HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please don't drink and drive.

Bob D's day

I went skiing.

NICE.

Idaho: Day 13.

So here it is, almost the end of the year and I finally had a day off to go-a-hunting. Dallas had to work yet again selling cars for the MAN but I had tuned enough skis and helped enough adolescent snowbaorders replace binding screws that I could take the day off. And what a day! I packed up the Volvo (Sweedish for truck) and headed for the lake. The roads were mostly clear and a light snow had started to fall. Unlike PDX, my town is sorely lacking in the white stuff. I arrived about 1/2 hour before shooting time.

My slough was still not frozen and is likely the only open water around that is not a massive and deep lake. Good news. As I made my way through the grasses and brush to the point, I was feeling good about my chances for the day. Rounding the corner I about shit my pants as the mornings complete silence was broken by, I don't know maybe 15, mallards taking flight from the water just behind where I normally sit. You may think it's a light pleasant sound but ask any H7HT member, birds taking flight near you are both loud and violent. They even wanted to circle and come back to the spot but it was still way dark and not even close to shooting time. I set down my pack and went out and threw 2 sets of 5 decoys into the water about 20 yards apart and just up from where I would sit. Walking back to my pack I about shit again as 10 or so of those mallards jumped up from the water for a second time. Boy they seemed to like my spot.

The light came up and I heard lots of geese flying behind me but, as you know, I can't hit a goose to save my life so I ignored them. I was waiting for Greenie. It took a while but soon enough a lone greenie flew into and landed in my spread. I jumped up and waved at him as he sat in the water. Deciding he had better places to be he jumped up also. Mistake. I folded him like a China-Man at the laundromat. Expert status: Bob D. rules.

About 40 minutes passed with nothing flying. My blocks were getting a sheen of snow on them now so I waded out into the water to knock the snow off them so they wouldn't appear "catatonic in a closet". Mistake mine. A Drake and Hen flew in looking for a place to land and almost considered it even with me in the water, without my gun. Lesson learned. I went back to my spot and called them like crazy but they were gone. Another 10 or 15 minutes passed and I hoped that that was not my only other chance. I didn't have to wait long.

From behind came the sound of whistling wings, lots of them. I knew the spot looked good so I stayed as still as possible and about 10 mallards circled in from behind. After the first pass another 15 or 20 joined them and all of a sudden there was tons of ducks flying and quacking and looking to land, all mallards. The first greenie dropped into the spread and then the rest started to dive in also. I picked up a greenie feet down and wings locked and leveled the Benelli right on him. Blam! 3 1/2 inches of steel dropped him right in the decoys. I was so excited about what I had just witnessed I totally forgot about the other 2 shells I had in the gun and the fact that I could continue to shoot at the others scrambling to get the hell away from me. I just watched in amazement at what was happening. It was right then that I missed my BFF Fred G. more than I have since I left Portland. He too would have loved that moment in time.

Of course he and Cliffy both would have missed.

As I retrieved my second greenie of the day I stood in awe of what I had just seen. With the "Expert" status clearly locked up I went back to my spot and took the picture you see here. And of course while I was doing that another duck flew right over my head and quacked at me as he bolted away. Another 15 minutes in 5 more mallards came by and circled my blocks. One greenie landed way-out and the others flew off. I tried to entice him over my way but he really seemed to like the water where he was. After 15 minutes of working him and also keeping my eyes on the skies I finally got up and started walking to where he was. The water line was far enough below the ice shelf that he could not see me until I was about 50 yards away but when he did he made like Pablo, and Cruised. That was it for the day. Final count for Bob D. 2 greenies. Brings me to 4 greenies & 1 hen pinny. Expert!
GBCH

Damn.

This is a picture of the slough leading out to the spot where I slay. (mucho patos holmes) It looks as if the beavers have been busy doing a little building. Problem is this dam will soon be completely blocking the channel that boats use to get to Anderson Lake. Not a problem for me, I like more water, but maybe for the boaters.

Below is a close up of the dam. Nice work boys! They have taken down some nice brush by my spot but have yet to reach the area I need for cover. Needless to say when this happens I'll have a different reaction, I'll call Dell.

You may not remember Dell from years back but man, he hated Beaver.

BDF ski's....I build snowman

Finally, after all this cold and sunny weather....PDX hits JACKPOT Baby!!!!!

Where Have I Been?

Sorry about the lack of information these past couple of weeks, I've been lamed up, almost like my own private "Epic Battle". Hope everyones holidays have been Merry and Bright!! Surgery went super awesome, all of my crutches are working just fine. Anticipating hunting season to resume next week if the Doc gives the OK, unlike my hunting buddy Cliffy who may have set himself back weeks. Dumb Ass. It should be a blast, can't wait to take back the expert staus solely. By the way it's snowing here, about 4 inches in 3 hours, can't hurt. I hope everyone saw our Lord Heston this year on the telly, he is great isn't he?

