Chesapeake's and Cans

Two things.. A) I agree .... Classic Waters of Pool 9 of the Mississippi River .. (wasn't sure I'd you thought I meant the BY vs the Dog)

B) always a dream come true for true ... And this one... Was Otter's first Can. It was a chilly day.. started at 27 degrees .. and there was Ice on the boat, still when we picked up.
 
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I love the pictures! Otter is looking like a great hunting partner. Congratulations guys.[smile]
 
That's a classic combo that can't be beat! Add that Filson hat in there and it's a classic trio. Looks like a great hunt!
 
From the orientation of that first picture, I'd say Phil must be hunting in the southern hemisphere. From the contents of the photos, I'm jealous. Bit on the chilly side today (Friday the 11th)
 

Upside down, or correct/right side up.

Two thumbs up!


Cans & Chessies are as good as it gets. No matter where yer at, ya pay homage to "THE FLATS."

No disrespect to our bothers and sisters north in Canada. They also have their hallowed gunning areas
 
Today wasn't too bad either.

The day started with snow and 28 degrees. Ended at 23 degrees. It might have been the largest migration of Golden Eyes I have ever seen. Most birds didn't really want to drop in. Many flew over... quite a few flew right over us.. from behind... Crazy day... Birds were locked in.. then just casually didn't come in.

All in all it was a good day. We got 5 birds. 1 Hoodie, 2 GEs, 1 Can, and 1 Gaddy. One of the GEs was lost as it sailed behind us about 30 yards. We heard it hit the water in the channel behind us. By the time we got there, there was no sign.. [frown] That being said, Otter found two of them on the land behind us...he made a nice retrieve on the Canvasback, and a SUPERB retrieve on the Gaddy. The wind was blowing it away at a very brisk pace. We guess the retrieve to have been 70-75 yards out to the bird. He MIGHT have even taken a hand signal!!!! Someone.. MIGHT have said that Otter was a DUCK DOG.....
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Phil,

Wouldn't be surprised if that Golden Eye flew away. The one time I've shot a Golden Eye thus far it fell onto the water and was floating as if dead. By the time I could get the kayak and start paddling toward that duck it got up and flew off.
 
Yep.. entirely possible... and probably... might have dove.. they are crazy good at not ending up on the table.
 
I enjoyed your story.

Large flights of Whistlers leave a lasting impression, and true appreciation of how they got that name. It is something that you never forget, especially on snowy mornings. You hear them long before you see them, and the dog, or dogs, are always searching the sky.


Even though I have made, and carved several rigs of GE's over the years. I now use just one oversize canvas wire drake, on the outside of the spread. A old time gunner gave me that advice many years ago. I did not believe it until I tried it.

GE's are notorious for not tolling all the way in most times. The one drake decoy brings them into 25-30 yards for some reason. Very good range. When they fall and splash on the upwind side of the spread, ya bat clean up real fast. Sometimes a decoy or two will catch some shot, but it's well worth it. Loosing birds always leaves you wondering...
 
Phil,

More often than not, GEs will only commit when you have GE decoys deployed. Particularly if they are in a flock. Singles or pairs may come in to any diver decoys cause they just want company but not flocks. They are a unique bird in a lot of ways and have become my favorite of all ducks to hunt and near the top of the list for table fare.
 
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