Operation Fox Drop

Didn't think I was going to get another chance to do a few sets for the red fox, but the wind dropped out and an approaching storm front made this afternoon a must hunt.  Here's the product of my efforts, a 15.5 pound red fox taken at 3:00 p.m.

There will be a full blown write up on this experience as I utilized the Firestorm by FOXPRO won over at the Outdoor Blogger Network.  I look forward to sharing the story and the fox is already prepped to be finished.

Enjoy the remainder of 2011...

DEDH

A week of firsts...

Our new house was the target of some efforts this week as the upstairs baseboard heat was hooked up and the floor was prepped for the hardwood flooring due to be installed next week.  The anticipated move still holds true to late spring/early summer and it's nice to see the efforts of finishing a home out of pocket come to fruition.  Now to the firsts...

I went out fox hunting several days ago with the Firestorm by FoxPro and was surprised by a fox.  This excerpt is from the email I sent several friends...


So I decided today since the family was off getting the hair done, that I'd take a walk.  Found some fox tracks and figured I'd go back and gear up.  Walked just beyond the deer stands and set up on the edge of a swamp.  I was about 20 yards from the call with a left to right breeze quartering at me.  Hit the field mouse distress called and left it on.  In about 3 minutes, a red blur arrived from where I had entered (from the right of my set up).  I had my glasses on and should have picked it up sooner.  Once I saw it about 10 feet from the call, I pulled on it and fired.  Unfortunately it had picked up on me and had turned back from where it came in.  I fired twice but it took off, I figure at best it got an ass full of Federal Black Cloud #2 in 3.5 magnum.  Excited and bummed at the same time.

I have to be honest that I'm quite determined to get better at predator hunting, and although I did not succeed on my first opportunity there certainly will be more chances.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for the fox) the wind has been at gale force for the past several days, so I may not get out anytime soon.

Today, my dad and I went to visit our area gun dealer and get a haircut.  On our ride home we detoured by the golf course and managed to see a flock of eastern turkeys.  We were watching and then I realized that one hen had a band on her leg.  Interestingly enough, I attempted to take a photo with my cell phone and it's difficult to see the band on the turkey next to the leftmost bird.  It's doubtful that this bird will be taken as 1) almost all turkeys taken are toms and 2) the golf course is well below the southern line for turkey hunting.  Nevertheless, for a guy who gets his bands from ducks it was cool to see one on a turkey.  With a quick Google search, I find an informative website that discusses the turkey reintroduction and methods of placing turkeys in certain areas including the banding process.  Click HERE

My next post will come on the new year, so I hope that 2011 was good for you.  For me it was one to stick a fork in with the loss of my mom and the advent of Celiac disease, but I suppose it could have been worse.  Here's to an improved 2012 and let's prove the Mayan calendar wrong!

Puddle Duck End Game...

The 2011 regular duck season came to an end today and my efforts were focused on coyote hunting with a new friend.  Even if I had elected to chase a duck, the sub-zero wind chills would have made for an icy endeavor.  The pursuit of the wild dog ended without a success story, but I learned much from the experience.  But this post is about yesterday...

A surprise snow storm and messy roads promised a white Christmas whilst leaving my plans for a bufflehead attack in despair.  After contacting my dad just after daylight, I convinced him that we needed to finish out our season chasing a black duck or two.  With the very large tides, it became pertinent that we mobilize to a different locale within the general area.  We chose to set up in the middle of the flooded cove concentrating on any late season black ducks that dare enter.  Due to the storm, our efforts were hindered and resulted in a delayed start.  Nevertheless, we set up, waited, and saw little sign of any life...

My father with a nice black duck.

My father opted to desert our set up and venture further upstream utilizing the unique structure for concealment along with the steady but relenting snowstorm.  Eventually I heard a somewhat distant shot and then from both sides of my location, two separate groups of black ducks.  The ones below me left the bay while the upstream birds exited behind me.  I did manage to convince a pair to circle my set twice, but I'm pretty sure they picked up on my dad who was returning with his limit for the day...







