First half follow-through

Steve Sanford

Steve Sanford

Well-known member
One of those little pleasures of the gunning life is cleaning a nice bag of birds. We had a fine shoot yesterday morning - almost all Woodies. It was the last day of our First Half (which is 9 days long).

My partner is transporting his 7-year-old son across the deep stuff - so he could find his way back to the house and help my wife with the pancakes.

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We had wonderful action - never been jammed by so many birds that wanted to fly down my gun barrel. I wound up with 3 hens - 2 young-of-the year and one adult. There was no telling the sexes apart during that first half-hour - every bird was a silhouette, and a very quick one at that.

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I cleaned the birds the next day (about an hour ago). I hung them overnight on the north side of my shop and so, despite the 60 degree air this afternoon, the flesh was nice and chilly to the touch when I peeled the skin back.

I always enjoy studying the details of the bird-in-hand. I think a pair of Woodies will be my next carvings.

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I try to savor the actual cleaning of the birds. I have a spot where I can sit in the sun on a south-facing hillside and so enjoy the setting as well as the process. I leave the carcasses there so the avian scavengers - mostly Crows and Ravens - can find them during the day, and the mammals - Coyotes, Red and Grey Foxes - can find them at night. I do not know who gets them first but they never last long.

These fillets will not see the freezer - Susan and I will enjoy them fresh tomorrow night.

All the best,

SJS
 
Steve-

Thanks for sharing the photos. I really like the first photo. What a neat looking spot. As a father, that would be a wall hanger for me and a memory to last a lifetime.

Side note: good news, my son got permission to build a boat for his school project this year. All of the info on your Gilgo boat will come in handy. I am sure I will be contacting you soon with some questions.
 
Hey Steve,
I also liked that 1st shot and what memories one can have from it. However, I want you to know that the next two were great. I liked the way you set up that 2nd shot---it was perfect. Then in that 3rd shot you caught that sunlight just right that made those colors dance.

Glad you did so well. Good to hear that the other critters also enjoyed a meal.
Al
 
Steve - Wonderful picture of the father/son... precious actually. And, you are so right about woodies and table fare.

I had the privilege to be with my 14 year old nephew Saturday and witness him shoot his first duck, a woody hen. His older brother also shot one as well. I taught him how to breast the bird, we stripped into 3/4 inch strips, marinated it in teriyaki, then, wrapped the duck breast strips in bacon with a slice of sweet onion and green pepper then cooked them on the grill. Amazing all around experience... As the "organics" say, "from farm to table..."

Thanks for sharing your goodness brother! Pat
 
Guys~

Thanks for all of the appreciative comments. The taller gunner in the picture is a longtime friend - Uncle Al to my kids. It is a great pleasure to be able to provide opportunities afield (and in the decoy/boat shop) for this next generation - and for families.

Chad~ Just let me know how I can help you with your son's project. I am a sucker for helping any of the younger set.

Pat~ Indeed, we gunners have been "locavores" for a long, long time......

All the best,

SJS
 
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Nice!

I think woodie hens have the prettiest wings in the duck world. Looking forward to what you can do with the inspiration from those early season birds.

Tim
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I remember having to take both of the boys to the blind on the Stillwater just like that. Thanks for reviving the memory.
 
Steve,

Love the shot of the wings, it's amazing how God paints those colors. Wood ducks make up a big part of our early season and most days I just love watching them come in.

Neil
 
Bob~

Gorgeous bird! You're setting the bar awfully high if I want to carve a pair.....

Don't you just love the symmetry on birds when viewed this way - just pure design!

All the best,

SJS
 
10-4 on the used canvas, Model 12 and ducks...great shot. Last year I hunted, my son and I used my decoy sled to float my oldest granddaughter in to the blind, and she towed decoy sled number two behind her--and had a blast! Great photo of the piggyback ride to the shooting!
 
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