The Ice Shack

This 6X8 ice fishing shack built by our local high school project learning class will be part of the Downeast Duck Hunter's ice fishing arsenal this upcoming hard water season.  Plans for this overnight sleeper will include a small woodstove, folding bunk beds and multipurpose bench, and 12 volt wiring.

Next for our plans is where to actually throw this bad boy... I've got several locations in the cross hairs as I publish this post.

Have a great day.

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Ducks, Dogs, & Downriggers visits the Downeast Duck Hunter

This summer was full of excitement including a weeklong visit from my great friend Kevin from over to Ducks, Dogs, and Downriggers of Eastern Washington state.  Two years before, Trey from Brave Eagles Hunt with Antique Brownings made way from Southern Georgia for a sea duck venture. 

Kevin had different plans, all he wanted to do was relax, eat lobsters, go out on the lobster boat, catch a bass or two, and see if the Duckman was half as cool as presented online. 

Anyways, my next few installments will focus on Kevin's holiday to Downeast, Maine.  Before I close, this might be worth mentioning...

On the morning he flew out, Kevin swam in the Pacific Ocean out of San Diego and before midnight that same day, he waded in the Atlantic Ocean.  Apparently the Gulf of Maine wasn't warm enough to try swimming.

Kevin Sellers of Ducks, Dogs, and Downriggers on the FV Ducks and Bucks with the Downeast Duck Hunter

Stay tuned,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

Downeast Destroyers Summer 2014

Bay of Fundy 10K Road Race Champions

After training last year and getting into the race circuit, I had no choice but to add the element of swag to my participation in the feet of fury. 

To make this happen, I decided to go after the Bay of Fundy 10K team championship with a team of local athletes designed to succeed at all levels.  The summer has been a good one for the Downeast Duck Hunter and the legion of Downeast Destroyers.  The road race team currently is 10 strong with a variety of runners specializing in either ultra marathons to 5K races.  I'd like to thank Isaac, Shelby, Kassie, Harry, Evan, Garrett, Devin, Pete, and Kelci for making our endeavor one to remember. 

In two team events, our squad has won both events including the most recent Machias Wild Blueberry Festival 5 mile run.

Our tentative plans for next year is to break up our team into all three divisions of the Bay of Fundy (marathon, half marathon, and 10K) and see how the Destroyers make out.  We also will be launching a staunch title defense at the Wild Blueberry Run as well.

Here's a few photos of our team which lives by the Downeast Destroyer code, "do not lose to the owner, coach, and president of operations".  Translation, I'll be pushing everyone to do better.

At the start of the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival 5 Miler

Shelby, medalist in both team events

Evan, 13 year old prodigy and medalist

Garret, Tony, Shelby, Adam, and Evan waiting for the team results

Being visible at the starting line

Newest member, Garrett who medaled at the Blueberry Run

Trio of Destroyers after the start, Pete (135) doesn't like the cotton Destroyer shirt



23rd place at the Blueberry Run

Opening Day Trout Slammer...

Ended up with a concussion on Christmas Day, and shouldn't have been on the ice for opening day of ice fishing but we ventured out for some brook trout action.

The day didn't disappoint as Bud and I nailed these monster brook trout within fifteen minutes of each other.  Mine hit 20" and 3.5 pounds while Bud fell one inch short but one half pound more in weight.

Now due to my thinking that I was well enough to go ice fishing, return back to work, and assume all other responsibilities, I've found myself in worse shape so now I get to do none of the above.  I may already typed too much here!!!  You can find us on Big Ole Fish as well.  Have a good one.

The Buck of a Lifetime

I had a special visit in the principal's office several days ago with one of my favorite students of all time.

Marcus was certainly on cloud nine when he began to recount a truly impressive story that might be worth mentioning.

He and his brother had opted to check a few spots in search of a deer when they drove down a dirt road overlooking a grassy opening.  Marcus had his rifle in true Downeast fashion next to him with the clip detached while his brother Leon had his rifle cased in back of the SUV when they spotted a massive buck motionless in the field.  Marcus got out and scoped the giant while Leon scrambled to get his rifle.  Both boys intended to shoot at the same time, an act of patience and symbolizing the bond this pair has shown through a childhood that has delivered some difficulties with the loss of their little sister.

On any account, they timed the trigger pull and both fired at the trophy deer.  The animal made way into the woods.

A fast discussion of who made the shot ensued as Leon was sure he didn't make the 200 yard shot while Marcus felt confident he hit the mark.  Leon even challenged Marcus on a scale of 1 to 10 on the confidence of the shot.  Marcus promptly retorted 8, no 9 or 10. 

After some time, they ventured down the road to search for sign of the shot and found blood.  Within minutes, Marcus was manhandling the monster out of the woods towards the road.  Excitement and cell phone traffic were high.

Once dressed and weighed, this 8 point buck tipped the scale at 260 pounds and Marcus who has dearly attempted to earn a nice deer now can say he has one to tell about for the remainder of his life.  His brother Leon when asked could only praise his older brother and shares the same enthusiasm around the memorable moment.

Marcus is currently studying construction and building management at a nearby community college and is one of the stars on the baseball team.  This young man deserves good fortunes and I see great things in his future.  I couldn't be happier for my boy, I'll never forget my first big buck nor will he.

Have a great day,


The Downeast Duck Hunter