As Christmas Day approaches and I finish this post, I would like to wish all those to visit my blog the very best no matter what angle your holiday throws at you.  Santa is coming here, and I look forward to seeing two eager little girls who are currently setting up the cookies for Old Saint Nick...

God Bless,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Time's running out...

It's hard to believe, but the regular duck season in Maine finds itself approaching the last week. With the warmer than average fall, the ducks haven't arrived from the open inland lakes thus limiting the number of bufflehead and goldeneye in the coastal sector.  Today, I chose once again to chase the black duck and brought my cousin Scott to the adventure.  Typically I head out to the blind, throw out the decoys, blast one black duck, and then bolt for home.  With two blacks potentially arriving, today we had a hunt on our hands.

So we slid out in a small snow spitting system with about three hours left for flood tide.  The wind was running northerly which certainly encouraged a nice headwind for the ducks to utilize and the temperature had frozen all surrounding water pots.  Conditions were optimal and within minutes, we sat in the blind for the first black duck who dare try us.

Honestly, there weren't an abundance of birds as three separate singles made way into the creek.  Then in a surprising fashion, a pair dropped before us just outside the three decoy spread and my trusted MoJo.  One veered away while the committed sucker found Scott's excitement and precision all coupled into a single shot strike which left the duck motionless.  After several failed attempts to retrieve the dispatched duck, I simply gave in and got the rowboat for a pick up.  Scott had quickly found his limit.

Scott's sniped black duck taken at 1:30 p.m. on 12/17/2011

 Several more ducks made their way into the tidal estuary and conveniently grouped up into one stubborn flock.  They floated downstream feeding as they went, but did not respond to my call nor show any interest in joining up with my decoys.  It became highly important that I put one in my game bag, so I ventured through the woods upstream in an attempt to locate the floaters who dare ignore my efforts of allurement.

I pushed between the pond and the line of trees towards the embankment where I flushed the black duck.  The shot came from just below where it shows the location of the downed black duck.  A worthwhile stalk with worthwhile rewards...

The sneak paid off in time as I cornered a smaller single against the tree line leaving myself upwind.  As soon the the black duck gained the slightest amount of air, it fell victim to the Firesteel.  The duck however could not drift across the brook, but opted to remain on the opposite shore.  I walked back downstream within hollering distance and asked Scott to row over.  He quickly obliged and within minutes we had the duck, decoys, and gear all ready for the truck.

My black duck taken at 3:20 p.m. on 12/17/2011

 With one week left, it is in my hopes to score at least one more black duck which will leave me at an all-time high.   Then, I turn my attention to the sea ducks that have certainly enjoyed their reprieve.  Have a great day.

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Scott, MoJo, and the pair of blacks taken 12/17/2011

One for the players and one for the haters...

Still struggling with this cold/sinus infection and the side effects of the 12 different medications in my system, I decide that sea ducking out of a boat was not on my list of things to do this past weekend.  Rather I opted to take a quick black duck on the flood tide which ended up being a little more time consuming than preferred.  I did convince a smaller single to part ways from another pair of feeders and pile drive it with my dwindling supply of Federal Black Cloud shotgun shells.  With no friends in attendance, this was the best photo I could muster of the nice black duck.

One for the players...

 So then I decide, why not take advantage of the flood tide and visit my buddy on the other side of the peninsula?  A quick phone call later, I was heading home for the bufflehead decoys and then setting up in a spot that had been proven nearly a year before.  The buffleheads were quite a distance out and clearly weren't going to push my way, but we still rested against the shoreline accompanied by none other than Sailor.  I will be honest that I only included this prize yellow lab in an ill attempt to impress Penbayman over at Maine-Matters.

 

If you notice this picture proudly displays a dedicated retriever who certainly holds a legacy of pursuits, then you are wrong.  Sailor does not like the water, cringes at the blast of a shotgun, and would rather sit in my lap than ever retrieve fair game.  However, the dog can pose for a vain attempt at mimicry of greatness and I'm sure Craig will be impressed with the imagery faux pas.

One for the haters...

