Saturday, October 3, 2009

Great dog saves the day!


I would have to say that this was one of the best openers in recent memory.
We pulled into the landing very early and made it to our destination without a problem. We sat and watched as wood ducks flew everywhere. After we put out the decoys we sat and watched as flocks of wood ducks flew by and even landed in the decoys. Mallards flew past and one bouncing hen calls turned them around.
At about 9:10 the lake behind us sounded like a war zone. It didn't take long to listen and figure out that these were "sky busters". I hate sky busters.
Over on our lake things started out pretty slow. At 9:30 we had a flock of woodies take us by surprise. I knocked one down but it was not out. The dog just sat and watched as I analyzed the situation resulting in the decision that he would get her. He chased her down and she dove. I stopped him and we waited for her to pop up. When she did I whistled him to the right. He chased and she dove each time I stopped him and we waited. Then in his frustration for this duck he went under! He was down for a good 3 count before rising again coughing and spitting water but the chase was on. I left him on the chase because I could see the duck getting tired the further the swim. King was out swimming a duck in the marathon! The last time the hen came up he was right on her tail feathers. He lunged and she dove and he went down again! This time he came up with her. Through all this we had 3 flocks buzz us but I had to work the dog on that bird. I wasn't going to start the season with a cripple.
We watched a mallard migration that you would have seen in Nov. not on the opener. Flocks of mallards were coming into the lake by 20's and 30's but way high. I worked a few down but they chose the 1000 coot on the other side of the marsh. Yes I said 1000 coot!
Then the most amazing sight. We had a flock of 200 mallards in a "W" fly over the lake. Again way high and from the NW. I tried calling them just to see (and play with my new call) if I could make a dent. They circled the lake getting lower but still a mile high they left.
Things slowed down for awhile but then 2 big woodies came down the shore line right over the decoys. My dad pulls up to shoot gets a shot off and his gun jams. I pull up and go 0 for 3. Embarrassing!
After watching ducks fly around unwilling to decoy or even look our way we had a chance at redemption. A group of 6 buzz us from behind and head for the other side. I hit the wood duck call hard! They turned and came around but wanted to land a ways down the shore. I hit the call again hard! They pulled up and came right at us but turn into the thick brush behind us. My dad pulls up and shoots hitting 2 and I shoot once. We mark the birds and I realize that I shot his second bird right after he hit it. Now the dog needs to work. I line him up and send him in. He found the birds a long way in right away! You couldn't even walk through this stuff.
We packed up after that when everything stopped moving. The end result was 3 woodies.
Hesitation killed us today, as it does everyday. We should have had our wood duck limit and some mallards but shoulda woulda coulda.
The end result is that working, training, and knowing your dogs capabilities is key to having a successful hunting partner you can trust and he can trust. Never send your dogs into a situation if there is any question of his abilities, for your sake and his. Also reward your dog for jobs well done and stand your ground when he is in the wrong. It will pay dividends in the long run.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Hunting Partnerships

First time hunter?
Need a place to hunt?
Got a place but not the right gear?
Want to do a hunt exchange?

Whatever your situation...
Comment on this post AND contact us through our website with your contact info so we can match you up! (Please click the Facebook icon on the left to become a fan and meet other Junkies!)

MORE INFO:
Try a hunt exchange! Make arrangements with a Junkie in another area to host them for a hunt in your area and in exchange, they will host you for a hunt in their area.

Hunt exchanges can save you money and make your experience more enjoyable. When you do a hunt exchange you have a better chance of a more successful hunt than if you were to venture on your own because your exchange partner will be familiar with the area and can take you to the best areas. You won't need to pay a guide service and depending on your arrangements, you may offer to put each other up eliminating lodging expenses!

Not sure you are comfortable hosting a stranger? Remember to get to know the person through talking on the phone, emails, sharing some photos of your successful outings and swapping stories.

Still uncomfortable? Contact our Prostaff member in your area for advice on spots to try, lodging, etc. They may not give up their best spot but it's sure to get you off on the right foot!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

A New Beginning

The new duck season is just 36 hours away! Hopefully you all have your plans made and spots picked out. The ducks seem to be moving more this week with the cold weather moving in. Last weekend the northern region of Wis. got it's start on their season and from the reports I have been hearing about it was pretty good. Many hunters had good success on Saturday but Sunday's storms made it a hard hunt with high winds and lightening.
Northern Wisconsin used to be my stomping grounds for duck hunting until recent years, but maybe this year I will make it back there for a late season hunt. I will be making it to southern Wisconsin for an exciting extended weekend hunt with my uncle towards the end of October, that is if he hasn't shot everything by then. {:>)
Looks like Saturday morning my dad and I will be trying to conquer the marsh in NW Chisago city. I am trying to be optimistic with the low water levels. This recent rain "event" has brought a lot of much needed water to the area, so hopefully it will be good.

I also hope you will check out the new web page! The address is www.Duckjunkies.com It was just launched this week and we are very excited. The site still has some fine tuning to do so any suggestions are welcomed as we hope to make this site very user friendly for all hunters. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable opener with plenty of ducks. King and I have been waiting 304 days for this, the day we get our "FIX".

Monday, September 28, 2009

Visit Us at: www.DuckJunkies.com

We have launched our new website! Please stop by and let us know what you think: www.DuckJunkies.com
We would love to hear your suggestions for content and we are always looking for new blog authors.
Tic toc... MN duck opener is upon us!