I got the journey started today

Bill Savoie

Bill Savoie

Active member
I posted a couple of weeks ago that I've decided to hunt all 49 states ( and likely a few provinces in Canada). Well, I figured that I should start here in New Hampshire, but I've been shut out the last few times out. We FINALLY got a solid freeze, moving birds down to the salt water I like to hunt this time of year. As Long Island John said in his post earlier, it was a completely snotty day. My partner begged off, but the tide was going to be right and the number of days are getting short this season, so I went. I needed someone to protect me as I had buffies in the dekes as fast as I could set up. Once I got settled in, I scratched down one buffie, but the blacks just didn't want to commit.

Getting back to the ramp rated high on the pucker scale, I think it was the highest wind I've ever been on the water. Good thing it's a short run.

One state down, 48 to go.
 
I like that goal that you have set, Bill. This one will be fun to keep track of. Hope you are good at writing in a diary and taking lots of pictures.
Al
 
Thanks Al. I'm doing the diary part by blog... I'm in the tech business so I guess I should know how to use it. http://waterfowlerswanderings.com/. I will need to learn more about cameras, I have a digital point and shoot but it's nothing like what you're using. My big worry is the amount of time I spend on saltwater; it kills everything it gets near. Any advice you can offer on cameras will be appreciated.

Bill
 
Bill,
That is an awesome goal to set. A lot of work and time will go into achieving it, but I look forward to following your progress. On the camera side, have you considered a waterproof housing such as:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-WP-DC17-Waterproof-PowerShot-Accessory/dp/B000VOFTO2

You have to find the housing that fits your specific camera. I use one when scuba diving and they work great. When used out of the water, they can sometimes cause glare in sunlight because you are placing another piece of glass in front of the lens, but they are waterproof and saltwater proof.

Scott
 
Bill, when I saw your pm last night, I figured you might have dropped something off the boat and wanted me to look and see whether the SE blow had pushed it up onto our coast.

My understanding is that they're still looking for someone who fell off a boat yesterday 45 miles south of Rockland. Apparently he was crew on a lobster boat out of RI or MA that fishes around Jeffrey's Ledge. I know they get great catches and the best price this time of year, but it's a rotten time to be on the North Atlantic.

I'm 35 miles from the coast, and based on the wind on my roof last night, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near the water.

As for your 49 state quest, I don't think I can host you this year, as our season closes Christmas Day and my time is limited between now and then, but we can definitely find you some Maine birds next season.
 
Bill Good luck on your adventure it sound s awesome. Should you come to Montauk be sure to say HEY. If your wouried about Saltwater I know Olimpus make a waterproof digital. I have had a Nikonos V on the Windy for at least 25 years and it works just as good today as it did when it was brand new. Not very good for distance with the lens that I have but Nikon did make others. A year ago I did see a new Nikonos in a camera shop out here on the east end, so they must still be available
 
They called off the search this morning. No PFD or survival suit. I can't imagine being out there the way it was blowing yesterday. I only had a short run, straight downwind going out, straight upwind coming back, but the breakers coming over the seawall at the mouth of the harbor were some impressive. I feel for his family.

As to adding Maine to my goal, I'm planning on buying a Maine license next season so there will be plenty of time to check it off the list. I'm thinking that next fall will be a road trip from the Northeast out to Wisconsin and back, working out logistics now.
 
If you are passing through Ontario on your wanderings don't hesitate to give me a shout. I would be happy to host a hunt. Late November should get you into Canvasbacks and Redheads.

I have an Olympus point and shoot digital that is waterproof. I have used it for days on end in salt water when snorkeling. I put the strap around my wrist and let it dangle. I rinse it in fresh water when I am back on shore. It has held up well. Now the bad news... it isn't the best camera around; it is slow, has a weak zoom and the images are not as sharp as my two Canon cameras. But it works well in salt water! I often use the movie mode and film fish etc.
 
Paul, Thanks for your offer, I will take you up on that. I need to review the Canadian rules on bringing a long gun across the border. When I used to shoot clays in competition there was never a problem but I've heard they have tightened up quite a bit.
I grew up out in Michigan, sailed on Lou Tisch's mud puddle (Lake Saint Clair) as well as the Great Lakes, it will be good see Ontario again.
 
It isn't difficult to bring a long gun over. You have to fill out a form on your side in advance of the trip. There is a small fee and then you are good for 60 days. Weekdays are always better but a weekend will work as well. With enough notice I am happy to take time off work. Maybe John can join us. John Klingenstein and I get together up here periodically. He tells me there are no ducks in northern Ohio. Based on that recommendation I am not planning to go there to find out. LOL
This form must be filled out in triplicate and unsigned and presented when you enter into Canada.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/form-formulaire/pdfs/909.pdf
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top