I swear I'm not insensitive. This entry might be considered ill-timed as it coincides with the Trayvon Martin case. I believe in our justice system and won't extrapolate on what I think really happened. Nevertheless, there are tall tales, often marred in truth, of hateful occurrences that go down at a duck hunting boat ramp near you. And, if you're a guilty party, one day, the trail camera that some people put out to guard their vehicle will definitely have you running from the law and insurance companies...
First of all, the absolute worst cases I have ever heard come out of three places:
(1) The North river area along the Camden/Currituck County border.
(2) Anywhere that helps hunters gain access to Winyah Bay in South Carolina
(3) Areas along the White Oak River around Onslow County
Occurrences might include:
I've heard of folks letting the air out of tires on vehicles and trailers. This is the best way to ruin someone's day. After hunting, most of us have SOMEWHERE else to go. It's never happened to me, though, and I've never witnessed it.
The ol' sugar-in-the-gas tank trick is one that can cause irreparable damage to an automobile. This can get you in big time trouble if found guilty.
I've heard of people pulling the plug on boats left at the ramp, too.
Running through a spread of someone else's decoys happens everywhere in North Carolina. Usually, it's by mistake. Some people like to "buzz the tower" so to speak. That's just plain intimidation.
I've also heard of local club operators running people, physically, out of "their" duck blinds. Sorry guides, you need to set your alarm earlier. Building a blind doesn't entitle you to it unless you get their first. Padlocking a door works, but it can be shattered. I think I'd bolt a blaze orange panel to the front of my duck blind...
I've heard of people actually stealing trailers...
I've heard of people cutting the lock on a trailer and sliding it into the water...
I've also heard of some turds cutting the tongue off of trailers...
Here's the thing. If you're gonna do these things, you've already proven that it's pre-meditated. That, alone, will allow the judge to toss the book at you. Also, if it happens on a game land, you're certain to lose your hunting license. But since you're a butthead anyway, you'll probably just hunt illegally. And what if someone finds out it was you? It's bad enough that people bait n public waters, leaving the area a ticket-hazard to others. But to specifically target a hunter for using "your" areas, that's downright criminal. Most victims of these silly crimes are only guilty of having an unrecognized vehicle or out-of-state tag.
There are some ways to protect yourself, though: Always carry a cell phone. Try to remember a portable air compressor. Take a trail camera and set-it up...just turn the flash of or get one of those infrared ones. Or just use a local guide. It's not fair, and you shouldn't expect it to happen to you, but if it does, report it to the authorities, too.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Duck Calling
Duck Calling doesn't really have long and storied history here. In fact, few call makers exist in North Carolina today. Few old calls have ever been discovered in North Carolina, either. Still, makers do exist, and some, inevitably, are better than others. Allen Bliven, to me, is the best maker of calls in the world. And I've blown them all. Generally, I can pick his calls up and sound halfway ducky right of the bat. There are others who make neat looking calls in exotic woods, but they are simply collector's items or pieces of demi-art.
But this article isn't about Duck Calling. It's about what I call ducks. Rarely do we refer to the Northern Pintail as that...it's either a pintail, or a sprig tail, or what-have-you. I'll list some common species that my hunting party pursues, followed by other colloquial names. Generally, we used shortened names of the birds and often refer to them singly, no matter how many we are "calling"...
Mallards: We don't see 'em very much, but generally we call them "malluts" while others might call them greenheads.
Gadwalls: We see these fairly often. Most call them gray ducks, but we call them "jagwads". I thinkk we picked it up while watching an old Duck Commander video...shame on me for partaking in those videos.
Scaup: Commonly, people call them "Bluebills". We do the same, as well as "blackheads", which is common on the east coast. Sometimes, though, we slip and call them "bloobs"...
Redheads: We call them by their name everytime.
Black Ducks: Black ducks are a mystery to us. We refer to them singly as "the black duck". I've slipped and called them "Black Mallards" a time or two, too. If we see a flock of Black Ducks, we would say "There is a flock of the Black Duck." Or - "The Black Duck appeared in droves today."
Scoters: We call them "Scotes". Surf Scoters are called "Skunkheads" or "Horseheads" locally, and we also do the same. A limit of drakes is referred to as a "Blackout" by me and my pals.
Snow Geese: We usually call them "Snows", but lately have referred to them as "snogs." My friends on the Mississippi Flyway call them "Sky Carp", and we have extended that name to "Sky Carpet" in reference to the way they can cover the sky. We also call them "Indian Geese" from time to time.
Canvasbacks: It's "Cans" for everyone...
Wigeon: Some also call these "Gray Ducks", but we call them, even if it's more than one, "The Widge". An example: "Get yourself right, a flock of the widge is about to decoy."
Teal: We call them "greenwingers" usually. On good days, we'll call them "greenwangers." Bluewings don't fall for my decoys ever, so they are called a "rarity."
Shovelers: We call these guys "spoonheads", "spoonbills", "bootlips", "lawyer ducks", "neighbor malluts", and "scooperbills." The poor shoveler is one underrated duck in terms of beauty...
Buffleheads are called "buffalo heads".
Ruddy Ducks are called by their name always. Some people call them "boobies", though.
Grebes, though not hunted, are called "di-dipper", "di-dapper", or "grubs."
Sea gulls are called "Illegal Seagals". Bigger gulls are mistakenly called "skua-gulls", too.
Eagles are generally referred to in expletive terms.
All shorebirds are called either "Baby Pintails", "gun-raisers", or "yellowlegs" collectively. Larger birds, like whimbrels and willets are called by their names. Rails and such are generally called "marsh hens."
Coots are called "cuts" or "water chickens."
Cormorants are called a variety of things, but "Water Turkey" is preferred.
Brant are always referred to as "Brantseses." Yes, I put an extra syllable or two in there. An example "I've never killed a single brantseses, but I'd love to do such a thing."