The First Ever Hoy

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Bob D. has been skiing.

I wonder what all my other teammates have been up to ?

Merry Christmas

Heston rest ye HOY7 Hunting Team
Let no Ducks die today
For this shall be the only time
To cut back on when we slay

Fred's knee is shot
He's out for weeks
And Bob D. works all days

O' tidings of comfort and Hoys
Southern Comfort and Hoys
O' tidings of comfort and Hoys


Greenie's safe we have to break
Let others have their fun
Because you know when we return
Their hunting will be done

We are the Best
We've always been
We're fastest with the gun


O' tidings of comfort and Hoys
Southern Comfort and Hoys
O' tidings of comfort and Hoys


So friends of ours relax this week
Enjoy your Christmas day
And if you're Jewish worry not
Cause being a Jews' OK

Kick back at home
And have a drink
Remember Hestons' ways

O' tidings of comfort and Hoys
Southern Comfort and Hoys
O' tidings of comfort and Hoys

Timely Retraction

Let it be known.
Before Fred G, my BFF, the Shining Star of Portland & the man who taught me more about Pintails than anyone goes under the knife, there is something I must clear up. Seems that I recently claimed "Expert" status due to my recent slaying activities. I was wrong. We are "Co-Experts". Just in case he loses all use of his knee bone after this dangerous operation I want everyone to know, we are "Co-Experts". If he becomes addicted to pain killers and has to live in the gutter I want everyone to know, we are "Co-Experts". If the Doctor leaves his Swatch behind Fred's patella and it ticks like a time bomb, I want everyone to know, we are "Co-Experts". CASE CLOSED. Heston Bless us, every one.

A Photo Collage

An Epic Battle

Idaho: Day 12.
Let the world know that the Expert title is back in the hands of Bob DaFolder. It was an Epic Battle today, and I have re-claimed the title after a hard fight. Here's my story.

What a difference a day makes. This morning I woke up to the sound of rain on the metal roof of my Idaho home. Rain! I could have been back in PDX on the highway for all I could tell on my ride out to Anderson Lake. The snow and cold of yesterday just a distant memory. What the hell is that all about?

I had decided last night to hunt today because I figured there had to be some ducks out there. Just because they avoided us yesterday did not convince me they are all gone. Dallas was working so it would be just me today and I prepped for the day with more decoys and a plan to hunt the other side of the slough. The rain had changed the landscape considerably. There seemed to be much more open water, a trick of the rain on the ice, and the lake level had dropped a few more inches. I set my blocks in a line down the slough and the receding water gave them the look of swimming against the current. Nice.

Right before shooting time three sets of ducks had flown over my head and the last set had buzzed my blocks looking for a place to land. They settled on the rain covered ice a hundred yards out, (much the way the video below shows) skidding to a stop well out of gunning range. The rain continued and a few divers came to look at the spread, then some geese. I took a shot at the low flying geese and all the ducks out on the water lifted up and flew around looking for another spot. Of course I missed all three shots on the geese. Seems I can't hit a large, slow, low flying target ever. Shortly after that a lone greenie came in from the right. I leveled the Benelli and winged him mid pass. He landed on the ice 30 yards away and immediately made for the open water and away from me. I took 2 more shots to bring him down but was unable to hit him on the surface of the ice, reloaded and then 3 more. By now he was heading towards the middle of the frozen lake and I started after him with my last shell. For Heston's sake, why did I only have 10 shells with me? What an Idiot!

I headed him off to the left and he started towards the end of the slough water that was open. I took my last shot and thought for sure I hit him this time. Nope. He made it to the water and swam back towards my decoys and the spot I shot him at. So now I'm running back to the blind and double checking for any more shells I may have before he is able to swim past me. No more shells so I grab a wading stick and I'm into the water towards him. I winged him good but his duck feet are certainly working just fine. Now he's swimming the other direction and is, of course, much faster than me in the water. I'm up to my chest but then again, so is he.

I'm sure you've seen the cartoon where the chase is on and they are running through the hallway with all the doors? In one door- out the other-repeat-ad infiniteum? Well, that's me and Greenie. He swims to my decoys. I wade towards him. He turns. I get close. He dives under the water and swims past me. I jump out and run down the bank before he can get too far towards the river. He stops and swims the other way. I get in the water and wade towards him. He swims to my decoys. I wade towards him. He turns. I get close. He dives under the water and swims past me. I jump out and run down the bank before he can get too far towards the river. He stops and swims the other way. Get the picture? This goes on for, and I'm not shitting you, 15 minutes.

