Hailing Mike Repp.....

[Ed L.]

Mike,

Here's one for you. This map shows blind stake numbers for pool 16. The hash marks tell you that this is open hunting. Within the hash marks are blind stake numbers. A few years back at the blind drawing I asked a CO that since this is open hunting did it mean I could blop my arse on a stump between these blinds and shoot ducks. The guy looked at me and asked if I was some kind of a smartass. Since then I've asked others and still don't have an answer. I just hear give me your name and phone number and I'll get back to you. Sometimes I wonder who comes up with this stuff.

 

[Rick Pierce]

Hey, Ed!

Looking at that map, it looks like they cut out the blind portion from the open hunting area...the purple boundary cuts that portion out neatly...

I wondered about your post, because I remember going with Dad when he had a scull boat in 77-78, maybe?

I was doing some looking using terraserver or google earth, and I think it was 198 that we used to have "back in the day". Big back room built on to the back of the blind, nice heater, cookstove...and of course we've talked about the diver blind, 123.

When you coming back down to Arkieland to gun? Been out a couple times; nothing to really jump up and down about, but ducks coming down through the trees is always a pretty sight. And there are a few fat "mallets" in the freezer already...

 

[Ed L.]

Hey Rick,

Yep 198 is still a place the birds want to be. It's just there ain't many birds here anymore. You also need a mud motor or an air boat to get there. As it would be I saw more ducks flying the islands this year while I was sitting on my deer stand during shotgun season than I had seen in a lot of years! But like anywhere, when a flight comes though you have to be in the blind.

My in-laws hit pay dirt this year and left Arkansas for Missouri. Go figure! Seems a developer came up and offered my father-in-law some outragous amount for the old homestead and he took it and bought a ranch. He says he's got quail. I need to get down and check it out.

Ed

 

[Mike Repp]

Hi Ed that maps looks pretty interesting. Do they use a lottery system for the blind sites? Can you hunt a blind if the person who built it is not there? You still seeing birds or has the weather pushed them south? I havent been out scouting, been doing too much deer hunting. Was out bow hunting and then for second season south of there in Schuyler county. 16" of snow and temps in the teens and single digits. Didnt see any big bucks so I opted for another doe for the freezer. Snow and cold made for an interesting hunt. Reminded me of my days hunting deer as a kid in the UP of Michigan. Saw a lot of geese and a some puddle ducks on ponds that were still open.

 

[Ed L.]

Mike,

Every two years the sites are up for draw. They use the old hamster cage system. Everybody signs a card and they crank the drum a few times and pull a card out. If your lucky, they'll pull your name. I've never had my name called out in the 20 years I've participated. After the drawing is over there are always some blinds that don't get picked for one reason or another. Usually because they're crappy blind sites. then on a first come first serve basis you can call the DNRand pick a blind that is open. Blinds are fair game to anyone if they aren't occupied 1/2 hour before legal shooting time.

My season is over. The birds have either not gotten here yet or have moved on. I've got a young 8 point at the proccessing plant now. Hope to get that back here in a week or so.

Ed

 

[Mike Repp]

glad to here you got a deer. I was going to go this weekend with the muzzleloader but just cant get away. Guess I will save those tags for the late season hunt and throw another doe in the freezer.