Swans are often called "Swown"..."own" with and "sw" sound on the front...
Wood ducks are usually called by their name by us. Sometimes, when I'm feeling nerdy, I'll call them "Aix Sponsa" - their latin name - or I'll get country and call them "Aix Sponzer". Others call them "woodies."
I apologize for wasting your time reading this entry! Still, it makes the times in the blind fun and unique when you have your very own language!
But this article isn't about Duck Calling. It's about what I call ducks. Rarely do we refer to the Northern Pintail as that...it's either a pintail, or a sprig tail, or what-have-you. I'll list some common species that my hunting party pursues, followed by other colloquial names. Generally, we used shortened names of the birds and often refer to them singly, no matter how many we are "calling"...
Mallards: We don't see 'em very much, but generally we call them "malluts" while others might call them greenheads.
Gadwalls: We see these fairly often. Most call them gray ducks, but we call them "jagwads". I thinkk we picked it up while watching an old Duck Commander video...shame on me for partaking in those videos.
Scaup: Commonly, people call them "Bluebills". We do the same, as well as "blackheads", which is common on the east coast. Sometimes, though, we slip and call them "bloobs"...
Redheads: We call them by their name everytime.
Black Ducks: Black ducks are a mystery to us. We refer to them singly as "the black duck". I've slipped and called them "Black Mallards" a time or two, too. If we see a flock of Black Ducks, we would say "There is a flock of the Black Duck." Or - "The Black Duck appeared in droves today."
Scoters: We call them "Scotes". Surf Scoters are called "Skunkheads" or "Horseheads" locally, and we also do the same. A limit of drakes is referred to as a "Blackout" by me and my pals.
Snow Geese: We usually call them "Snows", but lately have referred to them as "snogs." My friends on the Mississippi Flyway call them "Sky Carp", and we have extended that name to "Sky Carpet" in reference to the way they can cover the sky. We also call them "Indian Geese" from time to time.
Canvasbacks: It's "Cans" for everyone...
Wigeon: Some also call these "Gray Ducks", but we call them, even if it's more than one, "The Widge". An example: "Get yourself right, a flock of the widge is about to decoy."
Teal: We call them "greenwingers" usually. On good days, we'll call them "greenwangers." Bluewings don't fall for my decoys ever, so they are called a "rarity."
Shovelers: We call these guys "spoonheads", "spoonbills", "bootlips", "lawyer ducks", "neighbor malluts", and "scooperbills." The poor shoveler is one underrated duck in terms of beauty...
Buffleheads are called "buffalo heads".
Ruddy Ducks are called by their name always. Some people call them "boobies", though.
Grebes, though not hunted, are called "di-dipper", "di-dapper", or "grubs."
Sea gulls are called "Illegal Seagals". Bigger gulls are mistakenly called "skua-gulls", too.
Eagles are generally referred to in expletive terms.
All shorebirds are called either "Baby Pintails", "gun-raisers", or "yellowlegs" collectively. Larger birds, like whimbrels and willets are called by their names. Rails and such are generally called "marsh hens."
Coots are called "cuts" or "water chickens."
Cormorants are called a variety of things, but "Water Turkey" is preferred.
Brant are always referred to as "Brantseses." Yes, I put an extra syllable or two in there. An example "I've never killed a single brantseses, but I'd love to do such a thing."
Swans are often called "Swown"..."own" with and "sw" sound on the front...
Wood ducks are usually called by their name by us. Sometimes, when I'm feeling nerdy, I'll call them "Aix Sponsa" - their latin name - or I'll get country and call them "Aix Sponzer". Others call them "woodies."
I apologize for wasting your time reading this entry! Still, it makes the times in the blind fun and unique when you have your very own language!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Boating Continued...
As I stated earlier I shall continue my remarks about the guys you encounter at the boat ramp...
The "Idiot": This is the guy who absolutely cannot back a trailer. He'll also be the guy who heard it was a good idea to grease the skids on his trailer...only to unhook the winch strap before hitting the ramp's angle...then, boom. As his boat fragments all of the ramp, he'll swiftly pull forward, only to crush the remnants of his boat. The "Idiot" is also the guy who leave his boat still attached to the winch. Once he enters the water, his trailer will float with the boat, often times removing it from the hitch. while the boat and trailer are floating in the water, he is left dumbfounded. The "Idiot" may also be spotted running to a swiftly filling boat to insert the plug...and yes, it's a threaded plug.
The "Dead Battery" Guy: His battery is always dead. He doesn't figure it out until he has pulled his truck and trailer into the parking spot 300 yards away. And you get to watch him diagnose the problem. Sometimes, he'll even have a jumpbox, illustrating his tendency for repeat offenses. Sometimes, though, he'll retrieve the battery from his truck and use it. He can make for a long wait at the ramp. I have been this guy 2 times in my life...
The "Perfectionist": This is what we shall all strive to be when at the ramp. Our plug is in because we check right before we enter the water. We also unstrap the boat winch in that trip to the plug. We also might see if the motor will "hit" by a quick turn of the key. All of our important gear was packed in the boat at the gas station where we stopped to fill up earlier. We occupy the ramp for less than three minutes. We also wait to "outfit" the boat (rig rods, sort decoys) once we've reached open water.
There are other things to consider when boating, too. The waterways are a lot like the roadways. Try to show common courtesy in narrow canals and streams. However, if it's navigable at top speed, I'll do it. That water is free and open. Just because you decided to fish in the middle of a creek that's only 150 feet wide, doesn't mean you have the right of way. Waterways are made for travel. The edges are made for enjoyment. I don't expect people to slow up while I'm in a layout boat, but that would be nice, since it's obviously dangerous to me. Also, if you're in a canal, with your 12' jonboat, pushed by 10 screaming horses, loaded to the hilt with 7 men, 10 dozen decoys, and a black retriever, please get out of my way. You're in over your head Big Boy. With my vessel, I'm at the top of the food chain, and I'll act like it. I'll let you get over or I'll ride close behind until you get the picture. Don't be an idiot. Put your little boat and big ambitions aside and let the pros have their way. It'll make everyone happier...
