MVP

Well, well, what a week it has been. Sorry to keep you all waiting for this posting but what with the holidays and all, arctic Blast 2008, chain requirements and even a minor emergency it's been a long time coming. So here goes.

Day 12.
We decided on the old new spot and set out early in order to beat the hordes that now crowd our style. We also needed to get out of town before the "Arctic Blast! 2008!" all the weather agency's were forecasting shut down the entire city. After a brisk walk out, the wind was ripping, we settled into our normal blind. The morning fly contained some mallards that managed to get by us but we did manage to fold the nice pintail and teal you see here. Shortly after it started to precipitate with some freezing rain and light snow. The hunt was called about 12:00 and we walked back to Lisa who somehow managed to get us back home even though all the news people predicted certain death to anyone cought out in the impending doom of "Arctic Blast! 2008!". That evening it started to snow lightly.

Day 13.
By now "Artic Blast! 2008!" was in full effect. The City of Portland was basically shut down. 24 hour news coverage from every highway and intersection in town included the words treacherous and dangerous with every sucessive media person. The TV weather men all looked frazzled. A record 8" had fallen and all residents were advised not to leave their homes, certain death if you did. Supermarkets were selling out of supplies, people were panicked. All for 8" of snow. And here's the capper: Chains required for all vehicles on any road, what a joke. Perfect for hunting.

So the night before I bought some chains for Ole' Black Betty. I picked up Fred at 4am because neithor of the citys 4 snowplows was able to clear any of the roads in town. 35mph top speed and of course the fore mentioned CERTAIN DEATH made our trip out to Sauvies Island a slow one. Even with only 2 wheel drive Ole' Black Betty was able to navigate the scetchball roads of the island and deliver us to the wait in line section of Sauvies. Interestingly enough there were other people there too. Perhaps they were also not afraid of the massive accumilations and treacherous road conditions the all news outlets had warned us about. Sick bastards.

So off we went to Mud hen #7 for some folding action. Snowshoes and heavy packs made the walk out less than super-fun but we made it alive. Fred broke up all the ice in front of our spot and did his best to clear a landing area for the ducks to come in. In the process I nearly had to amputate his hand at the wrist because of the massive frostbite he sustained. Many many ducks were flying that day but alas, none for the HOY7 hunting team. The only naturally open water in the area was about 150 yards to our right and 150 yards out. All the ducks would turn in to land in that stretch of water just out of gunning range. We called and worked the roto but few ducks wanted anything to do with us. Normally this would be the worst part but not today. The worst part was watching the guys in the blind 150 yards in the right direction spend the morning shooting our ducks. Damnit! I hate those guys. I called it at 12:00. Light snow continued to fall.

Day 14.
At this point the National Guard had been called in to assist police and fire officals due to the ongoing effects of "Arctic Blast! 2008!". Recently the highway had been reopened after a 3 day closure, another casualty of what I will now call 'AB08'. This also happens to be the highway we use to get to both the Old New spot and the Old Old spot. We had chosen the Old Old spot for the days hunt for a few reasons. The last walk on Sauvies with the packs and snow was just a pain in the ass. This time I got us bigger snowshoes and a pulk sled to bring the gear out in, good thinkin' eh? It sure would have been if it wasn't overloaded from the start and needed to be stabilized the entire way. Oh well, another thing learned-another thing earned.

After getting our gear to the river we were met with much frozen water and a stout eastern wind. Fred again cleared a small area of ice for ducks to land and severely aggravated his 'frostbite'. The snow was now driving so hard we set ourselves low to the ground and did our best to work the few birds that were able to find us in the foggy snow. With little success Fred decided to take a walk and I continued to call and look for some birds that weren't frozen over like our decoys were. At this point Fred returned with a disturbing story. While walking back to the site of the real Old Old spot he saw a massive shape in a small clearing. Thinking it was a lost Magnum size decoy he went in for a closer look and to his horror watched, what for all Heston's sake we believe to be, that bastard Greenie fly away. (We will find you, you French Canadian bitch.)

So after another bit of foul weather and 'AB08' we called it quits for the day again without a kill. The walk back to Betty was slow and my frozen over decoys and bag full of snow helped me to fall over 3 times on the way back which was no fun for anyone except the guy with a camera. I'm sure the photos will surface soon. Even with the low kill count we had a great time hunting the unusual conditions the Arctic Blast handed us. Stay tuned for more adventures and what will surely be the best X-mas eve fiasco since the B-surf incident. That story is for another time, so until then,
GBCH
(Christmas Day 2008, 3:34pm, Mix of snow and rain falling, Heston help us.)

Sing out loud. Part 1

I'm dreaming of a H7HT Christmas
Just like the ones we used to write.
Where the ducks get folded,
and Pintails know that,
They are about to fall from flight.

