I Never Cease to Be Amazed . . .

 . . . at how low expectations can yield high returns.  Today, I was mildly excited 'bout the possibility of some wind, which has been notably absent on hunts thus far this season.  On the other hand, I predicted a harvest of 3-5, so I wasn't really expecting a great deal of shooting.  Not deterred, however, and having no place better to go, J-Hawk, Fleabag, Special Fred, the Don, & I made a nostalgic return to our blind on the home field this morning.  Low skies, southeast winds at 10 m.p.h., and temps in the mid-50's created ducky looking environs, but not so much the ducky feel.  Nonetheless, Fred brought a new gadget with him to the blind, and we gave her a try.

This Product Review segment of the Trigger Happy Hunting Club daily blog is brought to you by . . . oh, never mind.  The Reel Wings flying decoy is an interesting contraption -- half spinner and half kite.  The concept is awesome, and the prospect of birds diving from heights untold created an energetic sense of anticipation in our blind this morning.  For the record, the thing looked good during its initial 30-second maiden voyage.  Unfortunately, after that initial flight, it stopped off for a drink and never really made it back in the game.  Three Gadwalls did take a liking the thing, but only until it plummeted back into the icy waters of the Home Field.  The jury's out, but I think the Reel Wings may suck.

Decent shots were the rule this morning, and while it was anything but easy shooting, the crew made it look somewhat easy.  I should also note that young Cannon Ball (singular) performed flawlessly on a super long-distance blind retrieve and made his handler look fairly capable.  When the smoke cleared, there were 3 dead Specks, 3 dead Mallards, and 18 dead shovelers.  Not a bad day!



Total for the day:  24 birds.
Total for Regular Season: 83
Combined Teal & Regular for 2009:  143
Birds Per Day:  20.75
Birds Per Day Per Hunter:  4.15
60 Shovelers  (Arrrrrrrrgh!)
4  Mallards
1  Gadwall
1  Green Wing
1  Wigeon
3  Pintails
13 Specks