Now, fisherman...please avoid fishing in my decoy spread. You will not catch anything after I waterswat my sacrifice-able decoy. I will shoot a decoy for you to get the picture. If you want to fish while I hunt, be my guest. I will hunt while you fish. However, since I got there first, I believe I have the courtesy and right to enjoy the area first. Still, your sputtering two-stroke will flare birds, but only if you're T-Tops don't do it first. Fishermen, generally, are a cordial lot. However, there are more places to fish than duck hunt. Duck hunters use only the surface of the water. Fishermen can use any where below the water...so find an unoccupied place. There are lots of places where fishermen can wet their lines where duck hunting is forbidden, too. And since many fishermen fish in National Wildlife Refuges and don't own a duck stamp (which funds these places), you really should just let the duck hunters have their reign. In fact, Fishermen can use the waters 10 other months, while waterfowlers are lucky to have two months...
Use common sense. Never overfill your boat, even though I have. Don't fish in a line of fire. It'll be your fault when you get accidentally peppered. Not every fishing boat is visible, especially if it's in the tidal gut behind prominent duck hunting point...
The "Idiot": This is the guy who absolutely cannot back a trailer. He'll also be the guy who heard it was a good idea to grease the skids on his trailer...only to unhook the winch strap before hitting the ramp's angle...then, boom. As his boat fragments all of the ramp, he'll swiftly pull forward, only to crush the remnants of his boat. The "Idiot" is also the guy who leave his boat still attached to the winch. Once he enters the water, his trailer will float with the boat, often times removing it from the hitch. while the boat and trailer are floating in the water, he is left dumbfounded. The "Idiot" may also be spotted running to a swiftly filling boat to insert the plug...and yes, it's a threaded plug.
The "Dead Battery" Guy: His battery is always dead. He doesn't figure it out until he has pulled his truck and trailer into the parking spot 300 yards away. And you get to watch him diagnose the problem. Sometimes, he'll even have a jumpbox, illustrating his tendency for repeat offenses. Sometimes, though, he'll retrieve the battery from his truck and use it. He can make for a long wait at the ramp. I have been this guy 2 times in my life...
The "Perfectionist": This is what we shall all strive to be when at the ramp. Our plug is in because we check right before we enter the water. We also unstrap the boat winch in that trip to the plug. We also might see if the motor will "hit" by a quick turn of the key. All of our important gear was packed in the boat at the gas station where we stopped to fill up earlier. We occupy the ramp for less than three minutes. We also wait to "outfit" the boat (rig rods, sort decoys) once we've reached open water.
There are other things to consider when boating, too. The waterways are a lot like the roadways. Try to show common courtesy in narrow canals and streams. However, if it's navigable at top speed, I'll do it. That water is free and open. Just because you decided to fish in the middle of a creek that's only 150 feet wide, doesn't mean you have the right of way. Waterways are made for travel. The edges are made for enjoyment. I don't expect people to slow up while I'm in a layout boat, but that would be nice, since it's obviously dangerous to me. Also, if you're in a canal, with your 12' jonboat, pushed by 10 screaming horses, loaded to the hilt with 7 men, 10 dozen decoys, and a black retriever, please get out of my way. You're in over your head Big Boy. With my vessel, I'm at the top of the food chain, and I'll act like it. I'll let you get over or I'll ride close behind until you get the picture. Don't be an idiot. Put your little boat and big ambitions aside and let the pros have their way. It'll make everyone happier...
Now, fisherman...please avoid fishing in my decoy spread. You will not catch anything after I waterswat my sacrifice-able decoy. I will shoot a decoy for you to get the picture. If you want to fish while I hunt, be my guest. I will hunt while you fish. However, since I got there first, I believe I have the courtesy and right to enjoy the area first. Still, your sputtering two-stroke will flare birds, but only if you're T-Tops don't do it first. Fishermen, generally, are a cordial lot. However, there are more places to fish than duck hunt. Duck hunters use only the surface of the water. Fishermen can use any where below the water...so find an unoccupied place. There are lots of places where fishermen can wet their lines where duck hunting is forbidden, too. And since many fishermen fish in National Wildlife Refuges and don't own a duck stamp (which funds these places), you really should just let the duck hunters have their reign. In fact, Fishermen can use the waters 10 other months, while waterfowlers are lucky to have two months...
Use common sense. Never overfill your boat, even though I have. Don't fish in a line of fire. It'll be your fault when you get accidentally peppered. Not every fishing boat is visible, especially if it's in the tidal gut behind prominent duck hunting point...
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Boat Ramp Etiquette
Boat owners are an interesting lot. Most buy a boat to serve a purpose that fulfills a recreational goal like catching fishes, catching the sun's rays, catching ducks, and catching other things, whatever they may decide to catch. Some people buy boats so that they can allow other people to follow close behind on skis and boards. That's strange. Some people want to catch fish only to put them in an onboard aquarium. Some people just like to boat ride. I love it. I also use my boat to catch ducks. I never, ever fish. If I ever decide to fish, I'll make sure to charter a good captain elsewhere. We'll take his or her boat, and I'll even allow them to bait my hook, and remove any fish that falls victim to the baited hook. Nevertheless, there are no qualifiers for purchasing a boat other than having the liquid assets needed or excellent credit. There is no IQ test. Sure, some states require vessel licenses, but I'm certain chimps are the first to take the test, only to ensure that it is indeed not passable to someone less than human. And while operating a boat is fairly simple, some take that simple task and cost themselves fortunes, both immediately and in the long run. Some people can even create enemies. Since I'm no mechanic, I'll leave the diagnostics and general boat care to the people on the boating message boards. This blog will highlight the atrocities found at a ramp near you...