I'm dreaming of a H7HT Christmas
With every Greenie that we down.
May your days be full of the sound,
Of your Benelli emptying a round.

I'm dreaming of a H7HT Christmas
With every Teal that we slay.
May your mornings be full of bets to pay,
And may you bag your limit, today.

Who's It Gonna Be?

We want YOU!..... to hunt with the HOY7 hunting Team.
So who will step up to the challenge?
Will it be:
Ned "Hocker Lock" Flemke?
"Jiggitty" Jeff DiPaolo?
Bubba "Bubstien" Quehl?
Steve "Arino" Lakatos?
Or some other brave soul who takes the duck by the horns and is man enough to pull the trigger.
The hunting is as good now as it's ever been.
Colder weather and many kills make this THE time.
Don't incur the wrath of Lord Heston, call today.

Congratulations H7HT readers on 4000 views!

'The Money Shot' (again)

That's right, I have once again taken home the elusive $10 prize for shooting the first Greenie of the year! My only regret is that this particular Greenie was not that French Canadian bastard 'Greenie' that keeps hacking into our Blog and belittling us with his particular version of scorn and ridicule. How do I know? For openers, he did not once "Quack in my general direction". I'm sure we will again hear him bad mouth all things H7Ht but for now I can take some pride in the fact that he will have to attend the funeral of yet another one of his kin.

Day 11 sure was a good one. We took ole' Black Betty to the 'wait in line' part of Sauvies Island and were the very last in line. (Feel better soon Lisa) Apparently a 4:45am start is not good enough to get first choice. We did however get a good selection of blinds and chose MudHen 13. Even though that bastard dog Skip, AKA "goddamnit" (see Fred's photo from day 7) was across from us he had no impact on our slaying abilities. In fact the biggest problem was that no hunters were next to us at all on the left side. The ducks seemed to have a party going on over there and every duck wanted in on that gig. We did have several good fly-bys and took advantage of our chances. The reward? Two more ducks to the H7HT totals.

Stay tuned folks as the season is starting to heat up. The forecast for the next week calls for much colder weather and we all know what that means don't we? Ducks will be pushed down from Canada and Washington state to the mighty Columbia river. And of course you know who will be waiting for them, the members of the HOY7 hunting team.
GBCH.

Day Eleven Appetizer

I'm sure there is going to be a lot said about today's outing,

here's a little something to wet the whistle

while you wait. I'll call it this:

"Sometimes it takes two, sometimes not"

Day 10. Video format.

History Lesson.

Sometime in the 1920s my Great Grandfather built this home. Notice the Ice truck in the picture, it may be a Neal ice truck. (also a family business).

This old time pic is from Hamden Connecticut. Not a great place to hunt ducks today. Good thing the H7HT is now located in the great Pacific Flyway.






Today the family house looks like this:
Still not a great place to hunt.
Thank God for a good history though!

More to come.

Guest Editor.

Ha! It is I Greenie.
I quack in your general direction.

Now that you have gotten some of your season into the books you think that you have beaten me? Not so fast you lame hunters. I am still outwitting your efforts to slay me. I see your badly constructed blinds, your inconclusive looking decoy spreads and your badly placed camouflage jackets. Don't get me started on the impotent Benelli guns you use to murder my brothers in flight.
I will make it my reason to live this year to outwit you. I will dispose your efforts to kill me. I will be happy to end your season of hunting with my ultimate instinct for survival, Good luck losers!

I Quack in your general directional direction

Day Nine.

Day 9.
We went to the Old Old Spot.
It was merely less than not.

We set the blocks out.
The ducks had a bad route.

People swarmed our blind.
We tired to be somewhat kind.

No shots were had.
It could have been better, but it was bad.

Next time we'll have more luck.
Bet your ass we'll kill more ducks.

GBCH

Getting to know Jiggitty Jeff

"Luch, I can own, modify & sell anything short of nuclear weapons!"

Jiggitty Jeff on his new weapons manufacturing licence granted to him by the good ole US of A.

GBCH

Day Eight.

Well of course day eight was, what else? Great!
Great if you were hunting with a 'Youth Hunter' that is. We were not.

We had decided that day to go to 'Poker Chip' out on Sauvies Island because we liked the more open hunting spaces and the better chances of calling a duck all the way into our spread. When we arrived we were surprised to find the line of trucks extending way far away from the check in shack but we were undeterred. As you know we are the BEST and because of that fact fully expected to pick a number like say, 7 or so. In fact I picked 126 and I think Fred G picked 160 something. Being the quick thinkers we are we quickly pulled a U-ie (Thanks to the BroncoII turning radius) and rumbled off to the 'Wait in line' side of Sauvies.

"Holy Crap" we thought as we pulled up to the window, almost all the mud hen units were left on the board, some of the best hunting on the island. "We"ll take Mud 7 please". Well, this is where the Youth part comes in. Ranger Man asked us if we were hunting with a Youth, we were not. He asked us if we could borrow a Youth, we could not. He then told us about Youth hunting day here on the East side, and in one quick sentance explained how come the West side was so packed. With our options being few we decided to try McNary unit.

Not a bad walk, not the best cover, not a great lunch, but not a bad spot. With a little more scouting and a couple more ducks this could turn out to be an okay place to hunt. So at least we learned something today.
A. McNary could be a great option for last in line hunting on the East side
2. Always bring a Youth of some kind on 'Youth Hunting Days'
d. We are THE BEST, actually we already knew that.

GBCH

Pay Up Sucker!

Well there it is!
Photographic proof that I paid my debt to the great and powerful expert, Fred G.
Hey, 50 bucks is 50 bucks.
GBCH

The Reason......

The Giants are 11-1.
It's all about the fans. Here you see some hardcore fans of the World Champion New York Giants. Coming together from many different places and walks of life as only good people can to support the Giants.
I recently traveled to Phoenix AZ. to meet with my crew of fellow fans to root on the Giants in their bid for yet another Super Bowl title. A good time was had by all, with the possible exception of the thousands of Cardinal fans who had to witness the humiliating defeat of their team by what can only be described as the most dominant team in the NFL.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Today We Be Chillin

Happy Thanksgiving From the Hoy 7 Hunting Team

Bob D. and Fred G.

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Day Seven East Side

Oh thank heaven, for day seven. While Bob was away slaying Cardinals, way to go Bob, I left for the east side at an early 11pm. To my surprise the line was even longer than the first time we did an overnight. I awoke at 5 am to a brisk clear morning. As the line was moving I could sense Lis was not feeling right. Anyway I get to the shack and not much was left believe it or not, I was lucky enough to land Mudhen 7. What a beautiful morning it was, the moon and sun rising in the same sky, and brisk . Remember how every year we bitch and moan about Sauvies Island, well here it comes. As I'm walking out I pass by blind 6, I give them a "morning" and a dog barks, then a guy says "quiet!" then "here!" "OFG", I think I could see how this morning is going to go. Sauvies is a great place to hunt, lots of water, nice blinds, and a lot of action. Problem is birds are weary due to the constant shooting and calling. People taking shots at 70, 80, and even 100 yards. Today was no different. But there was one difference today, today I was able to work some ducks into my spread, until a dog barked every time and make the ducks flair. I think the dogs name was God Damn It, cause that's all I heard from down there. " God Damn It get back" "God Damn It be quiet". Here's a little something to all you people who think it would be great and cool to bring your dog hunting with you. Yes it would be cool if your dog was trained properly before you bring it out to a large populous area. Bring it out to a small out of the way area like Twin Falls and train the dog properly. I was fortunate to land a nice Pintail today, with one shot, committed to my spread, and also two more solid shots but missed. But those shots were two committed ducks. After a great morn- ing the sky was blue and calm. I called it. I get back to the shack and check out and driving away I notice Lisa was still not feeling well, I asked her if she could make it off the island and she said she couldn't. So Lis is back at the doctors. May Heston lay his hands on her. Get well Lis. That's my day, day seven, Bob was away and I did slay but he will be back with the team on Wednesday. Stay Tuned.


Fred G. Out From the East Side

Thumbs Up Bob!

This picture is old...VERY OLD! Look at that haircut for Heston sake. I also think Bob was on the "Fruit Punch" diet. Anyway this picture was a long time ago, but it still holds meaning. Two BFL's hanging out on a fine summer day getting in a round, swinging the sticks together. But what the picture does not say is, those are not my sticks and also why is Bob not wearing shoes? Well truth be told and I know it's kind of unbelievable I lost that day. I lost that day and there was a betski on the line. Simple, who ever looses has to clean the others sticks and shoes. Well like I said, I lost, I lost THAT DAY, I paid up, begrudgingly, I paid off that bet that day. (see day2) What a great day it was. Two BFL's, one bet, one guy cleaning sticks and shoes.

Because of this? Part II

How is this fair?
My Boss Man has called an all staff meeting for this Wednesday morning at 7:30 am. My day off. The day I should go hunting with my H7HT teammate Fred G. (See his picture last Monday at the Old New spot taken by Cecil B. DaFolder) I must take pause and ask "How is this fair?"
It's not.
We don't have many chances to hunt the Sandy River delta without the company of lesser hunters any more and this one is slipping through our hands. If only we hit the Megabucks jackpot like we are supposed to have done by now we would be much better off. No more interruptions to the hunting schedule, no more sharing with the masses, no more 'down days'. Oh well, just wait till next week eh?
Not so fast my friends. Next Monday I will be traveling back from New Mexico where I am slated to have a sit down with H7HT member Stevearino to try to talk him into hunting with the H7HT this season. Isn't it sad the legenths we must go to in order to get our friends to hunt with us? You should be ashamed. Of course I will also be there in the desert to watch the Super Bowl champion New York Football Giants beat up on the Arizona 'angry chicken' Cardinals. See you next time around.
GBCH

Day Six

Some times pictures and videos are worth seven words

Because of this?

