Idaho Hunting Trip

What in the name of Heston.......

....is this thing doing in my truck? I mean really, did I do something this year for people to keep murdering birds and dumping them on me? I got back to my truck today and saw this thing (not a duck but what the hell is it) sitting in the back as you see here in the picture to the right. I have no idea where it came from or to what end someone put it there. I mean really, what in the name of Heston is this thing doing in my truck????

Pressure.

Also known as: Idaho, day 7 + 5.
Lots of pressure was felt today. Pressure from all directions and an interesting end to my day of hunting in the great state of Idaho. Fred G is gone and with him the title of 'Expert' has departed the area too. Now I sit in 3rd place in the standings behind him and Cliffy. At least E-7 has not yet shot more ducks than I have. The pressure to increase my totals was just one of the reasons I left for Anderson this morning. The other is I have a guide job tomorrow with Rocky and his Dad and usually that means more calling and looking, less shooting for me. So I left in the pouring rain and as I got near the lake I saw 2 other hunters unloading their truck and heading towards the point. I talked to them and confirmed their intentions and they told me they scouted the area because everything else was frozen over. Not good.

Now walking out to the blind further down Anderson I could see a glassy sheen to the water and noted the fact that the water level had dropped further from last week. I was careful to not leave too many tracks in the snow as I made my way to the devastation the wind had brought on our blind. Fortunately it was still solid enough to support my morning fly but the water was a different story, it was frozen. I punched out a small honey hole by pushing slabs of ice under one another and dropped in a few decoys as ducks flew over my head like crazy. It was shooting time and I was still trying to make a landing area for them. Lots of pressure to finish quickly and get back to the blind. See, more pressure.

Fully light now and I took a few shots from a kneeling position in the reeds and missed. The rain and wind had ducks moving about in all directions and more than once I missed seeing ducks fly from the direction I was not looking. The pressure to see in all directions was overwhelming. Geese flew in dozens right by me and I was pressured into taking a couple shots at them due to how close they were. Tough bastards those geese, like throwing a golf ball at a bear is how I think of it, but I lobbed a couple 3 1/2 inchers at them anyway. Nothing.

The wind and rain slowed and I set out to increase the size of my ice patch so if we have to use the blind tomorrow it will have a bigger area of attraction. I also attempted a $20,000 remodel on the blind but only the mighty 'Expert' Fred G can build a mansion like that again. At 11:00 I called it and headed back to the truck to find an intriguing surprise waiting. No ducks today but there is always tomorrow..... stay tuned.
GBCH

Day Six Oregon

We Start the day early at 4:30 to ensure we get the point at the Old Spot.  With bags filled with new blocks and high hopes we start the long walk out. We arrive and set out our new shiny blocks, E-7 helps with the blinds. Were set, were looking good, we have 45 minutes to go. Killing time arrives and and in no time Cliffy V. is pulling the trigger, once, folds a greenie, NICE! Me forgetting I was using my semi I forgot to pull the trigger again, missed opportunities when your in first place are like people sticking knives in your back trying to vie for your spot. For the Old Spot the morning fly was spectacular.  A few more fly by's and some shots taken, even by the prospect Ed who after taken a shot earned his name of E-7. Figure it out. Some while into the day Cliffy V. says "Fred G. how bout a sammy to bring them out." I walk back to the bag to grab them turn around and about 10 greenies fly into the spread. When I say fly into the spread I mean I'm 10 yard from the guys in the blind, I could see into the eyes of the greenies and see their inner souls. I mean if I had a seven iron I could have swung it with one arm and taken out at least seven of them. I'm back in the bushes and I'm missing it! "Guys Guys what the Hell?" One says he wasn't sure if he should shoot, the other could not get his hand out of his glove!  Well Cilffy V. goes for a walk, I take his spot so I could play with Leroy.  I notice Leroy needs a little help, a little fixin.  Just as I'm out there fixin Leroy Cliffy V. comes back sits in his chair and ducks fly in, WHILE I'M OUT FIXIN LEROY!!  I shout pull the string, SHOOT!  Cliffy folds another bird E-7 gets a few more shots off, while I'm standing out by the water!  Now I'm scared, Cliffy is now in sole second place and one behind me.  I have to do something but quick.  Well Heston answered my prayers, a hen fly's in she's mine, one shot and she lands be hind us.  The sky turns blue time to split.  Still two up.  I can still breath.

