Bill's and a quick shoot with friends.

[QH's Paw]

For awhile now duckboy, steelheader and I have been trying to get out together. We all seem to share the same passion for divers and it had to come together, eventually. Today it came together.
So after several emails/PMs, a few calls and more time spent on planning and gearing up then it takes to limit on bills, we meet at the launch.
After a little begging(not really) I talked everyone in to letting me put my new set up out(the whole thing, needed or not)
When we arrived at our chosen spot, it became apparent quickly the river had not dropped enough for the chosen spot. We would have been able to set longlines but, no singles.
A quick discussion and we moved to plan "B".
By the time the 3 bags of blocks were set, we were probably 20-30 mins past first shooting light.
The first bird taken was Earl's drake buffy. It was good lookin' bird definately worthy of mounting if a guy wanted.

As is often the case with divers, the birds weren't really working first thing. We watched birds in groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, flying in the distance. At times, it seemed they were all oblivious to our spread and then a few would just lock in and set up.
We tried (honestly) to stretch things out and just soak in the morning and the birds. It just wasn't possible they just kept sending in those drakes and no diver hunter will pass on drake bills.
I believe it was Todd(AKA duckboy) who took that first drake, the first of a triple for the flight.

Everyone had a hand in it and we were half way to three limits with just the one flight in.
Kodi was happy and even picked up that triple including a total blind land(although flooded) retrieve. At first, that third retrieve was something he didn't want to believe, afterall divers are always over or in the water.



After a triple retrieve, even the best of dogs doesn't mind an assist.

The birds really started working the deeks as soon as that last bill was in the boat.

Kodi and I had a great time spent with our diver duckhunting Bros. We both can't wait for the next diver day. If only we could convince the powers that be to go back to the 4 bird day of years gone by.
Here's the morning's take and everyone involved.

All credit for photos goes to duckboy, the photographer assigned to this mission.

[AtItAgain]

It looks like you guys had a great day. Congrats.

[Nw dukn]

Looks fun congrats..

[steelheadslayer]

Mike and Todd.............................:applau se:

Thank You both for the awesome hunt. If I would have been shooting true to form, we'd probably still be out there trying to get that last bird.

As is the case, by the end of the season, the gun seems to have a mind of its own and just lays the smackdown on the close shots.

If you guys ever need another gun, decoy setter and picker, or just someone to bring the coffee and donuts, I'm your man.


I had an awesome time and can't wait until the next opportunity to do it again. I'm thinking I could probably do Tues morning after work seeing as how it could probably be a quick pass shoot on that one point. Probably still be home by 10.

Thanks again guys, and Todd, it takes a brave man to get that camera out on days like this, or more so, for letting me touch it and snap a few.

[xstreme357]

nice job guys looks like great duck hunting weather!!

[wsuweston]

Bills are always fun

[lor]

As always Mike & Todd, great story and excellent pics.

[Uplanders]

Good job fellas, I just love targeting the divers. Its funny though after getting good at shooting at the 45 MPH horizontal fly by shot, I realized I have trouble when I hunt puddlers that come and hover right ontop of you because I lead them to much. 1 shot turns into 2 or 3 to get the sucker down

[MarshBum]

Originally Posted by QH's Paw

That is one awesome picture!

Originally Posted by QH's Paw

If only we could convince the powers that be to go back to the 4 bird day of years gone by.

I hear you brother. To be perfectly honest, the limit this year has kept me out of places I normally love to go.

Geoff

[Hunt'nFish]

Very nice guys! Looks like you had fun.
As always, great pics Todd!
Hunt'nFish

[Tar Heel]

Man, give those drake divers a chance! You three, Kodi and the Bomber. That's like Tar Heels vs. Sisters of Mercy at home. Maybe next time tie one hand behind your backs!

[Adjhunt]

Nice job!!
You guys just can't stay away from those divers!

Really cool pics too! Thanks for sharing.

[duckboy]

Mike,
Great write up again.

That big mellow bruiser dog of yours always comes through.

& steelheadslayer,
good to meet
& finally hunt with you.

thanks for getting me out there and a good day afield.
& thanks for chipping in, cause I am down to 2 days a week at work now.

steelheadslayer asked me, (as I was climbing over the console and walking on the Ribs of the bomber with more moneys worth than I can spend (my camera in my hands)
"hey, how many pictures do you usually shoot on a hunt"?

"Couple hundred" i said.
His eyes got wide for a split second, he nodded.

I usually keep about 3% of the photos I snap.

Anyway,

The final push awaits,
we'd better get it before it is gone.

So get on it duckbrothers.

[Quackhead]

The stories and pics of the Mighty Columbia are making me a bit jealous. Good pics and a great hunt