Well, I've had enough. This time I take off all but my first layer and get back in. By now all the decoys are out of the slough and he can't hide under the icy overhangs anymore. I collapsed them all in. I get to the most shallow part of the slough and it's ON! He dives down and tries to mach past me again but not this time. With Heston like reflexes I dart my arm down 2 maybe 3 feet and grab him by the neck and pull him out of the water. Game over Greenie.

I'm out of shells and wet. Time to call it a day. Of course while the battle wages geese and ducks flew over my head the whole time. The whole time! There you have it, how I got the "Expert" title back and the reason why I only shoot Greenies.

GBCH

ON THE BOARD!!!

You learn lots of things in the short amount of time we have on this little planet. Duck hunting has helped me learn patience. For the past two days after my hip surgery, I have been patient. Pop a pill, wait. Pop another pill, wait. A few moments ago, my patience payed out and I finally CIL'ed. Not a duck. Something MUCH bigger. This afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, I CIL'ed the bathroom!

GBCH

It Just Went Click.. .. .. Day 12 PDX

Being my last day to slay before my operation I head out to the old new spot. What is today? Yes it is Wednesday, the middle of the week, hump day some people call it. Four trucks in the lot when I pull up!! Must win Power Ball tonight, for Heston sake it is 77 million, that's 77. Like I said Four trucks!!! and I'm just going to come right out and say this, two were Canadians!!!!! I'll tell ya this right now, it wasn't Consuela waiting for me with some hot coffee and a fresh hot egg and sausage breakfast sandwich. No!!, 3 Canadians getting out of their trucks, they were going hunting for pato. I scobby doo right past them in a quick flash I was gone. I get to the water and give it an ole looksie, find where the the other two hunters are and make my way in the opposite direction and also to an area where I know the Canadians wont find. I cross the water and head to the small little ponds behind the Old New Spot. I come to the first pond, up jump six mallards. Continue down and get to the next pond, still frozen over, continue over to the river I spied a few birds off in the distance, nothing to really get excited about. I stand and ponder a bit "where will I be best off" I think to myself. I say if I go back to the first pond and more duck jump that's where I will settle in. Sure enough I get there and two more mallards jump. The small pond is like the Retenare hunt area on Sauvies. It's a narrow long bit of water with brush and trees all along it. I decide to go minimal, I throw out just four blocks then find a comfortable place to stand in the brush. I'm there only minutes, light a choke and and nine mallards fly over my head and heading for my small spread. I don't jump the gun, I raise my gun take aim, pull the trigger and the Benelli goes click! By the time I get another shell in the chamber they are gone. I must have bumped the butt of the gun somewhere and it knocked the shell. For Heston sake!!! For sure it would have been a multiple slay, you can't imagine the following conversations I proceeded to have with myself. By now the rain is coming down pretty good, a set of Pintail fly through at mach 2 and a few more sightings off in the distance of more mallards. Sitting there, although really disappointed about the missed opportunity, really appreciating the fact that I am seeing a lot of ducks at the Old New Spot. It's now that I am really missing my buddy Bob, I'm soaked and cold, the company would have been nice. I knew that today he too was hunting out there in Idaho, but today he would have enjoyed the Old New Spot as much as I. I call it, I pack it up and head out As I am about 150 yards away I turn and look back two massive mallards fly and land right where I was, go figure. Disappointed but with a smile on my face I make it back to Lisa, thinking about the day my gun went click and not bang.

Remember

Remember when these two guys used to hunt together?
Today was a nice day hunting, but it could have been a little bit better.

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Hunting Together

The Two Would Make it Rain Ducks

Today it Just Rained

Hunting In Idaho

Hip Hip (?)