I did take advantage of a unique opportunity upon quitting time.  Craig yelled down from his house that a bunch of ducks were crossing the narrow bay and were veering in our direction.  A seagull was pressuring these mergansers and they were making a straight path my way!  I hid in a crack in a rock ledge and witnessed 20 of these prize birds swimming no more than 40 feet away.  Within the scope of this opportunity I quickly assessed my possibilities...

a) leave these useless ducks alone and call it a day
b) shot one useless duck and proudly display it to the interested little girls that belong to Craig
c) cut loose and fill my limit of mergansers, ugh the shame

As you notice from the above picture, I simply chose to get one for the books.  Man didn't it taste great!!! For this duck hunter, the merganser is at the bottom of my list...

Have a great day,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

A few photos from this fall...

I've been too busy with the craziness of life and one nasty cold/sinus infection to get out into the field these past few weeks, but look forward to a few hours alone pursuing another black duck and maybe a kicker mallard.   Let's hope for both and even a Maine win over Georgia Southern.  Have a great weekend...

Last Wednesday my neck of the woods was the warmest in the continental U.S.

Sunrise for one of our sea duck hunts

Sunset from my community

Rapids rainbow during my September bear hunt

View from Russell Mountain (Delorme Map 48, A-5) during the bear hunt

Hello!!!

Drop that Eagle...

What do I and the University of Maine have in common? We are both Chuck Norris approved and on a roll.  A little rift in the social networking domain has resulted in some major stakes at hand.  So let me shake it down...

The University of Maine football team pounded Appalachian State 34-12; and next on our thrashing list is none other than Georgia Southern, the former academic home of Trey Luckie the author of Brave Eagles Hunt with Antique Brownings.  The 13th ranked Black Bears will play the 3rd ranked Eagles at 2:00 p.m. Saturday and at this moment on ESPN3...

So Trey Luckie, you may want to start a prayer chain down in the state of Georgia because you are going to need all the help you can get.  I look forward to our invasion...

Have a great day,

One Proud Black Bear (1998 and 2007)

Mahoney Mayhem...

So my best man fills in for a vacancy this past weekend and pile drives the ducks... Here's a photo of the monster black duck he scored around 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon... The sea duck hunt that morning will be in the next post... I've just been busy with the craziness of way too much employment, and to think I'm in the 99%!!!

Have a great day...
The Downeast Duck Hunter

The Downeast Duck Hunter and bulkammo.com

There is an official gear review in the near future, but here is a preview of my collaboration with www.bulkammo.com and their line of shotgun shells (Click Here)

The sea turkeys can wait...

I had suspicions that the crud had found me...

It began just before Thanksgiving break with the achy, dry eyes which then converted into that painstaking sore throat.  Any tough and true hunter merely casts these issues aside, but I honestly was worried.  You see my immune system has been healing since the advent of Celiac Disease, and everything just takes longer to fix when I'm sick.  So with a fierce regiment of Emergen-C, Airborne, and any other recommended "this will fix what ails ya", balancing pursuit against maintaining health has become the cornerstone of my vacation.  So in turn, the eiders, coots, and old squaws have been awarded sanctuary for at least one more day.

My dad and brother-in-law had already planned to chase some newly arrived buffleheads, but this morning I simply chose to sleep in.  With about ten hours to recharge my battery, I opted to take a solo hunt out black duck hunting.  It turns out that all hands played out well as I was able to take advantage of a later flood tide.

After a quick set up consisting of the true trio of hen feeder mallards and MoJo, the tide played its typical game of big time flood.  I called, chatted with several different friends, but only one pair swam close enough to warrant a fair shot.  Once the tide level officially reached MoJo's tail feathers, I was forced into a predicament.  Go save Robo Decoy and be seen by the variety of black ducks, or let him try to fly up from the salty brine.  No sooner had I even begun these options, one committed black duck turned about thirty feet in front of me.  Honestly, I had no chance simply because any logistical type of readiness had been foreclosed upon in the midst of my crisis.


Shortly thereafter, I was able to call in two fliers that hit the water about 40 yards away.  A few single lonely hen quacks seemed to do the trick as the pair challenged the flooding tide and continued my way.  Once my last quack was levied, the trigger was pulled which left one duck down while the other burst away.  Clearly a head shot I thought, there was no need for a follow up shot.