There are several different types of boat owners one might encounter at the ramp...do you know any of them?
The "Yeah, I usually just keep my boat in the water guy, but I wanted to see these waters" Guy: This dude has a large boat. It probably has "bottom" paint on it. Often, it has a T-Top or a cuddy cabin and might exceed 27 feet in length. He also towed it to the ramp with his minivan and single axle trailer. Can he back a trailer? Yes, but not in a straight line. He won't use his mirrors and can't see over the boat. He's the guy with the driver's door open and his head sticking out...
The "Let's get everything ready before the boat is in the water" Guy: What a turd! These gentleman are the ones who wait until they have their boat in the ramp and then move all of their gear into the boat, while other anxious and waiting boaters watch him. Oh, and don't worry...while he's transporting his cheap styrofoam cooler full of the cheapest beer money can buy, you can also expect him to actually crush his cooler and spill it's contents across the lot. And yes - he'll pick them up while you watch. Fishing rods and tackle boxes?! You, too, can watch these come out in the worst tangle of your illustrious boating career, and henceforth watch him attempt to repair the tangle rods. And he always get his snacks out last...
The "Social" Boater: This is the guy that wants to talk the the boater in the other stall at the ramp. Did he catch fish? Oh yes. Millions. He'll even show them off, while your vehicle idles in wait. Did he kill ducks? Of course, even a special black duck that bears a striking resemblance to a cormorant. His problem isn't driving the boat or the trailer, it's his inability to quit flapping his lips...
There's more and it's to be continued. In a later edition, I'll include the "Perfectionist", the "Idiot", the "Dead Battery" guy, and some other remarkable characters. Either way...one's objective at the boat ramp is to put your boat in the water as swiftly and safely as possible...duh.
There are several different types of boat owners one might encounter at the ramp...do you know any of them?
The "Yeah, I usually just keep my boat in the water guy, but I wanted to see these waters" Guy: This dude has a large boat. It probably has "bottom" paint on it. Often, it has a T-Top or a cuddy cabin and might exceed 27 feet in length. He also towed it to the ramp with his minivan and single axle trailer. Can he back a trailer? Yes, but not in a straight line. He won't use his mirrors and can't see over the boat. He's the guy with the driver's door open and his head sticking out...
The "Let's get everything ready before the boat is in the water" Guy: What a turd! These gentleman are the ones who wait until they have their boat in the ramp and then move all of their gear into the boat, while other anxious and waiting boaters watch him. Oh, and don't worry...while he's transporting his cheap styrofoam cooler full of the cheapest beer money can buy, you can also expect him to actually crush his cooler and spill it's contents across the lot. And yes - he'll pick them up while you watch. Fishing rods and tackle boxes?! You, too, can watch these come out in the worst tangle of your illustrious boating career, and henceforth watch him attempt to repair the tangle rods. And he always get his snacks out last...
The "Social" Boater: This is the guy that wants to talk the the boater in the other stall at the ramp. Did he catch fish? Oh yes. Millions. He'll even show them off, while your vehicle idles in wait. Did he kill ducks? Of course, even a special black duck that bears a striking resemblance to a cormorant. His problem isn't driving the boat or the trailer, it's his inability to quit flapping his lips...
There's more and it's to be continued. In a later edition, I'll include the "Perfectionist", the "Idiot", the "Dead Battery" guy, and some other remarkable characters. Either way...one's objective at the boat ramp is to put your boat in the water as swiftly and safely as possible...duh.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
More thoughts on radical ideas...
I got some interesting feedback, including the comments. Some more of my thoughts...
On wheat: Wheat is a "nestable" crop and therefore, is better than corn.
On Snow Geese: Unfortunately, snow geese will have to experience a bit of natural selection, in my opinion, to reduce their numbers. Extended hunting seasons are only expediting their flight back to the breeding grounds. Therefore, they are their longer and destroying the places over a longer period of time. Eliminating the conservation order will have little do with the population, just as it's implementation didn't. However, hunting the nesting ground would produce real results. Permit a few guides to work those hunts, and have no bag limit. Few will take the opportunity, and no one will want more than 1000 dead snows. Just don't shoot the blues :)
On Wind Farms...this was only a suggestion I had kept hearing. To me, there has to be a way for birds to avoid them. The farmers wouldn't mind keeping the birds out of their wheat or wind farm. I think birds would stay away, anyway.
On $100 Federal Permit...to me the USFWS benefits and can protect all of that federal land better in the Dakotas. I'd also like to see a Game Warden Program that were waterfowl specialists. Too many can't identify a gadwall. Those positions would be funded through this program. Probably not cost efficient, though.
Sinkboxes: I just want to be able to operate one. They'd be highly regulated and I would WANT guides to benefit. It might prevent guides from building impoundments, so that natural feeding and migratory patterns would return.
I'll do this again soon...I've got lots of crazy things!
On wheat: Wheat is a "nestable" crop and therefore, is better than corn.
On Snow Geese: Unfortunately, snow geese will have to experience a bit of natural selection, in my opinion, to reduce their numbers. Extended hunting seasons are only expediting their flight back to the breeding grounds. Therefore, they are their longer and destroying the places over a longer period of time. Eliminating the conservation order will have little do with the population, just as it's implementation didn't. However, hunting the nesting ground would produce real results. Permit a few guides to work those hunts, and have no bag limit. Few will take the opportunity, and no one will want more than 1000 dead snows. Just don't shoot the blues :)
On Wind Farms...this was only a suggestion I had kept hearing. To me, there has to be a way for birds to avoid them. The farmers wouldn't mind keeping the birds out of their wheat or wind farm. I think birds would stay away, anyway.
