Friday, September 29, 2017

Waterfowl Opener

Waterfowl season opened last weekend. Saturday morning Jens went out with some buddies for a field hunt west of here, where the forest ends and the prairie begins. Known as Callaway but the exact location not revealed.


Between the 11 of them, they harvested 36. A mix of mallards, wood ducks and a couple teal. They cleaned the ducks and ate them either that night or freeze for later. It's great to see youth in the area hunting. They spend a lot of time scouting and setting things up, getting permission from farmers etc.
Sunday morning Jens and I went out on Maplelag property, under very warm and humid conditions. It had been cool the night before so I expected the same Sunday morning but it actually warmed up during the night and the dew point followed making for humid conditions. We had to hike out on bog with gear, making sure not to fall into any beaver runs. When we got to the canoe, we were drenched in sweat. Not what you think of when duck hunting.

Watching for birds after setting up. Jens on the call.
A set up shot.
Light rain was okay as it was so warm.
Dead calm conditions.


If they ever open up a season for swans, they will never fly directly overhead like they do now. Someone asked me why would someone want to shoot a swan? I don't know for sure, but I am guessing they taste pretty good. The swan population has exploded in recent years and many opinions on both the positive and negative effects.
More water on water lilies.
Mosquitoes late September?!?!

We ended up with three, a couple winged we couldn't find. Coyote or critter food. For our location which is better earlier and later season, we saw quite a few birds and had good action. I told Jens I still haven't made the adjustment from lead shot to steel shot. All good, best part for me is being out in nature.
Heading back out on trail. Fall colors in full swing.

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