Steve Sanford
Well-known member
All~
As I did last year, I enjoyed the fine privilege of participating in a hunt yesterday with Parker and his family. Once again, it was a very successful morning afield.
We carried a canoe and gear into the same farm pond as we did last September.
First I set the Black Duck stool - the same 4 birds I had just coated with epoxy + sawdust and re-painted.
All the birds are E Allens - with the masters carved by Keith Mueller. I plan to coat and re-paint these 6 before our Regular Opener on October 10.
Here is what we hoped would entice a few Mallards......
As always, the pre-season wait was full of anticipation and plenty to enjoy. A family of Barred Owls gave us a nice little concert off in the distance. And, a few Spring Peepers forgot it was Fall. This Woolgrass kept me company.
Lots of Beggars Ticks all around the pond. When their two-pronged seeds ripen later this fall, let's hope there are plenty of ducks to take advantage.
The Sport and the Wise Old Coach await the flurry of wings.
Sure enough - right at shooting time - 4 big Mallards flew over our backs, circled behind the tree line, then sailed in through the gap on the horizon.
Parker made certain that one stayed in the pond. Since it was stone-dead, we waited a while to send Boo on her appointed rounds. Six other Mallards gave us a bunch of thrills but lived to campaign another day.
After shaking out a few off-season cobwebs, Boo remembered how to perform her special function.
Landfall.
Parker on the scoreboard for 2015!
There's that nice big grin....to match the nice big Drake.
The Proud Coach (and Grandfather):
The Proud Father:
Boo needed another little swim before heading homeward.....
Here she is on Spin Cycle.....
All the best,
SJS
As I did last year, I enjoyed the fine privilege of participating in a hunt yesterday with Parker and his family. Once again, it was a very successful morning afield.
We carried a canoe and gear into the same farm pond as we did last September.
First I set the Black Duck stool - the same 4 birds I had just coated with epoxy + sawdust and re-painted.
All the birds are E Allens - with the masters carved by Keith Mueller. I plan to coat and re-paint these 6 before our Regular Opener on October 10.
Here is what we hoped would entice a few Mallards......
As always, the pre-season wait was full of anticipation and plenty to enjoy. A family of Barred Owls gave us a nice little concert off in the distance. And, a few Spring Peepers forgot it was Fall. This Woolgrass kept me company.
Lots of Beggars Ticks all around the pond. When their two-pronged seeds ripen later this fall, let's hope there are plenty of ducks to take advantage.
The Sport and the Wise Old Coach await the flurry of wings.
Sure enough - right at shooting time - 4 big Mallards flew over our backs, circled behind the tree line, then sailed in through the gap on the horizon.
Parker made certain that one stayed in the pond. Since it was stone-dead, we waited a while to send Boo on her appointed rounds. Six other Mallards gave us a bunch of thrills but lived to campaign another day.
After shaking out a few off-season cobwebs, Boo remembered how to perform her special function.
Landfall.
Parker on the scoreboard for 2015!
There's that nice big grin....to match the nice big Drake.
The Proud Coach (and Grandfather):
The Proud Father:
Boo needed another little swim before heading homeward.....
Here she is on Spin Cycle.....
All the best,
SJS
