Day Off

Took Monday off from hunting, only being up two I had second thoughts, but it was a nice day to take a "hike" around Multnomah Falls with Kathy.  I did not see any ducks but a lot of nature.

Day Ten Oregon

Today is as the video goes.  After the video there were a set of 4 Pintails that buzzed the spread 3 times, I think the lack of Pintail blocks was the cause.  On the other hand they were close enough one time where I should have taken the shot, but I wanted the landing gear down.  Like I said I don't think they would commit with a bunch of Mallard blocks.  By the way the blocks look great, Leroy would only have helped with the high flyers.  The weather was calm no wind when I got there and a light rain, when I decided to call it at about 10:00 the sky's were blue but the wind was starting to pick up, but fortunately  there were no birds trying to drop in the kill zone while I'm picking up there little friends.  Something amusing did happen though, I caught another hunter stalking my blocks, they do look good.  Enjoy the Vid.  Peace.

Day Nine Oregon

Fill in the Blanks

Hi my name is Cliffy V.  I am a hunter.  I belong to the greatest hunting team H7HT.  I went hunting on Sunday with Fred G. he is the Expert.  I shot a duck.   Here is a picture.

Thanks for reading my story.

Ciffy V.

Jeff Foiles is a Dick.

X-mas present suggestion.....

Idaho: Day 9+5

So yesterday the pressure is on. I'm sitting well back in the duck count and I feel the need to slay not just some ducks, but some Greenies. I finally had a chance to go to the point by my lonesome. Not that I enjoy hunting alone, I do, but hunting by myself affords me the greatest chance to work the magic and bring the ducks in ready to land and showing me their fat bellies. I was ready.

Big Betty is running like crap but I knew she would not let me down on this trip. Warm and clear in the morning makes for bad hunting conditions but good driving. We left early and it was a good call. The blind on the point was destroyed by the recent mega-windy conditions and after I set a nice decoy spread in the low waters I did a $54,986 remodel on the blind, I was ready. I even set a couple confidence decoys on a half submerged log and topped it off with the rotisserie decoy in a prime spot. It was calm and warm, too warm.

Ducks flew in the pre-shooting minutes and I drew a bead on them just to be ready when the time came, 6:38 to be exact. as it turned out I was just putting my nose to the floor and smelling the food as the old saying goes. Nothing flew that morning. In 3 hours I saw only two sets that held promise. One lone Greenie flew low directly into my spread and then flared when the rotisserie scared him. Maybe they are onto that trick and I am learning that calling could be more of a hindrance than a attractant. No birds were to be mine that day.

On the plus side I saw an amazing sunrise over the hillside and the calm was nice to be a part of. Next chance to hunt may be with Willie my coworker and friend who has a dog that should be exposed to 'birdieness'. Chances are that he will be more like a "turd in the punchbowl" (still no winners on the reference) but I still look forward to introducing another person to the H7HT experience. Time will tell. Stay tuned.

GBCH

Eleven Twenty Eight

life has a rhythm that we all must obey
the change of the seasons and the roles that they play
inevitable they are so enjoy every day

right now in time we have such a marker
Mother Nature tells us not to ignore her
daylight is short, the nights longer and darker

with half the season behind us and the rest to unfold
anticipation can be platinum but actions are pure gold
so get yourself out there today and make memories to hold

that delicate point we have reached in the season
some have more some have less whatever the reason
but I have a thought that you can believe in

we are the best group of hunters that ever can be
all members of the greatest team ever, the H7HT

Can't Believe Almost 6 Years

It's been almost six years since I started this thread on

Skybusting at Sauvies, I have to say not much has changed.

Also that was the year Cliffy was Expert.  Damn!

Have You Seen This Man?

His name is Bob DaFolder

He used to folds Greenies

And used to take our money

But now ...

Where has he gone?

No Monies?

No Greenies?

