Bored...

Not much going on around here February through April.  Fishing will pick up in another month or so, but until then, about the only thing I'll be doing other than the daily grind is dog training.  Might as well put up a little video... Its nothing earth shattering, not training for field trials or hunt test, just want her to be the best duck dog she can be, but its what I've been up to lately.  This was a new experience for my little pup, performing in front of her first audience!  The camera wasn't working properly right away (operator error), so the video above is nearing the end of our session of working the on Double T:  Sadie lines to a back pile 100 yards away, followed by some simple casting, and finishes up with a little disciplined casting.  The clip below is a triple (cameraman missed one) of thrown marks at a distance of 125yds or so, give or take a few.  Like I said, pretty basic stuff, but it sure helps pass the time until next season. 

Post-season scouting

At the end of every season, once I have sufficiently warmed up, I like to go scouting to see where the birds are hanging our now that they're not getting pressured.  With lots of sunshine and temps in the upper 40's this week,  I hit the road with camera/phone in hand.   There were a few interesting discoveries that I will used in future ducking endeavors and I glassed thousands, if not tens of thousands of ducks in one area, but it was more about getting out and enjoying the sun soaked river.   Hope you enjoy the pics...

Clean-up

Ric was doing some pre-spring cleaning of his computer-you know the routine, organize files, delete, archive, etc, anyhow, he came across a half dozen or so pics that had somehow been lost in the hustle and bustle of hunting and fishing seasons past.  Since there isn't too much going on around here right now, I figured I may as well post them...

That's all folks

The season 2012-13 season is in the books, and we enjoyed every minute of it!  From the 28-bird, 45 minute shoots, to the all-day "shoot-a-Goldeneye-so-the-dog-can-get-some-work" hunts, nothing beats a day in the duck blind.  When you're in the blind with hot food and coffee, friends and family, and Man's Best Friend sitting by your side, shooting ducks really is just an added bonus.

Deke finished the year with 198 retrieves, the first time he has not hit the 200+ mark in his 5 year career.  As such, he is currently in communications with his agent to renegotiate his contract to resume his travel to Saskatchewan early season with The Gang.  His agent is also lobbying for clause in his contract that mandates pre-season trap shooting practice for all hunters he accompanies on the river.

Sadie completed her rookie campain with 46 retrieves including a couple dozen from the boat.  Her off-season plans are to work on improving and lengthening her marking and handling skills. She will also spend some time with Deke progressing through some basic upland training and hitting a hunt club for a few pheasant.



Now that the season is over its time to begin preparations for next season.  Plans are in the works with the Bako Boys for another Saskatchewan trip and an Eagle Lakes weekend, and there are a couple new river hunting options are possibilities.   There will be a few additions/upgrades to boat and gear, but nothing major.

 Next up for The Gang: duck sausage, pepperoni, and jerky making.   Right now, its time to sleep in on the weekend!!!

Last 2 birds of the season

A lot of goose decoys...

... for one honker, but one is certainly better than none.  We were targeting geese, and as such, 3 dozen floaters found their way into the icy waters of the Columbia.  Ducks were more cooperative than the geese-7 Widgeon and 2 Ringnecks.    Nine more hunting days left...

Cold, but worth it

The thermometer read 10 degrees and was dropping as I unhooked the boat from the trailer, it was going to be cold, but if we got some shooing in, it would be worth it.  Randy, one of my fishing buddies, and his dog, Kota, were hunting with me today.  Randy is an expert fisherman and has taken me fishing many time over the years-I was glad I could return the favor and take him out in our boat for a quick morning hunt.

 The ducks few early-all were bagged within 30 minutes of shooting time.  An hour or so later, we were able to entice a nice pair of honkers over to our spread.  We finished our morning with the pair and then picked up and headed for home to watch football.   

Beast Mode

With the season nearing an end, a couple of the guys from The Gang hit Eagle Lakes for a quick morning shoot.  Rob went full-blown Beast Mode on the unsuspecting Mallards as they locked up over the dekes.  For those of you not from the Pacific Northwest and unfamiliar with the term, Beast Mode is when you crush ducks like Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks crushes opposing defense's linebackers.  Here's hoping for more crushed Mallards this week and a myriad of crushed Falcon defenders on Sunday...

What happens when Rob goes Beast Mode

 

What happens when Marshawn Lynch goes Beast Mode