On $100 Federal Permit...to me the USFWS benefits and can protect all of that federal land better in the Dakotas. I'd also like to see a Game Warden Program that were waterfowl specialists. Too many can't identify a gadwall. Those positions would be funded through this program. Probably not cost efficient, though.
Sinkboxes: I just want to be able to operate one. They'd be highly regulated and I would WANT guides to benefit. It might prevent guides from building impoundments, so that natural feeding and migratory patterns would return.
I'll do this again soon...I've got lots of crazy things!
Monday, March 12, 2012
March and April Goals
The off season is no fun for the North Carolina Duck Hunting inductee. There's no legal way to pursue summer ducks, and there's no way to hunt any ducks for that matter. Still, one can prepare for the upcoming onslaught of roughly 100 days of waterfowl pursuit, beginning in early September. And I'm not just talking about cleaning and storing the decoys, even though I've done an awful lot of that in the past 45 days.
Goal 1:
I need to find a new place to hunt. Sure, I have about 10 places that are pretty fool proof, but the crowds almost guarantee that I'm going to lose my place, eventually. Scouting requires a lot of time, effort, and money, but it's an investment that one must make if they hope to receive good dividends. The last couple of years has seen me forsake the Scuppernong Squealer, AKA, the wood duck. I'm going to look for places that require a little more, ummmmmm, leg work or boat riding. Most folks just don't seem to want to make the effort for good sport, and generally, I agree. But Aix Sponsa can make or break a slow hunting season.
Goal 2:
I want to build some blinds, by golly. Yes, I'm the guy that takes over a "crippled" blind and hunts from it. However, blinds left for dead are left for dead for one reason. They just don't produce. Sure, I've had luck at them, and while this year was no great example of what COULD happen, I want my very own blinds. The only way to build a blind that others will leave alone is to either hide it, or make it uncomfortable. And some people will still want to destroy it. For those jacklegs who are brazen and disrespectful enough to destroy another person's investment in a blind, please take a moment to copulate yourself. Nevertheless, I'm going to erect a couple of curtain blinds, but only after getting the idea approved by the friendly neighborhood game warden. I've got an effective and cheap way to do such a project, I just need the time. I'll use the coming month to test prototypes. I'd also like to make a few sod blinds, but those, too, might need approval from a game warden, or worse yet, the DOT. Sod blinds are blocks of mud, used to create an island through sedimentation of sands in windblow, tidal areas. The blocks of mud are stacked on each other and held erect with the use of a wooden stack or iron t-post. It's a great way to make your own little island, yet the legality of the devices could be dubious at best. But if it's OK, nobody can burn it down, unless they find a way to burn mud underwater.
Goal 3:
I really want to complete my wooden and cork decoy stand in the next 60 days. The odds of such an occurrence are somewhere between slender and nil, but it could happen. I'm using decoys from myself and friends to round out a meager 36 bird spread that will replace my beloved Herters. The Herters, I would prefer, should be stored and not used as they are the only collectible decoys I have in appreciable numbers. But at the rate people are making their own styrofoam decoys, it's my supposition that the heads and inletted iron weights will be the only identifying factors. Herters are collectible now, but only because they aren't being currently produced in a factory. Their long tradition and upper-midwest lines make it a nice and effective decoy, though. Of course, few will ever exist in original paint, but they weren't meant to be, either. All of mine have had improvements to the shell and a better paint scheme applied. I'm currently completing 5 cork canvasbacks that will be gifts to others that I've enjoyed the pleasure of hunting with over the past couple of years. When I give a decoy as a gift, it's always a canvasback.
That's it for the next 60 days. I'll also need to get a boat tune-up, but that's on the mechanic. No way am I doing that!
Goal 1:
I need to find a new place to hunt. Sure, I have about 10 places that are pretty fool proof, but the crowds almost guarantee that I'm going to lose my place, eventually. Scouting requires a lot of time, effort, and money, but it's an investment that one must make if they hope to receive good dividends. The last couple of years has seen me forsake the Scuppernong Squealer, AKA, the wood duck. I'm going to look for places that require a little more, ummmmmm, leg work or boat riding. Most folks just don't seem to want to make the effort for good sport, and generally, I agree. But Aix Sponsa can make or break a slow hunting season.
Goal 2:
I want to build some blinds, by golly. Yes, I'm the guy that takes over a "crippled" blind and hunts from it. However, blinds left for dead are left for dead for one reason. They just don't produce. Sure, I've had luck at them, and while this year was no great example of what COULD happen, I want my very own blinds. The only way to build a blind that others will leave alone is to either hide it, or make it uncomfortable. And some people will still want to destroy it. For those jacklegs who are brazen and disrespectful enough to destroy another person's investment in a blind, please take a moment to copulate yourself. Nevertheless, I'm going to erect a couple of curtain blinds, but only after getting the idea approved by the friendly neighborhood game warden. I've got an effective and cheap way to do such a project, I just need the time. I'll use the coming month to test prototypes. I'd also like to make a few sod blinds, but those, too, might need approval from a game warden, or worse yet, the DOT. Sod blinds are blocks of mud, used to create an island through sedimentation of sands in windblow, tidal areas. The blocks of mud are stacked on each other and held erect with the use of a wooden stack or iron t-post. It's a great way to make your own little island, yet the legality of the devices could be dubious at best. But if it's OK, nobody can burn it down, unless they find a way to burn mud underwater.
