CONTENTS OF WATERFOWLING DELMARVA

Hi Folks,....Sure hope you can pick up some tips and enjoy reading about my hunting. ....Tune in for next year. ....Donald

        "NOTES FROM A RETIRED HUNTER"
1996-97 season by Donald Hughes
Area hunted was from Cheseapeake Bay to Ocean and Delaware Bay
Date: Mon, 30 Sep 1996

Hi Guys,
Well, my Saturday & Sunday didn't have much in them for me to report.I did catch my twostippers Sunday evening.  This morning I went back to the three piles of corn that I put out.
Remember last time there was only one spot that the squirrels had found. Well, this time, the first one
I got to, there was no sign of any corn ever being there. Walked to the second, to find the same. The
third, there was sign that they had been
there.  Almost all the corn was gone, but still a little left. I
when ahead and sat down, even through I had hear or seen nothing, when I got to the spot. It was
under a big oak and at just 10 minutes when the first moved in the big tree. It took him a long time to
get in a spot that I had a clear shot. At about 40 yds, high in the tree he finally stayed still long
enough to explode his head.
The next one I hear, 7 minutes later, behind me. In an attempt to move so I could get him in my
sights, I spooked him. Later, 9 minutes,  he showed again, same place. Just was their, you know, out
of no-were. He just sat there looking right at me. An easy shot, at about 20 feet. When I shot, one
barked about half way up the big oak. He just kept barking and barking, but I couldn't see him. Then
just like a goest, there he was. Another easy shot. It was 12 minutes by the clock, before another
showed. He came through the trees. I could see him out around 100 yds, jumping from tree to tree.
He was going by me and didn't look like he would get any closer. He stopped at about 80 yds,
according to the range finder that I like to carry, and presented a fare target. At lease it looked like it
in the scope. I had my Savage Anschutz solid against a tree, but still only scared him. Saw him for
another moment, but then nothing.
I sat for another 20 minutes, but hear or saw nothing. On the way back to the truck I jumped a fox
squirrel, which did not stop for a shot. I'm glad, cause they do not have an open season on them.
Was cleaning my three squirrels, when and friend stopped by. He saw the squirrels and asked if I
new that I was not allowed to shot them with a rifle. I was sure he was just shitting me. Then when
he insisted, I checked and the damn law has been changed. Seems you can't shoot them in
Delaware, with a rifle, till the second season, anymore. Damn laws. The powers change and make so
many I don't think those that in-force them can stay up with them.  Anyway Maryland's season starts
Oct 5th  and when I want another mess of squirrels to eat it will be OK again.
Went out this evening and caught my two strippers, both just 20 inches. Write when you get a
chance.
--

Date: Fri, 04 Oct 1996
Hi Guys,
Well, believe me duck hunting is alive and well in Delaware. Oct 3th, was the first day of the early
season. I couldn't wait. Well I left home at 3 o'clock in the morning of the 3th. I was heading for a
public hunting area next to Bombay Hook. I got there in time and joined about 100 rigs for the
drawing. I had about a 50 - 50 chance===didn't get the draw. The area has 59 blind sites. It was
sure nice to see all the young guys so excited about going duck hunting.
A lot of the rigs that did not make the draw just when to their trucks and went to sleep, so I came
home. I went back, and hour and a half drive, to see if I could go for the afternoon. About 10 to
one-oclock which is the close off time, a rig came back and I got the blind even through I didn't have
any idea were it was. I spend the time to fine it, but just could not make the last 300 yds cause of no
water and unable to pole that far, damn health. So went, my bluewing teal hunt. I did see lots of birds
both alive and shot. I have spent today recuperating.
O Yea, I have been catching my fish each evening, two stripers a night. Just about have enough and
will now be able to give some to my hunting landlords. If I through that there was any good chance
of getting a blind on Saturday, tomorrow, I would go to Delaware again.  Guess I will leave it to the
young guys. Maybe there will one just one bluewing that doesn't go South, but with the temps just
about to the freezing mark I don't hold my hope. Well, there is always next year if I am still alive.
Better reports to come!!! Donald Hughes

Date: Thu, 10 Oct 1996 21:24:05 -0400
 
Hi Again,
Well,  yesterday was a great day.  Started with duck hunting and ended with a country music
concert!  The first day of the Maryland early duck season, opened with a bang-bang.  Wood ducks
at first light.  Anyone who has hunted them knows what I mean.  We shot at two flocks, before
Bobby, one of my son-in-laws, killed one.  They were sailing over the decoys below the trees on the
other side of the creek, which made them very hard to see.  At least that's my story for missing and I
am sticking to it.  By about the six flock to go through the decoys, it was light enough to see.  I got
the first drake with a second shot.  The next ones were a group of four and we each got one with our
first shot.  Bobby paddled out and picked them up.  We had three drakes and one hen that he had
killed first.  It had taken about 15 minutes.  Still had not seen any other kind of duck.  During the
next hour, we watched flock after flock of woodys sail over the decoys, only one of which landed
for a moment.  Now that we could see it was beautiful.  All those colors in the early morning sun.
We figure that there had been at least 30 flocks, plus the singles.
The next duck blind down the creek, about a half mile, shot only five times, sounded like someone
alone.  It sounded like a war, all around us at greater distances.  We stayed until nine o'clock hoping
that some other kind of duck would fly by, but never saw one.  Did have two flocks of geese decoy
over the duck decoys. Went back for the evening flight.  This creek, the head of Cabin Creek, is a
place that geese roust.  But ducks leave about an hour before sunset.  There are seven ponds that
are at the head of the creek.  It was no wind and the sun was shining, but as they begin to fly at 5
o'clock, the first single that came over the decoys, gave me a good shot and the first drake woody
was dead.  The next were a flock of four and I killed another drake.  Then I watched again as five
more flocks flew over the decoys.  Then there were two flocks of mallards that came down the
creek and then one hen flying low, following the creek came over the decoys.  She also died.  She
had a band from one of the local waterfowl management areas.  Much better shooting then in the
morning.  Had to leave a little early to get to the country music show.
The concert was wonderful.  LeeAnn Rimes--Ty Hyrden--Martina McBride What a show!
This morning was a rerun of yesterday with one mallard that came from nowhere and was just there.
Four drake woodys and the mallard was a hen.  Not half the flocks that we had seen on the first
day.  Did have two otters swin through the decoys.  One had a lot of fun moving one of the decoys
around, but then was just gone.  The evening hunt was slow.  Two wood ducks singles.  The first I
missed and the second I killed.  She had a band from someone local.
I am so tired I am going to bed early.  Will try to write tomorrow    --  Donald Hughes

From - Fri Oct 11
Hi,
Not much change.  Still wood ducks and only wood ducks along with lots of Canada geese.  The
Canada's are here, more and more each day.  Sure looks to me like they had a good hatch.  Very
few pairs with no young.  They will eat the area up in short order, cause none of the farmers have left
anything for them.  Of course I am talking about my area and farmers that I know.  They can't make
money on them, the hell with them.
With no wind at all this morning and a couple days under our belts.  The wood ducks were a lot
easier to hit this morning.  We let the ones at daybreak fly cause they are so hard to see.  We,
Bobby and I, killed two out of the first flock.  I had to shoot twice.  The next flock, Bobby shot first
and killed two with the one shot.  It was all I could do to stop from shooting.  Three hens an a
drake.  One hen with a band, local, same guy as the band yesterday.  Will let you know any info he
sends me.  Just no other kind of duck in the area.
Can't go this evening.  Robert, my grandson, is unhappy with grandpa.  He will get to go in the
morning, so I think I will be forgiven.  One of my other grandsons may get a chance also.
Wife, and I will be going to Baltimore.  Yep, another country music show.  This ones a newcomer by
the name of Trace.  Like his songs so I think I will enjoy.  Course I would rather be duck hunting,
but I like having a wife also, so.  Tomorrow is the last day.  Will let you know how it goes.  Hope
I'm not boring you. Till then. Donald

From - Sat Oct 12
Hi,
Well, what a great last day of the early season.  Didn't get home from Baltimore till one o'clock in the
morning.  Trace Adkins is really worth going to see if you get a chance.  Five o'clock came early.
Six head showed up at the duck blind this morning.  Not room for but four to shot.  I being the
oldest got to call the shots, meaning I said when to shoot.  The first were two woodys that sailed
over the decoys.  At first light and at  forty yds, crossing in front of the blind, I said cut 'em.  The
grandsons opened up and at about thirty yds they fared up and away.  Eleven shots fired and not a
feather.  Everyone laughed at everyone.  I said, now that we have the first shots maybe they could
start killing some ducks.
Right away there were four more, same flight pattern, same call, same results.  Seven more shells
fired.  Not as much laughing.  About five minutes and a single.  Seven shoots, but this time we had a
dead duck.  Tufty, by the way that's the retrievers name, had something to swim for.  All, but Robert
said they had killed it.  All had to feel it and say how beautiful it was.  George said it would sure taste
good.  The next two volleys were a lot of shooting and no dead ducks.  The morning when by fast
with 62 shots fired, three woodys and one mallard killed.  I have seen them do worst.  We said we
would all meet back at three o'clock.
Evening hunt was two singles that got a good talking to after getting shot at.  About six flocks of
woodys that just would not commit themselves.  Then about ten minutes before quitting time.  A
flock of mallards, seven, came up the creek and circled three times a came right in.  All back
paddling, I said get'm and the war broke out.  When it was over they had killed two drakes, one
with a green head and the other still getting his.  Tufty made a good dive for one that just had a wing
broke.  The season was over, but there was already talk about how many they were going to shoot
during the Christmas school vacation.
Well, if the weather is so that I can go I will try the sea ducks Monday.  Sure hope everyone is fine.
If you get a chance, email. Donald

 From - Fri Oct 18
Hi Again,
Well, I just have not been writing the way I plan.  I would like to do this each night The fishing has
been great.  Catching our limits each night.  Its been in the 80's, so no-one wants to go.  Thank
goodness Busman is coming on the 22-23 & 24th.  I sure hope it doesn't blow a gale.
Yesterday was the first day of mussel loading season.  Course it was 80 degrees and beautiful, so I
went fishing.  Tonight however there was a front coming throughout the East coast, so I wouldn't
have missed it for nothing.  Had him fed right in to the edge of a field where there was corn for them
all summer, that had been cut and winter wheat planted.  Well, Larry, again he was as easy as
waiting him out.  Saw six, and shot, what turned out to be a button buck.  Lot more mosquitoes then
deer.  Donald.