It's the day before Cliffy has to go under the knife, so of course the best thing for him is a full day of slaying, a good bottle of whikey, a pack of smokes and a delicious sammy. We rise and shine at about 4:30 have a small breakfast, sprain both of my thumbs, pack the truck and head out. Remember it has been cold and the decision was lets hit The Old New Spot. We're on ole interstate 84 and almost to Troutdale when the big sign says "Highway Closed At Toutdale" which means no way of getting to the Old New Spot. We stop and ask the guy sitting in the truck, making double time cause it's Sunday, "when do they think the highway will be open?" He says they are going to evaluate it at about 8 am. Slightly befuddled Cliffy and I head back to the casa thinking that we will just go home get a little more sleep and then head back at about 7:30. A few exits down I remember that we could actually make it to the Old Spot if we drive through the town and take the back roads. I must admit the roads were a little scetch, but Cliffy and his expert driving got us there only to find, of course, 6 more trucks already there. Never the less we pack up and head up, Cliffy is not too psyched, his fine backpack frame the rest of the team had bought him for his birthday was still home in the corner of his room. This meant a very unpleasant walk out. (not to mention he had also packed a chair in his pack, while I was going commando.) After the long walk we find the Old Spot to be completely frozen over, although very beautiful not very hunt able. Being the expert that I am, I know the area like the back of my hand. I give the orders and we're off, within minutes I have us on a nice spot with open water. Cliffy threw out the blocks and I made a blind. Just before the opening bell a few greenies fly over our heads, it seems to be a promising day. After a hour or so we see nothing, I decide being their Expert leader I have to lead by example. If it aint happening make it happen is my motto. I'm going to take a walk and flush some ducks up or do some good ole pass shooting. I make it about a 1/2 mile down the slough and find a lone block washed up on shore, I could use him I thought. I picked him up wrapped up his string and called him Lucky. On my walk down I notice some ducks jumping and landing down by the Old New Spot. Since the highway is still closed there are no other hunters down there. What the heck I think I make it down to the awesome blind I used last week and through out Lucky. I sit and wait, and wait some more. Nothing. After searching for my lighter and missing my bottle, I decide to hike back to the blind. I wade out wrap up his string and 2 greenies are flying right at me over my head. I drop Lucky and unload the Benelli. Nothing, I heard laughing and I think they even said "you don't call that block Lucky, you call him Shithead." I pick up Shithead and head back. I find Andy in the blind and it's all lit up and the blocks are now on dry land. My wisdom brought us back to the truck, we ate the awesome sammys I made, packed up and we were on our way to the Old New Spot, our day was not over yet. It's now 12 in the afternoon, we get to the highway, still closed. We go home.

The Water is Back! Idaho Day 11.

However, the ducks are not.

Today with the promise of new snow, Dallas and I went back to our spot on Anderson Lake. We have been trying to scout other places to hunt but none of them were accessible without a boat so back to the old spot it was. As you remember the last time we got shut out by Old Man Winter and his icy blast. All the water was frozen up solid. This time we didn't know what to expect but we hoped for the best and headed out.

Glory be to Heston, the channel from the river to the lake had opened up and the ice was gone. As a bonus the water level had dropped enough so that I was able to cross from one side to the other. Oh yes, slaying in all directions is now possible. With all the other bodies of water still frozen this was the only spot with open water for quite a ways. We set out a minimal spread and waited.

Nothing.

Time for some research here in the Idaho Panhandle. Are the ducks gone from the area? Is the Pacific Flyway starting to dry up this time of year? Was the warmer and calm weather to blame? All I can say is that nothing flew today except a few geese. We saw 2 divers the whole time we were out there and they landed right in our water. Came right in like it was the only hot spot in town (which it is). Other than that, nothing. So we pulled it up and walked over the snow covered lake back to the truck. Of course as we crossed the bridge over the CdA river a lone Pinny flew over our heads and made his way down to land in the only water in town, ours. Perfect. Hope for the next time I guess. Perhaps I should call "The Expert" Fred G and ask him what I am doing wrong, surely He would know, He's "The Expert" after all. Until next time...

GBCH

It's About Time.

Current weather: Snow.

Forecast: Snow.

Future outlook: Snow.

GBCH

It's Only Natural

With the weather the way it has been it has to be good, right? This morning I head out to old faithful, Old New Spot. It's cold, weather dude this morning said 19. Cold. I pull up and two trucks are there before I am. I pack up and head out. When I get down by the water I hear a fellow slayer, sounds like a 10 gauge. Nice I think action! I break through the woods and onto the peninsula. I greet the other guy, he has big spread filled with wind deeks and a nice chocolate lab named Winsten. The guys buddy is hunting the other side of the slough, his name is Dave, and he just winged that duck and it's swimming away. His dog Gunner, (we met Gunner a few years back he helped us retrieve a few ducks of our own) was in the water doing what he does retrieving. The wounded duck swam into the middle of the slough and gunner was after it, but he did not have a bead on it and Dave saw this. Gunner was about 50 yards out searching and searching for the winged bird. After about 5 minutes Dave got nervous, the cold weather and the 20 mph winds blowing east, Dave started to try and entice Gunner back to shore. Gunner being who he is had no part of it, he was going to find that winged duck if it killed him. I turned to the other hunter and said "he's not going to stop until he has that duck." He turned to me and said "of course not that's Gunner." After a few minutes more Gunner spies the downed duck and within seconds it is in his mouth, gently of course. By now Gunner is now more on our side of the slough and the Dave wants us to call Gunner over to our side. So after another 5 minutes of coursing we get Gunner on shore, he is whipped and he does not want to give up the duck he so eagerly retrieved. Gunner sat on shore with a huge smile on his face, "this is what I do" he thought.