Goal 3:
I really want to complete my wooden and cork decoy stand in the next 60 days. The odds of such an occurrence are somewhere between slender and nil, but it could happen. I'm using decoys from myself and friends to round out a meager 36 bird spread that will replace my beloved Herters. The Herters, I would prefer, should be stored and not used as they are the only collectible decoys I have in appreciable numbers. But at the rate people are making their own styrofoam decoys, it's my supposition that the heads and inletted iron weights will be the only identifying factors. Herters are collectible now, but only because they aren't being currently produced in a factory. Their long tradition and upper-midwest lines make it a nice and effective decoy, though. Of course, few will ever exist in original paint, but they weren't meant to be, either. All of mine have had improvements to the shell and a better paint scheme applied. I'm currently completing 5 cork canvasbacks that will be gifts to others that I've enjoyed the pleasure of hunting with over the past couple of years. When I give a decoy as a gift, it's always a canvasback.
That's it for the next 60 days. I'll also need to get a boat tune-up, but that's on the mechanic. No way am I doing that!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Things I've learned in the last two weeks...
Learning is a lifelong mission - and it should be, especially for the good waterfowler. I'm always learning, but I have to keep my mind open to new ideas...
1) Gordon Macquarrie and Nash Buckingham are not the only great outdoor writers. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Havilah Babcock to the table. Havilah writes none about waterfowling, but his writing does justice to the English Language. Often, he writes about Mr. Bob White, his anthropomorphic version of the wily quail. His writing is mostly about quail hunting, but he does write a little about fishing and even turkey hunting. Havilah, long dead now, enjoyed the serenity of an easy walk through the South Carolina Low Country's uninterrupted sedges, watching dogs point and coveys rise.
2) Sometimes, contemporary decoys are just as collectible as old decoys. There's nothing better than obtaining an Outer Banks canvas covered goose or swan. It's a link to our heritage as waterfowlers and an example of the ingenuity our predecessors possessed. Still, people are actively carving working birds that absolutely beautiful. When it comes to canvas covered decoys, nobody does it better than Nick Sapone of Wanchese. Wooden birds are generally the most collected, especially highly desired works by carvers such as Ned Burgess and Mitchell Fulcher. Still, current carvers like Cameron McIntyre, Jerry Talton, Kent Hood, and even Tom Taber turn out birds either for the mantel or the water. I like the genuine working birds. Taber's birds are a little folky for my palette, but to each his own, right?
3) Some people still hunt out of season. What a travesty! Over the last weekend, I overheard a conversation that involved the communicators recalling a mid-February Wood Duck and Canada Goose combination shoot in Wake County. Listen up...if you're shooting birds in February, you're breaking the law. How? Well, the season is out. Why is the season out? Because many birds are weaker after the winter and are more susceptible to the gun. Also, many ducks have already paired up, while some might have even been bred. The strongest of a species pairs earliest, so according to Mr. Darwin, if you kill a duck now, there's a high likelihood tht you are killing a genetically-blesses animal that may or may not be carrying 6-12 eggs. Kill one hen - and 12 eggs. Nice work jacklegs. If you want to shoot birds in February, go after Snow Geese. They need killin'.
4) The Farmer's Almanac is a load of mularkey. I picked one up in January of 2011. I was hopeful of a strong season, as I knew that massive snow fall would result in massive snow melt in the Great Plains. Wet plains make for a perfect duck nesting habitat. And as my suspicions were confirmed, the breeding and nesting was phenomenal. I wanted to be able to better prepare for my hunts, and the Almanac can help one to expect when the fronts will pass through. what was expected to be a brutal winter was only brutally warm. From now on, I'll just pray for rain, instead of expecting the weatherman or the Almanac t bring it to me...
I'm sure I learned a lot more...and I'll keep trying and sharing what I learn - it's all enjoyable!
1) Gordon Macquarrie and Nash Buckingham are not the only great outdoor writers. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Havilah Babcock to the table. Havilah writes none about waterfowling, but his writing does justice to the English Language. Often, he writes about Mr. Bob White, his anthropomorphic version of the wily quail. His writing is mostly about quail hunting, but he does write a little about fishing and even turkey hunting. Havilah, long dead now, enjoyed the serenity of an easy walk through the South Carolina Low Country's uninterrupted sedges, watching dogs point and coveys rise.
2) Sometimes, contemporary decoys are just as collectible as old decoys. There's nothing better than obtaining an Outer Banks canvas covered goose or swan. It's a link to our heritage as waterfowlers and an example of the ingenuity our predecessors possessed. Still, people are actively carving working birds that absolutely beautiful. When it comes to canvas covered decoys, nobody does it better than Nick Sapone of Wanchese. Wooden birds are generally the most collected, especially highly desired works by carvers such as Ned Burgess and Mitchell Fulcher. Still, current carvers like Cameron McIntyre, Jerry Talton, Kent Hood, and even Tom Taber turn out birds either for the mantel or the water. I like the genuine working birds. Taber's birds are a little folky for my palette, but to each his own, right?
3) Some people still hunt out of season. What a travesty! Over the last weekend, I overheard a conversation that involved the communicators recalling a mid-February Wood Duck and Canada Goose combination shoot in Wake County. Listen up...if you're shooting birds in February, you're breaking the law. How? Well, the season is out. Why is the season out? Because many birds are weaker after the winter and are more susceptible to the gun. Also, many ducks have already paired up, while some might have even been bred. The strongest of a species pairs earliest, so according to Mr. Darwin, if you kill a duck now, there's a high likelihood tht you are killing a genetically-blesses animal that may or may not be carrying 6-12 eggs. Kill one hen - and 12 eggs. Nice work jacklegs. If you want to shoot birds in February, go after Snow Geese. They need killin'.
4) The Farmer's Almanac is a load of mularkey. I picked one up in January of 2011. I was hopeful of a strong season, as I knew that massive snow fall would result in massive snow melt in the Great Plains. Wet plains make for a perfect duck nesting habitat. And as my suspicions were confirmed, the breeding and nesting was phenomenal. I wanted to be able to better prepare for my hunts, and the Almanac can help one to expect when the fronts will pass through. what was expected to be a brutal winter was only brutally warm. From now on, I'll just pray for rain, instead of expecting the weatherman or the Almanac t bring it to me...