Without hesitation, I rescued Robo Decoy whose charging port and power switching were flirting with the ocean.  Then I made a move for the rowboat and retrieved the prize.  After a quick pick up and a few photos, my day was over.

Tomorrow has been forecast as a day for reckoning with a westerly wind at 5 to 10 knots and mild temperatures.  My brother-in-law and Matt Diesel will be in attendance.  It is my hopes to finish my field test for BulkAmmo.com that will include some video of those monster sea turkeys hitting the floor.

Have a great day,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Do you see the blind???

Yet???

Getting closer...

And it's flooded!!!

Storm Day Black Duck...

We were supposed to have a half day of school before Thanksgiving break but a little snow storm made it a full day.  Once I got the phone call, coffee was brewed and I jumped into the truck that already bore the proper amenities necessary for today's hunt.  After rousting my dad, we made slow progress as we inched into heavier snow.

It didn't take long for set up, the Atlantic was already flooding well above the channel as the monster tide coupled with a powerful storm system put the blind at risk for "swamping".  Three feeder decoys were cast to the best of my ability into the channel and we waded into the blind.

Notice the water at the floor of the blind...

MoJo waiting for deployment...

In a snow storm, black ducks become what I refer to as "stupid".  They rely on sound as they lose their impeccable sense of vision and will pack up into larger groups.  Therefore, an effective wooden duck call with a lower rasp will entice a black duck especially a single bird flying frantically in search of friends.  We did see ducks early, but the strong tide pushing the water in a variety of directions put two of my decoys in less-than-satisfactory position and MoJo had to wait until the waters recessed.

In addition, our snowstorm turned into a cold rain for a bit which in turn brought about a nasty chill that progressively worsened with the bitter Northerly wind.  Once the tide turned ebb, a large branch grabbed one of my decoys and towed it downstream, out, or at least away from us.  I quickly grabbed the rowboat and raced to procure the renegade deke.

Upon my return, Dad informed me that he was "too cold to hunt" and needed to go up to the house.  We went up together and while he went inside, I quickly changed out of some cold wet gear and jumped into my second round outfit.

Today, I would not relent.

There is a channel way, but the large tide brought the water...

Shortly thereafter, I sat alone calling for my limit of one black duck.  As the tide recessed, the shore grass exposed along the channel and forced more structure to guide any potential target.  And sure enough, I found one which lighted above my decoys upon my hailing call.

Soon I was offered a five quack vocal where I responded with a lighter three quack return.  This conversation lasted no more than three minutes as the duck made quick action downstream towards the blind.  Once the black duck crossed the bead of the Xtrema2,  the black had no chance as a quick one-two flurry of steel found the bird.

A beautiful black duck...

I needed to move quickly as the channel was draining and the dispatched duck was well on its way.  After retrieving the duck, I grabbed the decoys, picked up the blind, and returned to the house to meet my father.  The snow day produced one of the larger black ducks I have ever encountered.


Thanks for reading,

 The Downeast Duck Hunter

Outdoor Photo Prompt ~ Little Explorers in the Outdoors

I just figured this photo was worth sharing, it isn't my littlest wrangling a brook trout or my oldest reeling in a smallmouth bass.  It is however what I consider the best photo that illustrates what little eyes can find and how quickly they can apply their perspective to the given opportunity.  So this blog post is for my little ladies, a heart in West Quoddy Head, the easternmost point in our country...

Hunting Camp...

The weekend has come and gone and left an opportunity for a writing prompt, what truly makes hunting camp?  In particular, what makes one hunting camp different than another?  And to be even more precise, what are the differences in two hunting camps only 5.5 miles apart according to Google Earth?

You see, I am fortunate in life to have made many, many quality friends.  Some I've made through work, others via the college experience, while others simply were the trusted buddies that I grew up with.  Nonetheless, I was offered a multitude of hunting opportunities over this long weekend and I did my very best to accommodate all those who sequestered my presence.  Here is how one guy spent his weekend and has a few things to throw out there.