From - Sun Oct 20 13:37:29 1996
 
Don&Pat Hughes wrote:   Dear Sirs; My hunting partner and I took the following goose
bands on 9/3 & 9/4   bands   86805936++++++++banded 1994 ++adult ++ female ++ at
Sharptown ++ 10 miles away         86805953++++++++banded 1994 ++young ++ female ++ at
Sharptown ++ 10 miles away          86855890++++++++banded 1994 ++adult ++ male   ++ at
Sharptown ++ 10 miles away          74883271++++++++banded 1992 ++adult ++ male   ++ at
Eden      ++ 50 miles away
Hey Larry,
Did you notice that young goose stayed with mom and dad for at least two years.  Is that normal?  I
thought that they would have run the young off after the first winter.  Guess not.
I also told you guys about a banded woody.  That was banded by someone local.  He called this
morning and thanked me for advising him of recovering the band.  Seems he lives within 10 miles of
me.  Invited me to come over and look at his operation, I will go.  He raises them and turned loose
about 700 this year.  Keeps about 40 hens for eggs and hatches them in an incubator.  Bands them
when they can fly, so if you guys south of here take any let him know!  I think without these kind of
people, the East Coast would not be much of a place to waterfowl hunt.  I am sure that you guys that
do not live in the area of just do not understand the importance.
Well, I hope to get a chance to go sea duck hunting in the morning.  Son-in-law might go with me.  If
not Busman is coming Tuesday, so then I will have someone as crazy about duck hunting as I am.
Write if you can. Donald Hughes

From - Mon Oct 21
Hi,
Well, I finally got to go sea duck hunting.  Son-in-law went with me this morning.  We left at 0730
and were down to the Taylor's Island on Chesapeake Bay at 0815.  Set out 40 decoys, 10 on a line,
waiting by 0830.  Had one other rig out and of course they were right where I would have gone, up
towards James Island, but its a big bay and we just set up about 500 yards down the bay from
them.  There spot was better because they were set up just out, from a pound-wier.  They were
banging while we were putting out decoys.
The first flock of surf scoters, about 10, came to the outside edge of the decoys.  We each shot
once, but nothing fell.  The next shot was three, one of which almost sat in the inside of the decoys,
Herby got him.  I took the drake, of the two on the outside of the decoys, we had our first two.
Before we could get back from retrieving them we had a flock of about 30 swing in, Herby shot but
didn't kill any.  Once we were anchored, we had about a 10 minute wait and had another flock of
about 20, killed two and crippled one.  Tried to get the crippled one but they still dive to good unless
you brake a wing.
Next were about 60.  About 10 were white-wing and the rest surf scoters.  One end began to swing
and then all the surf scoters came.  They came right down the outside edge and we got three.  Again
a cripple, again couldn't get him.  I swear, he dove and just never came up.  Had just anchored when
a pair came in.  The boat was not even tight on the anchor.  Herb shot behind one twice, close
enough to splash water on his tail, but far enough behind to miss.
The last shot came about 20 minutes later.  About 30 surf scoters went almost all the way by, but
then came back and right to the decoys.  There were about six on the water when Herb shot a drake
that started over his head.  He killed him, much to good, shot about half inch apart in his chest.
We were in before 10 o'clock.  If he will go with me tomorrow I think I will take a camera.  Or,
maybe with Busman when he comes.  Herb says he wants to try to mount one and is supposed to
come out tonight.  I am looking forward to him coming.  They skin real easy.
Daughter arrived in Portland, Maine, last night to rain and cold.  Almost hate to call her and tell her
that it is in the 70's here again today.  Supposed to even nicer tomorrow.  Sure hope my nephew that
got married has a smile on his face this morning.  Of course with the kids today, he has probably
already, been there and done that.
Delaware snow goose season open today, but I don't know anyone that wants to fight the mosquitos
out in the big marsh for them.  If it blows to hard to hunt sea ducks while Busman is here that's were
I will take him.  He said he has not killed one, so that might be his chance.
Well, I'll write if I do anything tomorrow.  Hope you guys stuck behind a desk enjoy this stuff?
Hope you write when you get a chance. Donald Hughes

From - Wed Oct 23
Hi guys,
Well, Busman found the house, he arrived about four o'clock yesterday afternoon.  He didn't look
like a rapist or murderer, so, we rode up to my goose pit and chased the Canada's and Snows away
from it.  Busman was I think amazed to see that there was two or three thousand Canada's and a
couple hundred snows, there at the pit.  I'm looking forward to the first day.  The snow goose
season doesn't start till Saturday here in Maryland, so I guess Busman will just have to read about
how we do.  I rode over to my duck blind and showed him were it was and how it was set up.  Had
a chance to bait my deer again at the same time.  We spend the evening getting ready to go sea duck
hunting this morning.
 We were up at five thirty, because it was supposed to blow later in the day, and I wanted to get
there in order to have a chance at getting our limits.  Arrived at the Chesapeake Bay at seven.  Were
set up sea duck hunting at seven fifteen and had the first one on the water at seven eighteen.  The first
to come was three surf scoters and I got a drake.  The next two flocks Busman practiced on.  Third
flock he put one down, but we couldn't get him.  They just dive to good and it was beginning to blow
a little.  The next flock, I shot with him, He killed one and Berth got two.  We had four and I
watched Busman shoot a few times.  It wasn't long till he got to hitting them and we had five.  The
wind had picked up to gale force.  I help with a flock so that we could finish up, we had seven.  The
boat was dragging anchor even with all the line I had on the boat out, plus the decoys were beginning
to drag.  The last duck came right to the decoys and with Bertha pointed down his bill, I heard
Busman banging at him.  The duck was something to hit with the boat jumping up and down on the
waves.  He flared up and on the third shot down he came.
We got the decoys into the boat and made it back to the harbor, getting only a little wet.  I think that
Busman would have stayed out there in a hurricane.  To tell you the true I was glad to get in.  Winds
were fifteen to twenty-five West Southwest.  Hope its better tomorrow.  We were on the way home
before ten o'clock, for some venison stew that I had started the night before.
We may go up to the pit this afternoon and take some pictures of the geese coming to some mounts.
Busman wants to go to Dover and I don't know if he will get back in time.  Will write if we do
anything tomorrow.  Donald Hughes

From - Thu Oct 24
Hi Guys,
Well, we got them again.  Beautiful day.  BTW anytime you want to check out our weather out there
just click the TPLM2 buoy  http://www.met.fsu.edu/~nws/buoy/se.html  Isn't that wild, Scott, you
should put this one on your page.  Check it out they go all over the world and give you what is
happening NOW, along with a lot of other info.
We decided to sleep in.  Busman was busy watching skirts last night and gone again tonight.  I can
just barely remember!!!  Will make sure this email doesn't get to his wife.  We were up at eight
o'clock and to the Chesapeake Bay and off Tailor's Island with decoys out at nine thirty.  The first
single was in the decoys before we could get them all out.  Flocks of ten to twenty, mixed with a few
singles and we had our eight before ten thirty.  Who says you can't duck hunt comfortable.  Your
kind of hunting or what Jim!  Busman was getting hot on the singles, but still a little trouble with the
flocks.  I am sure the way they would tighten into a knot it looked to him like there was just no way
you could miss, "BUT." Think he said he when through a half box of shells for his four.  We kind of
took turns, he watched me kill my four, then he killed his four.  Before you laugh, you guys should try
finishing one of these surf scoters off on the water, it burns shells.
 We took all surf scoters again today.  We have only seen a two old squaw and a few flocks lesser
scaup and lots of loons.  Still hunting barefoot and tee shirts.
We took time to take some pictures so that I can send them to you on email soon as I get them
back.  Lined the sixteen up on the tailgate of the truck a stood there like the big hunters while the
wife took a picture.  Then I cleaned eight and we froze eight for Busman to help train his dogs.  If we
get any tomorrow, Cindy gets them.  She somehow makes them taste great.
Hopefully my son-in-law will also go with us tomorrow.  I am going to take a movie camera to shoot
with tomorrow.  Man will that ever be a show!!!  Donald

From - Fri Oct 25
Hi Guys,
Well, the Busman is on his way home.  I think he enjoyed himself.  The last of his three days went
something like this. Up early, at six o-clock and in to pick up the son-in-law at seven thirty.  Too the
boat at eight thirty and set up eight foury-five.  I was ready to shoot with the movie camera and had
left Bertha in the truck.  The boys shot about a box of sheels each, while I tryed hard to get it on
tape.  We quit at eleven.  Had two female surf scoters and what I hoped was some pretty good
shots with the camera.  Have now looked at the VHS tape and will add tomorrows hunt to it to use
up some more tape.  It's not bad.  After tomorrow I will make a copy and mail it to Jim, who I hope
will mail it to the next till all that want to see it has done so.  Sound good?
Our snow goose season opens in the morning, but there are only about a couple dozen at the refuge
by the pit.  The weather has been just too warm for them to come inland for me.  Told Eddie last
night that we would try the sea ducks in the morning and the few snows in the  evening.  So the other
half of the tape will be Eddie and his son.  They have not been able to go sea duck hunting this year
and it will be thier last chance.
Seems like I am the only one that is going to write a duck hunters email report, so I don't know how
much longer I will keep it up.  Sure would be nice to hear how you other guys are doing, BUT.  Well
I throught it was a good idea anyway.  Did you guys around the great lakes check out the automated
marine bouys out?  Hay, Chris anything going on on the other side of this planet in OZ--you still a
duck hunter.   Donald

Mon, 28 Oct 1996
Hi Jim,
Well, video is on its way.  Looks like it will cost us three bucks to mail and keep it moving to each of
the email group, who wnats to see it. Make sure who-ever you mail it to will mail to the next guy.  Of
course, if you guys want you can make as many copys as you want.  You know, for after the season
and you need a fix.  Sorry about my camera work, I did the best I that I could.
Looks like with the technology exploding the way it is today, that before long we will be able to send
are videos on the net.  I guess we could now if we had the right computer. Isn't it facinating?  What a
live the young guys like Scott will live!  May there always be ducks for them, also!   With all the
money put into weather forecasts, I called off the hunt for this morning.  All the forecasts called for
wind.  Hell, it didn't start blowing till about nine-thrity, which would have been plenty of time for me
to kill my limit, sure is a lot more ducks fall when I am shooting with Bertha, instead of a camera.
But, you have to listen to them when they are calling for small craft warnings.  Looks like tomorrow
morning will be ok. I hope. I hope.  Not going to pay that boat slip rent again, so I guess it will be
my last chance at the sea ducks.
Supposed to be a front move through this afternoon, so I will go deer hunting with my crossbow.
You know me, bait them, and then hunt them just as a front goes through.  Still have a little venisen,
but if I can I will get my second with the bow before the rifle season.  Gets a little harder after they
shot at them, and besides I hope to be waterfowl hunting.  Donald
 

