Eider sightings

Troy Fields

Well-known member
With only 3 hunts left, the eiders in the areas that I hunt have sure been sparse in comparison to past years. There is one pocket of birds in a well known area that are seasoned birds and actually fun to watch them as they skirt and avoid the duck boats, yet they let the lobster fisherman cruise right on through without lifting a head or feather.

The season to date has been mild for the most part, but breezy and seemingly bigger seas than I remember in the past. The final three trips should be in more seasonal temps with the mornings starting in the mid teens. I'll post the season pics later, but in the meantime, here is one of my favorites already. A nice drake eider taken with a model 37 Ithaca 16 gauge which was shooting BOSS ammo, 2-3/4 #5's

Happy 2023 to all .



eider 16ga.jpg
 
Troy,

That photo should make the cover of some outdoor magazile. Unless you don't want to be that famous. I shot some Boss ammo to close out the second split for the Michigan south zone. It is pretty amazing stuff. Goldeneye over an open water rig are usually a shoot and chase proposition. Not with the Boss.

I'm thinking of putting my dad's old Remington Wingmaster 16 gauge back into service. It was purchased new around 1960. It's good to see these old guns back in the blind.

RVZ.
 
I agree with what Rod had to say about that picture you took, Troy. That is a trophy let alone that magnificent looking sea duck.
Al
 
Heya Troy, that's a great photo you took!

Good luck with your last few hunts. How's Pearl doing?
 
Beautiful photo! Only Pearl would make it better.
I'll let you know if I spot any of those missing eiders snow birding on Tampa Bay. But I doubt it!
 
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Time to sell that duckwater (I know a guy [;)]) and invest in a down east style hull for your guide service. Hell, one might even have a crane. No more muscling around that fairly light two man layout anymore.

Awesome photo, agree with previous comments. Hoping the numbers bounce back on the majestic eider
 
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The 16 is my favorite "shoot gun" gauge, and a Ithaca 37, 16ga. mod, the first shotgun I bought as a teenager.

Very good photo indeed.


Best regards
Vince
 
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