I'm sure I learned a lot more...and I'll keep trying and sharing what I learn - it's all enjoyable!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Hippie Hunting
I came across this article last night. I knew it was only a matter of time. Be on the lookout and always be courteous...the tides could be turning in hunters' favors. Just click, wait, and read...
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/hunters-are-people-too/252870/
http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/hunters-are-people-too/252870/
Monday, March 5, 2012
Three Women I Want to Take Hunting
For most men, and women for that matter, the duck blind and duck boat is the domain of the man. While duck hunting isn't for everyone, many women enjoy the sport. For the North Carolina Duck hunting to grow and prosper, it'll need women to fill the voids left by hunters who have given up the sport. Women, believe it or not, are often better marksmen than men. Women are certainly more deliberate in their actions and decisions. Despite what many believe, women can also learn to back a trailer, drive a boat, throw out decoys, harvest ducks, clean ducks, and cook ducks. I know one that is fair at all of the above. I'm not fair at all of the above. Nevertheless, I like to introduce duck hunting to people. Women are always a challenge and often a surprise, though. When you take a woman, never treat them like a woman, other than the obvious courteous aspects involved in anything chivalrous. And there's nothing more chivalrous than shooting wild divers. Either way, make sure they're feet don't get cold. The night prior or morning of, ensure that chemical handwarmers and foot warmers are properly applied. Always pack an extra jacket and cap...but don't mention that it was for them - but instead that it was for you - just in case. And don't ridicule their shooting. They won't miss you at close range.
Now, picking the right woman is important. You might not want to take Rachel Carson or the local PETA Chapter President. Other than their armpit hair sticking out of their sweater openings, they'll frown on any attempt of yours to shoot anything. When taking someone, remember that looks matter. Pretty woman are just as fun to watch as ducks. Well, almost.
I fI could take any three women in the world, it would be:
Giada De Laurentiis...many of you have never heard of her. You'll only find her on the food channel cooking up Italian anitpastis and other stuff that you wouldn't be caught dead eating, unless she had personally prepared them for you. Still, Giada is a beautiful woman. If I were going to compare her to a decoy, it would be a Madison Mitchell redhead - lines and curves in the appropriate places, if not exaggerated a bit, where it matters most. She can also wield a frying skillet as god as anyone. Breakfast in the marsh, anyone? Absolutely. She would be they type to also round out a day in the blind with a little spaghetti bolongese, whatever that is.
Princess Kate...a true classic beauty - a lot like Bob Morse decoy. Straight, but appropriately proportioned lines and forever identifiable and art and function. She's got some good tailoring behind her, so you know she'll act appropriate in the blind and in the boat. I would imagine that Regal Kate also knows how to wield a shotgun, as the Royal Family has a sporting tradition. She'd be the best dressed woman of the bunch, and would never talk out of turn, or shoot until the shot was called. I can't imagine she would pick up decoys, but she might just hire someone to do it for the other hunters, too.
Megan Fox...do I really need to explain this? If she were going, I can imagine that I would be less than honest with her in describing the customary attire needed for duck hunting...
She'd probably curse a lot while we hunted, so mine would probably be drowned out.
There are lots of other women I would love to take...sure I take my lady friend. And the above names would not shock or disappoint her. And I can outrun her anyway...
Still, take some time to invite women into the sporting world. They, too, can be advocates for waterfowl. Just because they don't go, doesn't mean they won't...
Now, picking the right woman is important. You might not want to take Rachel Carson or the local PETA Chapter President. Other than their armpit hair sticking out of their sweater openings, they'll frown on any attempt of yours to shoot anything. When taking someone, remember that looks matter. Pretty woman are just as fun to watch as ducks. Well, almost.
I fI could take any three women in the world, it would be:
Giada De Laurentiis...many of you have never heard of her. You'll only find her on the food channel cooking up Italian anitpastis and other stuff that you wouldn't be caught dead eating, unless she had personally prepared them for you. Still, Giada is a beautiful woman. If I were going to compare her to a decoy, it would be a Madison Mitchell redhead - lines and curves in the appropriate places, if not exaggerated a bit, where it matters most. She can also wield a frying skillet as god as anyone. Breakfast in the marsh, anyone? Absolutely. She would be they type to also round out a day in the blind with a little spaghetti bolongese, whatever that is.
Princess Kate...a true classic beauty - a lot like Bob Morse decoy. Straight, but appropriately proportioned lines and forever identifiable and art and function. She's got some good tailoring behind her, so you know she'll act appropriate in the blind and in the boat. I would imagine that Regal Kate also knows how to wield a shotgun, as the Royal Family has a sporting tradition. She'd be the best dressed woman of the bunch, and would never talk out of turn, or shoot until the shot was called. I can't imagine she would pick up decoys, but she might just hire someone to do it for the other hunters, too.
Megan Fox...do I really need to explain this? If she were going, I can imagine that I would be less than honest with her in describing the customary attire needed for duck hunting...
- Me: "Megan, you'll really wish you wore your bikini tomorrow. It's not going to be that cold...and we are going to the ocean."
She'd probably curse a lot while we hunted, so mine would probably be drowned out.
There are lots of other women I would love to take...sure I take my lady friend. And the above names would not shock or disappoint her. And I can outrun her anyway...
Still, take some time to invite women into the sporting world. They, too, can be advocates for waterfowl. Just because they don't go, doesn't mean they won't...