It's Only Natural Part II

Gunner has the duck back on shore and everything is cool. I turn to fellow hunter and say with respect "you mind if I set some deeks some ways down?" I think with that statement he knew exactly who he was dealing with, who else shows such respect for other hunters but the H7HT? He says have at it and wishes me luck. I make my way down the slough to a familiar place, me and TJ, feels almost like home, except someone has made some home improvements, for the better no less. You could fully stand up, protected by the wind and even a small log bench for sitting. It's kinda like that drunk dude on Sunday nights on ABC who fixes up dem poor peoples houseses. I set my blocks get back to the blind and start to put another layer on, it's cold! My waders are around my waist, my head is going through a thick turtle neck and I have one arm in a sleeve when three greenies fly into my spread. Startled and pleasantly surprised I pick up the Benelli and unload 3 shells, only feathers my friend the elusive greenie survives another day. Wait the day does not end there I just got there remember? Some diver ducks then fly into my spread and land. No shots taken who wants to clean and eat a diver duck? They are happy and content, I could walk around the blind, jump up and down they do not care. I'm also happy they are there what is better than live deeks? So now I have a Nike swoosh and some live deeks and I have to tell ya my spread is looking good. Soon enough more ducks are flying, just as they were at the end of last year, open water it is. I hear shots down the way, my fellow comrades are slaying, it is on! You know what Sancho Clause rides every Christmas to deliver them there goodies for all those girls and boys? Well Sancho dropped a massive hen mallard right into my spread and that's right the answer is slay. One shot, goodbye. It's Only Natural that I am the Expert.

But wait the day is still just getting started. Nothing but mallards and pintails for the rest of the day, no more shots were taken, I was pretty careful to take only shots that I knew I could fold and retrieve, that is what the H7HT do. But overall it was a pretty impressive day. To end it all off, as I am heading to the water to pull my blocks I scare up two hens and a greenies swimming to my spread to join the party. They fly down the shore a way and me being the expert now thinks that I can just walk down there and jump them. Well I jump them and they pick up and fly right into my spread. I give a good belly laugh and walk back, pick up my blocks and head home, my bag a little bit heavier than when I walked in.

I Have No Shame...By Cliffy

Being my first post and all, I'm sure I'll screw this up and have to call Fred G. A few weeks ago I started out watching some wild beasts. While on a walk with these wild beasts, I came upon a spot I have never C-I-L'ed at. Now, there are quite a few of these places. And quite a few of these places I have hunted at. And since I've been there twice now, it is still one of those places. Back to the story. It's a Saturday afternoon, high sunny skies, LOT's of water like a freaking ocean (though aparentley, there was none two days later) and ducks galore. I mean a ton of ducks. I spook up 100 mallards easily while walking to the blind. Throw some blocks out and get ready because.....it's ON! Birds are all over the place. Ten minutes goes by and I cooerce 8 mallards into my set. Three shots, no ducks. Then I get some pintails in, same result. Then more mallards, then more pintails, then more mallards, then more pintails.... see where I'm going with this. I took more shots that day then I have in the previous two years! And what do I have to show for it you ask? I have a dirty room with dirty laundry, mounds of papers that need to be filled out, I still haven't finished unpacking, an empty wicky bottle, empty pack of smokes, grocery shopping that needs to be done.......all those things the majority of the other people do on there one day off. Not ME, because I'm one of the BEST hunters EVER!!!!!!!

Cliffy out.....
p.s.- when get a camera, I'll put pics up too.

Cliffy out........

Idaho: Day 10.

I read with amusement the post from Fred G about his last hunt. In said post he quotes "It's cold, the guy on the radio said it was 28 degrees. Cold." Well I'm here to tell you about cold. Cold is when the same spot you hunted 4 days ago is now complete ice. Cold is when the spot that never freezes over has frozen over. Cold is when the small hole you bashed into the ice in the morning has frozen over in 1 1/2 hours. Cold is when the thermometer in the truck says 6 degrees while you are putting on your waders. You get the idea.

So Dallas and I figured that it would still be okay to hunt the regular spot this morning. After all, it was only 4 days since I slayed there last. We headed out at 5am and when he first started the truck it said -2 but warmed up to the posted +6 by the time we arrived. Even on the walk out we could see how much the lake had frozen over but the spot we hunt is on the inlet from the Coeur d' Alene river and where that water runs in is supposed to be relatively impervious to freeze up. Not only was it frozen but we were able to walk across the inlet to the other side. About 20 yards out there was a patch of less frozen water and we cut a hole into the ice with a big log and threw in 2 blocks. (good job on the set eh? they look super realistic with the keel showing.)

We did a poor job of hiding in the short grass on the point but it didn't matter anyway, nothing flew near us. Must be that with all the lakes and waterways frozen solid the ducks have gone somewhere else. I kind of figured with the conditions it would either be epic or nothing, we got the nothing. So after an hour and a half we pulled it and headed home for the day. Lame!

