cover.
Bird numbers really low for this time of year. Mild weather didn't help but it was apparent nothing new has moved into that area. Two groups we talked to didn't harvest a duck. Seen very few brown ducks and the mallards we saw were most likely born there. Canada reported nothing has left the area yet to speak of.
So, the waiting game is on fella's. Keep up the good posts...we have a spot not far from you and have seen nothing but stale birds. BUT, the calendar birds are coming...

So there you have it.  More confirmation from a little further North that the birds are not quite ready to move.  We'll keep it coming as we hear.  Check back for the latest and greatest.

Fast and Easy

Didn't have the guns we were hoping for this morning.  Would've really helped to have the extra bodies to pile up the breakfast.  Way too much food for 2 guys.  The morning went a little like this: 710 in the ditch, 810 eating breakfast, 910 in the truck heading home.  Didn't fire a shot and saw only 5 ducks.  Did see about a dozen or so Can's feeding in a field on the way home, pretty uneventful.  With only really having about an hour of action on normal mornings this time of year, a guy should've re-thunk going out with all the fog.  There was about 100 shots fired at a Ditch Unknown just to our North.  Don't know if they are field or water but they had fun for a while!  October is a week from being over.  We are 5 ducks deep and hoping this next front Tuesday blows in a few more brown ducks to pass the time.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest and don't be the talk around the water cooler get your mobile app at http://muckbottom.mobapp.at/

Long Bills

Hello again everybody. One thing is for certain, we sure can attract the spoon bills. Not necessarily cause we're trying but because right now beside some early morning teal, that's all that's decoying. They sure did set up nice for us.  Got a great photo before "kaboom."  I don't remember these being quite this big in years past, guess we are seeing the "Northern" Spoonies!  Not much other movement today, we came home with a couple making that 5 ducks so far this year. Now I know what you are thinking, 5 ducks? Well let me tell you something, we were talking this morning in the ditch about how much time we've actually spent sitting. We came up with today being our 5th day out and we passed our 7th hour. There has been no more than two feather dusters in the ditch at one time. Not so bad just over an hour a duck. Yep we haven't been committed to the all day rot just yet. The weather seemed to be swinging our way and now it's gonna get warm again until the next front moves through next Tuesday night. We will be out again Sunday hoping for a few more warm bodies and some steady guns. Today there was nothing flying. And I mean nothing!  That's all for now check back for the latest and greatest and don't forget your mobile app http://muckbottom.mobapp.at/

Specks on the Move

Quite a morning of movement again.  You could look up in the sky just about any time and see a group or two of burning ducks.  Not large groups, but enough to indicate that the first wave of birds is heading this way.  The Specks were all over the place.  We hunted for about 2 hours until the sun started warming things up.  We saw 20 groups of specks and heard another 1/2 dozen that we never spotted.  Even early afternoon they were still flying high.   A lot of shots ringing around this morning, including us.  Every ditch around fired at least twice.  The weather looks to be heading toward fall with this weeks lows in the 20's and 30's.  Guess it's about time to start concentrating and putting in some real time.  That's all I got for now, check back for the latest and greatest and don't forget your mobile app at http://muckbottom.mobapp.at/.

Quick day with movement

Rolled out this am wondering if the winds had blown anything in. From 10 minutes before shooting time to about 30 minutes after there were birds everywhere. The majority of the moving migrators you could not shoot. The Pelican migration is in full swing! There were quite a few groups of ducks floating high in the sky with larger numbers of cormorants, hundreds at a time.  Plenty to see in the short trip to the Ditch.  Harvest seems to be in full swing, opening up some food sources for the birds that are here.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest and don't forget the Muck Bottom Mobil app http://muckbottom.mobapp.at/

More than Expected

The first official morning at the ditch was today.  Must say there were more birds than expected floating around this morning.  We had heard of large groups of teal a couple weeks ago, but the colder weather pushed a lot of them out of the area.  There are quite a few spoonbill and even some pintail already.  Shot one smiley out of a bunch of 6 or so, which was the only group that worked us.  We did hear and see one group of Specks too.  Plenty of shooting around the area this morning for about the first hour.  Once the sun started shinning and the temps warming, we headed home. It wasn't a long morning but it was a bit surprising.  Usually you might get one group of teal to buzz you 1 minute before shootin' time or 1 minute after and then that's it.  There are a lot more birds around than last year at this time. 

How about these temps?  It was over 80 again today and the average high is around 68, makes it tough on us waterfowlers.  I've been watching the weather and knew it was going to be hot so I searched and searched for some hot weather duck hunting gear. I finally found some that I couldn't pass up. 