 
 Well, video is on its way.  Looks like it will cost us three bucks to mail and keep it moving to each
of the email group, who wnats to see it. Make sure who-ever you mail it to will mail to the next guy.
Of course, if you guys want you can make as many copys as you want.  You know, for after the
season and you need a fix.  Sorry about my camera work, I did the best I that I could.
Looks like with the technology exploding the way it is today, that before long we will be able to send
are videos on the net.  I guess we could now if we had the right computer. Isn't it facinating?  What a
live the young guys like Scott will live!  May there always be ducks for them, also!   With all the
money put into weather forecasts, I called off the hunt for this morning.  All the forecasts called for
wind.  Hell, it didn't start blowing till about nine-thrity, which would have been plenty of time for me
to kill my limit, sure is a lot more ducks fall when I am shooting with Bertha, instead of a camera.
But, you have to listen to them when they are calling for small craft warnings.  Looks like tomorrow
morning will be ok. I hope. I hope.  Not going to pay that boat slip rent again, so I guess it will be
my last chance at the sea ducks.
Supposed to be a front move through this afternoon, so I will go deer hunting with my crossbow.
You know me, bait them, and then hunt them just as a front goes through.  Still have a little venisen,
but if I can I will get my second with the bow before the rifle season.  Gets a little harder after they
shot at them, and besides I hope to be waterfowl hunting.  Donald

Date:          Tue, 29 Oct 1996
Hi,
Got a little button buck last night.  He's still hanging in the shed, but it's cool enough, so he's OK.
Only about 75 lb., even with all the corn he could eat this all summer.  He will eat good.
Took a fellow that the wife knew from working at the hospital.  He and his wife both work there.
He has bad knees, so it was just a couple cripples in the boat this morning.  The first duck to come
was a single and it took Paul, that's his name, two shots to kill him.  We hadn't even picked him up
when about thirty came and Paul put three down with three shots.  Man what a difference from the
past few days.  He had his four and I hadn't loaded my gun.  We picked up our dead and where
about to anchor when another six came.  With the outboard still running we shot I got two and so did
he.  We sat for a few minutes and just watched them decoy, but the wind was picking up and making
it more and more uncomfortable, so we took up and came home.  I think we both could have stayed
a long time and just watched if it hadn't been for the wind.  I hope that Paul and I can hunt a lot this
year.
We had a hell of a time getting the boat on the trailer, but finally did.  It's setting in the back yard and
will stay, till the canvasback duck season opens in December.  I will take time to straighten up
tomorrow, after cutting up my deer.  Rode up to my pit, but saw no snow geese.  Will get a chance
to check out the Bombay Hook and Prime Hook Refuges sometime this week.  I need to cut my
grass one more time and put some things away for the winter.
Sure hope some of you guys get a chance to hunt the next few days, cause I might not.  I will write if
I do.  Jim should have the sea duck tape tomorrow and we will see if he thinks it is worth sending
along to you guys. Donald

Date:          Sat, 02 Nov 1996
Hi Jim,
Glad you liked the tape and the idea.  $3,000+ !!!!!, I make that tape with an old sears LXI that has
been out sea ducking and other types of hunting.  Kicked it around for the last few years and it
keeps on going.  It is a little big, as they go nowadays.  The sea ducks do get close enough so you
can even hear there wings, huh.  Sure hope I am still alive next year for you.
This afternoon I sat in my pit a watched as thousands of swans came out of the sky.  They came out
from so high that you could not see the top flocks till they would bank in the wind.  By the time I left,
at sunset, there were about 20 to 30 thousand within the little refuge behind the pit.  Only a few
snows, but I know from past years they are not far behind.  Can't wait.
Delaware duck season opens again Monday.  I know one place that I might kill a couple, that is on
private land, and I will go there for daybreak.  Will write what I do.
Jim, who did you say you forwarded the tape to?
 

 
Hi,
Well, I haven't written my daily doings for a couple days, but I am still alive.  Monday was the first
day in Delaware again and daybreak found me at a little pond at a place called Hard Scrabble.  I sat
on one end of the pond and the ducks sat on the other.  Not many but at lease I had seen some.
Tuesday found me on that end of the pond.  They all came at once.  About 15 mallards.  I got two
drakes.  Few minutes later there was one single, also a drake mallard.  Also made him dead.  With
the sun just breaking the top of the trees there were a pair of mallards that came, but with the sun
making them shine, they were just to pretty to shoot.  Or lease I didn't, and they were gone.
This morning I tried to take a man sea duck hunting, but we rode down for nothing.  First fog and
then wind.  Just find that it gets harder and harder to catch a year when you can get out on the bay
comfortably.  Came home and mounted two of the mallard drakes for hunting decoys, both turned
out great.  I am going to use them hunting tomorrow morning.  Going to try the bean field alongside
the pond in the morning.  Think by putting out some mounts they will give me a good shot.  Will take
ten Canada's to catch their attention and 15 mallards.  Two on poles flying.  Will let you know if it
works.
I love my mounts and hunting over them.  I can tell you how and where each were shot.  I usually
mount everything after the season and it helps get pass the month of March.  Hope some of you guys
enjoy and can hunt over mounts, its worth the time it takes to put them together.
Our temps have still been in the high sixties.  Mosquitoes at daybreak, but supposed to change this
weekend.  Broke the fingers in my 10 Ga. reloader last night so I need to search out and see if MEC
has a www site were I can quick order a new one.  Till tomorrow. Picture is of some of my mounts.
Doug, did you get tape? Donald

Date:          Sat, 09 Nov 1996
Hi Guys,
Well, for three mornings I took the time to set out Canada mounts and ducks mounts.  Ten of each,
but for three mornings I didn't see a duck.  Had the shots the one morning and I guess those with the
only ones that knew where this little pond was.  Season in Delaware is over and my next chance is
November 18, in Maryland.  Did cool off today so maybe some snows will show up inland.  All
those swans are gone, somewhere.
Our rabbit season is now open, so I let Red "that's my rabbit dog" have a go at it today.  We got one
and on the second run out of energy.  Red's like me kind of old and fat.  We both enjoyed it very
much.  Boy, will he sleep tonight.  Wimp!
Sure hope someone is killing ducks and wish there would tell me about it.  When oystering yesterday
and cooked those ducks that I got the other day along with some oysters.  Wish you could have
been here, as I fixed and ate much to much.
Took the legs and breasts of the mallards and put them in the slow cooker before I left this morning.
Cut a couple sweet tatters up and put them in a couple hours before supper.  Fixed single fried
oysters with House Aubrey frying mix.  Man, you should have been here.
Sure hope the snows come, as I feel naked without any waterfowl in the house to fix.  Write when
you can.  Donald

 
Well, for three mornings I took the time to set out Canada mounts and ducks mounts.  Ten of each,
but for three mornings I didn't see a duck.  Had the shots the one morning and I guess those with the
only ones that knew where this little pond was.  Season in Delaware is over and my next chance is
November 18, in Maryland.  Did cool off today so maybe some snows will show up inland.  All
those swans are gone, somewhere.
Our rabbit season is now open, so I let Red "that's my rabbit dog" have a go at it today.  We got one
and on the second run out of energy.  Red's like me kind of old and fat.  We both enjoyed it very
much.  Boy, will he sleep tonight.  Wimp!
Sure hope someone is killing ducks and wish there would tell me about it.  When oystering yesterday
and cooked those ducks that I got the other day along with some oysters.  Wish you could have
been here, as I fixed and ate much to much.
Took the legs and breasts of the mallards and put them in the slow cooker before I left this morning.
Cut a couple sweet tatters up and put them in a couple hours before supper.  Fixed single fried
oysters with House Aubrey frying mix.  Man, you should have been here.
Sure hope the snows come, as I feel naked without any waterfowl in the house to fix.  Write when
you can.  Donald

Date:          Tue, 12 Nov 1996
Hi Guys,
Well, I finally got the first snow.  I now have a couple hundred staying at the refuge behind the pit.
Watched where they came back from yesterday and was waiting for them when they headed back
this morning.  The only place that I could get under them was far enough away so that I had to use
Bertha "10ga single with 36 inch full with T shot."  At about sixty yards high I picked out a gray one,
got about 8 feet in front of him, and fired.  He crunched beautifully and bounced when he hit the
ground.  Will mount him later today, as with the new place at HardScrabble to set up this year, I
want about six to set at the edge of the tire and rag decoys.  I know most of you wouldn't get up for
just one pass shot, but I just couldn't wait any longer.
One thing about snows leaving a roast is that you can set your clock on the time they will come out
everyday.  And I mean within five minutes.  Now I can't wait till I can get under them low enough to
use my 10ga Ithaca auto and #2 shot "45 yds or less."  The beans in front of the pit are being cut as I
write this, so this afternoon, I will go and start setting tire decoys, "About 700," that will stay till
March when the season is over.  Will put 300 silhouettes with the tires and then use rags at different
locations, when I try to decoy them.  Will be using about 500 tires over at the HardScrabble this
year, Delaware starts again on Nov 25th and hope to be ready so that I can just walk in and hunt
there also.
We are having a really cold few days.  Down in the upper 20's.  Saw a puddle with some ice in it this
morning, but with our duck season starting this Monday, I bet it warms right up.  Seems to be lots of
the pen raised mallards around, so I think duck hunting will be OK.  This cold may even bring some
divers, I haven't had a chance to check.  Damn, my mother-in-law is driving me nuts!  I goto go, will
write tomorrow if I get a chance.  Write if you can.  Larry I hope you and Doug know how much I
enjoy your reports.  Both of your have such different hunting area.  I just think its great to hear about
it.  Busman, did you leave some clothes here?  Wife, says you did.  Guess they can stay till you get a
chance to come back up and try the snows, huh?  --

Date:          Wed, 13 Nov 1996
Hi guys,
Well, I got one gray this morning.  Came out with a family of swans, as they passed at about 150
yds, he turned to give the decoys a look.  As he came in, like a big kite on a string, I waited till he
broke 40 yds and snapped my Ithaca up on him.  He just kept coming.  I of course, would have let
him spear himself on my gun barrel if he wanted.  He swung side to at about 35 yds and started
across the decoys.  I lead him about 2 feet and he rolled out of the air.  Lets see, this time of the year
I reload #4's -- 2 ounces of steel with DuPont #4756 powder to carry at 1375, by the charts.  Its
not uncomfortable and man is it dead.  I use #4's till the duck season is over and then go to #1's.  I
do like the range of choices of reloading for a 10ga.
Guess I should tell you guys where my heart condition has progressed.  Mornings like this, when I go
by myself, I park the truck about 100 yds away from the decoys.  This morning I had to stop twice,
the second time to take some nitro, as the angina was getting real bad.  Some mornings I do a little
better.  I have kept these two leases because of the angina.  The Hurlock pit I can drive right too,
throughout the season and the duck blind at Cabin Creek, I can drive to within 50 yds.  This year I
have shared lease with Paul, for the Hard Scabble greater snow roast, small pond in field and big
field.  I can ride right to both the roast pond and the field pond, sure hope it works out.
Weather this morning was clear as a bell, upper 20's, and FAC "flat ass calm" not a breath of wind.
Lagoon behind the pit had about 800 to 1,000 greater snows in it.  Do the lesser snows all leave the
roast at one time?  The greater's do.  BTW they when out the same route that they took yesterday.
It sounds like a freight train when they all jump in the air at one time.  I will take the camera one
morning and let you hear it.  It was also 1,000's of swans in the lagoon this morning.  Will put the
camera on them if you want me too.  They were all over the few decoys I had out this morning.
None landed.  There's also about 1,000 Canada's left using the lagoon, but they will be run out by
the white stuff.
Wish I felt good enough to set the rest of the decoys in the field, but I think I will just have to wait till
Eddie or Paul can help.  Paul is to call tonight and we will hunt someplace in the morning.  Sure looks
like we might get a little snow tomorrow.

