Delta Marsh Hunt pics...

Pat Gregory

Well-known member
Here are the hunting pictures I took with my camera. My camera is not great, so, I apologize for the mediocre quality. I didn't get shots of all the decoys but, being with a professional photographer, Fred shot tons of pics and, much better quality than mine. I am hoping to get those to post up.

Regarding the hunting, it is truly amazing and one of the most memorable hunts I've ever had. Not only the history of the Marsh and, the friends I was with but, this is some of the most pristine habitat I've ever seen and, plenty of ducks. It was not easy hunting. Matter of fact, I'd classify it as difficult. In Paul's words, we did a lot of "slogging" through the marsh. After a good shower, I slept well each night and my body was totally sore everywhere. I woke up muscles I hadn't used in years. The predominant duck was the redhead. We purposely went deep into the marsh to chase divers when we could have had much easier hunts for puddle ducks. A mountain top experience for sure...

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The man behind the mask is Delta photographer Fred Greenslade whom I now count as a friend.

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Tailgate shots with the Miles Pirnie redhead, the Duncan Ducharme can hen, my spin on a Ducharme can and the Schmiedlin ruddy duck. All serviced amazingly well. The Pirne decoy hadn't been hunted in over 40 yet redheads consistently came to it all 3 days. Wonderful decoy!

Also, on the last day, Paul and I patiently waited for our cans to come into the Ducharme decoy. Our prayers were answered when 3 cans ripped over our heads, saw the decoys, hooked around and came in. I took the lead bird and Paul the second. Both dropped with one shot. It was perfect! Not bad work for a decoy that hadn't been in the water in over 50 years. Looks just like a can hen on the water...

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More pics and some video to come...

We were blessed indeed!
 
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Thanks for sharing all the experiences and photos Pat. Really neat stuff! Love the history. About half way through the book and you've inspired me to pick it back up this week
 
Thanks Pat, Sure is fun to see pictures from a place that is on my bucket list for sure. Many years ago one of my brothers went Delta Marsh during what turned out to be Canadas Thanksgiving and not only had unbelievable hunting but hospitality not to be equaled anywhere. Recrossing the border was a different adventure altogether, hope yours goes better.
 
Tom - What you describe is what we experienced. Wonderful habitat, pristine... However, tough to navigate. There is a reason all those ducks are there unbothered. Not for the out of shape or weekend waterfowler...

Regarding the border, it was simple going over. We had our gun permits printed in advance. That helped. Coming back, we had to declare our ducks. We had everything separated and tagged as well as a list of what we shot each day with totals. This helped alot as well. All in all, the border was pretty uneventful... Pat
 
sounds like a great trip with all the elements that make a hunt memorable. Anticipation,fellowship,a postcard like setting and style!
 
Did manage a few sticks while out in the Marsh. Fred wore the McAlister coat and Filson hat but, no Fedora's. Not full nostalgia but, close...
 
thanks for taking us along Pat, i have been anxiously waiting to see the deeks in action! way to go..id love to watch em float! you are welcome to hunt the eastern shore with dad and i anytime you'd like! i have a place that pirnie decoy could see some "friends" too!
 
Oh yes Brad we did the porch, had to. It's history. We shot about an hour of film about the entire journey. Fred did his video magic and captured it all. Look for it in the future on the Delta website. Yet another waterfowling discussion on the porch. I trust it was in stride with and honored the History of the Lodge.
 
Sean - thank you for the kind words. If I had my way every waterfowler would enjoy all the best experiences. I only know to model it, set an example and share it. I am thankful others enjoy my experiences I only hope each hunter will plot and plan rheir own unique experiences writing todays history. Enjoy your time with your dad as that is the real legacy...

I appreciate the invite. Pat
 
Bob - am not an expert but believe it was. Delta has several of them of which we had access to. It was neat to experience the full deal like our forefathers did. Al Hochbaum hunted the Marsh out of a canoe. It was only fitting we did as well.

Practically, we wedged it between some cattails when hunting, and stood in it. It was solid as a rock. I was totally impressed with the craft. I'm sure you understand...
 
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