I love mallards

waterfowlin101 · 10-22-2006, 04:11 PM

Now I'm a big spread kind of guy...I mean, I won't hesitate to run 180 dekes and 3 spinners, coupled with a jerk cord or two...in fact, the truth is.... I RARELY go small.

But today was destined to be different....no not different....EPIC!!

I had a plan....12 decoys, tight group, with an isolated pair of pintail for some added color, 1 spinner and one jerk rig for some realism....cause lord knows we ain't gettin any from the weather.

Good thing my hunting partners are straight killers....because the birds liked what we had to offer. We started off the morning with a solo hen....then a pair....then three greenies....followed by another three drakes and soon we were sittin' on 9 mallards. Then a pair of gadwall locked up at about 150 yards up and almost took our heads off, so we killed them too!! The rest of the day left us killing a few more birds, all at close range.

It was really amazing seeing phoenix, my newly aquired duck dog (9 months old), retrieve duck after duck as if she had done it for years. She is going to develop into one heck of a good dog.

Oh yeah.....I forgot to mention these little trophies

I just love mallards!!!

Jon

billc_sbio · 10-22-2006, 04:16 PM

Jon,

You're killin me!

I'm sitting here at work...looking at YOUR pictures!

jokester · 10-22-2006, 04:17 PM

Atta boy mallard man! :grin:

And jewelry to boot

-jokester

Elkguide · 10-22-2006, 04:42 PM

What a nice day it was to spend @ Bling Camp!!!!!

Nothing like in your face shooting!!!!
Ill stay all night again for a day like Today!!!

Elkguide

FeatherBusterOSU · 10-22-2006, 05:04 PM

HAHA, are you kidding me? You guys got FOUR more bands out at bling city?

Thats awesome. Good to hear you had a good shoot. Bring on the RAIN...

-Jimmy

MarshBum · 10-22-2006, 06:09 PM

Ill'n Jon.

Geoff

duckboy · 10-22-2006, 06:27 PM

WOW.

What a shoot.

I am in awe and agreement with your adoration of mallard.

In fact, I just polished off a big plate of Duck with Green Beans, rice, cabbage and broccolli.

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to compete and win in the olympic farting contest.

younggun20 · 10-22-2006, 07:44 PM

You kind of got the feeling after the very first bird of the day was banded that it was going to be a good one. Those back to back tripples we got on all green were sick. I again had a blast hunting with you and Casey today. Three trips out for me this year, three bands. Gotta love it!! I'm starting to turn into...well...YOU, lol. Good times boys!

redfish89 · 10-22-2006, 07:50 PM

Dude, your killing me.....

Flying Roast Beef · 10-22-2006, 08:11 PM

Jon....grrrr...sorry Had to get that out of my system....call me my friend you have my number.....Bill.

HOOKUP · 10-22-2006, 10:43 PM

I love mallards to, I will not burn a shell on anything but mallards or pins.
I have to say I am getting tired of these locals mallards, bring on some big northerns! Here is a pile from this week.

gottafish · 10-23-2006, 01:28 AM

Show OFF!!!

cityfisher · 10-23-2006, 08:41 AM

wow...that's all, wow

chuckee · 10-23-2006, 03:27 PM

Jon,

What kind of spinners do you use?

Hunt'nFish · 10-23-2006, 03:47 PM

Jon, You have GOT to be kidding.
I'll have you know while i was out deer hunting, all I could think about was the jewlery I was SURE you were shooting! Ok just shoot me.
5 bands in 2 hunt's that's just plain SICK!

Yes, just what spinners ARE you using???
Hunt'nFish

Northwest Pest · 10-23-2006, 04:08 PM

Nice job guys!!!!!

Sauvie's Slayer · 10-23-2006, 04:26 PM

Actually hunt'nfish I belive they have killed 7 bands in two trips! Very impresive indeed. Funny thing is they killed those birds on the very lake where most of them were actually banded! Congrats on the bling guys!

BrotherWolf · 10-23-2006, 04:35 PM

all I can say is sweet!

Ethical hunter · 10-23-2006, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sauvie's Slayer

Actually hunt'nfish I belive they have killed 7 bands in two trips! Very impresive indeed. Funny thing is they killed those birds on the very lake where most of them were actually banded! Congrats on the bling guys!

Kind of like fishing in a U catch trout pond.

I just returned from a week long waterfowling/upland trip to the central flyway. One of the many ducks I bagged (greenhead) had a well worn band on it. When I went to the check station at the end of the day there was a kid who was transfixed by the band. So, I gave it to him after reporting the number. His father told me I should keep the band for myself. I told him that I cant find the bands I already have and that the goose band I recovered last year ended up in the recycle bin. Besides, the deliceous mallard flesh is the real reward.