The perfect pattern and it's seems to be real easy to get on and off.  I received it just a couple of days ago and tried it on.  Unfortunately I had to send it back. It was way to small in the chest area.  I hope to have the larger pair in a couple days.  It's tough finding the right gear for the high temps we've been seeing.

That's all for now.  Check back for the latest and greatest on don't forget to grab the mobile MuckBottom app at http://muckbottom.mobapp.at/ 

Technologically Advanced?

We have a new mobile app.  Haven't quite got into the Android MarketPlace, Apple App Store and the Nokia Ovi System, but it's coming!!! For now you can go to http://muckbottom.mobapp.at/ on your iPhone, Droid, Samsung or Nokia mobile device.  Just open your Internet browser on the phone and enter the address.  As soon as it opens you will be prompted, if you so choose, to install the app on your mobile device.  Muck Bottom has gone mobile, no more waiting for the website to load on your phone.  Included on the mobile app are Quotes from Readers, our Facebook Page, Photos from the field, a link to our Muck Bottom Channel on YouTube, and of course the ever popular Muck Bottom Outfitters Waterfowl Reports.

As for the season, there is just a few days until it's time.  The wind and weather today seems as if we should be getting ready for the Great Snow Goose Chase.  Big South winds and around 80 degrees.  There is a chance of rain in the forecast for opening day and a small chance on Sunday as well, maybe it'll mix up the few birds that are around.  We've been tracking some Canada Geese hoping to lay down with 'em Sunday morning but that is all up in the air right now.  It'll be extremely hard not to sit in the Ditch on opening weekend with a "heart-healthy" breakfast cooking and a full thermos slowly being emptied.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

And it begins...

It all started 8 days ago, a leisurely trip to Cabelas Waterfowl Event.  Walking up, there wasn't much commotion but soon it would all start.  Here comes the high-balling and rolling feed chuckles of the competition caller.  What a craft!  Those guys can hit notes only the "fat lady" would be proud of.  After watching and listening, it was time to wander inside.  Decoys, calls, and new mouse traps everywhere.  There were tables of every waterfowl name out there.  I walked by the Zink Calls table and heard the sweet sounds of many Canada Geese.  Here's a guy behind the table blowing a NBN Naughty by Nature call, it can't be 4 inches long.  He was hootin' and hollerin' like he knew what he was doing.  Was enough to make me stop and listen.  He coaxed me over and I picked it up, cautious of all the people around, the NBN made it's way back into the box.  About 15 steps later, the wheels were spinnin' and I had to turn around.  Back I go,  picked it up again and cautiously whispered into the call.  Not sure what I was hoping for but I couldn't even make the damn thing snap.  A few steps later, "The Fowl Life" table caught my eye.  The Fowl Life is a show on the Sportsman Channel that is a great way to bust out an hour of TV.  I watched another caller gently caressing a wooden deep sounding goose call.  Could this be the one?   It sounded great, then from the corner of my eye I see Chad Belding, star of The Fowl Life putting on a lanyard full of calls.  When he started blowing he put the other guys to shame. 
As Chad was calling people were starting to gather, he stopped, shook some hands and answered some questions.  A guy walked up to him and asked him what he "speaks" or "says" into a call.  Whoa, you would've thought the ole boy just killed his favorite hunting dog.  "I never teach people to say anything into a call."  Here comes the most enlightening thing I've ever heard.  Chad begins talking about geese and understanding how they make the sounds.  How geese have two nostrils and the sounds are produced from the air coming out and how you have to imagine that your left hand is the left nostril and and your right hand is the right nostril and you have to move and control the sounds with that in mind.  Then he started blowing again, WOW!  He uses Banded Calls and the one he was blowing was 3 and 3/4 inches long, or something crazy like that.  With him in control, you could stand there all day.  He is a down-to-earth guy who is "living the dream."  Willing to talk to people and answer questions.  The fact that he was even there at Cabelas in Nebraska was amazing to me. 
I just got down a "fat boy", and by that I mean I'm competent in making it sound somewhat like a goose.  And now these jackers are blowing calls less that 4 inches long.  Whose got this figured out?  The ever changing world of waterfowl hunting, the over-thinking never stops.  That's all for now.