(by the way I don't have to tell you but that was one big ass Greenie)

Oregon Day Eight

Greenie Smoked with Apple Wood

Day eight was a Thursday, Thanksgiving. With E7 out with the stones, Furious, TJ and I made it out to the Old Spot. We left at 4:45 and arrived to find mucho trucks in parking lot. The walk out I smelled it.  We reach the water, it's up. Last week when we were out there it measured 2.75 feet it was now up to 8.75 feet, there was also many people setting up blinds. Furious and I decided to wade around to the back or top of the point, no opportunity to just float the bags out there. After slipping and falling in the water, I submerged my gun again for the second day in a row, and now I'm soaked up to my elbows. Furious finds a cherry spot on top of the point. We have awesome coverage we were surrounded by water and there is a gravel shelve that went out for what seemed a good 30-40 yards so we were able to get the blocks far out there but made it almost impossible to put Leroy in. Pre-shooting flight was lite but as soon as the sun made it's way over Hood they picked up, mostly Mallards. A half hour or so into shooting time about 8 greenis fly into the spread, Leroy made them want us and my new flocked blocks sealed the deal. With landing gear fully down over my blocks we jump and with one shot I fold one and in the same breath I turn my sights onto another greenie bastard, I let loose the Benelli once more but nothing, looking back on it I should have emptied it. Furious emptied his gun with no luck and when they were gone I retrieved my prize, number 7 a greenie. The morning gave more excellent looks but no more shots. The sky's were turning pitch black and we decided to high tail it out of there. Then the expected happened. Goes a little something like this........ We were pulling our blocks and a set of 10 mallards wanted to land and then a set of 3, all while our guns were on shore, unloaded. I plucked the greenie and smoked it with my Thanksgiving Day turkey.  Delish.

Oregon Day Seven

Day seven was a Wednesday afternoon hunt at Sauvies.  I arrive at the check in station at about 12:45 and by 1:15 I'm on my way to Johnson 3.  Never really hunted Johnson before so it was some good scouting opportunity as well and walking out in day light was a plus.  I get to the turn off point for my blind area and I am immediately greeted by water, lots.  It was a long grueling walk with my 50 pound pack in thigh high water for about 300 yards.  There are no blinds but hunting areas, you find your post with your assigned number an set up  at it or 30 yards around it.  Found my spot to set up camp, it was difficult considering your still standing in that thigh high water.  Set my blocks out as best I could and stood and waited standing in the water with a light rain.  I know what you all are thinking "damn that don't sound like no fun!"  Well this is hunting not an amusement park honey, I've got guys behind me whom want my Expert title so you have to get out there. Some promising fly by's and I realize that ideally  you really need some kind of motion decoy to bring them in, otherwise your just plain ole pass shooting.  Two hours pass and I have to split, I have a Tom in the oven and I have got to get home.  I learned that packing you decoys that float into a bag floating in water is almost impossible.  It was then it struck me, "float", the bag floats.  The 300 yard walk back to dry land was a snap towing my bag behind me.  I guess that's why I'm the Expert.

Murder Was the Case That They Gave Me

Idaho: Day 8+5

Today was the day that I took Rocky the bartender and his Dad hunting. Last year we had a brutally cold day at the point and we were stymied by icy waters and bad camouflage due to the fact that snow was everywhere and we stood out like turds in a punchbowl ($5 for anyone who can quote that reference). Today was different.

After yesterdays icy waters and blustery wind I thought that the point would be the place to be but when we got to the comfort station this morning it was calm and warm. I decided on the blind because I could see that the ice had dissipated overnight and the lack of wind would allow us to set a huge spread in the open water. Rocky had new decoys that he had strung with fishing line and fishing weights and they went to the right, my set to the left with the rotisserie decoy in the middle of them. Almost as soon as we settled in a huge wind came blowing off the lake right at us and picked up all Rocky's decoys dragging them to the shore. With only a few minutes before shooting time we pulled them and counted on the spread to the left to do our dirty work. Ducks were flying.