Date:             Thu, 14 Nov 1996
AGRO058@UNLVM.UNL.EDU wrote: >  > Yes definitely include me in the group!  I have a hard
enough time when the Duc > k and Goose season close,  I have very bad withdrawls.  I am showing
up to work >  today until lunchtime, then I am taking off the rest of today and Friday to hu > nt.  We
are expecting freezing rain this afternoon so I didn't want to make the >  4 hour drive in the dark on
slick roads.  Last weekend we moved our blinds out > onto a big sandbar in the middle of the river
and put it up on pallets.  The a > rmy corp of engineers reports they will begin to drop the river this
weekend so >  we would have been high and dry back in our little cattail ringed hole.  Once > the
river drops we will move the blind into position and take it off the pallet > s to lower the profile but
for now I am ensured it will not have current runnin > g through it when I get their in the morning.  I
have had great luck on mallard > s the last two weekends and no reports of any major fronts pushing
new birds in >  this week, but last weekend I saw alot of birds and I didn't shoot 'em all so > I
hoping during the week they have settled down a little.  Where I hunt on the > Missouri river as it
flows between South Dakota and Nebraska most of the birds > we shoot are from Manitoba, North
Dakota, and South Dakota.  We ocassionaly sho > ot a banded bird from Saskatchewan, but I think
most of those birds hit the wes > tern portion of Nebraska and Colorado on the Platte rivers.  I
would like to he > ar about the areas you guys hunt!  I take all of my vacation during duck season > ,
well nearly all, so maybe we could get together for a shoot next year.  Well > off to the grind. >
Regards, Mike

Hi Guys,
Above is our newest recruit.  Everybody say hi to Mike.  Sounds and looks like he will write his
hunts so that we can enjoy them with him.  Mike, I will try to give you a little info on us.  You may
know more about them then I do.
ppeds@shore.intercom.net Donald & Pat Hughes 5627 Indiantown Rd Rhodesdale, Maryland
21659 That's me.  Donald.  Born and raised here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  Grow up in a
beer garden along side Cabin Creek, place called Suicide Bridge.  Went in the Coast Guard, then
sold life insurance and ended up self employed in the seafood business.  Just getting ready to made
some money when I had my first heart attract.  They say I lost the bottom third.  Since, had two
open hearts a couple angioplasty now told them I have had enough and am just going to enjoy duck
hunting as long as I can.
  porcellol@ccgate.eielson.af.mi Leo F. Porcello 3698 Laurance Rd C4 North Pole AK 99705
That's MAGNUM.  He's froze up in Alaska.  In the Air Force.  Needs hunting reports to get him
over the winter.  Maybe he will tell us more about himself?
cypress@pinehurst.net DAVID BUSS  RT 4 BOX 9-L  CAMERON, NC. 28326 This is Busman.
Also in the Air force.  Came up to go sea duck hunting with me and we had a great time.  I took
some video that is making its way around to everyone.
gadwall@ecst.csuchico.edu Seem to have lost his snail.  This is Duckslayer.  Scott is a college
student.  Think I can say it all by just giving you his home page.  I am going to kill him a black duck.
He may be pussy whipped and drink a little to much, I'm not sure.
http://www.ecst.csuchico.edu/%7Emarisha/hunt.html
sandie40@netusa1.net Lost all my damn info and he's got a good home page too.  Maybe when he
reads this he will write SOMETHING.
lar@rouge.net Larry Reynolds 8021 Starwood Court Baton Rouge, LA 70820 Larry's our game
biologist.  I envy his education so much.  I love to split hairs with him, course I can't hold a candle to
his knowledge.  He writes a great hunt.  He was one the first guys that I started writing to when I got
this machine about nine months ago and learned to turn it on.  I somehow feel close to him and hope
we can go hunting next year.  I even have an invite.  Now if I can just stay alive.  O. Well.
cdoherty@orc.ca Chris Doherty He's from Onteriao, Canada.  They already had their Thanksgiving
Day.  He was killing some ducks then but seems to have forgotten us now.  Hi, Chris, write.
goose@bright.net Ron Septer 4576 Seibert Hill Rd. SW New Phila., Oh   44663 Phone #
330-339-1186 Ron got his turkey earlier this fall.  Sure was a good report.  Hope there are more
reports to follow?
dmeharry@internetco.servco.com >From the Edge of Montana.  Doug writes a great hunt.
Taxidermist.  I hope to help get him some greater snows.
Gee, Mike this turned into quite a letter.  But I guess it at least tells you a little about everyone.  I
went to my pit this morning with Paul to see if we could get a snow to decoy.  No way.  Still less
than a thousand staying at the lagoon.  Had lots and lots of turnda swans buss the decoys.  Watched
where the snows crossed to go out and will try to get under them in the morning.  Pat and I will be
going to a country music concert tomorrow night in Denver, Pa.  Going to see Neil McCoy.  He's
been good on the other times that we have seen him.  It is mostly a chance for my wife and I to get
away from the mother-in-law that lives with us.  Boy can she get on your nerves.  Anybody want
her, she does dishes?  Donald --

Date: Sat, 16 Nov 1996
Hi,
Well, the wife and I made it back from Pa.  Saw a great show "Neal McCoy."  Think the wife
needed the break more than I did.  Was nice to have some time with just her.
Lets see, Thursday morning, I tried to get under those snows when they came out.  They were about
a quarter mile across when they came out but still about 150 yds east of me.  Lots of swans.  Saw
one hit the power lines, that I really felt sorry for, it was a young bird and when he hit he somehow
skinned his neck.  At first I thought that he had killed himself, but after a bit he was up walking and
then finally flew back to the refuge.  He really looked bad as the skin had torn just an inch or so from
his head and it left about a foot of neck exposed.  Sad to think of how he will die.  I have seen
several others hit the wires, but this was the saddest.
Paul had gone to the pit and when I when out he told me about a young goose that came out with
swans, right over his head, but he was scared to shot.
Monday is the first day of ducks again, so I will set out decoys tomorrow.  Also want to take time to
set out the snow goose silly-wets.  That will make about 700 hundred out and they will stay till
March.
Well, I am going to fix single fried oysters and soft crabs for tomorrow's lunch, just in case anyone
wants to come.  Will write what happens Monday.  email::::ppeds@shore.intercom.net snail::::Donald
& Pat Hughes

Date:Mon, 18 Nov 1996
Hi,
Monday, first day of Maryland duck season, found me at the Cabin Creek lease at 0615 with Paul
and Bobby.  Just at shooting time there where four woodys that came across the decoys.  It was just
still to dark to shoot because of the trees.  They pitched on my end of the blind, about 40 yds down
creek.  I told the boys that I could see at least one clear enough to shoot at and to be ready if they
went out into the light.  I shot at what I knew was one and they went out next to the trees.  Tide was
coming in and there were two on the water as they came across the front of the blind.  Next were
three more woodys and we dropped one.  Then we had three divers of some kind and we all shot
but no one caught up with them.
Saw no mallards till about 0715 when a single came up and listened to the call.  He made a wide
circle and came in from about 100 yds up.  I just stayed on the call till he was over the decoys at
about 30 yds and they cut him out, took 'em four shots.  Paul paddled out to get him and had just got
back with the boat, when four mallards came up and make a circle and fell right in.  Bobby and I
shot, but only one fell.  Man that was the one shot that I wished I had brought my auto instead of
Bertha.  That was it for the morning.  Three woodys and two mallards, all drakes.
Evening hunt was Paul and I.  We saw only two woodys, that we put down when they came across
the decoys.  One got ashore before Paul could get to him and we lost him.  Didn't see many ducks,
but it was a great first day.  I will mount the two mallards tomorrow as decoys for Hard Scabble
setup.
Had the two snows with fried tatters and onions for supper.  Hope we can have as good a day
tomorrow.  Not much shooting anywhere that we could hear today.  The snows, for the first time this
year, spent the afternoon at the refuge instead of out in the fields.  This may lead to a good hunt by
the end of the week.  Weather is supposed to be nice all week.  Thritys at night sixes during the day.
Will try to check in tomorow.
Hi Russell,
Well, lets see, first if you want, I will put you on a duck hunters email list that we got started.  I think
you will know most of the guys.  I feel kind of funny putting my hunts for the world to read as I have
a habit of somehow breaking the law without even knowing it and I would hate to lose my hunter
rights, as I am now retired and living just to hunt every day.  I will attach yesterdays hunting report,
within if you look close I broke the law without even thinking about it till it was to late "SHIT
HAPPENS."  By the way, I am not an outlaw and do try very hard not to break the law.
As far as a hunt over Christmas.  I would like very much taking you hunting, of course I may not
have the best hunt that you could buy, but it wouldn't cost a cent and my places are pretty good.  I
have a place next to a refuge that should whole some snows and maybe produce a couple shots at
ducks, around Christmas time.  You are more than welcome.  Just tell me when you are coming.