101 I love mallards too!

EH

10-23-2006, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethical hunter

Kind of like fishing in a U catch trout pond.
EH

Nice. Do we all have to go hunt the central flyway to be real hunters?

Super Fluke · 10-23-2006, 05:20 PM

Nice

Swamp Puppy · 10-23-2006, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethical hunter

Kind of like fishing in a U catch trout pond.

i fail to see the comparison.. i'm sure that WF101's (and company) skills as a waterfowler had more to do with the days success than anything else.

too bad you had to go out to the central flyway to shoot ducks...the guys out here that know how to "get it done" will probably agree with me that we have some of the best waterfowling in the country right in our own backyards.

but hey..i'm not one to complain about less competition for the local birds. got any more vacation?

Ethical hunter · 10-23-2006, 06:05 PM

I find opening day ducks to be "simple" and prefer a good challenge. Where I hunted on the central flyway had been open for three weeks, the birds were more educated and more of a challenge - the way I like it. Now that I'm back on the coast I can start hunting the ducks that all you fellas have educated and dont have to take any "simple" ducks.

I'm glad 101 and his partners were able to score big with a small spead. My motto is "go small score big" and I always do. I'm sure 101s skill had much to do with the days success and I am happy for him. I love mallards too!

EH

waterfowlin101 · 10-23-2006, 06:10 PM

Actually....two of the bands were not Sauvie's bands at all, we'll find out where they are from soon enough. One other band was a Sauvie's band (probably banded on the lake it was shot).....only it was banded last year. The other four were this years bands.

I also know of three other bands shot out on the island in the past couple days (by some serious killers)....two of those were not Sauvie's band either.

Swampy...I appreciate the kind words, and on this instance I'd have to agree. A lot of skill went into these hunts. Most of the skill involved had to do with precision blind building. There was no blind when we arrived at the site. Instead of building one where most people would have (against the treeline)....we built one 30 yards away from the treeline. With little water, we could not afford to be that extra distance from where the birds would decoy. I knew this and took advantage of the situation.

Concealing 4 guys in the wide open is never easy, but we pulled it off. Just to give you an idea...we spent 45 minutes building a blind....and only 10 setting out decoys. That shows you where the inportance lies.

Spinners?....I have been using a couple that Dad and I designed together....but I have a couple made by Hunt'Nfish that will be getting some playing time very soon!!!

Jon

Ethical hunter · 10-23-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tulley

Nice. Do we all have to go hunt the central flyway to be real hunters?

No, not at all. I was just pointing out that shooting banded birds at the site where it was banded does not pose as much of a challenge as bagging a banded bird 100s of miles away from the site where it was banded. I was making an analogy to catching "wild" fish and those released in a u catch trout pond.

101 I love mallards too

EH

waterfowlin101 · 10-23-2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethical hunter

I find opening day ducks to be "simple" and prefer a good challenge.

Sorry EH....It wasn't opening day...although we hammered them that day too

.

As for the challenge...you're probably right.....when you can go out on back to back days at Sauvies, only see 50 mallards total (and I mean see....in the air), and kill 25....you are darn right....I'm still looking for the challenge

(sarcasim).

Congrats on your bling in the CFlyway....I'll be curious to know the age of the bird....even though the wear on the band has more to do with where the bird lives than its age.....

Jon

Bugle4em · 10-23-2006, 06:31 PM

EH,
Do you have any pics of your hunts and band. I would love to see you in any pic with any wildlife.

Ethical hunter · 10-23-2006, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugle4em

EH,
Do you have any pics of your hunts and band. I would love to see you in any pic with any wildlife.

Yes, I have some pictures from this last trip, I will post a couple with a story later on. Didnt take any shots of the band (why does everyone care about bands so much) I was too busy gifting it to a delighted young hunter.

A long time ago I stopped taking pictures of piles of dead birds. They always look so much better alive than dead. Most of my birds get cleaned immediately folling the hunt, leaving a feathered head or wing attatched to stay legal. Then I will set up a couple of birds for slow roasting at 225F for 3.5 to 4 hours and go back out into the field for afternoon upland. Dinner is all ready when we return.

EH

younggun20 · 10-24-2006, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugle4em

EH,
Do you have any pics of your hunts and band. I would love to see you in any pic with any wildlife.

Yeah you know EH, I have yet to see you with a picture of any successful hunts. I wonder why that is? You talk a good game, I would love to see some pics. Heck, even it was just a picture of you in the field.

Crooked Hook · 10-24-2006, 07:57 AM

Nice pictures and post Jon. It sounds as if you MADE your X. Great job.

