Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor
High 5’s 09-30-2009 17:01
– – –
So how many high 5’s are okay on a hunt until it’s too much? I suppose it could be a ‘real men of gienus’ commercial. You know the one guy that high five’s too much or screams really loud when he shoots every bird.
Don’t get me wrong, a mild celebration or acknowledgment of a good shot or a rare bird or a band is understandable, but jumping up and down for that hen teal you just killed may be a bit much.
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
The Garage 09-29-2009 14:07
– – 50-60 Degrees
OK no more procrastination!!! We are now under 20 days until the big day. It is time to fire up the boat motor, untangle the decoys and wash them up, and get your gear together. A reminder to also get those life-jackets/PFD’s out…I saw more than one person get turned around at the boat launch last year…having them is the law and they enforce it over here on the west side.
I went out and stood in the wind and rain for a few minutes last night…the early moments of fall were great to see. If anybody still needed someone to say it is ok to start getting “Ducky” then I am saying it! Good luck in all your preparations as it too is an enjoyable part of this way of life that we call **waterfowling**
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
perro
Web Member
colorado 09-26-2009 19:43
– – –
I know what you mean. I’d like to see a how to series. Were people in different parts of the country show you how they get it done. Wither it is big water divers in Minnesota or the Columbia river tidal flats.
I guess I want more then some azs sitting in a wheat field in Alberta with his robo duck.
Doug
Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor
Hunting videos 09-24-2009 11:16
– – –
Like many, I watch too many hunting videos and they all seem to be the same any more. I am beginning to loath the ones that shows all the hunters getting up at o dark thirty and loading their gear or setting up the spread in front of the headlites. I can do without the part showing guys walking toward the camera at the end of the hunt or spending 5 min. in every chapter listening to guys talk about the hunt I just got done watching. I don’t need to see guys cleaning birds, picking up decoys or empty shells. I don’t need to see the picture out the car window on the 10 hr. drive.
I’d like to see a video of duck and goose hunting. I’d like to watch the guys work birds with a good spread and decent calling. I’d like to see segments that don’t go on for ever. I like to see the country side and birds flying in mass. They don’t have to be shot at, but don’t show the same thing for 7 min. It would be really nice to see a hunting video of hunting and not listen to the guys in the video talk about them selves or the shameless constant plug for the sponser’s. Some guys use the name of the video’s sponser as if it were a conjunction.
Maybe this kind of production isn’t out there but if there is one, I’d like to know about it.
-Hugh
Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor
weather 09-22-2009 10:59
– – –
If you can get your hands on the latest issue of DU there is a good article on weather and ducks. Starts about pg. 66. Nothing new but worth reading.
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
General Info 09-10-2009 16:37
– – –
Just a quick note to remind you all to read the regs this year…as many of you know and as Hugh stated Cans are back in the bag and two Pins to boot. If you are a Snow Goose gunner then you need to get your free authorization/report card when/where you get your Lisc. People are reporting that in an effort to save $ the state will not be sending them out to those who had them last season. Hope this helps some of you…but there are some more inportant changes noted in the pamphlet…give it a look.
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
Hugh-Carney
Field Editor
E Wa 09-03-2009 10:30
– – –
For better or worse….here we go again.
Getting the fever? Prolly with the dove opener we all start to scratch a little and over the next 6 weeks we’ll be forming scabs waiting to hunt.
Central Wa. seems to be in good shape for ducks and geese. My unofficial review of ponds and bird numbers seems to be at least normal if not slightly above. Ducks have really started to show up in the Yakima Valley over the past 10 days too. Hopefully the youth weekend will provide good chances for those hunters.
The US Fish and Wildlife survey shows strong numbers for nesting birds and broods that use the pacific flyway. The statement from one biologist was that numbers are as good as he has seen since 1986. That is reflected in increased Pintail limits and getting canvasbacks back on the harvestable list.
Maybe the long weekend will allow you to shake the dust off the decoys and take inventory of what you may need to get. Starting now may be better than the traditional Oct. 16th panic of what you need. Of corse if you work in the Kent School Dist. you have a little extra time to put the hunting gear together.
Don’t forget the bug spray.
-Hugh
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
09-02-2009 15:53
– – –
Well 47 days and counting!!! Time to clean up the decoys, pattern the guns, start blowing the calls and tuning up the dog. Be sure to check the new regs for some changes this season. The summer was great but I am ready for the rain, wind, bitter temps and shooting birds. Try to get some sleep in the next few weeks because nobody wants to be late on opening day.
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
Closing Time… 01-22-2009 11:23
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – –
Well…the fleeting moments of another hunting season are upon us. I will happily end my season as I have for the past several years at the legendary and fabled San Juan Farm hunting club in Sequim with close friends…just the way it should be. It has been another amazing season marked with great sunrises, great shooting and most importantly great company. The most notable event was the return of my cherished hunting dog Abbey, back from a potentially career ending ACL injury. (I have a great Vet if you need one) Also there was the safe return of a great hunting buddy who was serving in Afghanistan, great to have you back Cannon. Sure there have been seasons where I have harvested more birds but for so many reasons the seasons just seem to be getting more and more memorable.
Thank you to those of you who take time to read my posts…I have enjoyed my job as a field editor and hope to continue as long as the site will allow. Thank you also to my fellow field editors, Hugh and John, from the Eastside for encouraging me to do this…I have enjoyed reading every one of your posts. To everyone, enjoy the offseason and be safe. If you are like me the countdown to next season begins at closing time Sunday.
All the best,
Mike
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
Posted By:
mike-schireman
Field Editor
Not sure… 01-16-2009 11:16
– – 45-50 Degrees
Well the end is near I am afraid. Over here on the Westside the floods have really put the stopper on the bonanza we were having during the cold snap. Unless you have great access to flooded fields or that honey hole nobody knows about, you are struggling like the rest of us. Still there is no way of keeping the true waterfowler from the hunt for these last two weekends…dare I say it…one final week. Savor it my friends, take time to enjoy the sights and sounds and smell of the marsh air…it is always a long wait for October.
Schireman
Watching a bird dog work is one of life’s greatest gifts…so give’m a job!!!!