I'm missin' it?
Just because I work at a ski shop and just because this is the time of year and just because I must earn a living I'm missin' it? Not fair at all.

Wednesday has come and gone and I should have gone hunting with my H7HT pal Fred G. But NOOOOOO. I have to go pack up my shop and drag all the crap to the Expo Center and sell it to cheap bastards that want to haggle with me. The only haggling I should have to do is with the warden when I shoot 8 ducks instead of the bag limit of 7.
"Sir, I swear that I shot the last two with one shell. How could I know I was going to shoot two with one shot? That's nearly impossible."
All because of this?
GBCH.

Day 5 West Side

Low and behold a burly sound coming down my street at 4 am. I am in my basement packing and it sounds like a tank stops outside my house! Bob my buddy will be doing the driving today, so I'm in my basement filling my bottle to the rim, not with Brim. Bob has a fine new to him Bronco II. It is perfect and he loves it, why? "I love this truck cause I don't even have to wash it" or "hey if you need more space to pack that bag just do it on the hood" or don't worry about the mud on your boots I'm not gonna vacuum anyway" are just a few things he utters. We arrive at the West Side Yo! at 5 am. The West Side is the poker chip side, where as everyone in your truck picks a poker chip with a number on it and you keep the lowest number. I always pick the lowest number, not this time. Bob draws 26 which is good for 6th pick of blinds. We choose Mud lake 4. Mud Lake is a fairly large lake with about 12 hunting areas spaced about 150-200 yards apart. We hike out to the blind, it's rough, there is not much set up for you like on the East side where they actually have set blinds. On the West Side you are assigned a pole, and you have 40 yards on each side of the pole to set your blind and throw out your blocks. We discuss what the pattern of the blocks should be, and where a blind would best suit us. We get to work, Bob throws out the blocks I get to work on a blind, per usual. The morning was beautiful, hard to beat a sunrise over Mud Lake with about 100,000 geese taking flight with a smattering of ducks, the noise is sometimes deafening. Killing time is 6:33. The screaming geese now transforms into the sound track of Saving Private Ryan. Silhouettes of birds flying overhead, grown men blowing into toy horns trying to sound more real than the next, and the bang of 12 gauges. The slight rain is a welcoming silence. After a few morning chances, all taken with no results Bob notices that no one is using a "roto" duck. So Bob unpacks it and sets it out, the sun now breaking through the clouds and shinning upon our spread, we call it being "all lit up," we look good. It's early afternoon now and things are starting to slow down, we coheres in a few ducks with the rotto and a few more chances are blown. Lunch is had and it is delicious. My mouth is alive with flavor Bobs eyes are filled with sleep. I move down and pick a post under a tree along the water. After a few some speedy Teal fly in, bamo! 1 shot fold. Bob awakes to find me wading out of the lake with a Teal I called Face. After a friendly visit from our local game warden a little more whikey we pack it up. Another great day, sunrise, sammy, folding and weather...in that order.

From the West Side

Fred G.

George W. Bushisms

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"I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen

who just had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein"

------Washington, D.C.; May 25 204

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BOCA NEGRA

12 oz. semisweet chocolate
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 pound unsalted butter, cut into pieces
5 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons flour

all ingredients at room temperature

Pre heat oven to 350. Line a 9 inch round greased cake pan with parchment. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. In a saucepan combine 1 cup sugar and bourbon, cook over medium heat stirring until sugar dissolves and bring to a simmer. Add butter piece by piece off heat until all butter is incorporated. Pour over chocolate and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let sit 3-5 minutes, then stir until incorporated and smooth. In a medium bowl whisk together the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar and eggs beat until slightly thick then incorporate into the chocolate mixture. Whisk in flour. Pour into prepared cake pan and bake for 30-45 minutes in a water bath. A dry thin crust should be apparent. When done remove from water and chill for 20 minutes then cover with plastic wrap and invert cake onto a flat plate remove parchment paper and invert again onto a serving platter. Serve at room temperature.

And now a message from....

The secret police. We are coming for your guns. Now that you have elected your Liberal Anti Gun Leader we are forming our ranks. We are getting our funding. We are coming to YOUR house. Gimme your guns, they will be illegal soon anyway.
Love,
The Secret Police.








This message has been brought to you by Mr. President.

Happy Birthdday Cliffy.

Sure enough, the man you see hiding behind the bulletproof glass of his hunting vehicle is none other than Cliffy V. Not only is he a Charter member in good standing of the world famous HOY7 Hunting team, he is also a year older and wiser. When asked what he wanted more than anything else for his birthday Cliffy responded "I want to slay ducks with my H7HT teammates." Good choice Cliffy!

We proceeded to the Old New spot on day 4 for some huntin' and killin' action. A few morning fly by ducks and a few shots later there was nothing to add to the leaders board but a good time was had by all. I think we all especailly liked the naps as it was quite a good party the night before. Thanks for sharing your birthday with us at the HOY7 Hunting Team, and thanks for making lunch for us too.
GBCH

Cliffy V. Is On the Board

Andy Vershaw, he's a member of the Hoy 7 Hunting Team. He hunts, he reads the blog, he participates. Today Andy made it rain on Sauvies Island, he actually made it pour. "Sure I used a half box of shells today, It's been a long time since I killed, I didn't even hunt that much last year" he said. "I felt a little rusty at first but once the slay happened I could feel it all coming back. I think I'm going to be a contender this year, I'm feeling pretty strong."

Knowledge From Cliffy V.

Male ring-necks have a black breast and back. The glossy purple head appears black. The sides are gray (sometimes appearing white), and the chestnut neck ring for which ringnecks are named is only visible in hand. On the water, drakes show a vertical white crescent in front of the wing. Hens are brown with a white eye-ring and an indistinct white area near the bill. The most notable characteristics on both sexes are the dark, white-ringed bill and peaked triangular head-shape. The speculum is bluish-gray, and the belly is white. Flying ringnecks can be distinguished from scaups by the black back and gray wing-stripe. They fly swiftly in compact wedges and often land without circling.

Packing Sand

It must be pretty easy being Jiggity Jeff. Never having to prove your greatness to anyone, hunting in a park in the middle of a city, basically using pop corn to get ducks and geese. How hard could it be? He never has any stories or pictures to share about his excursions, no facts to back anything up. How hard could it be being Jiggity Jeff? Has he ever "bagged" a duck? no. Has he ever posted any pictures? no. Has he ever journeyed to the great NW to hunt with the greatest team ever? no. Jiggity if your out there, if you ever read the blog, or if you could even read, read this RESPECT MY AUTHORITY! I have "bagged a duck" I have done everything, and you? nothing. I am the greatest hunter. I have all of the knowledge. Respect my authority.

Making it rain on the East side,

Fred G.

Packing Sand
1. A seafaring insult. When one was told to "pack sand" it was considered a huge insult often resulting in a heated exchange of salty language. Also see pound sand

For example:
Arrrgh pack sand mate..wait yer turn like ye others." Typical Response: Arr go f***k yerself you coc*suc*er son of a whore.

And Now A Word From Jiggity

Brother Bill,

I am certainly going to watch. I looked at the last video and it was dam good. Should I expect anything less? My life is hectic, but guess what? I am one day closer to getting my class 2 manufacturers license from the ATF. To sum it up, I can build full-auto weapons-any of them, own them, and also import certains explosives. I am going to try to import Bulgarian grenandes. More on that when I talk to you. I almost had to pistol whip some old man in the parking lot of Wal-mart. This Fucker pushed his cart right into my truck, and then when I called him out on it, he said "who cares". My response was swift, " hey old man, you want get get rolled like a cheap burrito"! He got the hint. I just aquired a room-mate after getting shit canned by Dayna. He name is Angela and she is an awesome chick. I work 8-6 and fucking hate it. I am trying to figure out how to work very little, and play a lot. I will call this week. Tell paige hello, the brother congrats, and Fred and Ed to pack sand!

Out
Jiggity

That Crazy Andy!

Today I received this picture from old friend of the HOY7 Hunting Team Crazy Andy Bykowski. As no explanation was forthcoming I have included a story that I believe to be the only proper explanation to what we see here.

"last week I traveled to Niblerstanzy to help the recent victims of the ethnic cleansing of the native tribes of the Azblerians. My group brought them food, water and hip hop CDs to ease the suffering they have incurred. We also built them new huts and a school to learn more about the American way of life. The first class will be called 'It's pronounced O-Ba-Ma, people.'

I also had the chance to run in their Jungle Marathon. I would have taken a solid second place behind Hussein Bolt but on the 22nd mile I saw something utterly disturbing. Insurgents were shooting at this Bengal Tiger with their Russian made shotguns. If they were using Benelli shotguns this fine animal would be finished but he was merely wounded. I was hardly winded so I chased the insurgents off by shouting the only thing I knew they were afraid of, H7HT...H7HT...H7HT. They ran like scared girls.

