Season Report

HAPPY NEW YEAR - Who would've thought that a bunch of "sand bar" hunters could've come up with enough to write about to get OVER 9000 hits. Well we did it, had fun along the way, and met some new friends. The Ditch is covered up and we're trying to figure out just how much we're gonna spend this year on the great snow goose chase. We have around 200 deeks between full bodies, rags and floaters. Not sure if we need to spend any more money. In the last 4 years we've spent about $2000 and shot 1 snow goose (INSERT HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER HERE), pretty expensive hobby. I spoke with a guy at Stereo West and he's certain he can make me quite an e-honker for the season with a couple $20 cd players from WalMart. We've been doing some research on snow goose calls etc, and have found that the guys at performancecalls.com have the right gig. We're going to get their CD's and "horn" speakers and take the setup to Stereo West and see if they can make it so loud that the Legends Ditch hears us and thinks they've got 'em locked up.
This innagural season at the Ditch has proven to be both fruitful and frustrating. We shot just under 90 total birds with very few geese. We learned a few things along the way and will be better preparred next year. We've been fortunate enough to get our spot and look forward to many years of trial and error. One thing we did learn is that the shells sure pile up quicker than the ducks. Also we've all agreed to purchase one dozen duck decoys each month until next season, that's one dozen per month per member! That should get us around 400 duck decoys in the water on our 10 acres, that oughta bring 'em in. If it don't it sure will be fun when the first "surspise" freeze comes. Heard all kinds of reports on final numbers but I'll hold off on those. Two turns into four, four turns into eight, and eight turns into sixteen. We look forward to the great snow goose chase and will come back then on a regular basis to keep the action coming. To all who followed this blog, THANK YOU! There is still some late season action to be had if you can get hooked up on a field. Tons of birds, as always, around Valley and guys oughta be getting tired of hunting by now, you may just be able to slip in a great hunt in the next two weeks. We haven't cleaned out the trailer or hosed off the 4-wheeler just yet. I may turn blue holding my breath, but I'm gonna do it anyway. Need just one good goose hunt to end the year, we kinda missed that. We have 5 guys, and a 12 year old who hasn't pulled the trigger since November, holding out hope for one last hoorah. THANKS AGAIN to all who have visited us along the way. We appreciate each and every person who has put us in their favorites and we will try to keep it coming for many years to come. Check back for the latest and greatest and THANKS FOR ALL THE HITS!

Almost Over

Our last hunt was Sunday the 13th. A late start to the day and one was left to wonder, if the day started too late. While setting up decoys there were about 30 ducks wanting to come in. There was plenty of water and the ice was extremely thick. Settling in after about an hour of setting up in the 40 MPH North winds, the gun was loaded and here comes 15 ducks. Couple swings and a drake dropped right in. Decided to blast him and that was it for the day. Did see some migrating groups of ducks, but nothing huge to speak of. According to the Legends Ditch success, it seems as if the action was in the morning. Oh well, chalk another one up for the ducks. The lake is froze, the pump is off and the deeks are in the mobile destroyer. We've officially completed our first year at the Ditch. We'll be back at it in the Spring for the Great Snow Goose Chase. See what happens then. Have lots of plans and are extremely happy with the inaugural season at the Ditch. We will be mobile until the late season closes and, wives permitting, until the geese are gone or the season is over. Updates will come as we find some fields to go get 'em. May just spend tomorrow in the South Ditch tomorrow just because it's hunting season. Then again, may not! It's friggin' cold! Check back for the latest and greatest and thanks for all the hits.

Birds but no Action

Reports from all over the eastern most part of Nebraska says that large concentrations of birds are all over the place. Migration activity must be happening outside of our watch. All of the sudden there are thousands of birds. Desoto Bend and the surrounding/connecting Missouri River system is packed right now with Ducks and Can's. If you call over there and get a bird count it will be disappointing, but I'm here to tell you there are far more birds around than the one's being counted. We've been tracking birds all week and if you have the time there is plenty of action to be had. For us we haven't had the shooting we would like. Tuesday reports showed success at the Legends Ditch as well as the South Ditch. Old faithful, Professor Binelli, spent all day Tuesday at the South Ditch (snow and ice pic above). I believe they walked away with 3 Mallards and 1 Can. Also, on Tuesday, a new name to the blog, Little Bud was over by Valley and observed thousands of ducks coming off the Platte and feeding into a field just over the HWY. The ducks were wanting in this field so bad that they were landing on the gravel road and walking in. Can you imagine that? By the way, we have permission for that field, but haven't had the time to run over and see if they are still there. Today we spent about 6 hours at the South Ditch, saw very few birds and fired no shots. Weather reports for Sunday look to be very promising for us waterfowlers. Hopefully I can get a chance to cycle my gun. I haven't fired a shot since November 30th. Can you say frustration? That's it for now. Check back for the latest and greatest and thanks for all the hits.

Hay Ditch Turkey Day (a little late)

Fickle Birds

Well today was supposed to be "the day." The #1 field we've been watching was empty yesterday so we decided to check out another one that we had permission on. "Jack Pot." Loaded with birds last night and they've been feeding there since at least last Thursday. Unfortunately, the ducks didn't like our sights and sounds and lit less than 200 yds from where we were set up. Managed to scratch just two while thousands fed in plain sight. We have until Thursday over there to get in on any duck action as the location closes down. Still have a while for the geese as long as we can get permission and find the time to track 'em down. Some weather coming and it's getting real cold up North, this could be the week where we get out last go around in the Ditch. If things hold out, we'll be up there this week for what will probably be our last time until the beloved Spring Snow Goose Chase. Nothing going on around the Ditch or down at the South Ditch. DukMaster and Waterfowl Wizard spent the day around Valley yesterday and scratched 8 Can's while the South Ditch was man'd the entire day. Professor Binelli hung around until close and received nothing in return. For everyone waiting for one last push of birds before calling in quits, it will probably happen this week. That's a wrap for now, well keep you posted. Check back for the latest and greatest, and thanks for all the hits.

Timing is Everything

We've got it all planned out. The birds are setting up perfect for the next real hunt unless they decide to feed where we don't have permission. This morning we were set up by about 620AM and waited, and waited and waited. We all had to be at work by 1030AM, so we decided to pick up at 920AM, with not a shot fired. Loaded up and driving out we seen 'em. Too late, again! Just as we were pulling out here they come pilling into the spot we were just laying down. I seached for a picture that closely resembles my imagingation of just what it looked like after we left. News at 11AM reported that they we're still feeding. Wishing we could go tomorrow but we all have to work! Sunday is the day! Made another secretive drive by the field at 450PM tonight and it was loaded again! Sunday is the day! As long as the field isn't empty of food we'll come home as successful hunters. The South Ditch will have hunters tomorrow so I recon we'll get a report. Check back for the latest and greatest, and thanks for all the hits.

Hours in the Truck

Well the AM was spent driving around looking for birds. Found plenty but found no cooperation. The area where the birds are floating around has set-ups in every other field. Pretty tough to get in on the action with so much competition. Spent some time at the South Ditch today and nothing. Saw only 4 or 5 bunches of birds all working the river. There was plenty of water despite to cold, cold weather. Around quitting time I managed to run into two fields with feeding birds. After a few hours of phone tag, we got permission. A few guys are taking Friday morning off and hoping the birds are going back to the same field they were observed in tonight before quitting time. See what happens in the AM. Definately worth the chance. Only thing I worry about is the wind switching. Will they still feed in the same direction? Gotta run, check back for the latest and greatest, and thanks for all the hits.