The power behind people...

Good time, great buddy.

Too often, we underestimate the potential behind people.  This past weekend, I had the fortunate opportunity to offer a duck hunt on coastal Maine to a fellow blogger from southern Georgia.  It ended with an affirmation that in this world, truly fine impact players exist that will continue to make an impact no matter who they encounter.  If anybody could have the opportunity to adjoin Trey in life as a friend, acquaintance, or even stranger, then that said individual will be a better person.

With an endless positive, well-mannered demeanor and an honest, appreciative follow through, Trey brought an excellence in social interaction that fails to exist in most regions.  Whether it be the lonely elderly woman at the airport, the random couple exiting a store, our family & friends at a pumpkin carving social Friday night, or amongst the local fisherman at the landing; Trey walked away from every interpersonal conversation with the other side left in awe and sharing a smile.

Our daylight black ducks below my home, Trey finished his breakfast right after this photo.

Trey on the west side of the island, tide is ebbing in the background.

Appreciating my D3 apparel post, take that Sellers (a fellow blogger from WA)

Trey during the lobster eating challenge, apparently my challenge was all you can eat corn.

I am thankful to be able to offer Trey the chance at a variety of sea ducks and the elusive black duck, but I'm more thankful in hindsight that our time together was nothing short of top of the line.   When Trey boarded the plane for his return flight, it seemed that our time although enriched in friendship fell too short in longevity.

Trey became family over the weekend, anybody would be fortunate to embrace his friendship for few individuals can exude a brilliance in the faith of better fellowship than Trey Luckie.

Who knew that through a bit of blogging, I'd have a true friend in life.  Sometimes you've just got to roll the dice and let the world benefit. 

For our experience, I intend to post our hunting efforts every few days over the course of this and next week.  There were hits, misses, and memories to last a lifetime.  For some of Trey's write ups concerning his trip north, please click HERE.

Take care,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

D3 Apparel Photo Shoot

Get your D3 gear today...

It is with the greatest unimaginable pleasure to announce the release of the Ducks, Dogs, and Downriggers clothing line.  As a sponsored representative of the good D3 name, it was a treat to enjoy a four minute photo shoot with a fellow outdoor model, Trey Luckie of Brave Eagles Hunt With Antique Brownings.

I like L.L. Bean and D3 gear...

Here's a link to the official press release.  Click HERE.

Anyways, here's some pristine photos taken by the D3 models only proving that top notch talent certainly enhances the brand.

Enjoy the unofficial photos from our photo shoot...

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Trey Luckie and Tony Beal

Trey Luckie, "It's o'er yonder"

One handed and eyes closed...

Don't shoot, we haven't launched the Ambush yet...

Awe shucks Duckman, I can do anything...

Can't believe Sellers gave us these shirts for free...

Black Duck Down... with Trey Luckie

Winds are rugged, but two blacks fell this morning.  Now we are waiting for the next step over a cup of coffee... stay tuned

Beautiful drake black duck by the Brave Eagle

Sunrise black ducks courtesy of Downeast Duck Hunter guide service

Sea Duck Luck...

Somehow the weekend of reckoning became just a weekend as Saturday brought foul weather and Sunday delivered the worst of moments as Trey Luckie's Brave Eagles handed my Harbor Hogs a third straight loss in fantasy football.  Then Monday began to look rather breezy which left Columbus Day weekend damn near a bust.  My dad suggested we be patient and wait the wind out.  I'm glad we did because things got a little fowl...

Our local lighthouse, Moosepeak Light

Anchor far out, dekes tied into far trap buoy, several buoys closer to boat to take away strain.

Having departed at 8 o'clock, our hopes centered on avoiding the 20 knot NW wind.  Once underway, a decision to head to the Cape Shore offered somewhat of an opportunity to shoot.  After the dropped anchor, decoys attached, and all other final measures, we let the wind push the boat southeast only to see if the ducks would turn after blistering through the "hole".

The "Hole"

 Although few ducks presented themselves, my father and I took advantage of several single eider committals and took three drakes from one larger flock.  Only one small group of whitewing scoters blitzed our position, but the tailwind along with an already high flight made that shot a stretch at best.  In all, we bagged a slow limit of eiders and took the time to scout a bit on our return.

Dad with an early pair from the only large flock.

For a day that offered little if any possibility, we certainly shared in some sea duck luck.  I've still got two more days weather permitting this week, let's us see how we roll...

Have a great week,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

One of my four eiders, slow limit today.  The birds just aren't around.

Bow Hunting

One week of duck season has expired and not one shot did I fire.  Rather than take a day off from work or combat wind and rain to sea duck hunt, I have opted to get out several times this week bow hunting.
 

Momma and little one by the 8 yard rock...

After 14 years of teaching and racing against the ever decreasing day with a sunset that continually narrows the range between school dismissal and final minute, I realized that one could actually have an abundance of time if said brilliant one get his bow hunter's license.  That I did and already I have spent more time in the woods with the whitetails than all of last  year.  Actually, I already have seen a small buck and managed to skim an arrow under his belly.  I'd try to come up with a fair excuse, but I'm new to this and with that will come some serious practice especially from my stand.  Anyways, to be so close and personal with these deer especially a group of aggressive does establishing their place with the herd has elevated deer hunting to a whole new level.

The sea duck gear is all set and I anticipate a Monday morning shoot, then Trey Luckie arrives Thursday night for his Downeast experience.  We'll just say that he's quite pumped...

The Downeast Duck Hunter