I chose to hunt black ducks Saturday morning with my father and Jab, a lifelong buddy who I consider my best friend.  From Jab's property, we set out our decoys on the bend and put Baby MoJo just at the water's edge.  A strong tailwind drove the black ducks in like rockets but a few were interested enough in the spread only to wish they had kept trucking.  The bright bluebird sky over the morning hours didn't help things much, but we still were able to get some shooting in and procure the first black duck of my 2011 season.

Following the morning of black duck action, I needed to finalize my plans for the evening.  I had already agreed to stay at Matt Diesel's camp, but had also recently been invited over to another camp just miles away.  Littlefield did give me enough notice to think about it and I honestly wished they had fallen on separate weekends.  However, it was a good problem to have...

I decided to visit Matt and Steve over at Upper Lead Mountain Pond for several hours and then catch up with Mahoney, my best man, and Littlefield at Beddington Lake around 9 p.m. as they would be trekking north from the mid-coast area.  Since far less people would be at Littlefield's estate, I would stay there and then head out Sunday morning for some shopping with my wife.  For a quick story about Mahoney and Littlefield, please click HERE...

So let's consider my observations...

One camp was purchased several years ago with a more rustic feel.  More shaded amongst the trees, it presents an outhouse, hand pumped water, and is loaded with outdoors memorabilia and nostalgia.  The members in attendance were as general observation: right of center politically, paper mill engineers and Maine Guides, lovers of country music who needed to offer the next hunting or fishing story.  The unit centered around the three Vose men who brought several other participants to share in the experience. 

This group did some shooting in a pit with an AR-15 frame rifle in .223 and some autoloader Ruger P95 in 9mm.  The pursuit of game had no limits, you simply chose what you intended to hunt.  Ruffed grouse, deer, rabbit, predators, and ducks where considered all fair chase.  An abundance of talk ranged from ethics in outdoorsmanship to professionalism as a guide to breaking down an AR-15.

The other camp was built several years ago with a more modern feel.  Found above a sunny, sandy beach, it presents all the amenities of home with power, phone, flat screen television, Direct TV, plumbing, showers, and well you get the idea.  With full insulation, this camp could certainly suffice as a year round residency.  The members from this camp were:  all of the same age, left of center politically, employed by Bank of America and friends who grew up together, video game junkies who also thrived on sports, sports, sports, & Texas Hold'em poker.  The cement holding this group together certainly is football and the fantasy element attached.  If you weren't talking sports, then you weren't part of the conversation.  It was nice to be able to participate in the football talk as I've entered the ranks of fantasy football and if I must say, not doing too bad...

This group was far less formal at the range.  An unofficial skeet competition that I won provided some excitement but the real victor was Littlefield who out shot Mahoney in the second round.  The contest was soon followed by shooting my .44 magnum Ruger Super Redhawk at some wafer board targets that resembled Santa Claus and his reindeer.  Realizing we had an abundance of skeet round, the 12 gauge shotguns all found serious action as the North Pole crew was sprayed with skeet shot.  Coinciding the fun, ear protection, instruction, and efficiently practiced proper shooting etiquette made for a safe climate.  The gravel pit was left in great shape as we attempted to leave no trace. 

This hunting party was hellbent on chasing deer and spread all the levels of scent control, allurement scents, and potential affects of success on the table.  They discussed the area they intended to hunt and how they intended to pursue the quarry.

So what separates these two camps in how we regard hunting camp?  Nothing, the purpose of hunting camp is just that.  Camaraderie, time together, and strengthening the bonds we share in this game called life makes camp.  My only game scored this past weekend was a duck that had no connection to either camp, and at print only one ruffed grouse had been taken by the Upper Lead Hunting Crew.

So here's to Matt, Steve, Steven, Preston, John, Chris, Littlefield, Mahoney, Elmer, Vern, Jab, and Dad for making this year's hunting camp a good time even though I couldn't enjoy all of the stories, laughs, and jokes shared any one of them for the entire duration.  Both camps demonstrated what hunting should be and I'm fortunate to have been a part of both experiences amongst brethren...

Crow Calling with the Firestorm...

It's going to be awesome... I just need some time but here is what might become the next great thing in the Duckman's world, calling with the Foxpro Firestorm... There will be mayhem in the near future!!!