I took two shots at the first legal time to set the tone for the days shooting. Last year the boys were waiting for me to call all the shots and this year I let them know that I would not be the one to tell them when to shoot. Rocky's Dad (whose name I can't seem to remember even after 2 years) was right in the fray but Rocks first shot was taken with the safety on. After that it was all them, I called and spotted. Good shots at morning fly ducks, some high flying geese and even a couple good Greenie shots too. The best opportunity of the day was a group of 5 Mergansers from left to right about 2 feet off the water, the same shot that Fred G folded a two-fer last year, their yellow bellies exposed in the morning light. Nada.

The massive wind died down and the action slowed for an hour or so but then picked up again with some rain to boot. Singles and doubles appeared and the boys were starting to skybust so I layed some knowledge on them. The crime of the day was a pair of fat Greenies that floated into the wind from the left and wanted in. Someone started to jump and move before they committed fully and I watched them peel off towards the lake seeing us like a neon sign. After that the wind died, the rain left for good and we headed home. A nice day with some good guys.
Next time I do the slaying, not guiding.
GBCH

And Now A Word...Or Two

Outdoor Etiquette By Tom Cannon Lately, while I have been enjoying some time in the outdoors, I have come across a few things that really turned me off. Although I consider myself a conservationist and avid outdoorsman, I wouldn’t go so far as to say I am one of those extremist or green people. Still, it does annoy me and a major of other sportsmen and women have voiced their opinions on some topics which we could all try and eliminate. That said lets delve into the issues! First and foremost it is littering. After cleaning up a stretch of road out in the country recently, my family collected five trash bags full of junk people had tossed into the ditch. Some do it knowingly; others simply allow it to blow out of the back of their pickups or trailers. Regardless, it’s still littering and man is it ugly and rude. Nothing spoils a trip into the scenic countryside more than a bunch of trash alongside the road. Hey folks, it isn’t that hard to find a trash can. Just this past weekend while fishing, I picked up a plastic grocery bag and a live bait container from the lake surface. Neither was mine, but it was ruining the experience for me so why not do the honorable thing and pick them up. An old saying comes to mind, ”leave it like you found it.” Well, sometimes in this world we have to be responsible enough to “leave it better than we found it”! Lets make a pact to reduce the trash everywhere, especially in the outdoors. Hey, that fishing line isn’t beneficial to the lake and sure does snag up everyone’s lures. If you hook it, reel it up and haul it off please. Same thing goes for the plastic six pack rings. There are lots of pictures of birds with those around their necks. Fact is, they do not decompose! Aluminum cans, glass or plastic bottles sure are handy to carry to our favorite beverages in, but man do they make serious eye sores. Dang if you drink it – throw it away! Don’t even get me started on the old tires, car batteries and refrigerators. Hey, God did not intend these to be part of the woods or any shoreline. You don’t see refrigerators growing in any forest that I know of! What about the good old redneck signature couch in the ditch or creek? Wow, nothing says cool like a ratty old recliner busted up along the gravel road. Get my drift yet? Alright, enough of that junk (literally). Lets move on to the next thing; poor boat ramp behavior. It doesn’t matter if you fish Kansas, Missouri or Texas it’s always present. The people who really have no idea of how to handle themselves on a public boat ramp. You know the ones I mean… The guy(s) who blocks the ramp with his boat or truck while he loads or unloads his gear. Then he or she will goof around while several even dozens of folks wait to get their chance to launch or load their boat. Holly cow dude! Pull into the parking lot and unhook your tie down straps, ice chest, life jacket, rods or skis and whatever else. Pull into the ramp line ONLY when you are actually ready to launch your boat. Please parents, watch your kids while near the boat ramp! I don’t know how many times I have personally been backing up only to have a kid (or even adult) run behind the trailer or in between my truck and someone elses vehicle. I would hate to see a bad accident occur from something like that. Even careful drivers cannot see properly behind vehicles or trailers. Practice does make perfect and some of us need practice backing up a trailer. Holiday weekends are not the time to learn. Actually, I don’t go to the lake on the big holiday weekends simply because of all the action. This is when everyone who has just bought or acquired a boat, jet ski or any other watercraft is out. Who cares if they have never tried backing a trailer down a ramp or out of a parking spot? Hey, don’t mind the other fifty rigs that are held in peril while you back, bump or barge your way into the boat ramp hall of fame. When in doubt, take your rig to a shopping mall lot and practice for a few evenings prior to hitting the lake for the first time. Hey, even ask a veteran boater for help if you need it. I have backed lots of folks in or out of a ramp gladly to save everyone time and headaches. Most anglers don’t care if you fish near them, but boy nothing gets a fisherman’s hackles up more than someone who buzzes by them on a personal watercraft or boat. Sort of reminds me of that lake scene from Caddy Shack when dozens of boats, jet skis and such capsize the poor guy fishing. Hey, road rage isn’t cool on the road and it sure isn’t cool on the lake. It’s seriously annoying and that behavior is very dangerous, as well. Let’s switch sides now and head into the hunting side. One of the biggest qualms is about trespassers. Hey, we have all done it, but that doesn’t make it right. Try and be aware of the property lines and don’t cross them unless you have permission. Current real estate prices make land owners very stern with trespassers and it’s not unusual any more for those violators to be arrested. Even worse are those folks who trespass, poach animals and then leave the carcass there. What a bunch of slobs! These people will steal tree stands, destroy fences or implements, and dump trash. Not very endearing behavior from an “outdoorsman” in my opinion. When hunting pick up spent shotgun shells whenever possible. Sure sometimes things happen and the fired hull gets ejected into some tall weeds making it impossible to find. Alright, it happens but how about when you are in open water hunting waterfowl and your shells eject right there where they are clearly visible? Why not bend over and pick them up? Same thing goes when hunting in crop fields. Farmers get annoyed when they disc, drill or bail up old rusty shotgun shells all the time. As they say in the Army, “police your brass”. Controlling your dog is another critical part of hunting. Whether its deer hunting, bird hunting or whatever, no one likes to have an unknown dog that run wild and spoil their trip. I have heard of deer hunters who have even shot canines that repeatedly run near their stands scaring away deer time after time. I have actually been in the marsh duck hunting and had birds working in the decoys only to have them spooked by a loose dog from clear across the cove. It’s not a safe environment for wild, uncontrollable canines. They might be hit by cars, lost or drown, so keep them in sight. Furthermore, if it’s not in range don’t shoot at it. This goes for game but especially waterfowl. I don’t know what it is but waterfowl hunters seem to have to shoot their guns regularly. Thus, if a flock of geese cruises over at high altitude its even money that somebody will fire a round or two at them. No chance in heck of dropping a bird, but still a shotgun blast to help them on their way. Well, that does nothing but make it tougher to decoy those birds and it also puts stray ammo into the air possibly creating a hazard to other hunters nearby. Hey, save your shells they are expensive! Well, I am running out of time and paper. I had no intention of going on so long but if we don’t police ourselves, a few bad apples will ruin it for everyone. Face it there are fewer and fewer clean, quiet, unmolested spaces for us to take up our passions. Let’s try and protect what we have!