Date:          Tue, 19 Nov 1996
Hi,
Well, 0615 found the three of us Paul, Bobby and I, at the Cabin Creek lease.  Fog and FAC 'flat
ass calm.'  We had one diver of some kind buss the decoys and we all shot wanting to catch up with
him but didn't.  Left at nine o'clock having seen the one duck.  On the way home we stopped at the
pit by the refuge and there was a young snow standing in the decoys.  Paul got out and walked within
thirty yards of him but all three shots did not put him down.  When he jumped he put 10 yards in real
fast, before Paul shot, and the fours just didn't have what it took.
There was big doings going on over to Easton.  Its called the Waterfowl Festival.
http://www.stardem.com/waterfowl/
Fixed venison meat loaf and baked sweet tatters of supper, sorry you missed it.  Will try the ducks
again tomorrow.  The weather is to be pretty, but clear so that they can at least see the decoys.  Will
try to write.
Donald

Date:          Wed, 20 Nov 1996
Hi,
Well, another morning at Cabin Creek.  By myself.  Saw only three ducks, mallards that made one
circle and came over the decoys.  I got one nice drake, might have had a chance at all if I had my
auto, but I think I'll stay with the single.  Passed on this evenings hunt in order to check some places
that the deer use and to pick out a good place to bait them for the rifle season coming up Nov 30.
Saw two big bucks, think they are beginning to rut.  Saw a doe that has a lot of white with brown
patches on it rear "beautiful."  Did a little to much walking and am sore.
Stopped at the refuge on the way back from duck hunting this morning and it's got lots of Spoonies,
Rudy's and a few Mallards.  Weather is calm and warm so they just set there.  Snows, about 800
hundred are now coming back to the refuge in the afternoon.  Noticed them going to a local field
about three o'clock.  Hope I see a good hunt coming.
Fixed oyster stew for supper.  Although I catch them myself, when I realize that I put about 18
bucks worth of oysters in, I can't think about it or I couldn't enjoy it.  Glad they don't cost anything
to catch except time and I have lots of that.
Will try Cabin Creek again in the morning.  Then the wife and I will be going to Valley Forge, Pa to
see a country show.  Terry Clark and Mark Chestnut.  Terry's my kind of women.  Still young
enough to enjoy her wiggle.  Will write when I get back.

Date:          Sun, 24 Nov 1996
Hi,
Well, Saturday morning found me with Eddie at Cabin Creek waiting of dawn.  FAC but at lease
overcast and we had the Grand National Hunt going on so we had hopes.  Just as we could see we
had a single bufflehead come to the decoys, Eddie got him.  Then we had about 10 or 12 mallards
began to work the decoys.  On the fourth past they were about 40 yards and I told Eddie that I
didn't think they were coming back.  We each shot and killed two, both hens when we both tried to
pick out drakes.  Some laws, like 30 minutes before sunrise, on an overcast day, sure can get you in
trouble.
The single and one flock was it for the day, but it was an OK morning.  Three o'clock found us at the
Hurlock Refuge pit.  Snows were back in setting on the far side.  We had a single come back from
the fields and he set up at about 150 yards up and just kept coming.  At forty I put the gun up and
just waited for Eddie.  He folded him at about 30 yards.  The first adult of the year, but with a couple
gray feathers in his wing, which we have found means he is only one year old and still tender.
Next was another single that came from an angle that twisted us and we missed him.  At lease that's
the excuse that we used.  Then the works, about 800 were up and coming at us.  When they got
overhead at about 50 yds, we knew that it was are last chance and shot.  I shot one young bird two
times.  The first rocked him and the second folded him for a moment.  He caught himself and made it
about 60 yds into the refuge pond.  We could see that he was dead, but we had left the dog at
Eddie's cause we were going to be working on blinds.  We left and when to Eddie's, about 15 miles,
and got the dog came back and what a retrieve, about 200 yds out in the pond.  We couldn't see the
goose, but had and idea where he would be and just kept the dog going out till we noticed him see
or smell the goose and head in a straight line for something.  He came back with a very large young
greater snow, beautiful bird.
http://skipjack.net/le_shore/dorchest/events.html Tells you a little about the Grand National Hunt.  Its
a big thing Dorchester County.
Today, Sunday Eddie and I when and got brush.  Then went to Hard Scrabble and with Paul made
and put up a blind that we can use at the Hard Scabble snow goose roast.  Paul and I am going to
try the Big Choptank River pole license in the morning to see if we can kill some drivers.  I hope to
be able to kill some canvasbacks there after December 23 when the season opens for them, it's been
many years since I have killed any cans.  Will let you know what we do. Donald

Date:          Tue, 26 Nov 1996
Hi,
Well, Monday I had one of those days when I didn't bust cap, but had a great day anyway.  Paul
and I went to my Choptank River license pole.  Open River hunting, where I hope to kill a
Canvasback December 23 went it opens.  We never even saw a driver.  We worked one decoys
for Hard Scabble.  Then sat and watch Greater snows fly around the Hurlock refuge till the sun went
down.  Great day.
This morning found me at Cabin Creek where four woodys flew over the decoys and as they went
out they bunched up and I cut two out with Bertha.  They where the only ducks I saw.  It was a
thunder storm at daybreak and I think it was a first for me.  I mean duck hunting in a thunder storm.
Wind has shifted around to the North west and blowing 15 to 25.  It's supposed to blow all night
and into the morning, so I will be at Cabin Creek in the morning with Paul. --  Donald

Date:          Thu, 28 Nov 1996
Hi &  Happy Thanksgiving,
Yesterday I didn't write cause I had another day without busting a cap at Cabin Creek duck blind.
This morning found me at Hurlock where I got under the Snows when they came out of the lagoon.
Had Bertha, first shot was at about 50 yds and the goose folded.  Loaded and the second was about
65 yds.  The young goose folded but caught himself and sailed about 300 yds out into the field, dead
when it hit the ground.  Of course that was it, but I had two beautiful Greater Snows both gray ones.
It's close to two thousand roasting at Hurlock now.  Really wish I could decoy some of the birds in,
but if past shooting is all I have, so be it.
BTW I find that T's pattern wonderfully with Bertha's 36 inch full choke.  Fours not so good, but T's
great.  I do away with the filler felt wad that I use in the cup and have to fill them by hand cause they
wouldn't go down the tube on the reloader.  Even without the filler wad and filling the cup, the shot
weight is still not the full two ounces, but the 4756 is OK the way it is.  Fours being more dense
come close to two ounces.
A little later in the year they will come out low enough to use my auto, but for right now I have to use
Bertha to be sure that the pattern is tight enough to get a clean kill.  BTW if you have bushel basket
tops and take them out to 50 and 60 yds an shoot ten or so it will give you a real good idea what
your pattern is and you can still use the tops.  That was just in case you know any commercial
waterman and the tops would be available.
Very glad to be getting some of you guys hunting reports.  As you see my hunting is really not that
great right now and even if it was I would enjoy your reports.  They sure make me wish I was rich
and could come hunt with you.  Going to try Cabin Creek in the morning, cause it is going to freeze
the marsh tonight and that might make some come to the head of the creek where the water is open.
Course it's supposed to warm right back up this weekend.  GOOD HUNTING DONALD

Date:          Fri, 29 Nov 1996
Hi Guys,
Little better today.  This morning at the Cabin Creek blind there were five for us.  We had two pair
decoy in and killed three.  Two mallard drakes and one mallard hen.  Got the 100 decoys up and
behind the house save from the Baltimore'orns that will go deer hunting.  This afternoon it was
beautiful weather and I could fine no one that would go sit at the refuge with me so I went by myself.
Warm enough so all I had on was my bedroom slippers and a warm pullover.  I tried to tell them that
the Snows would come back early from the fields cause it was so pretty, by no one would listen.
I got to the Hurlock pit at 2:30 p.m.  Had been there about 15 minutes and three Lesser Snows
came out of the refuge about 40 yds high and set up to the decoys.  They sailed in and got within 25
yds right over the decoys.  As they started back for the refuge I took the only young bird and let
mom & dad go.  About half hour later four Greater Snows came out and did about the same thing,
only difference was they were on the outside edge of the decoys and maybe 20 yds high.  As they
started back I took one of the young birds, went and got the truck and came home.  Wonderful hunt.
Its now about two thousand Greater Snows staying at the refuge and the next couple weeks is when
they show up in great numbers.  The only trouble with it is that the season closes for the deer hunting
season for two weeks.  It was always open after the first day of deer hunting in the past, but two
years ago the powers changed that and now it stays closed.  I miss the best two weeks for my area
because of it.  They will more than likely eat my field out during the deer season and the folks at the
refuge will be shooting at them to scare them away by the time it reopens.  O well, I will still kill some
after the deer season.
In the morning I will go to Hard Scrabble and finish setting the roast blind up over there.  I can only
hope that the Snows start using the roast.  I will hunt waterfowl over there in the mornings and deer
over here in the evenings.  An't life hell!

Date:          Sat, 30 Nov 1996
Hi Guys,
Well, like I said we sat up Hard Scrabble roast today.  We had one mallard drake that made a pass
high over the decoys that we were setting, then to the roast pond.  Paul started calling him and I
when for Bertha.  He came back at about 40 yds and Paul started yelling get him.  He folded
beautifully and hit the ground with a bump.  He was the only duck we saw.  We got the decoys set,
about 200 half tires painted white, and sat to see if any Snows were around.  We saw two or three
hundred Snows that flew over high, but of course there are none roasting at this roast yet and they
didn't pay any attention to us.  About ten minutes later, around nine AM we heard the tell-tail sound
of a single looking for company.  It was a single Greater Snow and he came right to us.  At about 30
yds Paul shot and he wobbled, then folded when Bertha barked.  He had a neck collar and leg
band.  I have emailed the info in and will tell you about him when they send me a report.
After moving decoys this morning I just didn't fell good enough to go deer hunting this evening.  I will
try the Hard Scrabble blind Monday morning.  Its supposed to blow, after raining Sunday, so it
might be a good morning.  Hard Scrabble is about a half hour ride for me, whereas the Hurlock pit is
less then ten minutes and Cabin Creek is less then fifteen.
Wife and I will be going to another county music concert Monday night so I will not get a chance to
write till we get back Tuesday.  Will tell you what I do then.  Took venison burger out tonight and
put in chopped onions and garlic salt and fixed them on the grill on the back porch.  You should have
been there, with a slice of cheese on top they were great.  Man I feel rough, but I always do before a
rain so maybe it will be better afterwards.  Hope so, I'm not ready to check out yet.  Is there no-one
else hunting?  Donald