Please note that this was just a trial to test the effectiveness of the Foxpro Firestorm and that crow season is not in effect.  The below information contains the dates for the upcoming crow season...


Crow (Split Season):

• WMD's 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6: February 15, 2010 through April 15, 2010, and August 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010
• WMD's 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29: February 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010, and August 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010

Bag and Possession Limit: No limit.

Last weekend's bird band...

The letter A marks the spot further east than downeast!!!

Had another good day hunting sea ducks today, will have the post done soon... However, I thought I'd post the information on the eider band that I snatched from Rabid's sights... We'll just say that this hen traveled quite a few miles west to get downeast... Have a good day!!!

Take that Trey Luckie!!!

So Mr. Luckie got what was coming to him... The former prince of probability has been dethroned by the Duck Hunting Demon and this may be one of my greatest "sit back chump and watch how the Duckman does it" moments since poor Rabid left Saturday with the the tail between his legs.  Needless to say, the Duckman has momentum and I may not be stopped...

So the Outdoor Blogger Network had this major gear review giveaway to celebrate the one year anniversary of success in connecting a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts.  I've enjoyed this site on many different fronts especially the ability to trade ideas, stories, and opportunities with fellow duck hunters from all over.  In addition, I've been privy to several previous victories that included an Otis Technology Gun Cleaning Kit (which I love) and an assortment of Berkley Havoc Baits where I had a student compose my gear review.  So let's get to the shelling...

My Thursday night victory was quite satisfactory as I garnered the Coleman Propane Ten Cup Coffee Maker valued at $90.  Honestly, it is something that seems absolutely awesome to add to my camping gear.  My wife's buddy already expects it in full use for our annual camping trip next August while my buddy Jab has proclaimed it reserved for our duck hunting camp down the bay.  Ah the wonders of posting your success on the mighty Facebook...


The Friday night victory was the most lucrative item for the entire celebration and was something that I have strongly considered buying although not one not quite as expensive.  The Foxpro Firestorm Electronic Predator Call had my name attached to it and my heart skipped a few beats.  Valued at $420, I already have ordered some Hornady Superperformance 58 grain V-Max rounds at 3925 feet per second for my father-in-law's Ruger M77.  In my sights already will be some fox and bobcat, the Rabid Outdoorsman has already offered to assist and join me in several pursuits this winter.

I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Rebecca and Joe over at the Outdoor Blogger Network and look forward to another great year of collaboration, conversation, and the competition between Mr. Unluckie and myself.  So here's to me and my continued dominance, and no Trey I will not create bad karma like you did in your "look what I have won" post.  (Click Here)

Have a great day, especially you Trey Unluckie because there is a new lucky ducky and where is your chicken dinner?  ;)

Ode to ye friend Rabid

For good friends are hard to come by, this one is for you Rabid Outdoorsman...

Upon opening day of the duck season I tell...
"Good friend Rabid you must visit my way...
For this you may dwell...
Tis the Duckman has made his last trip today..."

"I offer sea ducks, eiders and coots...
Years have passed since you last were here..."
The Rabid One has found other quarry to shoot...
And for that I was willing to end duck power, is that clear???

The Rabid One made it down east...
Without his ailing gun...
I would offer Xtrema2, it was what I could do least...
And the next morning, we expected loads of fun...

So the decoys set and the ducks in air...
Legal awaited, anticipation bliss...
The mighty Rabid arose without despair...
Shot after shot, all he did was miss...
 
Rabid did shoot two...
But the next moment I must supply...
Our friendship might be through...
However, I could not deny...

The duck moved in and made its turn...
Rabid dialed in and began to hesitate...
For having not shot, therefore I had powder to burn...
Before he pulled the trigger, the duck met its destined fate...

One shot, one kill, not one more round from me...
For the day that is all I took...
However, out on the Atlantic a band rest on the leg of my sole quarry...
Imagine, please, how bad Rabid shook...



For that made all other torment in return...
The one called Rabid lost the big prize...
He just needs to basically learn...
I am laughing last, especially at his demise...