The tiger was fading fast so I put him on my back and finished the marathon route back to Zignonstsy, the capital of Niblerstanzy. After finishing a dismal 28th I nursed the tiger back to health and fixed all the wounds he suffered. The government officials were so happy they gave me the key to the city (a stick with some notches cut into it) and told me to keep the tiger as putting him back in the jungle was a certain death sentence. It took some finagling but I finally got the tiger a seat in coach on Southwest Airlines and some peanut butter crackers, they gave him gas.

He now lives happily with me at home. I have named him Mr. Stripey. There have been some challenges but we have reached a daily routine that seems to work for both of us. The downside is finding 20+ pounds of fresh meat every day to feed him and we apparently can't watch Animal Planet on TV ever again. On the plus side though my neighbors dog never seems to bark at me anymore. Come to think of it, I haven't even seen my neighbor recently, although I did find his shoes and pants in my backyard. All in all a good trip. I'm planing on returning next year to see if I can find him a Water Buffalo to play with, I hear tigers love Water Buffalo.

Peace to all,
Crazy Andy"

Poetry moment

It all happens in the blink of an eye
Summer unfolds itself into the quiet season
Thoughts turn to the slower pleasures of life

Scorching days are well behind us now
The cool crisp air has returned to change the landscape
Pumpkins and cornstalks dot our porches

The shades of green once so vibrant now gone
Replaced by the brilliant hues of red orange and yellow
The fall season graces us with it's bounty

Christmas Eve Story In October

Christmas Eve. Remember? Waking up super early can't sleep, not allowed to go downstairs until the clock strikes seven. So you sit on the top stair waiting, and if you got up before your sibs. you're the first in line to jet down the stairs when the clock strikes 7. Well imagine that every night, the night before the hunt. You wake up at 3:45am even though the alarms are set for 4am and 4:15am. Why do you set two if you always wake up early? You don't want to miss it.

In the old days you might be able to sleep in until 5am if you're hunting at the Old New Spot. Now you have to be there at 5am. It's like the old days when you were the first one to tie your sneakers that cool way, or the first R rated movie you saw and there was some minor nudity and adult language. It was fresh and new. Then everyone knew how to do it, everyone saw the movie...you learned how to swear. We used to be the only ones to hunt these spots, they are not great, but special to us. Now we are forced to share. "Get off that top stair let your little sister sit there!" " Maybe if she got up earlier she would have the spot" you think to yourself. That's what we have to do, we are the best, the smartest, we just learned to tie our sneakers a new and better way.

Chicken Salad

For the Chicken Salad:
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Kosher salt
About 1 cup mayonnaise
1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 celery stalks, small diced
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves plus sprigs, for garnish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded chicken meat, roughly chopped
8 slices sourdough bread, cut 1/2-inch thick
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup cranberry sauce
1 green apple, thinly sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
5 slices bacon, cooked until crisp, chopped

Day 3

It sure was a blustery one today.

Day three started just as you may expect after reading this blog for four seasons now. Being picked up at 4:30 am has it's drawbacks but there can also be some unintended fun that comes along with it. Sitting on my well lit front porch waiting to hear the rumble of good ole American V-8 power that is Lisa, I saw my neighbor lady. She's kind of an odd sort. Maybe she keeps strange hours too or maybe, just maybe, she's up to no good. But when she walks by my house and sees me sitting on the stoop holding a shotgun I know one thing runs through her head, don't mess with his shit.

So sure enough Lisa arrives with all the gear needed for a great day of early season folding. We drive off to the Old New spot a little earlier now. See, everyone seems to be hunting there now. Apparently there is a thread on some hunting web site that tells people to go to this area and that the hunting is good there. We officially hate this web site. How dare they share the public lands with the Public. We all know that the H7HT was here first. We all know that we're the best. But still people are invading our space so now we have to get up before everyone else. You know what they say "The early bird gets the ducks", or something to that effect. Maybe it's"Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice I'll shoot your decoys". Whatever.

So out to the newest spot we go. Rebuild the blind. Set the blocks. Tell some other hunters where to go. Wait for sunrise.

Well that's it. Today's video shows the windy conditions that should have brought the ducks right to us but unfortunately there were no ducks today. Never fear though because next time will be GREAT!
GBCH

What Am I?

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Could You Guess?

FTP Is In the House

Dear Sirs or Madame
On October 15 I accidentally shot a Pintail out of season. I thought I had shot a Green Winged Teal. Upon check out I declared 1 Pintail and 1 Green Winged Teal, it is then when I was informed by the warden I had shot two Pintails. It was told to me that at the beginning of the season it is hard to distinguish because the colors are so similar, but what I should look at is the size and not the color, a Teal will be half the size. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely
Fred G. aka Fred the Poacher
Co-Founder of the Hoy 7 Hunting Team

Taking A Big Slice.

