Crisp morning

Phil Nowack

Phil Nowack

Well-known member
My fingers are warming up by the fire while I enjoy a nice single malt, so I will not write a novel about today's hunt....

But... It was 14 degrees at the launch... I set out a small but decent looking decoy set... It seems that the birds that are around are the same ones that I have been chasing around the river for the last 3 weeks. I started the day off I was unable to shoot the first two ducks... as the landed in the killl hole. My SAFETY had froze up!!!! After the lifted off in a hale of quacks... I poured a cup of coffee... the steam from the fresh brew must have freed the frozen lock...

Due to my equipment failure, I dumped the hen Widgeon that tried to land at the same spot as the 2 escapies. Just as Kodi retrieved her to me... a pair of Silverbacks gave me a look, and the Bull flew to me.

The rest of the day wasn't as productive... Only 1 drake mallard in the bag, and 1 that sailed on me to never be seen again. I had plenty of poor shooting... or ninja birds... I even had four Redheads land in the decoys.. IN a LINE... I just couldn't get my bind to confirm that they were not Cans.... They weren't though.... redheads feet on the Ice... but no shot was taken, eventhough they were less than 20 yards away.

I was a little nervous about the ride home... as I had neglected to fill my fuel tank... and I was worried that I might have to paddle my way back down river... but I made back with plenty to spare.. At a balmy 27 degrees

And Kodi didn't care for the ice that wouldn't hold him....

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Sorry about all the pictures of Kodi
 
Wow. Nice Canvasback. Makes me want to try and go get one. I'll need to make some can decoys first.

Did you shoot it or did your dog just intimidate it into giving up? It looks like Kodi could stare down a bird or two.
 
Nice Phil, That boy is pure muscle and detemination. You have got to love a chessie. He looks like a real bruiser. What does he weigh in at?
 
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What a great series, Phil. Lord,that sounds cold. That sixth shot of Kodi is "spot on". Beautiful. Glad you are both safe and warmer. By the way, I don't think it is necessary to apologize for taking too many pictures of a dog that retrieves ducks! Never!

Al
 
Thanks Capt!!! I am very lucky to have Kodiak in my house!

And thanks Al... I wil try not to feel back about taking pics and posting...I need to remember to have the batteries charged in the D300s so I don't have to take the D70. The 300 is must fast and sharper focus...especially on action shots and in low light....

Andy. Cans are truely magical.... a combination of beautiful and the most delicious bird there is.
 
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Awesome Pictures Almost makes me want to make the

3-4 hour drive up to the river!

KODI is a great looking pup. I would make pict #6 into a wall hanger
 
wow, when did people start training bears to retrieve. Neat looking pup and nice pics. I was cold just looking at them.
Derek
 
Greg, haven't you ever heard what happens when you talk down about a man's dog!!! A Lab .... sheesh.....

The hard part about training bears to retrieve is keeping them from eating the duck on the way back!!!!
 
Awesome picture series. I will have my chessie out the next three days. He is as anxious to get out there as I am.
 
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Greg, haven't you ever heard what happens when you talk down about a man's dog!!! A Lab .... sheesh.....
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Ya, get it right,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, A Lab with a bad hair cut. hehehe
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Hey Phil, great pics. Sounds like you had a great hunt. Love the pics of the dog too. One tough looking dude. Glad the cans are at least giving you something to shoot at. Good luck the rest of the season. That ice is forming fast, be careful with Kodiak.
 
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