Live Or Memorex

Today we were hunting at the Old Old Spot Point sitting there minding our own business, when two"ladies" were walking the path behind us.  They stopped about 10 yards yards away from us and started pointing towards the water.  I over heard them saying "hey look at those ducks they're feeding, oh my gosh look at them all."  Me sitting in plain view of them announces to them "there not real."  They turn completely shocked "oh my gosh we didn't see you there... are they all fake?"

(blind built by new member E-7)

Days Five and Six Idaho-Oregon Chapters

The last two days of the trip were the same but different.  One day included swirling snow and cold the other light rain and warmer. At the tail end of the full moon the ducks nearly evaporated, mallards anyway. All was quiet at the refuge, usually early morning singing to our ears was plain ole silence. Day five's ride out included swirling snow with visibility of about 20 yards pretty much the whole ride to Harrison.  White knuckles the whole way, Bob navigated Betty through what seemed to be a worm hole.  We hunted the Point, grey overcast sky's with mixed snow and rain, one shot taken all day.  Day six was interesting.  The night before in Kellogg it snowed and continued to snow through night and into the morning.  Having traveled the worm hole express the morning before we thought it would be wise to leave an extra hour early to make the 50 mile ride in 2 hours instead of the normal 1.  Bob packs the truck full of snow for extra traction and were begin our slow journey.  Snow is swirling again, were slicing miles off like a dull knife going though fine Italian bread.  We get to the St. Maries exit and low and behold it's clear!  All the way to the lake.  So we arrive super early take a quick nap and head out to the Blind.  Wind is what we have, lots of it, coming in buckets all at once.  Bob works the magic putting out the blocks and I do a $30,000.00 remodel on the Blind.  (Rocky and his dad will be impressed)  Then just as the day before, nothing, I don't even think we took any shots.  The wind subsided and the sky turned blue.  Call it.

All in all the trip was great.  Bob is blessed with two great spots, birds all his own that are committed with their feet down, something that rarely happens around here.  A great time was had, Thank You.  I may be the Expert leaving Idaho but the Champ still remains there, Paige.  How and why she put up with us I will never know. Jack and Coke anyone?

Put Up Or Shut Up....Right?

Dear Fred G.,
Thank you for your generous gift to Ducks Unlimited. Your contribution makes it possible for us to protect and restore the most critical wetlands across North America. Ducks Unlimited provides hope and an answer to the habitat loss. To date, more than 12 million acres of wetlands and other habitat important to waterfowl and people have been conserved.

Dear Fred G.,
 Thank you for joining the NRA. We appreciate your interest in protecting and preserving our Second Amendment rights and promoting safe, responsible gun ownership. Your credit card will be billed for $35.00* for a 1 Year Membership in the National Rifle Association with "American Hunter" as your magazine choice.
If you have any questions regarding your order, please email us at membership@nrahq.org. Or you may call our Toll Free Membership Account Information Hotline at 1-877-NRA-2000.

Thanks again for your interest in the National Rifle Association!

Charlton Heston

And there she sits.

Fred G. has a saying, more than one actually, but one that rings true today. "All the could haves in the world don't amount to one I did". True my friend. Especially today.

Last night I went to bed thinking about the possibility of hunting today. It was snowing and I have been working hard at the ole' job getting ready for the upcoming season of skiing here in North Idaho. Maybe, I thought, I would not wake early and brave the snow crusted roads as I do have tomorrow off and, with NFL Sunday Ticket, could record my game for later viewing. Mistake! I woke up several times around 3am to 5am and looked out the window to see a winter wonderland of snow and 20 degree cold, the whole time thinking to myself I should be on my way to the blind or maybe the point. At the very least I've got tomorrow to slay.