Oh gentile readers of the HOY7 hunting team Blog, I must have a big slice. Today I witnessed the most amazing thing since the formation of our team. Bagging a duck has never been less of a catch phrase and more of a literal reality. See the video. Read the account. Believe the impossible. I stand in awe of the greatest duck hunter ever, Fred G.*

*that is of course until next week when I shoot the first Greenie.

Day Two

Remember what I said? "The video, pictures and stories this year will amaze and tantalize you." Well hold onto your hat, and duck. We hit the road not as soon as we wanted, issues with alarm clocks, but we hit it the earliest ever 1 am. We set out in Lisa and quiet ensued. Predictions were none. We were driving into a totally new experience not knowing if our efforts would pay off. We never arrived at Sauvies at 2 in the morning, getting about 6th in line, able to choose any blind we would like. Well it all paid off, like I said we were 6th in line and when we got to the check in station at about 6am we actually had choices of decent blinds, we chose Mudhen 8. The morning weather was perfect a slight overcast and a slight chill, about 42 degrees. I'm sure Bob will have a mention about the walk in his post. We threw out the blocks and being Sauvies the action was fast and furious right off the hop. Not long into it we both fold, the only difference being is that I folded first, we all know what that means by now, don't we? Yes a crisp fresh 10 dollars in my bag. The morning folding kept up. I folded two more ducks in one rally but unfortunately was able to only retrieve one, sorry gram pa Clyde, the reeds out there are fierce sometimes. Bob also folded again at that time. Never in team history have we been so close to each other so early, two folds each. I know what you're saying "Fred G. you folded two in one rally, is that not 3 ducks all day?" You see folks if you can't or don't retrieve it does not count in totals. Lunch was next. Some nice French bread some gabba goul, pruzute, provolone, fresh mutzarella, pickled onions, mama lils peppers, kalamat olives, and marinated rapini (broccoli rabe). I even got "hey this is good" out of Bob. Thanks Bob. After sitting there for a while and being "rained" on by what we suspect is The Black Cloud, the stuff is good and fast, pick up a box at your local outdoor store, we did and we love it! The stuff makes ducks rain. Which brings me to the latter part of the day. Bob has to get home and we call it, "lets give it another hour." Well we did, that's where the video portion comes in. Watch it, I did and it was a mind scramble, speaking of scramble, that's what we were doing ascared for our lives. On our way to check out we were proud. Bob with a beautiful Northern Shoveler and a Pintail. Me with a Pintail and a Green Wing Teal. This parts for you Jiggity. Upon check out I was informed my Teal was not a Teal but another Pintail. In other words Fred The Poacher is back! Only 1 Pintail per person. Box of Black Cloud $17.50, Shooting more than your share of Pintail $150.00, Bagging a duck, literally, PRICELESS.

It's Raining Steel

Fred G. 3

Bob 2

Poetry Moment

"Time To Kill"

by Bob Da Folder

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You packed up and left the truck over an hour ago.

Sometimes if the moon is still bright you don't even

need a headlamp to make your way out to the area

where you want to set up. It's cold out but the long

walk with the pack on makes you sweat inside your

waders and under all the layers. As you set your

decoys in the still water surrounding your blind, your

body cools and you can feel the chill in the air again.

Finally, with everything complete, it's time to wait

for sunrise.Just before the first light of day you can

hear the whistle of ducks flying near you. Wondering

what they are is almost torture. Are they the fat

greenies you hope to see again at first light, or are

they another brand, something you have never seen

before? Not long now till you start to make out shapes

and can see a little bit better as the sun comes closer

to the horizon. Now, as the other creatures of the woods

wake up and start to move around, you know that the

time is here. Time to kill.

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Circa 2006

A Call Out To All H7HT Members

Sure day one started off like any other hunting day. Wake up early if you slept at all, load up the truck, take a long walk carring heavy packs in the cool dark morning, then set the blind up throw out the blocks. After waiting a few minutes for the morning whistle to signal kill time and having your morning swig and smoke it's now time. It's what happens after that that is magical.

But YOU will never know unless you show up. Ever wake up and

have that feeling in your gut that you're missing it, it's because

you are.

You all recieved a membership hat, yet we never hear about any of your adventures see any of your photos and some of you never have made the effort to join us here in the great west.

You see we would like to put your adventures here on this fine blog to let all see what a fine team we are. So please, remember how you feel after reading and viewing our pictures, let's make it special for everyone.

Thanks For Your Time

Fred G. Co-founder Hoy 7 Hunting Team

Sauvie Island

The rush is already on for the annual waterfowl hunting permits at the Columbia River's Sauvie Island. Just 30 minutes from downtown Portland, where else could you find such good duck hunting this close to a major American city? The island is a 12,000-plus acre wildlife management area, owned and managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It's a major stopover and wintering area for 150,000 migratory ducks and geese each fall and winter, attracting 8,000 hunters who stand by their trusty bird dog and wait for the wings to flap. A special permit is required for hunting the island and because permits are limited, they disappear quickly. For the desperate hunter, there is a stand-by line every hunt morning from which unfilled reservations are filled on a first-come basis. Depending on the water level each year, there are a few designated blinds available, but to get one, plan on standing in line overnight. Game-bird hunters are required to carry a valid hunting license and must obtain a Harvest Information Program validation.

By BILL MILLER
for the Mail Tribune

Daily Harvest Report Click Here

Opening Day Nap 2008-2009

3:23 AM Opening Day

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Ambien Where You

Ducks Fly Over My House Awake

One Hour I Wake Up

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401 Plan

If you had purchased $1,000 of Lehman Bros. stock one year ago, you would have $49 left.

With Wachovia, you would have $16.50 left.

With AIG, you would have less than $5 left.

But if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago,

drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND,

you would have had $214.

Based on the above,

the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle.

It's called the 401-Keg plan.

Season 2008-2009 The Begining

Welcome Readers to the 2008-2009 season.
Things started off a little bit rocky due to the the happy folk who decided to build a park and bird observatory in our hunting area. But that wont slow us down. It's cold out side early this year, 42 degrees this morning. Ducks and geese flying over our houses at night is amazing. The number of ducks spotted during our scouting expeditions was the most we have ever seen this early. Things just seem to different. What lays in store for us this year? Well come back often and check in with us for this year is lined up to be the best one yet! The video, pictures and stories this year will amaze and tantalize you. Guns are cleaned bags are packed, we are ready, are you?

Keep throwing Out the Steel.

It was the best of times.......

IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES.

So here it is, only 5 days until the opening day for the HOY7 hunting teams first day of the season. Scouting day if you will. We had already received bad news about Lisa's DEQ report, a failing grade for CO2 emissions, and a potentially costly repair on the horizon. Fred G took it in stride because he knows that she is merely trying to get some attention before the many miles we will put on her in the next few months. An appointment was made and plans were put in place to have her healthy and happy again in time for another stellar year of folding action.

The real disappointment was just around the corner, literally. We went to the old old spot for some preseason blind building and water level checking. Now, we knew full well that the parking area had been changed and a new lot was being built this summer but the extent of development was unexpected. As we walked through the woods on the same old trail we rounded the corner to find that a access trail had been built to accommodate the 'General Public'. (We hate the General Public) I can't begin to express our surprise at the graded and graveled trail stretching off into the distance toward the old old spot. And at the end, scant yards away from our established blind, a bird watching station complete with handicap accessible ramps and people friendly viewing areas.

Do you remember the old commercial with the Indian (feather not dot) shedding a tear for the rape and pillage of the land that he once loved? We felt his pain.

By our casual estimate this new development will bring in hundreds of people within yards of OUR spot. People with dogs to scare the ducks. People with binoculars to scope out our blinds. People with kids to play on the pristine shores. People with their filthy mouths and bad attitudes. Now here at the HOY7 hunting team we believe that all people have the right to enjoy the great outdoors, but not when it interferes with OUR enjoyment of the outdoors. Damn those people and their free access to OUR freedom.

So we discussed Eco Terrorism as an option. We mulled over sabotage of the parking area. Heck, even pungi sticks and pit traps were on the agenda. But in the end we just abandoned the old old spot for the time being. By the time the winter rolls around new options for blinds and folding areas will become available at the old old spot. Plus the water was really low.

We figured that the old new spot may be worth a look-see and Lisa obliged us with a trip down the road. Cutting brush and brambles along the way led us to believe that few had been out this way for a while and we were pleased to discover that at least the old new spot was undisturbed by the developers shovel. As we climbed down the embankment to the mighty Columbia we rounded a corner to find.......

Greenies. Big Greenies. Big Fat Greenies. Several Big Fat Greenies. Just hanging out eating some food and waiting for someone to shoot them. I have to confess, we're just the people to help them with that. Of course they flew away when we broke out of the cover of the willows but those trusting greenies came back and circled around at least 4 times looking for a place to land. We can't wait to see them on Monday. So we scoped a blind and set our timetables and gave a little shout out to how great this season is going to be. So stay tuned to this very Blog to see who folds the first duck ($10) and the first Greenie ($10) and the first banded duck ($50) and remember:
GBCH

Wedding Update.......

Gentle readers of the HOY7 hunting team Blog may I introduce to you Mr & Mrs William Henry Hopf.
It all happened out on Block Island, a small landing pad of earth off the coast of Rhode Island on the eastern seaboard. (Kind of like being in a tiny duck blind in the middle of a puddle.) Weather not withstanding, a good time was had by all and this couple is now working on producing ten to fifteen offspring to make the world safe for democracy and freedom. Heston bless you Brother and Kira.


P.S. To your left you will notice Al. I think he had one beer that night.