Signs of Fall

"Happy Little Tree, should give him a friend"  - Bob Ross NETV

As I was taking in the gear today getting ready for the season, it was a nice sight to finally see Teal in good numbers.  There were probably about 200 or so trading ponds in the area and a few groups flying higher.  Had a couple bunches give a good buzz.  The morning got later and the Pelican's began to fly, probably seen a couple hundred or more in the 30 minutes I was paying attention.  The weather is definitely changing.  Headed home via county roads and the signs of the flood is devastating, to say the least.  What used to be corn fields are now barren deserts.  Miles and Miles of nothing-ness.  The water has receded quite a bit since the last trip up, but the damage left behind has over shadowed the return of the river waters to its' banks.  Thousands of acres stretched with sand bars only a "river rat" would love.  There are pockets of deep, deep water scattered throughout fields that look like they have been there for years.  Some fields look like they can be saved and others have no hope.   It's going to be a lot of years for some of the fields to return any kind of crop.  Hope the WRP has a lot more money to spend, they are going to be getting requests faster than they can type them into the computer.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest. 

For those of you who haven't seen the flood, click http://www.flicker.com/photos/leevalleyfloodpics/sets/




This WAS standing Corn

 

The Art of Hunting

So, I was bored tonight and decided to read up on Foiles and what's been happening in his world.  He's in trouble here and in Canada.  He plead not guilty to 23 counts months ago and then changed his plea to guilty.  He received two misdemeanor counts for his actions and, I believe, still faces charges in Canada.  Here in the US he has a $100,000 fine, 1 year of supervision and 2 years of no hunting or guiding.  He's pretty lucky there.  A household name in waterfowling has now become a punch-line around the water cooler and in ditches across North America due to a lapse in judgment.
There were USFWS agents hunting with him on the hunts in question. Not only did they witness the over-the-limit days, he put some of those days on tape.  There is a story of a camera man turning off the camera being upset about the amounts, and Foiles yelling at him to keep going.  They also found out about some banded local park geese he lured with bread crumbs to shoot with a pellet gun to retrieve the bands.  A guy hears stories and never really believes them, until now.  The bands are cool and a statement of success, but you can buy them on EBay.
When does it happen?  When you do cross the line?  All of us at one time or another have been faced with challenges in the field or in the ditch.  "The Day" happens and you don't want to stop, the perfect field has had permission granted and you want to keep shooting, or perhaps pull the trigger just a few minutes past shooting time 'cause you're covered in feeding waterfowl.  Yes, we've all been there, and perhaps a few have "done that".  When it's all said and done, you can't feel good about illegally taking waterfowl.  Whether it's too many, too early or too late.  If you're in it for the killin' try the Spring Conservation Season and have at it.  Just don't ask us how we do it, we've shot two geese in 3 years. 
Jeff has built such a waterfowl empire and is one of the lucky one's who has made his passion his job.  With so much on the line, you think he would've realized how lucky he is.  There are millions of waterfowlers all wanting to do what he does, who spend thousands of hours and dollars in hopes of a day or two or maybe a week, who waste productive days at work dreaming, and who can't get enough.  It's not about the numbers or trophies, it's about having a place to go, being with friends and scarfing down a ridiculously high in cholesterol meal or two.
If you're reading this blog you're not Foiles, Mann, or Grounds.  You probably don't make calls, decoys, or clothing.  When you're out there, remember why you are there and who could be watching!  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

Dove Hunting 101

Hello again all our technologically advanced and well connected waterfowl enthusiast friends.  It's been a while since the last real post.  Been busy and lazy and without words.  The 2011 Migratory Bird season kicked off Sept 4th with a little Dove hunting.  Thanks to "Gate Keeper" for our new found spot.  Doves have been roosting and feeding by the hundreds and we timed it right, 4 guys and 60 one day and 4 guys and 60 the next.  We had the resident Muck Bottom teenager with us and I heard that between he and his dad they emptied 15 boxes of 7 1/2 shot in two days at those pesky little targets.  Everyone had fun and tuned up the feather dusters in the process.  There were plenty of bruised shoulders, empty casings, empty shell boxes and choice words, none of which should be printed here as this is a "family" blog.  

Duck season is just around the corner, October 8th to be exact.  Youth Season is the weekend before and we're hoping to be out with a few youngsters and a well planned breakfast.  That's all I got for now.  Check back for the latest and greatest!

Rage'n River

Manged to get up in the air Thursday morning and check out the beginning of the Missouri River Flooding.  The water is slowly creeping everywhere.  Boyer Chute and River Road South and East of Ft Calhoun is a mess.  The Cottonwood Marina north of Blair is almost 100% underwater and just a few brave soles are left.  One guy didn't get in there in time and there a nice looking 5th wheel camper that is never coming out.  The water isn't expected to really rise high until the 6th and by the 14th it's going to be a nightmare.  All of Modale, IA is getting it's power cut off tomorrow morning and the town is pretty much vacant.  I will be driving around shooting pics and trying to get as close as the cops will let me.   Keep checking back and hopefully I can get some images.

