Like to Hunt - Like to Fish - Like to Draw
Greenwing Teal
Wrapped up the duck season in North MO (north zone) this morning with my twin cousins Bryan & Ryan. We made our last stand today on a farm pond that has been the resting place for a few ducks and some geese. The action came early and fast this morning and I do mean fast. I don’t know if you’ve ever shot teal before, but they are little speed demons! We didn’t shoot great, but I’ve seen much worse.
On to chasing geese over the next few days – I’ll keep you posted!
Jessie
Fetchin Up
Successful Greenhead Retrieve 
I grew up with laborador retrievers, so when we got a place with a big back yard my first thought was to get a lab. The only problem with that is that we also had two very small children. If you know anything about labs, they aren’t the most calm dogs in the world, especially as pups. We opted for a schnauzer which has turned out to be a great choice, but not much help in the duck blind.
Our kids have since gotten bigger as has my desire to have a real huntin dog. Retrieving ducks and geese out of water with a fishing pole and treble hook works, but not nearly as effectively or as natural as a dog doing what it’s bred to do. Working with my dogs in the past had really made up for half of my enjoyment of waterfowling. I loved watching those dogs jump in the icy water time and again without a moments hesitation. It does something special to the bond between a man and his dog to see them work so hard for you (even though they would rather be doing that than anything else!)
So when I saw an ad online for half lab/half golden retriever pups, I was very excited. I love training dogs and to be doing it again after a several year drought is a lot of fun! I’m no training master, but I’m not half bad. It’s very rewarding to see your dog do the things you’ve worked hours to ingrain in them. I’m hoping that by next year she’ll be ready to work – doing what we both love to do. Now if I can just have someone board her for the 1st couple of months as she tries to chew on everything in sight and howls/cries when she’s left alone, I’d really have it made!
That's How It Felt
If you had asked me this past weekend if I would like to take an early morning swim complete with rubber boots, wool pants, multiple layers of coats/sweatshirts, all in 29 degree weather, I probably would have told to call me on Monday to set up an appointment for a psych eval. Then ask me to do all this with my 4yr old and I would’ve really thought you were nuts! Well I’m sure you’ve guessed this by now, but that’s exactly what we did this Monday.
We were just finishing up a less than stellar hunt with Chris, a good friend of mine. I had just trolled around in my canoe picking up the decoys and went back to the little island to pick up my boy and Chris. My boy came in first and sat between my legs and we waited as Chris loaded up the canoe with the rest of our stuff. I’m still not sure what happened next, but the next thing I remember is that Chris was getting into the canoe and all of a sudden the canoe is upside down. The water was deep and I wasn’t able to touch so I went in up to my neck while holding my boy up as high as possible. Chris was quick to right the canoe and I was able to get my son back into the canoe even though it was half full of water.
Talk about exhilarating!! I was trying to say something to Chris but I just couldn’t quite catch my breath! I don’t think I’ve ever felt such shocking cold in my life! We rushed to the Jeep and started the thawing process. Fortunately we all survived and though we were very cold it is something we are laughing about now. It did open my eyes to the danger that cold water and boating/canoeing presents, especially loaded down with winter clothing.
Thought I’d share the experience with you all – good luck out there and above all, be safe!!
Mixed Bag
Ducks & Geese on the Blind
Getting your limit of geese is a great day as is getting your limit of greenheads. Put the two limits together and you’ve just had an amazing day, especially when you’re completely done by 9:30 in the morning! It’s hard to beat the sight of big ol honkers and fat greenheads locked up sailing into your decoys! We were blessed this morning!