Duck Power is dead you may decide...
Could it be through???
The Rabid One I know on his return ride...
Decided already what he next plans to do...

Does the Duckman fear Rabid's next project of pain...
Fear not good people, for I am always the man...
A good dose of sunshine always trumps the rain...
And I will brace for his next brilliant plan...


God love it, for good friends are hard to lose...
The video I posted will show in discourse...
Each other we love to abuse...
And yes, Duck Power is still in force...

Outdoor Blogger Network One Year Anniversary Party

This Tuesday one of my more enjoyable websites will be 1 year old.  The Outdoor Blogger Network has been a very worthwhile endeavor in terms of networking, outdoor education, and other exciting endeavors such as gear reviews, guest blogs, and writing prompts.  Essentially, it has been a social network for those who love the outdoors and the activities that adjoin.

Please take advantage of this well done and ambitious effort over at the OBN and join... I will attest that some of the readership that I correspond with were through this website and I'm thankful for having the opportunity to meet many people who share my passions.  For this week, they will be whooping it up so go check it out!!!


For a quick link to the OBN, please click below.


Outdoors Blogger Network
 

Opening Day Blast

The stars weren't exactly aligning as the 2011 Duck Opener approached.  A Saturday opener left us contemplating the benefit of a camping trip.  With only one huntable day within a three day stretch it became apparent that a single overnight at Rabid's abode and a less labor intensive plan would suffice.  So thus became the master plan:
Target a beaver flowage between two larger bodies of water
Allow those lakes to suffer early on skybusting
Wait a bit after legal for the pressured birds to arrive
Begin shooting

What I chose to neglect here was that Rabid needed to scout out the area, set up the blind, and ready my decoys that he has had on loan for three years now.  In addition, I expected all the efforts no matter how large or small to be finalized.  After all, that's how I ensure his trips Downeast are always top notch.  So with a mild degree of recognition, thumbs up to the Rabid Outdoorsman for doing the highly possible without a fair degree of haughtiness.  We'll see how his angle presents itself upon this publication.

The plan was simple... Access the pond, creep in at legal shooting, if no ducks are present then move along cut trail to blind...

As anticipated the ducks were not in the locale so Travis (a friend of Rabid) and I quietly scurried to the blind.  Behind us was Rabid who yielded in his capacity a gun, MoJo, gear bag, a dog, and a collection of cursory murmurs that apparently were directed towards my lack of interest in shuttling all things pursuant of fowl.  I secretly enjoined this underground effort to punish the golden one for his repeated and surgical jabs at his good friend over the years on this thing called blogging...

Our morning after that was typical, a little flurry here and a little flurry there.  Mallards hit the water, teal went from zig zagging to free fall, and the wood ducks proved a tad absent.  Nevertheless, the overcast and precipitant morning amongst three hunters and a black dog slowly produced what I would call a good day....

Then the mallard flurry began with Travis and I pounding a pair who thought MoJo was lonely.  Then another pair found out how fast the Xtrema2 can cycle.  Poor Rabid sitting there with his autoloader struggled to fathom the logistics and mechanics of such an unfair technology.  Not even the occasional Celiac crack would deter or hinder my shooting, except the teal...

I had pounded one down which almost landed onto Rabid at approximately 57 miles per hour but when we had moved out of the blind for a quick retrieval, Rabid alerted me of an incoming projectile.  The baseball size teal was approaching from the right as I prepared for an anti-aircraft engagement from left to right.  Too fast, too small, and not even the lightning quick spray of number six heavy steel could target the avian missile.  I knew this would be one of the efforts of Rabid's attack as the press waited for the duck season opener installment...

In all, the day was what I considered to be top notch and in all honesty, more enjoyable than our traditional two to three day camping trip on the pond.  Maybe less is more and with the personal day I saved by having the opener on Saturday, I look forward to when the Rabid Outdoorsman frees up his calendar to get downeast for I've issued an executive order:  Mr. President will not travel to central Maine until the Rabid one makes his first visit in over two years...



I fear the 2012 opener much like the world several months after that, is already doomed...

For the unreliable alternate set of truths, feel free to check out the Rabid Outdoorsman...