Date:          Fri, 06 Dec 1996
Hi Guys,
Last two days have produced nothing.  That's a lie, I did kill a crow.  Saw the sun rise and set both
days and that was beautiful.  The most fun was riding around on a John Deer Gator that Paul's friend
loaned him.  We will use it again tomorrow to finish up the second blind over to Hard Scrabble.  This
blind will be set up for a hard northwest wind.  The Gator will make it an easy job for the three of
use Paul, Eddie and I.
Had venison sausage in spaghetti for supper.  Wife wanted about 20 pd. of it make up out of that
last deer.  Ended up with 24 pd. that I took to the local butcher and he, I now know, makes good
venison sausage.
Had to run the Snows out of the field at Hurlock this afternoon, but I don't think I will be able to
keep them from eating everything up before the season opens in Maryland again.  It happen last year
also.  Close to 5000 using the lagoon now as a roast.  Course that's just my guess, but I think I am
close with the numbers.  They have run almost all of the Canada's out.  Should be a few good hunts
when they reopen the season on the sixteen, as soon as this deer stuff is over.  Course it will all rest
on how often and now hard they try to scare them out of the lagoon refuge, with the smoke bomb
shot shells.  Hate to see them do it, but nothing I can do about it.
LARRY -- Sure am glad to hear that other folks have days like the kind in your last email.  Sorry,
but I just had to laugh.  Thanks again for the email.  I am sure all enjoyed.
GOOSE -- That neck band was yellow, but I don't know if it means anything.  That lab that breaks
when they circle might be broke with one of those, screw in the ground stubs, and tied tight to it?
JIM -- Sorry I just can't go on that trip.  I am hoping to kill a few around here and that will have to
do.  But I will be there vicariously, when you write about it.
Will write tomorrow. Donald

Date:          Sun, 08 Dec 1996
Hi Guys,
Well, Saturday we killed as many as we did all week.  None.  We did go ahead and sky bust some
crows that flew over.  Eddie even killed one with some T shot that he tried.  We did finish up with
the other blind for a northwest wind, so I think we now have everything set for the season.  Intend to
work on some decoys "rags" this week.
Doug, I did make a really good shoot when I was the only one standing next to a gun and some
doves flew by.  Eddie and Paul was shouting, try them, and I cut two out when they crossed.
Shooting doves with a 10 GA -- you know we were bored.  Then I asked if the season was open in
Delaware.  They said yes, but when I pulled out my wallet and checked, it was not.  They through it
was funny but I just felt sick as I stepped on them and pushed them into the mud in a ditch.
Sure hope some of you hunt this week, cause it looks like it will not be much here.  Write if you can.
Good hunting.  Donald

Date:          Mon, 09 Dec 1996
Hi,
Well, today I hunted with the camera.  Nothing at Hard Scrabble anyway, so the wife and I when
from refuge to refuge with the camera.  Can't wait to get the pictures back.  I think I got some that
were really good.  My wife got a big kick out of taking pictures of a red fox that was mousing.  He
put on quite a show for her, but I don't think she ever got him with a mouse in his mouth.  He was
apparently hunger and ate them fast.
We when to both Prime Hook and Bombay hook National Refuges.  Snow goose hunting was open
on Bombay Hook, but I saw know hunters.  The Snows seemed to be rafted up on the Delaware
Bay, just off shore.  They just don't seem to have to eat much when the weather is warm.
Hey guys, is the sea duck video still making its rounds?  Anyone got one they can get started?  I will
try to make one of the Greater Snows when it gets cold and drives them inland.  Intend to take the
video camera on a Brent hunt also, cause most of you probably never been Brent hunting either.
Keep the email coming.  That vicarious hunting is almost as good as being there.  Donald  --

Subject:          pictures on net
Date:          Thu, 12 Dec 1996
To:          gadwall@ecst.csuchico.edu
Hi Scott,
Might be nice to have a little about each of us under our pictures, so here goes.
Donald Hughes ppeds@shore.intercom.net
I have been completely crazy about hunting ducks since I was old enough to go.  As a kid in the 40's
& 50's my dad would give me two shells for an old single shot 20 GA shotgun and tell me to go get
supper.  I most always could.  Wild duck being my choice if possibly.  I have never lost the feeling
that I got when Mom and Dads face would light up at what I had gotten for supper.  I'm glad they
made a big thing of it. I have done many things in my lifetime.  --Coast Guard after school, ten years.
--Then college, on GI bill, thought I would teach, but just was not cost effective, had 3 kids all girls,
hell even the cat was female.  --Sold Insurance for Met Life for about five years.  --Then found I
could make good money as a waterman harvesting seafood, bought a boat and when to work for
myself. --Found that buying and selling could make me more money, so I started a seafood business
"Taylor's Island Seafood", oysters and crabs. --From about age 20 to 40 I was 6 foot and 210 lb.,
smart enough and strong enough to do most anything I wanted, then I fell over with a heart attack
and lost the bottom third, boy does that ever slow you down. --Went too taking waterfowl hunting
parties after having open heart, Dr. said I shouldn't, but I was not dead yet. --Now I have had two
open hearts and three angina pasties, HAD ENOUGH, just want to hunt and fish till I die, hope I die
in a duck blind, no hurry
Well, that gives you and idea of where I am coming from.  Know where I am going, love God and
know he loves me, but I will not preach to you.  Hope this helps you understand my email and posts
a little better.  I think Scott should post a picture of us as young men, cause I sure turned in to and
ugly old man.  Guess I have told you more then you want to know. Donald

Subject:             Re: video
Date:             Thu, 12 Dec 1996 10:13:22 -0500
 
Porcellol wrote: >  >      HI Don, >  >         MAGNUM here in Alaska.  I have not gotten your
video.  I was under >      the impression Doug in Montana was sending it to Goose and then I was
>      getting it.  Maybe I was passed up.  I would sure love to see it.  I >      leave in 3 weeks for
Italy.  I will be there for at least 60 days and >      possibly 90.  I don't think there is any hunting over
there, but the       girls are HOT.  Don't tell my girlfriend I said that.  Be sure to       start getting
those greater snows.  Do they really taste different       than Canadians?  Why?  Well, I have not
been out hunting for a while.       Been playing war.  Will end this week.  Hope to get out on Sat or
Sun.       Good luck to you.  Wish I was there eating some of that Venison with       ya.
MAGNUM Hi Goose,
Looks like Magnum will be gone for a couple months, so if you still have the tape mail it to Scott
415 maple St.       apt c       Chico, Ca 95926 Did you send Scott a picture so I can have a face to
go with the email.  BTW thanks for the email.  I think we should send a little note about ourselves to
go with the picture, so that we can have an idea for what the others are doing with thier life.  What
do you think?  Donald

Date:          Fri, 13 Dec 1996
Hi,
Well, I finally got one.  Wasn't going today, but Paul called last night at about 1130 PM and said he
could hear them in the roast at Hard Scrabble, so.  0630 AM found me about 50 yds north of the
roast, and 50 yds east of the blind and decoys.  Wind was from the East, but that borders the road
and Paul said they never go out over the road, so I was in the right place.  Fog and mist set in and it
was one of the few mornings that they did not come out at sunrise.  0815 AM suddenly they all
jumped in the air, safety when off, head when down.  They when over the road.
I had just verbalized my favorite word "shit," when one that didn't want to leave with the rest came
back at about 100 yds high and I watched as he went into the decoys "favorite word again."  Then I
noticed that he had pitched so that he was in line with the blind.  I kept the blind between us and got
just within 50 yds before he jumped.  He put another 5 yds before I could shoot, but I lucked out
and broke a wing.  Closed about 20 yds and shot again, which killed him.  My 25 inch barrel doesn't
hole a real tight pattern, but it was good at the 45 yds were he was at.  He is an old bird and seems
to be in good shape, so I don't know why he didn't want to go with the flock.  He will pot down.  He
is the only waterfowl in the house.
Spend the rest of the day making up Texas rags.  Finished up another 100.  Takes time HUH.  No
plans for tomorrow.  Had to leave for a while today and just ride around.  The old lady that lives
here "mother-in-law" was driving me nuts.  I sure never believed that I would have to leave my own
house just to get a little peace and quite.  I could go on forever but I will not.  Believe me if you are
not forced to let you old folk move in with you DON'T.  Donald.

Date:          Sat, 14 Dec 1996
Hi,
Rained here all day, better then 3 inches.  I don't do rain, so no hunting for me today.  Finally finished
up with the Texas rags.  Tomorrow I will set 100 duck decoys for our long season, till Jan 18.  Glad
to have a place, Cabin Creek, that I can just set them out and leave them.  Looking for a great
season.
Remember that Greater Snow I shot, the first of the month, that had a collar and band.  Well, I got a
return today saying that it was banded for such a short time that they "Bird Banding Laboratory" had
not received the banding info yet.  This makes me pretty sure that it was banded at arrival on the
East coast.  More them likely Bombay Hook Refuge, but of course I am not sure.  Will tell you when
I get the word.
Well, we got a new kitten today.  Its mostly for granny, but the wife will enjoy also.  Life is funny, all
my life everything in the house has been female.  Now we get a MALE cat.  Guess what they are
already talking about doing!  That's right everything male gets its nuts cut!  You sure we live in a
males world?  Write when you can.  Donald

Date:          Mon, 16 Dec 1996
Hi,
Well, last night, in anticipation my open day duck hunting the ducks where thick in the bedroom.
Good thing.  0630 AM found me at Cabin Creek blind.  Daybreak seemed to never come, as it was
so foggy that I could only see about 60 yds.  0715 I saw the only mallard for just a second as he
squirted by.  I cradled my auto and had just through to myself "let them try that again" when two teal
with fire coming out of the asses made me eat my thoughts.  I did get off a shot by I knew I had shot
behind them when I pulled the trigger.  Stayed another half hour, but no more ducks and no fog
lifting, so I headed for Hurlock to see what the Snows were doing.
Found the Snows only about five miles from the roast, so I went back and set 150 rags to go with
the tire decoys.  By now a cold drizzle had set in and I knew from experience that the snows would
stay in the field if things didn't change.  So home for some venison chops.  Weather stayed the same.
I did go for another ride to prove to myself that they had stayed in the same field, course they did.
Maybe in the morning.  Some first day, huh.  Things still look really good for when the weather
changes.  At least maybe tonight I will be able to sleep.  Will write tomorrow.  Donald

Date:          Tue, 17 Dec 1996
 
Well, daybreak found me at Hurlock Refuge, wind east light, dizzying and 45 degrees.  Watched for
a while and then decided that they might come out couple hundred yds north of the pit.  I fine that
without sunshine on my snow goose decoys I have very few decoy.  So down the edge I went, just
me and Bertha.  Had just settled in when I heard the roar of wings.  They spread out almost all the
way on the North side and enough on the West so that I had plenty over my head.  Picked out a
young one that was far enough out over the field and folded him nicely.  They were low enough,
about 35 yds, that I could have used my auto.  Reloaded in a hurry and had the last of them just
going over, so I quickly got on one and downed him, an old bird that angled off and hit the ground
about 120 yds out in the field.
Noticed a cripple going into the decoys, end of his wing clipped, but decided to leave him along
cause he was more then likely just bones anyway.  When to the truck and then retrieved birds, both
in great shape.  Well, I know enough to know that it was no sense in staying in the rain, cause the
birds would not be flying, they just go to a field and stay for the day.  Rode out to fine them in two
different fields about three miles apart.  Will check them later, but it is not supposed to clear off so I
expect them to stay put till just before dark.  Will write tomorrow.  Donald   --