Still Goin'

We've finally hit pay dirt this season.  We hunted last (a week ago) Wednesday and Thursday with no luck.  Wednesday was a good day for pushing birds, but nothing would finish.  Could get groups to give hard looks but just wouldn't commit.  Thursday was a complete bust as there were very few snow geese traveling.  The ducks are crazy right now.  They are everywhere (pic below).  The Can's appear to have moved to northerly grounds.  Sunday was the picture above.  A good day.  Took 3 to bring him down but did it.  If there were more guns we would have been able to get a few more.  Had lot of smaller groups. Pulled up on a couple as there were more coming in, and missed.  With sunny skies it's hard for one man to see 'em all.
Went out this afternoon for a short hunt.  Planned on taking a few home, but no luck.  Got there and got the deeks moved for the wind direction.  As that was going on there were 3 loud groups flyin' overhead at workable ranges had the horns been tuned up.  Settled in after re-arranging, loaded the guns, rolled out the speaker wire to the horns and clipped on to the battery.  "Crack", loud spark and nothing!  Pulled the fuses to see that they were both blown.  Damn!  No horns, so no sense being there.  Let the hound out and threw a dozen or so marks and called it a day.  Hoping for another day on Sunday with a few guns blazin', we're gonna get 'em yet!  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest.

Something Women Like 'Bout a Pickup Man

What a truck load.  Wouldn't it be nice.  The Illusive Snow Goose has still not appeared at the Ditch.  We saw a few this AM, but the Can's and Speck's dominated the skies along with thousands of ducks.  There was shooting around the area but haven't really heard how anyone else did.  Was planning on an afternoon hunt too but this wind has not switched.  The Sillosocks Boys and the Master on the Grounds provided the picture, a lot of Juvy's in the group. That's when we're supposed to be shootin' 'em, when the dumb one's are here.  Hopefully there are still plenty South.  I know after we left, I've been gazing at the skies and you can see birds flyin' no matter where you are and no matter which way you're looking. Not real sure that the goose gods are on our side.  This is now the 3rd Chase and we have yet to scratch one.  May be a bit crazy talkin' about not getting any beings that today was our first hunt, but history is just not on our side.  There are no mistakes, just opportunities to learn!  Right? That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest and thanks for all the hits.

A Bonding Moment

As we're all heading out to spend time away from family, why not make a shift and take your family with.  Well at least why don't you take your wife.  Who says you can't have a bonding moment with your wife in the ditch?  I know, I know, we all go there to get away, but one trip with her might give way to many, many more trips without her and "guff" free.  And, if your feather duster is sighted in, she just may be able to get up close and personal with a high flying, smooth moving sky carp.
Well tomorrow is our first real day.  Got the horns tuned in and tuned up and the feather dusters are out and clean.  Not sure what's going to happen in the AM.  Friday there were birds everywhere but high skies had the big numbers way up there.  Just a pinch out of sniper range.  Today there were birds flipping around and I heard a story of some 50 birds shot close by.  We are hoping for that tomorrow.  There was some rain forecast for tomorrow but I see that is gone now.  It's time to start your ditch planning, there are 2 million birds in the Mound City (squaw creek) area.  Them tricky little buggers will be this way shortly.   Get ready.  That's all for now, check back for the latest and greatest and thanks for all the hits.

Back Again

Yep, it's been a long time.  I've been receiving emails wondering why we've been so quiet.  Well I haven't exactly broke the news to the wife yet that The Great Snow Goose Chase is going to start soon.  And to think she thought we were done last December.  What in the world could she have been thinking.  Although it (the Chase) has been everything but great, could you possibly stay home this time of year?  All the mud, the mud, the mud and the mud.  Who could miss that.  Signs of spring are showing up as there are a few birds flying around the area, but nothing to write home about, YET!  The Can's are moving pretty hard and there seems to be quite a few ducks around too. Went up to the Ditch yesterday and the lake is still froze.  Took the 4 wheeler across the ice all the way to the island without a crack.  Was hoping there would be a little water.  We're heading up Sunday to pull the plug and get the water running out of there.  You know them crazy birds seem to like the mud, so we're going to try and oblige them.  Have heard reports from NW Missouri saying that there is some killin' goin' on down there so I suppose it'll start happening shortly for us.  We haven't decided if we're gonna set up 25 deeks or 2500 deeks.  Thought maybe we'd fool 'em and just set out a few beings that everyone else in the county has thousands.  Figure we'd put out those 25 professionally mounted snows I have spread throughout the den.  The wife is hoping they don't make it back!  That's all for now, the fun is about to start.  Hope you are all ready!