A pictorial of 2019/20 in Maine

Troy Fields

Troy Fields

Well-known member
Good morning,

This morning started at -10 degrees here on Mousam Lake and instead of drilling holes and trying to coerce a fish into biting, I decided to look back over the past season with a hot cup of coffee. We had unseasonably warm temps in December which maybe for some comfortable hunting but not always fast. The women came out in force this season, I believe I had seven female hunters total, a group of four and then three husband and wife couples. Pearl was always on the ready and enjoying this morning by the wood stove. I hope you enjoy.




Pearl with her first of the 2019 season, our opener in the northern zone in Rangeley

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My gunning partner and his lab lining up on her first of the 2019 season.

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Pearl with a nice western Maine grouse

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The first grouse with older Sterlingworth s/s shooting some 2-1/2" RST A fun morning.

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I don't typically promote ammo manufacturers but I will say that this BOSS shotshell load did wonders on the salt that morning. 2-3/4" #5's.


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Steve Sanford's repaint of one of my LL Bean cork eider decoys

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Sonya with her first drake eider!



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Terrie got on the board quickly too, not her first sea duck, but her first drake eider as well!

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All four ladies for a final picture of the morning, a very memorable morning indeed.


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[size 4] Troy,

Reflection and a hot cup of coffee sounds like just the ticket when it's -10 degrees out. [;)]

Going to watch how the day shapes up here and decide whether a late afternoon hunt is in the offing for this , the last day, of extended goose season.
 
Great pics and what a great season! Thanks for sharing those. Next couple years, I am hoping to drag the boat somewhere north to get Gus on some eider. Beautiful birds and they sure make an impression in hand.

I am in the post season funk, trying to get in gear working on projects (getting a lot done, but a lot more open than I would like). I have not been out in a couple weeks, and I am getting an itchy trigger finger.

Plenty of plotting and scheming and retail therapy going on too :).
 
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Troy, what a gorgeous setting and birds. I hope to get up there this season or next to knock a few birds off my list!
 
Great pictures and tales Troy. I know Mousam Lake, still browns and togue there? White perch? I used to duck hunt on some backwaters around there somewhere for black ducks in the late 70's. The sea duck hunt is one I've never done either, going to have to book a trip with you one of these days.
 
Troy, thanks for the write up and pics.I harvested all 3 of the scoters and a few Old Squaws on Long Island Sound many moons ago, never did see an eider.
Glad to see you still have grouse, i haven't seen any in southern Ohio in years. The gray phase was rare here i only took one when the birds were plentiful.
 
Awesome pics. Jealous of the female company...I get stuck with a bunch of gassy and sometimes senile fellas in my blind....if any of them ladies have sisters as cool as them ..I know a fella....
 
Looks like a great season Troy! I LOVE that shot of Pearl with the grouse. I didn't get a chance to get after forest grouse this year sadly and that picture makes me sigh with envy

Dani
 
Troy, that sure was enjoyable. Thank you so much. You sure have one sweet retriever by the name of Pearl. What a beautiful pup.
Al
 
Nice pictorial Troy! Looking forward to getting out with you next year and hopefully calmer seas!
You and Pearl do a hell of a job!
Tom
 
Good morning, Troy~


A great excursion! Warmer and drier than the real thing - and no birds to clean....


Those old decoys clearly explain why they are sometimes called "blocks". Looks like we might need to airlift a bunch of draw-knives to the Pine Tree State.


BTW: I saved your nice photo of my re-paint for the files.


All the best,


SJS





 
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