Subject:             Re: Nice Video
Date:             Tue, 17 Dec 1996
From:             Donald and Pat <ppeds@shore.intercom.net>
 Porcellol wrote: >  >
 
Hi Don, >  >       I have not heard you talk of going after them lately.  Are they still around? Yea, but
its cold out there now and the ones that decoy the best have gone South or all been shot at.
>       I wish I knew ya when I was stationed in Georgia. Me two.
>       I noticed when the boat was at the dock it was not camoflauged.  Do you put a           cover
on it, or do the birds just not care?  When they first come off the nesting grounds they have not been
shot at and simply decoy.  Once they have been shot at its gets different quick.          Jim added
some nice pictures and Doug added some >      more footage of mounted birds and Montana.  I will
add about 9 >      pictures and send it to Larry. Thanks        I have not decided if I want to add >
some footage or send my own tape so everyone gets to see it.  I will >      probably make my own
and send it to you first. Sounds good to me.
       Well try putting your >      mother in law in the closet...locked.  My parents drive me up the wall
>      and they are 5000 miles away.  Could not imagine having them live with >      me again.  Hope
I did not just set myself up. hehehe Love her, but just got to get away sometimes.
       Well hope your >      hunting improves.  Sorry I did not make it for the Venison Stew. >
Maybe next time.   MAGNUM Having roast snow goose tonight.  Hop one of those fast jets and I
will see you for supper.  If not we will think of you anyway.  Be careful on the other side of the big
pond!  Donald

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date:          Thu, 19 Dec 1996
Hi Guys,
Well, yesterday was a blank.  Tried to get under the snows when they came out, but missed them by
about 75s yds.  This morning I tried the duck blind cause it was raining and there is a roof.  Bobby
joined buy nothing flew at daybreak.  It stopped raining about 0730 and we had a pair of woodys
circle and come across the decoys, I missed mine Bobby got his.  It was a drake and had the band
to prove that it was hatched in an incubator, which I figure is why it was still here.  Few minuets later
we had a pair of Hooded Mergansers and I tried the drake, but missed.  I think I was cold or
something.  Anyway it rained the rest of the day and I wrapped up and took a nap.
Supposed to get cold tonight and blow 30 miles and hour tomorrow, so maybe things will pick up.
Right now, with all the puddles, they can set anywhere, and we don't kill many till the marsh freezes.
Well, I am going to shuck some oysters and make myself some oyster fitters.  Shall I make enough
for you?  Will try to write tomorrow.  I am glad to be hearing some of you guys are beginning to kill
some.  Donald

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date:          Fri, 20 Dec 1996
Hi Guys,
Well, for the first time in a long while the Sun came up shining this morning with a good wind out of
the Northwest.  0630 found me at Cabin Creek blind.  Eddie's kids and a friend showed up just in
time for the first pair of mallards.  All unloaded, ducks flew away.  The next were a pair of teal.
Same thing happen, guns unloaded, ducks flew away.  Then a pair of Wigeon, guns were unloaded
and with the last shot there were two on the water.  Tufty "retriever" acutely barked out in front of
the blind, he was so excited to see something fall.  Somehow he is always standing out in front of the
blind looking after that first shot is fired, no-one ever realizes now he gets there without touching
anyone. That was it for the morning, left about 0830 and went to Hurlock to check the snows.  They
had gone to four different fields and with the cold northwest wind I decided not to stay and see if any
flew.  Went this evening for the last half hour, but had nothing come to me.  Was a few new birds
that seemed to be showing up to roast.  Watched two swans out of one flock run into the electric
wires, killing both.  I have one old swan sitting in the decoys that is crippled and will probably be
dead in the morning.  I felt sorry for him that he will freeze to death tonight, but there was no way I
was going to touch him, wish I could have put him out of his misery, but I can't stand the fine.  Think
I will try Hurlock in the morning, as the boys want to go to the duck blind.  Its to be cold tonight, so
I think we will do OK.  Course as you can see we don't have to kill many for it to be "OK."  BTW
32 shots this morning for those two Wigeon.  You guys ever count shots?  Donald
Doug -- thanks for story. Jim  -- send a pic of dogs. Goose-- anything today? Mike -- stay warm
Magmun- oyster fitters tonight? Scott - thanks for new pic site. --  Donald

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date:          Sat, 21 Dec 1996
Hi,
Well, 0645, daybreak found me at Hurlock pit with Paul.  Temps in the 20's no wind, no clouds.
0710 Was the roar of wings.  One edge came over us at about 35 yds high.  I got two, missed with
third shot cause of being twisted around.  Paul had Eddies Browning pump 10, that he had
borrowed to try.  He got one and then forgot to pump and then it was to late.  One old bird and two
young, all in real good shape.  Most of the swans have gone some place else.  0730, just as we were
geting ready to leave a mallard drake circled the field and we catch him with calls.  He banked and
came looking.  Paul murdered him as he came over the decoys at about 30 yds.  Stayed till 0800
and rode down the Cabin Creek to see if Eddy and the boys had done anything.  They hadn't gotton
a shot.  Eddy and the boys when back this afternoon, but still nothing.
I will put my boat with Can decoys overboard at Snug Harbor, mouth of Cabin Creek, in the
morning.  Our Can season starts Monday morning.  I willn't go by myself and I don't think anyone
else can go Monday, so it looks like I will not get a chance to go till Tuesday.  Of course I will hunt
someway Monday morning.
My youngest sister was shipped to John Hopkins Hospital tonight with staft infection, so any of you
that believe in pray, say one for her.  Wife is working tonight and I miss her.  Hope you are all well.
Keep the email coming, if you can.  Doanld

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date:          Mon, 23 Dec 1996
Hi,
Well, Monday daybreak found me at Cabin Creek waiting for a duck.  Saw lots of mallards and a
few blacks, but only one single Wigeon that wanted to come to us.  Bobby was there with me and he
murdered him as he stuck his feet out over the decoys.  Beautiful drake.  That was it, home by 0800
AM, weather was beautiful.  Temp's in the 50's and FAC plus not a cloud in the sky.
Paul had called last night to tell me that the snows were roasting at Hard Scrabble, but I had two
bushels of oysters to shuck, plus last minute Christmas shopping and decided on the ducks.  Took
me a while this afternoon to finish the oysters, but now my landlords and friends have oysters for
Christmas.
Eddy and Paul have tomorrow off.  We are going to try the Cans at the Big Choptank River stake.
Can't wait.  Temp's supposed to be in the 60's, but I have seen lots of Cans sitting around the docks,
so if they will fly at all we have a chance.  Boat is loaded with about 75 Can decoys that haven't
been set out for a long time.  Just to see them set out will be nice.  Cans on the Big Choptank River
is what I grew up on.  Will let you know now it goes.  Donald.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date:          Fri, 27 Dec 1996
Hi,
Well, guess who got the flue for Christmas.  Christmas morning Eddie and I when to Cabin Creek
blind for daybreak.  Nothing till it was good and light, then a pair of mallards and on the third pass
instead of saying take them we both say how pretty they were with the first sunlight shining on there
wings.  They made a four short circle and landed in the whole out front left just for them.  They
immediately new they had screwed up at jumped, Eddie and I shot position and it sounded like just
one shot and both fell.  Tufty tried to get both in his mouth at once, but lost one on the way in and
had to go back.  It make the morning.
I left the blind thinking that I was coming down with something.  My wife had a child that was
admitted with "rule out sepsis" that, after she had cuddled and loved was then dx. with the flu, which
she still has.  I had my flu shot, cause of heart, and think I am getting over it already.  It did cost me
the last two days of hunting, by if I feel as good in the morning I am going to try to go.
My sister is getting better all the time and says she should get out of the hospital in a couple days.
Granny didn't get the flu, in fact she's in better health then any of us.  She will out live all of us.  That
is what she is living for.  What I mean is that all she does, is to stay alive, it's what she lives for.  Do
wish she would stop complaining and bellyacking, but she will not do anything or eat anything that
she wants, cause its not good for her.  Guess I could live a lot longer if I was like that. Will try to
write tomorrow.  Donald

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date:          Tue, 31 Dec 1996
Hi,
Well, Paul called this morning and canceled so I ended up at Cabin Creek by myself.  Daybreak
brought several small flocks flying up the creek and I finally caught a group of three's attention with
the call.  On the third circle they made a past overhead at about 40 yds and I took what looked to
be the biggest drake.  Bertha barked, he folded.  Wind was against the tide, so he just stayed in one
spot.  Next was a flock of about twenty mallards, with a pair of blacks that want to lead.  They
circled four times, but then just kept going.  On two circles they broke 50 yds, but that was it.
Next were four mallards, on the second circle they were about 35 yds and I picked out a drake.
About tens minutes I noticed a small diver flying just above the water coming up the creek.  I had
plenty of time and lead him out 4 to 5 feet.  He was just outside the decoys at 45 yds.  I splashed
water all over his ass, so I guess I better not try to answer Larry's question on now far you got to
lead one of the little buggers.  It was a drake ring-neck, "fresh water blackhead."
Little after eight, about ten mallards circled and were listening to the call.  They made me wish I had
my auto cause there were about five with thier feet out back paddling when I shot a nice drake.
With the wind against the tide all the ducks blew across the creek and were easy to retrieve.  Left at
nine.  Nice morning or what?  I just picked them and they were all in great shape.  A hand full of fat
under the belly.  The feathers finished off another pillow.  I will have to get my wife to pick up
another zip pillow case.  Just in case you guys don't save them, they make wonderful gifts for all
those people that have everything.
Wife's at work for the first time since the flu.  Granny's in a bad mood, so I hope she is to bed early.
Last night was great, she took us out to Red Lobster and I ate to much, but tonight?  Well, Paul is
supposed to come again in the morning, so I will let you know what we do.  Donald