So after getting out of bed and doing my chores I received a text from the boss lady. Mountain is opening Monday, would I be able to come in Sunday and train the new techs so they are ready for the early open. Of course I had to say yes, I need the money to pay for my new battery and cables. Hunting opportunity: Gone.

So there it is. Should have, not did. My consolation is that Wednesday Rocky the bartender, his Dad and I are heading to the blind to revel in the beauty of Anderson Lake and slay. Problem being that as the tour-guide I get to do all the calling and spotting but less of the shooting. I'm sure it will be a great day and I will shoot 7 Greenies but the reality is often different from the fantasy. Don't mess with the fantasy. I should have listened to 'The Expert'. See, another should have......

GBCH

Jiggity Where Are You?

Migration Alert

Dear Fred G.,

Ducks and geese are moving hard ahead of the snow storm that will move
across the nation over the next few days. Reports today from the northern
portion of the Central and Mississippi Flyways indicate tornadoes of birds
feeding in fields as the fuel for the journey south.

A series of storms in the Pacific Northwest and those that will reach
Ontario in the next few days will also have birds moving in the coastal
flyways during the next week.

Day Four Idaho-Oregon Chapters

Full moon again.  Today was a "blind" day.  The most awesomest ever, the blind that is and the day was not too shabby either.  We re-invented the roto with a metal post that would bring the roto higher off the water and sink more easily.  We are throwing out 22 blocks now plus the roto so our spread is looking good.  Being the two co-founders we still had first greenie monies between the two of us tradition and all, I'm sure Bob will be handing Cliffy V. his five bucks come the Kings weekend.  Morning flys are becoming more and more transparent that the full moon is affecting the hunts.  It seems every day shots are taken, at least all opportunity is not fully lost.  Speaking of Lost how did everyone enjoy the series finally?  Within one of the opportunities a set of ducks came in pretty hot, I was unable to identify them as fast as Bob and I did not want to clean another Teal, although very tasty just not worth the effort.  So I stayed off this set but Bob jumped on them good.  He folded a real nice hen Shoveler with two shots and it landed on shore so retrieve was easy peasy.  Soon after a set of Mallards came in I shot twice and folded an immature Drake, it went splash.  Needles to say when it goes splash or splat for that matter it's an easy retrieve.  A few more shots were taken, and I did have an opportunity at a nice goose.  All week my mouth was watering at the thought of folding a goose, being Idaho no rules, did not need no stinking test.  Geese were flying right in us and low enough to take a shot.  They came in on my side, "Bob I'm taking one."  First shot dead on, I saw red, it flinched.  "WHAT!"  I said.  Then another shot, dead red.  It flinched again, the third shot was up it's ass so I thought.  Nothing.  I guess 2 3/4 inch shells with 2 shot does not cut the mustard, or fold a goose.  The day ended and as we walked out we talked about how our shots were getting better, we were taking our time, looking down the barrel, seeing red.  Folding not winging.  Jack and Coke anyone?

Day Three Idaho - Oregon Chapters

Day three started of like every other hunting day.  Wake up super early with the super best alarm clock, big bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, cup of java, pack up the truck and stop at the local Con Co for supplies and to see Jerry the fastest check out guy in the world.  This time was different.  It was time to fill the beast with go-go juice, thank Heston I brought my wallet.  Oh a quart of oil or two no problem.  I'm inside having a very intellectual conversation with Jerry, about the proper procedures to put down the mats when the floor is still wet.  A hour later when both tanks are filled I pay the man and step outside where Bob proclaims the truck won't start!  Yeah right I say not believing one word he is spewing and jump into the truck.  Well now Bob "DaMechanic" has the hood up and tapping stuff with his everything tool.  I look at it and say "dude your battery terminals are horribly dirty, clean those!"  No no he says, he thinks it's the battery, low he thinks it is.  Well it's now 4:30 am and it's time to take the long walk back to his house on the Trail of Coeur d'Alene, it's has now become a yearly ritual as Bobs mechanic will testify.  Half hour later we arrive at his house pick up Paige's car and head to Wal Mart to get a battery.  To make this story shorter here it is.  Install new battery, does not work, Einstein looks on WWW, I go to sleep, he can't fix it, walks across the street to mechanic, mechanic dude says clean terminals he does it starts.  Wait! didn't I say that?  Too late to hunt we walk the golf course and I kick his ass there too.  Naturally.

