Bob D. The 'Expert'.

 Hey it's me Bob D again. Seeing how nobody else in the H7HT goes hunting once the season is under way it's only natural that I have become The 'Expert' in only 2 short days.  This morning I had a choice to make between kayak hunting again or going to The Blind and seeing what kind of problems the big wind and rain storm caused the other day.  After loading up a cougar shell the walk was downright pleasant and, other than the knowledge that the same 3 1/2" red shell shooting bastard had been to our ridiculously expensive blind before us, everything looked great.  I put out a jerk rig, spinner and all my beautiful Dakota decoys and settled in for what was sure to be a banner day. I was treated to a silent morning that slowly woke up and gave me the pleasure of whistling wings greeting the morning light.

The second set of ducks flying after shooting hours had one with a bright white belly and I took the shot. One shot one splash.  Only problem was that it was a widgeon. Seems I'm great at shooting widgeon.  The next set that came in had another white belly and in my race for power and glory I two shotted another widgeon but this one hit the water and ran. Well, it swam actually.  My grandfather Clyde was watching from above and surely mad as hell as I waded out at least 200 yards before the water was up to my chest and my waders had no more to give. I had to let the bird go. My first NR (non retrieve) of the season and a sobering lesson about taking only the good clean shots and knowing your ability to retrieve.  I was feeling down.

After watching a few sets fly by and getting back into the spirit of things by beading up some brandt I was ready when the first greenie came in, looking to land in my perfect spread. One shot, one splash. I missed on a nice greenie coming straight in because I only saw him at the last second and after a few more sets came by I was ready for anything. The second greenie came by shortly after and although he was fatter than the first he was no less dead after a nice second shot of 3 1/2" power.  At this point I was now The 'Expert'.  See, only drakes count and an NR is a negative towards that count no matter the bird. While I was happy to be The 'Expert' I would rather have only 1 greenie and no NR's at all.  Grandpa Clyde and all.

After the greenie that snuck up behind me while I was taking a comfort break, I watched lots of birds fly into the Pylons at the end of the lake. Perhaps Clider and I will go there tomorrow.  I guess waiting for snow has it's rewards.

GBCH.

Day One as Reported by Bob DaFolder

Today was a very strange opener for me here in the great state of Idaho.  I will list all the things that do not coincide with a normal opening day for me but one thing should come as no surprise, I went to The Point. Well, two things actually, but more about that later.

First off you will be surprised that I arrived at The Point by boat. I hate boats right? Not my new kayak though.  I was loaded up and ready to go this morning in my new sit on top kayak with all the necessary gear for a regular day.  The paddle out was simple as can be and saved me tons of time and hassle over the normal walk out.  I didn't even need a cougar shell in my Benelli because no cougar can swim as fast as I can paddle.  Stupid cougar.  The kayak easily held 10 blocks, my roto, a tripod chair, gun, my gear bag and even extra clothing in the off chance I had to take a swim.  The fog coming off the river and lake was no match for the worlds most powerful headlamp and after a few minutes of vertigo I learned to look at the water in front of the boat, not the fog. The trip took only a few minutes. I arrived quickly and not covered in sweat.  The kayak was simple to hide and set up was easy.

Second thing was that I had not built a blind at The Point yet.  Unfortunately someone else had spent what I can only assume was a buck fifty building a crappy blind by cutting down big chunks of tree branches from way too close by.  They required a good remodel and in addition a cleaning of 3 1/2 shell hulls from their likely poor shooting.  I settled in by myself.  That's the third thing, I was alone.  Normally Clider would not miss the chance to be the first Idahoan to shoot, cil and claim 'Expert' status.  Seems he was too busy attempting to shoot bambi or elkie or maybe a grouse.  Who can really say what he's been up to. He never posts anyway.

I saw ducks, brandt, geese, divers, mergansers that I thought were Pinnys at first, but I never had a good shot at any Greenies.  They were around but not interested in The Point and my decoys.  It was a nice morning and after a bit I decided to check in with my phone which was dead.  Realizing that people might be worried about me the kayak saved the day.  I paddled back to the Jeep and plugged in to recharge and calm any fears that I was dead hunting alone. The fact that you can get to the parking lot and back in only a few minutes was an eye opener. I dig my kayak. It was typical point hunting after that.  A few chances but nothing good and no ducks fell.

This brings me to a new possible X-factor in the land of the H7HT.  Old friend of ours and owner of a shitty ACL/MCL, Clayton, has decided to buy himself a gun.  Well, another gun really. This one shoots shotshells rather than military rounds.  Seems he wants to be a slayer.  It also seems that he has an Uncle who has a penchant for murdering ducks as well.  He went out opening day and immediately solidified his reputation by dropping two pinnys and something else.  Of course this year you are only allowed one pintail so that makes him C.T.P. right off the bat.  Maybe, just maybe someday he will hunt with other H7HT members and learn the ways of our team.  Until then he just has to stay Clayton The Poacher.  Included is a picture of the two of them in a boat on the Oregon coast coming from a day of shooting more ducks than the whole team combined. 'Me and my Uncle, went riding down, south Colorado, west Texas bound'

Stay tuned.
GBCH.

Breaking News.....

Fred G. predicts Trump gains presidency while he was 'Expert' years ago. What's next, greenies fall from sky? Cliffy quits job to join Founders Tour? Peat willingly retrieves ducks? Bob D. falls in love with deep cold water? Clider decides scouting 'for pussies'?  All these questions and more will be answered, or not, in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned.

How Can We Afford This? Volume.

Another $400,317.96 spent rebuilding and improving The Blind this year in preparation for the new hunting season.  Clider and I carved some time out of our busy schedule to cold start the boat, fire up the dog, head out to Anderson and get the party started. (No, I don't use the Oxford comma!) The pictures you see here reflect the half way and a complete build out phase of The Blind and another of a beautiful sunset with ducks flying close by.

Speaking of ducks, there were tons of ducks flying around and loafing in Anderson today. Many of them were mallards and lots of them looked fat. The little area just east of The Point which always seems to hold ducks is now in play thanks to the new kayak situation. I'm sure there will be more to report on that matter soon enough.

On the Founders Tour front, it will be happening early this year. The unfortunate news is that Cliffy will not be able to attend due to something called a job.  Here at the H7HT we do not agree with jobs that keep you from slaying. Let's start a petition to get Cliffy fired. Also, new digs have been booked for our home away from home. Although we will be hard pressed to beat the luxury and class from last years accommodations we will be steps away from the lake and have a shower that does not make your skin crawl. Literally.

Let's get this party started!
GBCH