Mike
Well-known member
Early after rebuilding my sneakbox, I realized it really is only a 1 man and 1 dog boat. The last 2 seasons, I primarily hunted layout style with it using a makeshift backboard against the forward area of the cockpit, shooting over the motor. The problem was that my Lab and I were pretty well exposed to prying eyes with her using the front deck as her place. I decided to get a dodger built to get her covered and behind me looking over my shoulder and down the gun. I hope it will benefit by helping her mark downed birds and keep her under tighter control. A member here and local upholstery guy, Carl Wirtz from CMW Upholstery in Monroeville, NJ, got the job. He had some nice olive drab 1000 denier Codura that he normally uses for this application, but we were brainstorming and went with something a little different. Since I really wasn't looking for shelter from the elements, he pointed me to a beige mesh fabric that is used for load tarps on dump trucks. Everything I wear is waterproof so staying dry wasn't my main concern with this dodger. It has a rubber/vinyl like coating that helps with it's durability. It's some tough stuff. Carl refered to it as "Phifertex". He used all stainless hardware and sewn in grassing loops thru-out. After getting it home, I rattle canned on the camo job and then zip tied on the Fast Grass woven palm. Most of what is there now, was salvaged from what was on my box thru last season. Only 2 small dodger piecesand my home-made motor mullet were leftover un-used mats. New Jersey's Southern zone waterfowl season starts this coming Saturday 10/16/2010 and we're once again ready to hunt. Good gunning to all who read this. Teach your kids to hunt and you won't have to hunt for your kids. Have a safe season. Here's some pics:
