A very enjoyable slow day

Gary March

Gary March

Well-known member
It was 20 degrees when I awoke, and the boat was on my dock so no driving this morning. My plan was to hunt mallards. I made the 15 mile run to one of my spots. Set up and watched the empty skies for a bit. Finally this flock of mallards pictured started working my set. I shot only once as to not shoot a hen by mistake. I took a couple pics of River retrieving the drake. Next as I was setting in the marsh I notice River looking at something out in the decoys. There were three river otters playing in the decoy set. One had a large sucker fish in his mouth. They were playing as otters do. A couple pics of them also. As it was snowing most all day I had to put the camera back into the case, so very few photo's. Last pic is of River with the three drakes that we slowly pick out of each flock that worked our set. I put out Rich Hohlers cedar bufflehead decoys that I just purchased and had numerous buffleheads land next to them all day long. I just didn't have it in me to shoot the little guys. Thanks Rich for the awesome decoys. Also in my set off to the side were Grant Werdicks goldeneye decoys. Wow!, they are exceptional as I have came to expect from him. I had a hen goldeneye land with them but again, I am finally in a place where I can just watch and enjoy them. I am getting old I guess. There was a time when I shot everything that moved. Thanks for looking and hope to have some good diver pics coming up. Merry Christmas to all on this great forum.

Gary March

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what great pictures Gary congrats on a great day,ol curly dawg loves his job ,way to go river
 
As always, thanks for posting Gary!!! That first picture is unbelievable! The colors seem to POP! 15 miles from your dock? Did you go all the way towards Long Lake Dam, or is that "classified"?
 
Great photos, Gary. What camera are you using to shoot these, and what lens? Love the clarity and crispness of the photos. Also, who carved those barrows dekes? Those are sweet birds.



Best,
Nate
 
Hello Nate
Canon 7D with 300LIS 2.8 plus 1.4 TC. The goldeneyes were carved by Grant Werdick. Thaks

Gary
 
Wonderful photos. #1 is unbelievable in its detail and the first of River is extraordinary too. It as if River knows you are taking his photo.
Thanks again for sharing.
 
Well Gary I shot the first two Greenheads in your first picture and now my computer doesn't seem to work..........That is one great picture................
 
Gary,
any day I had the chance to pick the drakes out I would be on top of the world in the NE. It does happen but it is not every day that they decoy in so you can get photos like that flying shot. The blue is just amazing in that photograph.


Bob
 
Great story and awesome pics. Love the look on river face in the first retreive photo. Also the otter shot is very neat. That's for posting, Jode
 
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Gary,
Great pics, thanks for posting them. River is an amazing dog and she seems to enjoy every minute of it. I'm glad you are getting some success and enjoyment out of the decoys. It must be really neat to see the otters playing and fishing while you are enjoying a slow day.

Hope you have a safe and happy Holiday.
Rich
 
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Gary, you will never get old when hunting ducks! What delightful pictures once again. I sure liked that first shot and the two pics of River. Are you using an f.2.8 lens? I am already looking forward to your next hunt. That sure had to be fun to have the river otters come in.
Al
 
Gary,

It always makes my day when I see that you have posted something new on the forum. I often call my wife over to look at the pictures you have included with your post. Thanks a ton for sharing the stories and pictures of your hunts.

Side note: I am amazed at how well your camera captured the irridescent blue on the mallard wing feathers. (Sorry, I went and looked in two of my duck identification books to find the proper name for those feathers but was unsuccessful.) Simply awesome shot.

By the way, if I remember correctly, isn't River a member of the female persuasion?

Chris
 
Merry Christmas Gary.

Think I hunted VERY near that spot a few weeks ago. It was slower,,,,,,,,,
 
Great pics as always Gary. God blessed you and River indeed! Merry Christmas to you and your family. This will be a very special Christmas for you. Give Suzanne a hug for me. Give River a nice fat bone... Pat
 
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