Western NY Second Season - 2nd day - Heavy Straps

Nick Wansha

Nick Wansha

Active member
The second portion of our season re-opened on Saturday. I wasn't able to get out Saturday, but got out on Sunday with Pete, a friend of mine and the President of LPWA. Typically second season around here means big water as things freeze up, but we decided to field hunt since we saw lots of Canadas and mallard working a field. The temps were sub-freezing for two weeks prior to the opener, but two days before, it got milder and rained. The field was partially frozen sunday morning. I cut my finger deep by pulling on frozen corn stubble from the ground. It was bleeding like a scene from a hollywood horror flick. We both had our first aid kits somewhere else that day! DUH! Hiked back to the truck 20 minutes before legal shooting time, threw on some anti-bacterial gel (yup the one with the alcohol in it!) wrapped it up in some Tim Horton's napkins (gotta to love Tim's!) and applied pressure and walked back into the field. I got in the layout and applied pressure and had to change my "bandages" a few times and placed my hand into a light glove. Eventually, the major bleeding stopped. Deep gash - I am pretty sure I saw the blood vessel. It was a hunt that I will never forget and was glad that I stuck it out! We ended up the day with a two man limit of Canada geese (6) and a two man limit of mallards (8) along with a black duck that I picked out of a flock of mallards. The ground thawed as the day went on which made for a sloppy exit and it started to snow on the way out.

Right now, it is sub-freezing, snowing and blowing and we are forecast to get up to a foot of new snow in lake effect areas by tomorrow.

The straps were heavy with fat ducks and geese. Me with the "market hunter" strap shot.

DSC02111.jpg

 
Last edited:
Nick,
my wife just doesn't understand when we drive by a corn field with some water in it and I'm sticking my head out the car window looking all the world like a kid who has seen Disney World for the first time.

Looks like you guys timed it just right. Nice work. We had so much snow the other day I thought we would not get a crack at the corn for the late season, but the warm has opened it back up.

Do you guys use ground blinds?
 
Nick,

Bob took the words right out of my mouth, looks like you had great timing. I can relate to the Disney World comment except I'm old enough I still refer to Disneyland (CA.).
 
I love a good flooded field hunt and that strap looks like you enjoyed it.

I've got to get up there to see your Estuary and your AWS.
 
John - I don't own an Estuary, but my oldest brother did work with David Clark while he lived in Fisher's Landing.
 
Nick , looks like a great hunt. I always like seeing pics of Lily. How did she do for you. There is a special place for them AWS creatures.

Gary March
 
Thanks Gary,

Lily was retrieving ducks this day. Some of the later season geese this day were either too big and/or still a little lively for her on the ground. Ducks were not a problem.
 
Nick,
From that smile, it doesn't look like the finger was your trigger finger. Hope its healed up for your next hunt. Nice report, good to hear you stuck it out.

-Jack
 
Looks like a great day of hunting and shooting. You have to love a perfectly timed hunt. Great pic, nice work. dc
 
That's the coolest video of the year !!! I'm at work now, but I can't wait to show my boys and wife... they'll love seeing that.

Way to go Lily !!!

Andrew
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top