Unfortunately I think that the season is done at this area of the state. It's not likely that that water will un-freeze anytime soon and without a Coast Guard Cutter we are shut out. Now we must start looking for open water hunting and try to find a spot that allows us get to it without a boat. Good times. So until next time.......

GBCH

Ass Holes !

Civil War Prank Goes Too Far

December 6, 2009

By Heather Hintze

CORVALLIS, Ore.-- Staff at the Chintimini Wildlife Center say it looks like a Civil War prank went too far after someone spray painted a duck orange. "We all think this was obviously some prank done by some Beavers fan who did this as some sort of insult to the Ducks which unfortunately is really awful," says Animal Care Director, Cyndi Leech.

The duck--which is now being called Bill--was found on Thursday before the big game. He was completely covered in orange paint, and his legs were duct taped together.

After a couple days and several baths, traces of orange paint could still be seen on the duck's feathers and bill. Staff, however, say they're worried about the long-term affects the paint could have. "Birds preen, they use their beaks and their mouths to preen their feathers and keep them in good condition so he's ingesting all of that paint. These people were actually careless enough to spray paint it on his face and in his bill, so it got into his airway so we don't know how much of this he actually inhaled into his lungs," says Leech.

Beaver fans say they're disappointed someone would go outside the lines of friendly compeition. "The duck didn't do anything wrong. The duck's not a Duck fan," says Beaver Believer, Max Geiszler.

Staff at Chintimini say Bill will likely have to stay at the center until the spring because the paint stripped off his feathers' protective, oily coating. "He's doing well. He's eating, he's a healthy weight. He is a healthy, healthy bird to start with. So his prognosis is good," says Leech.

The duck was found near Linn-Benton Community College. If you have any information, contact the Albany Police Department.

Idioms For Idiots

The Old College Try



"Giving it the old college try," meaning a zealous all-out effort or to make a sincere effort, first appeared in a New York Times article dated October 19, 1919, written by future Hall of Fame pitcher (and former Bucknell University class President) Christy Mathewson. Describing the batting stance of future Cooperstown peer Frankie Frisch, then a rookie, Mathewson wrote, "Frisch was taking a long hold on his club and the old college try at the ball" (Frisch, the only Hall of Famer whose sobriquet denotes his alma mater, is known as the "Fordham Flash). The phrase first appeared in Merriam-Webster in 1927, and is in the New Dickson Baseball Dictionary.

Different Lattitudes

I heard that Fred G. is out slaying at Sauvies.
Meanwhile I am out snowshoeing in the mountains.
Who is having more fun?

Knowledge Is Power

(picture shows Cliffy with a duck, does not represent this year)

Cilffy. We all know him. We all know the dude has knowledge. The other day Cliffy went out scoping North Unit at Sauvies Island. As we all know, especially Steverino, that the North Unit ain't all that. Well with the recent influx of blistering cold weather it became something and Cliffy is the one who discovered it. As I said, Cliffy went out scoping on Friday after work and he happened upon a place called Cunningham Slough. I'll leave it at that. I know you all are dying for more information, but Cliffy is now "authorized" to post on the blog, so I will let him splain about his discovery. With Cliffys information in hand I decided to head out for a morning hunt at the North Unit. I pack up Lisa and head out. It's cold, the guy on the radio said it was 28 degrees. Cold. As I'm traveling Sauvies I take in a beautiful sunrise, I also notice that there are many hunters waiting in line, it won't be me today, I drive past. I arrive at the North Unit and there are two trucks already there, could it be that Cliffys words have already traveled? I worry not, where I'm going I don't think they will be there. I was right. After a 30 minute hike along the Mighty Columbia I get to the turn off point. Remember in the past the Cliffy always had the information, but sometimes it's not always correct, this was some what the case this time as well. His idea of a lot of water is different than mine. In the past I have seen the Cunningham Slough completely filled making almost a small lake, what I found was flooded marsh land. The rest of his info was spot on. Remember it's cold, really cold. That flooded marsh has a good crust of ice over the top, walking is a little difficult. The sun is now peaking out and I spied in the back of the slough right where Cliffy told me, mega waterfowl. I mean Mucho Holmes. But there were several downfalls. One being the crust of ice, travel was not easy and I was not able to find any open water. Fourth, it is a wide open area next to where the ducks are no real blind per se, so I had to set up about 100 yards from where they were hanging out and bust through some serious ice to put my blocks out. Click on the picture to left to see my ordeal. I'm set, I'm looking good now. Yo check me out! Birds are flying everywhere. If it were goose season and I could pass the damn goose test, I could have shot my limit ten fold. Mallards, maybe 100. Pintails, also 100, easy. They were in some open water just picking up then dropping down again, the cold had them on the move. When they flew overhead they flew in flocks of 10-30. So little ole me with my small hole in the ice with 5 blocks was not going to entice any birds my way. Or was I? After several hours of watching all these ducks frolic in front of me I'm thinking of hanging it up. Just then a hen mallard flys into my meager spread, bam! Folded. Folded right onto the ice, she's dead and she ain't going nowhere, I now go into "Oh My God!!" mode. When I shot her it scared up about 100 ducks. I'll work her little friends that came along for the ride, but my head is spinning, they are everywhere! I'm not able to entice them into my little pothole. More time passes and more and more ducks don't want anything to do with me. I bail. With a beautiful walk back to the truck, Mt. St. Helens all lit up, I think of Sunday. It will be about 10 degrees warmer. Yes!

Crutches

 

Synonyms is different words (or sumtimes phrases) with identical or very similar meanings . Words that are synonyms is said to be synonymous, and the state of being a synonym is called synonymy. The word comes from Ancient Greek syn (σύν) ("with") and onoma (ὄνομα) ("name"). The words car and automobile is synonyms. Similarly, if we talk about a long time or an extended time, long and extended become synonyms.

Idaho: Day 8 & 9

So I read an article the other day about hunting during the full moon. They say that it (the full moon) allows ducks and geese to feed at night and not need to move as much during the day, thereby reducing your chances of slaying in the morning. Furthermore, they say the afternoon is better to hunt because that is when the ducks and geese are going to need to move. They may be right. My last two hunts bear witness to this fact. Read on.

On Tuesday I went to Anderson Lake with Dallas and hunted the point we had been at before. The conditions were altogether wrong for slaying but we went anyway, wouldn't you? Full moon, warm, clear & calm was the forecast for the day and it was surprisingly accurate. I even purchased a rotating wing decoy the day before to improve our chances of attracting ducks on the big lake and from the wetlands preservee next door. There was hardly any action at all and we packed it up without taking a shot at 10am. Bummer.

Today though was a different story. The last two days have been COLD and I figured the ducks would need to move more often and the shallow wetland preserve may be starting to freeze over. Even with the full moon and sunny forecast things figured to be better. Remember now, I am the "Expert" and with that title goes all things relating to knowledge in the world of duck hunting. And of course, I was right.

Most of the water on the point had started to freeze so I worked the channel leading from the river to the lake. I set minimal blocks and my roto decoy facing the early morning sun so the birds would see them first and sitting on the open water. Not long after that the darkness started to break and hunting time was approaching. First light brought several fly-bys and a lone duck flew low checking out my spread. A single 3" round brought her down and solidified my "Expert" status for another day. I had another shot at a greenie that I missed (sun must have been in my eyes!) and shortly after the sun came up in earnest the action died out. I packed it up and headed for home. Mission Accomplished.

As a side note: Being a member of the HOY7 Hunting Team means something must transpire every day to remind me of my station in the world of high power duck hunters. I left the wings of my new roto decoy out in the blind, an hour away. Heston Damn it! Maybe they will be there next week.

GBCH

First Slay - Hunting - Spot

First Slay - Hunting - Spot

A Sauvies Classic

I know I know we have all heard it before, we all know why we hate/love Sauvie Days. Do I need to remind us all? Listen, let me get it out okay? Me and Cliffy show up for an afternoon hunt at Sauvies, we have some good choices, we choose Mud Hen 6. "But Fred I have been reading the blog and the harvest report says Johnson Unit is giving it up" you say. First of all you guys just said Johnson Unit, but the answer is yes it was but with out rain the Johnson Unit is dry. We hike out and find 4 guys in number 7 with about 60 blocks in the water plus a jerk string, and they were throwing out some good calls. I'm thinking these guys are good, I'm gonna respect their space, we work our ducks they work their ducks. Until they showed no respect, and while working some ducks in our spread they decide because they have 60 blocks in the water the ducks were working would be better suited in their spread. So they work our ducks over to their spread and they land in the water about 40 yards out in front of them.

THE HATE PART. They proceed to shoot the ducks on the water, they wound three and they fly/swim away in different directions. It's now 3:20 we have a mere 40 minutes left until cil time is up. Below is a picture if the 3 butt heads out in the water searching for their 3 ducks they winged. Click on the picture to see how far out they were. They searched for about 20 minutes out in the water in front of us. Remember the time? Also ducks don't like to land where people are wading, so the ducks we did see were going to have nothing to do with us.

