New blog / rails

[jode hillman]

Thanks Jode! This advice sounds similar to an article I read about clapper hunting in Project Upland a while back. Time to start perusing OnX!

Pretty much every Shortown had an old grade from the seashore line that ran to it.

Google maps let you see the grades coming through the Marsh.

It has been the most effective way I found to Chase clappers

 

[Carl]

Yep, needle grass is another common name. Its very pointy and stiff. And Painful.

 

[SJ Fairbank]

Pretty much every Shortown had an old grade from the seashore line that ran to it.

Google maps let you see the grades coming through the Marsh.

It has been the most effective way I found to Chase clappers

Walking them up has always been the best for us. I'm all for anything that doesn't involve poling. Unfortunately I doubt we have any where near the numbers you do.

 

[jode hillman]

One of my favorite days of the year. Pulling the skiff out of moth balls, waxing and oiling for the season.

 

[SJ Fairbank]

That's a pretty boat. I can't recall from past years, is it cedar?

 

[jode hillman]

That's a pretty boat. I can't recall from past years, is it cedar?

Yes, I did a total restoration on it a few years ago. The thread on here somewhere.



It is all 3/8 inch cedar planked . I think the reddish coloration was left over after the original green paint wore off. Not sure why it turned that color but she's natural now and just gets a coat of oil every year

 

[jode hillman]

Yes, I did a total restoration on it a few years ago. The thread on here somewhere.



It is all 3/8 inch cedar planked . I think the reddish coloration was left over after the original green paint wore off. Not sure why it turned that color but she's natural now and just gets a coat of oil every year

This is what she look like when I got her. And when freshly done.

 

[SJ Fairbank]

Yes, I did a total restoration on it a few years ago. The thread on here somewhere.



It is all 3/8 inch cedar planked . I think the reddish coloration was left over after the original green paint wore off. Not sure why it turned that color but she's natural now and just gets a coat of oil every year

I remember when you did it. It looks good as new, with a pleasing patina.

Game plan here is first splash tomorrow. My spies spotted a few birds, but no flight had pushed in as of yesterday.

 

[William Mink]

I've spent a bit of time along the river and in the Rehoboth area. My wife grew up across the bridge from you, just outside Wilmington. You guys have some awesome big marshes. The marshes here are miniscule by comparison.

The new skiff goes to the marsh tomorrow or Tuesday. My buddy has a rack on the bank of a creek where we hunt the rail. I'm hoping for an east wind, looks good for Tuesday.

Out of curiosity, does Delaware require you to wear hunter orange while hunting rails and snipe?

 

[SJ Fairbank]

Out of curiosity, does Delaware require you to wear hunter orange while hunting rails and snipe?

Sorry, couldn't tell you. I haven't hunted there in many years. Many states do so I'd consult the state regs.

 

[jode hillman]

My new website is just about finished.

I thought some of the Duck boat members might enjoy reading the blog I am writing.

Sometimes it is sales related, but most of the time it is just musings and stories I have experienced in the outdoors.

Hence the name "The Meadows Edge.

For those unawares the term "Meadows" is old New Jersey parlance For our grassy tidal estuaries, both on the bay and oceanside. Football fans may have heard of of "Meadowlands " stadium. There are still lots of ducks and pheasants there FYI!

Enjoy!

The Meadows Edge: Blog — HILLMAN DECOYS

Uniquely written Blog by outdoorsman Jode Hillman. Read updates about decoy carving, hunting and fishing pursuits, as well as other topics relevant to those interested in wildlife art, hunting, foraging, wild game cooking etc.

www.hillmandecoys.com

With the strong Northeast winds today and the full moon just passed, I decided to head out on the late afternoon high tide.

The cover was the typical thick early-season jungle. Rice looked fair, but the smartweed and amaranth was as thick as could be.

The main push of birds has not arrived but there were a few stragglers around.

Enough to make a hunt of it. In addition to the photo we downed and lost three others.

Not too bad of a ratio for early-season cover.