10-24-2006, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethical hunter

.
Most of my birds get cleaned immediately folling the hunt, leaving a feathered head or wing attatched to stay legal. EH

You mean you dont eat the gizzard, liver, and heart? such a waste..... I thought the regs said you have to keep ever edible part?

Ethical hunter · 10-24-2006, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by younggun20

Yeah you know EH, I have yet to see you with a picture of any successful hunts. I wonder why that is? You talk a good game, I would love to see some pics. Heck, even it was just a picture of you in the field.

Did you look at the thread "shed rooster"? There will be more to follow.

I hunt for food not for personal glory or recognition. If I have an interesting story to go along with a hunt and happen to have a picture of the fruits of that effort, I will post a photo. However, I am secure enough with my own knowledge and ability that I have no need or desire to show off.

101 good job on the tasty mallards, I love mallards too.

EH

O Tshawytcha · 10-24-2006, 09:48 AM

Nice work Jon!
Did you get my PM?

GRIFF

Duckenfuss · 10-24-2006, 11:20 AM

Quote:

I hunt for food not for personal glory or recognition. If I have an interesting story to go along with a hunt and happen to have a picture of the fruits of that effort, I will post a photo. However, I am secure enough with my own knowledge and ability that I have no need or desire to show off. EH

As does Jon and the rest of us. I do not feel that Jon is boasting, rather sharing the experience and good fortune that I, unfortunately, did not have this weekend. And I for one, hunt for more than just the grub. Comraderie is what it's all about and the meat is a bonus. EH, Maybe you should start raising cattle to eat

.

Nicely done 101, I am thoroughly jealous.

Hopefully you got more than just meat out of your Willamette Valley, Bling toting, ducks!

rimrock · 10-24-2006, 11:29 AM

Man o' man, Jon you are one really skilled waterfowler. Nice work!
Good luck this season, like ya need it

Ethical hunter · 10-24-2006, 11:59 AM

" Comraderie is what it's all about and the meat is a bonus. EH, Maybe you should start raising cattle to eat

."

You are correct about the comraderie aspect of hunting. I have a life long hunting partner and there is no one I would rather hunt with. During the my younger years my family harvested most of the meat we ate and it still carries over I guess.

101 great job on the mallards, I love mallards also. However, my favotire eating bird is GW teal.

EH

waterfowlin101 · 10-24-2006, 12:08 PM

EH....I fully agree....GW teal are the best eating duck of them all.

And of course the speck is mighty tasty when it comes to geese...

younggun20 · 10-24-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterfowlin101

EH....I fully agree....GW teal are the best eating duck of them all.

And of course the speck is mighty tasty when it comes to geese...

I havn't tried speck...cough cough...maybe you could make some for me?

I LOVE the taste of goose. To me it is just like eating beef. I was in hog heaven during September, but it's all gone.

Maybe I'll get some more for the table this weekend!

oldbirddog · 10-25-2006, 06:53 PM

EH you must be working on writing an epic situational sitcom, or just purely mentally challenged on how to win friends.

I have had the pleasure to meet and hunt with several of the people that post here including Waterfowl 101. I am old school they are new and I have nothing but respect for their knowledge and love of this sport, and look forward to shooting more birds with them this year and posting them on here to share with other hunters.

At age 43 do you really think I am bragging? Get serious please.:grin: I have been shooting birds since I was 12 and have found that between my son and the younger guys I have meant through him that my passion for this sport is stronger then ever, and it is fun to share experiences on this forum.

I hunt for food. Sure you do,

we all do but that isn�t why any of us hunt. If it is simply to eat it is way cheaper to go to the store and buy it.

So take a little advice from an old guy. If no one but your �life long hunting partner� is blowing your horn, then don�t come on here and blow it yourself, you will end up deaf from your own noise. Good luck with life

Swamp Puppy · 10-26-2006, 08:39 AM

great post...of course, at 37 I still considered myself "young" until i read that...lol. thanks. you've made me feel like an old timer.

Hunt'nFish · 10-26-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swamp Puppy

great post...of course, at 37 I still considered myself "young" until i read that...lol. thanks. you've made me feel like an old timer.

HEY!, I thought we didn't get "old" until 50,..... right???

MarshBum · 10-26-2006, 09:38 AM

Age is a state of mind.

Geoff

The_Duck_Master · 10-26-2006, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarshBum

Age is a state of mind.

Geoff

Thank God!

thehunt · 10-26-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethical hunter

"
101 great job on the mallards, I love mallards

EH

Jon, you better watch out, this is getting kind of creepy

younggun20 · 10-27-2006, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thehunt

Jon, you better watch out, this is getting kind of creepy

Just what I was thinking, a little on the creepy side. Maybe keep that comment in your head for your own personal time from now on huh? Thanks

Don, very well said.