Well I headed up the mountain Friday to chase the big buck. That night I didn't see much activity and I wasn't pumped for tenting in snow and rain. I was sure Axl was bummed being at home, so I changed plans and headed for the pond.
The first day we took an easy limit, but the mallards were few and far between. I did take this drake GWT with great plumage. I was thinking about a mount, but decided I had better wait a few years. I don't want my house to end up looking like the Moose's.
This morning did not get off to a great start. First I was late getting on the water and then I paddled well our of my way to find where the mallards were hanging out. I could get the boat within 300 yards, but it wsa not worth pulling the boat, decoys and misc through that much bulrush.
Finally, an hour and half into shooting light, I got the dekes set out and even threw out the swan decoys just in case. About 15 minutes later, a silent, single swan glided into the dekes. I didn't have time to replace the duck loads, but he was close enough that the 2's did the trick.
This was my fourth swan ever and I had decided that I needed one for the ceiling. Unfortunately, this was the smallest I have ever taken and there was very little color on the bill. Maybe next year things will work out better, although I was thankful for this one.
About 45 minutes later I heard more swans. I grabbed the video camera and taped as they circles the decoys twice. I am sure all seven would have landed if I hadn't been standing up and shooting video.
It was pretty slow, so I headed in after only 1 1/2 on the pond. I did get a good redhead drake and a drake pintail.
No big buck this weekend, but my dog still loves me now.
The first day we took an easy limit, but the mallards were few and far between. I did take this drake GWT with great plumage. I was thinking about a mount, but decided I had better wait a few years. I don't want my house to end up looking like the Moose's.
This morning did not get off to a great start. First I was late getting on the water and then I paddled well our of my way to find where the mallards were hanging out. I could get the boat within 300 yards, but it wsa not worth pulling the boat, decoys and misc through that much bulrush.
Finally, an hour and half into shooting light, I got the dekes set out and even threw out the swan decoys just in case. About 15 minutes later, a silent, single swan glided into the dekes. I didn't have time to replace the duck loads, but he was close enough that the 2's did the trick.
This was my fourth swan ever and I had decided that I needed one for the ceiling. Unfortunately, this was the smallest I have ever taken and there was very little color on the bill. Maybe next year things will work out better, although I was thankful for this one.
About 45 minutes later I heard more swans. I grabbed the video camera and taped as they circles the decoys twice. I am sure all seven would have landed if I hadn't been standing up and shooting video.
It was pretty slow, so I headed in after only 1 1/2 on the pond. I did get a good redhead drake and a drake pintail.
No big buck this weekend, but my dog still loves me now.