THE LOVE. We love Sauvies cause you are guaranteed to see some ducks. With 10 minutes left we WORK a set of ducks into our spread. I stand and shoot "BAM" one shot and a folded shoveler. Fred G. is on the board! Some pressure is off now but we all know that Bob is lurking. With maybe one more hunt day left for the Portland Chapter things look bleak, Cliffy and I are due for surgeries come middle of the month. Cliffy for his hip and I for my knee. We wish Bob all the best! Maybe he will tell stories of yore to his new and improved hunting buds, we hope. Also with Cliffy out for awhile maybe he could pick a book on photography. I did all I could do with this picture.

Team Has New Wood!

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Cliffys New Wood

Idioms For Idiots

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Strike While the Iron Is Hot


Meaning: Seize the opportunity! When we have the chance to do something, we should do it immediately. Otherwise it will be too late.

Origin: This saying refers to the blacksmith who works with iron. First he heats the iron until it is red hot and soft. Then he immediately hits the iron with his hammer to change its shape. If he waits, the iron becomes cold and hard again, and he cannot shape it.

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A message from Jenny X.

Recreational Update:

Bob DaFolder makes first turns of the season!*

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*Turns shown in this picture may not be actual turns made today.

Yo Yo, check me out.

Click the "Yo Yo, check me out" link stuff up above.

If you see me, shoot me.

The Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens), also known as the Blue Goose, is a North Americanspecies of goose. Its name derives from the typically white plumage. The genus of this bird is disputed. The American Ornithologists' Union and BirdLife International place this species and the other "white" geese in the Chen genus, while other authorities place it in the more traditional "grey" goose genus Anser.

This goose breeds north of the timberline in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern tip of Siberia, and in warm parts of North America from southwestern British Columbia through parts of the United States to Mexico.^[1] It is a rare vagrant to Europe, but a frequent escape from collections and an occasional feral breeder. Snow Geese are rare visitors to the British IslesBarnacle, Brent and Greenland White-frontedferal population in Scotland from which many vagrant birds in Britain seem to derive. where they are seen regularly among flocks of geese.

Idaho: Day 7

Or the day I like to call 'Heston is mad at me' day.
Today I'm hunting by myself because Dallas is off to Montana to hunt deer or elk or something other than ducks, I would have liked to have seen Montana. Anyway, it's off to an early start because there is snow in the forecast and I have an hour drive to my spot on Anderson lake. The roads were clear and I had plenty of time to set up and arrange a nice decoy spread in the shallow water surrounding the point. It's quiet in Idaho at 5 AM, almost eerily quiet, and it's interesting to hear all the animals come to life in the early morning. I could hear the quacking of far off ducks on the other side of the lake, and the wave of snow that started to fall came to me first as the sound of soft snow progressing over the waters surface.

I sat in the light snow and watched as the dark of night turned to the light gray of a snowy morning. Ducks started to fly. I was calling quite a bit because the snow had reduced visibility and I wanted the ducks to know where I was. Several Mallards landed nearby and a couple swam near my decoys. When they were within 25 yards I jumped up and they took flight, my first shot missed but the second took the Drake down. The Greenie hit the water and dove down into the reeds, a natural response I guess, but he must have gotten caught up down there. I saw where he landed and knew that the water was no more than thigh deep so I made my way out to retrieve him but after a fruitless search I came up with nothing.

Regular readers may remember the post on this very blog about my Grandpa Clyde. I first wrote about him because of this very issue, retrieving downed ducks. The HOY7 Hunting Team does everything in our power to retrieve our birds and today was no exception. I searched a grid pattern by walking the whole area he could have been, hoping to jar him loose from the reeds. There was no chance he swam away as I had a great view of the waters surface. Still, I came up with nothing. Grandpa Clyde, I am sorry.

Of course Grandpa Clyde would be sad but he does not have the power of Heston. Only the Great Heston could have punished me for this transgression. And he did. I went through most of a box of shells today and never made another shot after that one. I missed the Geese that flew 20 feet over my head. It's not like they surprised me, I saw them coming at a blistering 5 mph for 40 - 50 seconds before I lifted the Benelli and took careful aim. 3 shots, nothing. How about the group of greenies that circled my blocks twice? 3 shots, nothing. The teal or widgeon that blasted from left to right? 3 shots, nothing. And finally, here's the capper, the group of 12 or so Snow Geese that flew right over my head, again I saw them coming and had all the time in the world to make a good shot. You guessed it. 3 shots, nothing.

So now I have a week to think about what I could have done differently and how to make this up to the duck population and the great Lord Heston. Some act of contrition that will ease my conscience and make up for what I've done. I'm considering joining Delta Waterfowl, my membership will help restore habitat and maybe a cute little baby duck will be born because of my donation. later I hope to shoot him. Whatever happens I hope next week Heston will allow me to slay ducks and geese, and bring them home to my table.

GBCH