Reunion Tour 2011

The first day was beautiful and productive, for Fred G. Now standing in the "Expert" spot with 3 whole ducks. He had surpassed the total that Cliffy had recently posted and was in the season lead but I had a trick up my sleeve. It was time for my spot on the point. After all, I let him have all the good shots. I am a nice guide to the Idaho Panhandle.

After a full moon night we knew that the hunting would be marginal at best. We arrived at the point on Anderson to a broken cloud layer and no real wind. The set was an old stand by with the wind light in our faces but high hopes for a good yield. Morning fly was wistling ducks before shooting time but then the sun rose into the clouds and the ducks started to come in. My gun, still being bent, was not on point but after a couple shots I managed to fold a Urasion Widgeon. Problem was that Fred shot another duck, a nice little Teal, and the totals were back to the same.

I don't really remember the rest of the day but I know it ended with us thinking that the best weather was upcoming and we would surely shoot more ducks the following day. Of course problems were in order, after all we are the H7HT.

“Bad Moon On the Rise”

The Full Moon and its affect on Wild Game

By Tom Cannon

Creedence Clearwater Revival had a big hit in the seventies called “Bad Moon on the Rise” and that turned out well for them. Unfortunately, as outdoorsmen and women, sometimes the moon doesn’t seem to treat us as well as those free spirited musicians. A full moon can seemingly make or break an outing. Recently, the full moon of the 2011 Idaho and Oregon Chapter Slay and it was easily the most brilliant moon light many can recall. How did the animals react during the inherently brighter night? Did the full moon allow the typical day light dwellers an extra advantage or did it hinder the abilities of those that hunt at night?

Let’s face it, the lunar cycle has been continually researched since the earliest times. Scientists have proven through centuries of close observation that different phases of the moon affect all sorts of natural living things. Take for instance tides…Mariners navigate by a pre-determined set of tidal charts fore warning of the highs and lows of tides. Certain species of fish feed on a high or low tide and sea turtles, alligators and other tidal animals utilize the full moon and the tidal pressures to know when to seek out a shore on which to lay their eggs for optimum results.

The Farmer’s Almanac predicts the best times to plant, harvest, (and yes even neuter animals) by the moon’s phase. Many horticulturalists believe that certain plants bud out during a full moon phase. Likewise, many sportsmen assert that animals such as deer and fish begin their spawn or rut rituals with arrival of the full moon.

It’s no secret that the moon affects every living creature, yet some seem more under its spell than others. Not all animals see well at night. Some creatures have eyes that require more light than others, (like us humans) so the full moon may be more of an advantage for them. Since a good portion of the animal kingdom is nocturnal, it can be difficult to compare those creatures with typical daylight activists, such as us humans. Still, since the outdoors is our passion and we strive to be more intelligent about our quarry, our panel of “field experts” was questioned about the affects that the full moon has upon their more common prey and how they try and overcome those challenges.

Since the waterfowl season is currently under way in many portions of the nation, we begin with how the moon affects our migratory birds. Our first waterfowl expert is Fred G., co-founder of the Hoy 7 Hunting Team, whose unique blog is quickly gaining popularity with the hardcore young duck and goose hunters.

Fred G. chases waterfowl from early Teal season on up through the final days in January, when greenie forces him to hang up the calls. He is the guy I often find myself calling to check with about theories and how the birds are behaving across town. When asked, he freely admitted he was a firm believer in that ducks and geese often make drastic changes in the behaviors during the full moon period.