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Migration Report: March 1
I don't have a problem with the end of duck season. Usually it ends right before my girlfriend is about to dump me and my bank account shows goose eggs. Oh, yeah, sometimes I'm actually worn to shreds by the early rising, outdoor bowel evacuations, and repeated recoil. So, all-in-all, I'm usually glad it's over because I don't posses the common sense to just stop anytime. The only disappointment that truly comes to me is the northward migration. Living where I live, it's not uncommon to go to bed and wake up to geese moaning and clucking, snow geese barking, and swans yelping on a daily basis. I am fortunate. It's the one thing I appreciate most about this region. Sure, I love the bitter and incessant winds, the salted air, and the flat landscape, but it's all made better when the above are dotted with wild birds who thrive in this empty portion of the country as I do. Of course, this northward migration leaves me less than hopeful. I know the prairies are drier than recent and that means difficult nesting, difficult hatching, more predators, and in turn, a smaller fall flight next October. But we can always hope for the best.
I'll structure this a bit different...by this time, birds have flocked out and paired up. Sure, some are travelling in supersized family groups, but without hunting pressure, most birds are incredibly spread out. The hens are being chased by the available drakes. Wood ducks are holed up with each other. Mergansers are packing up their fishing tackle. Mallards, well, we don't have any so I don't care. Resident black ducks are moving deeper into the hardest to reach marshes imaginable. So I can only base this on what I've noticed:
Core Sound: Birds were hesitant to arrive this season all together. Reports of teal were consistent through February, as were those of gadwalls. However, these ducks were using marsh ponds in and around Shackleford Banks. They, too, are spread out. The divers (both of them) have moved north.
Pamlico Sound: Locals and guides have told me that bird counts peaked around mid-February. Lots of buffleheads and bluebills were present. Recent southerly breezes have encouraged the return northward. Most birds as of February 28, were flighty and rafts were reassembling and moving often to feed. This means a northerly migration is inderway.
Inland NE North Carolina: Fields that have held swans are now becoming empty. Warmer temps are raising winter wheat into hard to manage mouthfuls. Birds are also thinning out on Carolina bay lakes.
Dare County: I haven't received any reports that could be verified. Still, in talking with Pea Island officials, birds, including snow geese and pintails are thinning and heading north. PI officials expect all but resident birds to be gone by March 5.
Albemarle Sound: Bluebill rafting was common two weeks ago in the central portions of the Sound. Recently, Bulls Bay has seen an increase of rafting ringnecks and family groups of buffleheads. Approximately 2000 birds have been using the area for it's abundant shells. Still, they're moving often to feed, signifying preparation for a northerly haul. Swans, Snow Geese, and Atlantic Race Canadas multiplied two weeks earlier on account of the Virginia snow showers. Many birds simply vacationed here and retuned immediately. Tremendous flocks of the above three have been spotted flying northward.
My prediction for next year: I expect a May pond count of 35 million birds...this will be down 20% from last year. A dry prairie will mean a diminished flight of the more glorious ducks. Those ducks using the boreal forests to reproduce - buffleheads, wood ducks, wigeon, green wing teal, bluebills - should remain steady as nesting conditions rarely waiver from favorable in these historically soggy places. These birds also use the Atlantic Flyway more-so than others. Wood duck production on the local scale should be good again, but unless drought conditions persist, another hurricane can spread out wood ducks on prevalent water or push them out all together. Impoundment operators should see a standard fall flight next year, assuming weather arrives on time. Sea ducks will again be steady as Pamlico Sound water health is still good for strong mussel production.
I'll structure this a bit different...by this time, birds have flocked out and paired up. Sure, some are travelling in supersized family groups, but without hunting pressure, most birds are incredibly spread out. The hens are being chased by the available drakes. Wood ducks are holed up with each other. Mergansers are packing up their fishing tackle. Mallards, well, we don't have any so I don't care. Resident black ducks are moving deeper into the hardest to reach marshes imaginable. So I can only base this on what I've noticed:
Core Sound: Birds were hesitant to arrive this season all together. Reports of teal were consistent through February, as were those of gadwalls. However, these ducks were using marsh ponds in and around Shackleford Banks. They, too, are spread out. The divers (both of them) have moved north.
Pamlico Sound: Locals and guides have told me that bird counts peaked around mid-February. Lots of buffleheads and bluebills were present. Recent southerly breezes have encouraged the return northward. Most birds as of February 28, were flighty and rafts were reassembling and moving often to feed. This means a northerly migration is inderway.
Inland NE North Carolina: Fields that have held swans are now becoming empty. Warmer temps are raising winter wheat into hard to manage mouthfuls. Birds are also thinning out on Carolina bay lakes.
Dare County: I haven't received any reports that could be verified. Still, in talking with Pea Island officials, birds, including snow geese and pintails are thinning and heading north. PI officials expect all but resident birds to be gone by March 5.
Albemarle Sound: Bluebill rafting was common two weeks ago in the central portions of the Sound. Recently, Bulls Bay has seen an increase of rafting ringnecks and family groups of buffleheads. Approximately 2000 birds have been using the area for it's abundant shells. Still, they're moving often to feed, signifying preparation for a northerly haul. Swans, Snow Geese, and Atlantic Race Canadas multiplied two weeks earlier on account of the Virginia snow showers. Many birds simply vacationed here and retuned immediately. Tremendous flocks of the above three have been spotted flying northward.
My prediction for next year: I expect a May pond count of 35 million birds...this will be down 20% from last year. A dry prairie will mean a diminished flight of the more glorious ducks. Those ducks using the boreal forests to reproduce - buffleheads, wood ducks, wigeon, green wing teal, bluebills - should remain steady as nesting conditions rarely waiver from favorable in these historically soggy places. These birds also use the Atlantic Flyway more-so than others. Wood duck production on the local scale should be good again, but unless drought conditions persist, another hurricane can spread out wood ducks on prevalent water or push them out all together. Impoundment operators should see a standard fall flight next year, assuming weather arrives on time. Sea ducks will again be steady as Pamlico Sound water health is still good for strong mussel production.
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