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.

Day Five Oregon Chapter

Today was not a Sauvies day so no need to wake up at he crack of ass with a 7:19 start time.  After a restful sleep I load up Lisa. it's cold, clear and windy when I arrive in Troutdale.  I put a shell in the chamber for the cougar and head out to the Old Old Spot.  Ahead of me by a minute and a half are two guys with their dogs and they get the point before I can, so I take the Old Spot.  The morning fly was beautiful.  Many clouds of Mallards flying up and down the river.  A family of white tailed deer crossed the slough where I was.  A beautiful morning sunrise over Mt. Hood.  Did anyone else see that?   The flying stopped at about 10, I decide to pack it up if it's one thing we've learned over the years at the Old Old Spot is when not to over stay our welcome. But it was awesome seeing the old spot produce many ducks, just not in my bag.  Next week in Idaho, stay tuned.  

GREENIE TIME!!!!!!!

Well, after working triple time over the weekend, I took today off and went hunting. I arrive at Sauvies at 4:40 and get what I think is a good place in line. Unfortunately, a lot of reservations show up. I'm left with Mudhen 12 and 13 to choose from. I take 12 and get on my merry way. I have my deeks and Leroy all set up with 10 minutes to spare. I grab my lighter and, and.........oh, smokes are in the truck. I race (in my bootfoot waders) to my truck and back to the blind before anyone has taken a shot. I sit in the blind with gun in hand until 10:00 and the fog starts to lift. Finally, I get to take Leroy for a spin! Bam.........he brings me in a Widgeon. After 2 years, I'm finally on the board. After a few more hours, watching pintails get shot at 50 yards away, a big fat duck comes cruising around the corner. Is that, is that, is that Greenie? I quack, I give Leroy a few tugs....................BAM!!!!!! Folded him. Greenie went down. He was so big, the aftershock of his waves sent my deeks to shore. Even with the 10 pound weights I have them. Anyways, that was my day.

GBCH.

New Soldiers

About a week ago I decided it was time to make some upgrades to the force.  Having only resting blocks made the spread only believable for certian situations.   Now we could handel almost any situation, just wish we, the Oregon Chapter, had  some kind of spinning roto duck.  Wish they could make the trip to ID also now I need a new way to carry all these blocks!  Hmmm.

Oregon Chapter Day Four

The day started off the night before.  Andy having to work triple time at work left me by myself.  I decided to hit the island after work in order to procure a great spot in line on the East side.  Sometimes you enjoy the single hunting days, your failure and success is yours and yours alone.  I arrived in line at about 10 pm I was 19th in line, not great but not bad.  Sleep was unrestful in the truck, in and out of conciseness not sure if you are sleeping, dreaming about sleeping, dreaming about being awake or just plain awake.  Time to move, I get to the shack and not much left, only roaming units which are not that bad.  I secure a Footbridge, small patches of corn with small to large water in front, never having hunted there I was actually psyched.  I found the unit with ease keeping with the no F ups this year.  I throw out my blocks and there actually the correct type, relaxed and safe looking, I had a long narrow stretch of water in front of me and my blocks looked as though they landed there because it is safe of all the shooting and calling going on, a great place to chill.  The morning on Sauvies did not bring a brilliant sunrise it was overcast with light showers, only needed a little wind to make it perfect.  It's Sauvies morning fly is going off, I need another set of eyes, it's then I miss my team, screw this hunting by yourself.  Two fly by's and looking back on it now I should have taken the shots.  Damn!.  I'm waiting for my shot, I'm not even wearing my calls I don't want to be tempted I swore today I'm going to sit silent let everyone else make the noise.  A shoveler duck flys in bead on it, I pull off, I don't want a shoveler I'm here for one thing and one thing only.  Another shoveler this time easier, I and here for not him but his leader.  After a few hours it quiets down, high fly by's of pintails a few mallards here and there and tornados of geese.  I hear a ruckus there is a man pushing a huge cart down the slough, he's now in front of me, he stops to chat.  Blah blah blah my name is Keith, I ask Keith what the hell is that big contraption is in his cart, he tells me to sit tight soon enough I will see what it is.  Keith makes his way down the slough and proceeds to set up this roto duck on a 12 foot pole, it looks crazy.  Within minutes the thing is spinning like crazy, he's calling.  In 20 minutes he folds three of these high flying ducks I was just complaining about, complaining that it seems impossible to bring them down low.  The worst of it all was Keith is a buster,  he was shooting ducks so far away and over covered marsh that would make it impossible to retrieve, 2 of the 3 ducks he could not retrieve.  He barely tried.  Frustration.  I waited a few more passes, and watched as he continued to shoot out of range.  Listen, if you want to lug in the biggest spread with roto deeks and you make my 10 blocks look silly, more power to ya, as long as you hunt for hunting.  Before Keith arrived I was hunting, enjoying myself, I committed by getting my ass up early, not even up early, the night before, to get a great spot in line.  Why?

The rest of the day got worse, if you could believe it.  The Fins lost another lead to the GMEN.  Which meant 2/3 of the team are losers.