For instance, over the years Fred G.  noticed waterfowl would often go out to feed in the late afternoon and not return to their roost at dusk as is the common pattern. In fact, he witnessed them staying in the crop fields after sunset while the full moon was overhead. The moon provided plenty of light for them to feel secure enough to continue feeding during their normal resting hours.

Of course, this behavior had an immediate impact on the next morning’s hunt(s). Rarely did the ducks or geese fly out for their regular A.M. feeding. Warm weather just seemed to amplify this behavior as well. It became such common place that Self began to mark full moon periods on his calendar and would adjust his hunting schedule.

Through a process of elimination, Fred G. found that if the evening of the full moon was clear more often than not, birds stayed out late. It was not beneficial to hunt the next morning, since the birds had full bellies and typically lay up at the roost. Evening hunts (where legal) were more productive and only the last portion of shooting time was activity normally found. Of course, on cloudy nights the full moon may not “light up the night” and wildlife may not be able to feed as late. When the full moon falls during hunting season, this waterfowler will just sleep in and try his luck in the P.M.

A little farther nouth, in the town of Kellogg, Idaho lives Bob DaFolder. Most duck hunters know his bearded face and recognizable east coast drawl from the H7HT videos. “Bob” as he is known in the duck hunting world, is one of the nicest guys to ever pick up a call and he is one of the best callers and a die hard greenie slayer.

When I asked Bob how he dealt with a full moon during hunting season, he answered matter of factly with “persistence”. He explained that the full moon would not keep him out of his cherished flooded lakes, but that things can and do get tough. Still, things didn’t always work out for the worst. Bob mentioned that sometimes ducks and geese will feed hard the night before a full moon. “Come the next morning,” he advised” they’ll want in that timber bad!” Of course, in hunting there is no guarantee and every day has a learning curve. “Sometimes you just have to wait them out,” he chuckled and sometimes you go home empty handed.

A couple tricks that Bob has garnered over the years are that birds that feed all night long will often head to those less pressured areas to rest. Near by reservoirs can be great places to find loafing ducks with full bellies. Much like Fred G., Bob felt that mid day or afternoon hunts were more productive than early morning. “Actually, I like to be out right around noon, when some ducks will mill about some and good hunting can be had!” quipped Ronquest. Keep in mind that lots of hunters leave their hunting areas at or before noon, so this can really be a prime time!

Day One Idaho-Oregon Chapters

Day one actually started off the day before, the day I arrived.  Bob picks me up at an early 8am we head to Cabelas pick up supplies.  As were heading towards Kellogg Bob drops on me that were going to stop by the lake and build a blind.  We arrive to the spot were going to build the blind and were greeted by a light snow and many ducks on the water what could be better.  We build the best blind ever pack up and head home.  My personal alarm wakes me up at 3am we pack up and head out, anticipation is great.  We arrive at 5am Bob takes care of business and were on our way down the Trail of Coeur d'Alene .    We pass the sleeping cougar make our way to the water and trow out the blocks and set the roto.  Morning rituals.  Morning fly is pretty strong and soon enough a mallard takes the bait, blamo Fred G. is on the board early but it was not easy.  Having just winged her she was swimming away pretty fast, I'm out of shells!   Bob hands me his gun and I'm running as fast as possible and making sure I enter the water through the same way we exited putting the blocks out.  I put a few more shells out there and with no avail.  I'm now standing over her and she is trying to hide by swimming under water through my legs.  Finally she's mine!  I make my way back to the blind, it was a fight.  Fred G. wins.  More shots taken by both and second chance widgeon comes in, she's mine.  She was a little easier, but still a small challenge.  Were jumping the gun, not putting the red in dead.  Talk ensues about the days events, happy with the out come we head home.  Jack and Coke anyone?

Ass Hole.

I don't even know where to begin.
I'll start by watching the Giants win over the hapless Patriots and settling into the Steelers game with my Sweetie. Salmon and baked potato with broccoli was cooking up nicely in the oven when there was a knock at the door. Marlyn was there with a plastic bag and I called Paige over to talk to her friend but Marlyn wanted me instead. Seems she had a bag of ducks for me.

"My friend shot these and I brought them over for you" Well, I'm not sure of the look on my face but I do know I was perplexed to say the least. I like to shoot my own ducks I said. "Well my friend shot these for you" Ummm, doesn't he want them? I asked. "No, he just likes to shoot them." Now I'm sure the look on my face was clear but by now Paige was there saying hello and I had this bag of ducks in my hand. "Usually he gives them to Blah deBlah but I brought them for you, he doesn't like duck." WTF? I wanted to say something like 'Tell your friend to clean and EAT his own ducks that he likes to shoot so much.' but by now I realized that throwing them back at her would cause me nothing but trouble. I walked to the back door and tossed them on the stoop, then went back past her to the other room. Again, WTF?

Needless to say that I'm angry now and after dinner I open the bag to see 4 Greenies shot sometime today by an ass hole that 'only likes to shoot ducks'. So there I am cleaning someones ducks so they don't go to waste at 8:00 in the evening when I should be enjoying my Barcalounger and football. WTF?

I know full well I don't have to tell H7HT members, but to the rest of our thousands of daily readers... If you shoot it, you eat it! Grandpa Clyde would bitch slap this 'Hunter' if he wasn't dead for the last 30 years and if I meet this guy I'll have a few words for him too. Fortunately Heston will be around to judge this punk.

G Men....

Nuff said.

It's the Jay Part That Got Me

It won't be long now.......

Until these two guys are slaying mucho patos, Holmes.

By John Pollman

The middle of the season is possibly the most challenging time for waterfowl hunters. During this period, ducks and geese are notorious for skirting decoy spreads, ignoring calls, and in some cases, simply disappearing. Following are some useful tips from three avid hunters to help solve the riddle that is mid-season waterfowl hunting.

Don't Give Up on Public Hunting Areas
By mid-season, though, hunting on public areas can be challenging, but Contreras says that good hunting opportunities are still there.
"After the first few weeks of the season, the hunting is going to slow down," Contreras says. "When this happens, you may need to work a little harder and change your tactics to have a successful hunt."
For starters, Contreras spends more time scouting small ponds, creeks and rivers. He looks for small, out-of-the-way honey-holes – protected potholes or shallow, open wetlands that have little cover – areas that other hunters may simply overlook.
"You'll be surprised by how many birds use these spots," Contreras says. "Using a small layout boat or waterproof tub for your layout blind will give you access to areas that typically are not hunted."
When hunting wary mid-season birds, Contreras likes to use the most realistic decoys he can find. Decoy placement is also important. "If the birds are loafing on the shorelines and hanging close to shore, I'll place my decoys in similar positions," he says. "If they are dabbling offshore and staying in groups, I'll do the same. This is a good starting point for the morning, and I can adjust the spread as the day progresses."

And one other small bit of advice: be on time.
"Be ready to shoot by hunting light," Contreras says. "Early morning flights can provide your only shooting of the day. If you're still setting decoys at shooting light, you may miss out on your only opportunities.

Watch the Weather and Stay Concealed

"I try to make the most of the weather when targeting pressured birds. I pay attention to the most recent weather forecasts and try to pick days – even times of the day – that I expect will increase my odds," Roby says.
This may mean waiting several days to hunt a certain spot until the right weather conditions occur. "There's no use spoiling a good hole if the wind is wrong or the sky cover – or lack thereof – will cost you a good hunt," he says.
Roby is also a stickler about concealment.
"By the middle of the season, a good portion of the material hunters put on their blinds before opening day has either changed color, deteriorated, or been removed by that guy in the group who just can't stand to be closed in," Roby says. "Take some time throughout the season to freshen up the cover on your blind and close up any gaping holes."
Experience has shown Roby that the extra time required to add brush to a blind is a worthwhile investment.

"It's all worth it when you park that flock of mallards that has circled half a dozen times trying to decide if it's safe or not," he says.