Date:          Wed, 01 Jan 1997

Hi Guys,
Well, Paul showed and we when to Hurlock to listen so that we could figure out where the snows
were sitting and were they might come out.  After a few minutes we headed for Cabin Creek to try
the ducks.  Wind was ENE at ten and would have put the snows out where we couldn't get under
them.  Ducks were all high and not paying any attention to us till it was good and light.  Had a flock
of blacks, about six, circle three times, but just wouldn't commit.  Told Paul that yesterday was the
first time that I had seen any amount of blacks.  Sure seems funny that they don't come to our spot till
sometime in January, but it seems to prove true each year.  I wasn't sure about this year with it being
warm and all, but it looks like they will do the same.
Anyway, the next were four blacks and after seven circles they stuck there feet out over the decoys.
We each killed one.  Paul mentioned how hard it was not to shoot another as they flared up over us.
I just had to go retrieve them immediately.  We had both killed drakes, not really big birds, but
beautiful.
Had two different flocks of mallards circle, but not come.  One flock of ring-neck, about seven, plus
a pair of Wigeon, but nothing would come in.  About eight we had a pair of blacks circle nine times
and then finally land in the middle of the decoys.  The moment they hit the water there eyes got big as
plates and the jumped with the hen quacking a warning.  They were wonderful in the sunlight.  Made
for a good start for 97. I let Paul take both blacks and it just now hits me that I should have tagged
mine in case he was stopped with them.  I will not forget again.
Ate to much watching the parades with the wife and granny.  Decided not to hunt this evening, to be
with wife.  We spend about an hour in the jauzzi with a couple glasses of wine, got out wrinkled and
relaxed and took a nap.  Hope the whole year is a good one.  Hope yu'all have a great year and
don't make those New Year resolutions, to hell with them.  Write when you can.  I will write
tomorrow.  Donald

Date:          Thu, 02 Jan 1997
 Hi,
Well, went on over the Hard Scabble this morning to see what was going on.  Nothing.  Weather is
still beautiful and warm, snows have returned to the Delaware Bay.  Will try Hurlaok tomorrow.  I
hope some have stayed there.  Will let you know.  Write if you can.  Donald

Date:          Fri, 03 Jan 1997
Hi,
I wish I had something to report.  I when to Hurlock for daybreak.  There were maybe 10 flocks of
ducks that left the refuge, all high.  No Snows at all in the refuge.  They have gone back to the
Delaware Bay and will stay till after this heat.  Temp 65 degrees again today.  Talked to Eddie and
Paul, we are going seaside and try Brant tomorrow.  Will be at Indian River Inlet on a point that jets
out between two bays.  It is public and we will not try to be first.  Plan on getting there about 0830 in
hopes that whoever is there will be finishing up or bored.  There's about four or five good spots, so
we will just wait for one and then spend the day or limit out.  Limit is two
This weather can't last, huh?  Write if you can.  Will let you know what we do tomorrow. Donald

Date:          Mon, 06 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, lets see, Saturday you just have to hear about.  Morning found us at Indian River Inlet, listening
the Atlantic Ocean across the dunes.  Believe me duck hunting is alive and well on the public grounds
around here.  It was like a Chinese circus.  There were so many boats filled with hunters.
Surprisingly, they seemed to all be happy just to be out.  It was a beautiful day.  Some of the hunters
even when fishing and some actually catch strippers.  However there were enough that we would
have never gotten to a place that we could have had a chance of shooting a Brant.
On the way home we stopped at Prime Hook Refuge and send the dog after a cripple snow that was
in one of the fields.  He was nothing but bones and feathers, so I put him in the freezer to mount.
You want him Doug?  You will not need a fleshier on him and I bet he wouldn't discolor from fat.  It
was a good day, we didn't even fire a shot, but we didn't get skunked.
Sunday was good also, took the wife out to eat after church then Jacuzzi and a nap.  Now Monday,
this morning was a dream, daybreak find me at Cabin Creek and just after shooting time a pair of
Wigeon landed before I could get my gun up.  I yelled and they jumped, had my auto and they were
easy shots.  Minutes later a black came up the creek and sailed in without a circle, murdered him
over the decoys.
Loaded just in time to shot again at two ringneck, but still didn't catch up with them.  Damn, Larry I
really don't know how far you got to lead them.  I shot at the front duck.  About ten minutes a flock
of four mallards circled three times and fell right in.  Killed two in the decoys and really believe that I
could have gotten a third. It was eight o'clock and all I had to do was paddle out to them.  All
drakes.  I have already picked them and they were all in great shape.  One mallard shot up a little
bad, but OK.  Love picking them in January.  That is one thing that you guys up north don't get to
see.  What I am talking about is fully feathered birds without even one pinfeather, boy don't they
look pretty when they are all picked and singed and soaking in saltwater.  Almost as good as
roasted.
Well, sun is supposed to shine again tomorrow and maybe I can have another good day.  I have till
the 18th of January and have always felt like the season gets started for me on the New Year.
Reached a temp of 50 today, but maybe reach 32 tonight.  Blow and be cold tomorrow, in the
30th's, so I should.  Think I will go back to my single, it is so much cheaper for me to shoot.  Well,
I'll shut-up.  Will tell you what I do in the morning.  Donald.

Date:          Tue, 07 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, this morning was as bad as yesterday was good.  Daybreak at Cabin Creek with the wind
blowing 20 to 30, clear and in the 40's.  Two blacks landed before shooting time.  Pitched before I
could see what they were, but proved to be blacks after it was light enough to see.  They had swam
down the creek about 100 yds and sat their feeding.  Six mallards came up the creek and without
even a circle they went right to them.  I guess I should have known that I should have jumped them.
Had to waste a shell to get everything up so it wouldn't keep happening.
Next was a single black, one tight circle and he was over the decoys at 25 yds.  Looked so easy.  I
shot over him and peppered one of my Herters magnum mallard drakes.  Just too damn easy a shot,
I guess.  While I was still fussing with myself a pair of Hoodys came up the creek, over the decoys.
I shot at the drake that was leading and killed the hen that had her bill up his ass.  Loaded just in time
to try seven green wing teal that blew by from up the creek.  By the time I shot, they were 50 yds.
One fell belly up.  However, in after a couple of minutes, it rolled over and swam ashore.  I don't get
many teal and hoped it would be dead when I went over.
A pair of mallards were next.  I know I had him, but the shell snapped and they didn't come back.  I
just figure it's part of the price I pay for reloading.  About 0800, I had five mallards work and fall in.
As I do most of the time, I saw two crossing, a drake and a hen.  I shot for both and only crippled
the hen, which fell about 100 yds up the creek.  The teal was 75 yds down the creek.
Figured with the wind blowing so hard I better go get them.  Ha.  The mallard jumped out of the
grass and before I could get my gun was gone around the bend.  Couldn't fly good, but could fly.
Well, at least the wind would blow me down to the teal, which I looked ever were for, but could not
find.  On the way back I picked up the hen Hoody.  At least I wasn't skunked.  Ha.  Would you
believe, when I got back to the bind, I slipped and sprained my wrist.  Hurts like hell now.  Figured I
better go home.  I was about 20 yds from the blind when I noticed a flock of mallards going over the
decoys, beautiful, but I kept on home.  Hope I can pick my gun up tomorrow.  Donald

Date:          Wed, 08 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, daybreak at Cabin creek, nothing.  Wind 20 to 30 NNW, 25 degrees, clear, but no ducks.
Why?  I mean, I didn't even see many flying.  O Well, I did find a Snow standing in the decoys when
I came through Hurlock.  Walked to within 40 yds before he flew.  Killed him before he go ten feet.
Hope things are better tomorrow.  Will write.  Donald.

Date:          Thu, 09 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, another one of those days.  Daybreak found me at Cabin Creek blind.  Where it was
supposed to snow I just new that someone else would show up, so I took Bertha, my single 10ga.
No one else showed.  It started snowing hard as soon as I got in the blind.  Saw lots of ducks, but
nothing that wanted to come, till I caught four mallards attention with the call.  They circled four times
and then came in with their feet out.  Picked out a nice drake and shot behind him, crippling him in
the ass.  He made it about five hundred yds down the creek where the next blind got him.  About 15
minutes a single drake mallard came right in.  I shot under and behind him drawing lots of feathers,
but he still flew away.  One of those days I couldn't hit my ass with both hands.
Well, by then we had a couple inches of snow and with me by myself back there, I figured I better
get out.  Think I will see what is going on over to Hard Scrabble with the snow geese tomorrow.
Write if you can.  Donald
Harold -- thanks for article Jim ----- page looks better all the time Scott --- think that tape is headed
your way Doug ---- will send Snows Monday

Date:          Fri, 10 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, daybreak found me at Hard Scrabble.  It had rained during the night and I was afraid that I
would get stuck if I went duck hunting.  The 400 yd walk across the field took about half hour and
three nitro.  There were snows roasting by the other blind, but I would have never made it to that
one.  Weather was still drizzling, about 35 degrees and wind WSW at 20 to 30.  Had two shots.
BOTH singles.  BOTH over the decoys.  Missed BOTH times.  Two times at BOTH.  Can't seem
to hit my ass with BOTH hands.  Remember I sprained my wrist.  That's got to be it, HUH.
Remember that Snow that I shot with the collar and band?  Well, this morning I got a letter to fill out
with more info for them.  Sure seems like they could use the net cheaper then the US mail.  Will let
you know as soon as they tell me were it was banded.
I will try ducks in the morning.  Should have company.  Think the kids can go.  Will write.  Donald
Jim -- How the hell am I supposed to live up to that post today?  Ha.  I will not even        try.  But
will make the wife read it several times.  Ha. Buss-  Will put that sweatshirt in the snail mail.
Everyone remember that if you don't want to get this boring email just say so.  OK?

Date:          Mon, 13 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Wish I had something good to report.  When duck hunting this morning and deer hunting this
afternoon.  That's good.  Didn't fire my gun.  That's bad.  Will try the snow geese in the morning at
Hurlock, deer at Hard Scrabble in the evening.
This morning I saw two ringnecks both came by with fire flying out of their asses and I couldn't catch
up with either one.  I had my usual Canada's sitting in the decoys when I got there and two flocks
that came in after daybreak.  We have an allow lot of Canada's in our area.  Saw my resident bald
eagle.  Also my belted kingfisher, that fishes in front of the blind.  Two otters that swam down the
creek and a few flocks of duck flying at about a mile high.
This evening I saw one coon and thousands of snow geese, some went into the roast at Hard
Scrabble, which is where I was hunting the deer.  During the deer season the snow goose season is
closed.  It will reopen on the 25th.
Talked to some fellows that are hunting down to Fishing Bay and they have been killing there cans
and filling there limits with other drivers.  So even though I am not killing ducks there are plenty
around.  Will try to write tomorrow.  Write if you can.  Donald.

Tue Jan 14 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, did I ever, finally kill something.  This morning at Hurlock, temp 18 degrees, wind FAC and
clear as a bell.  Sounded like the place was full of snows.  Make it in the pit at 0635.  At 0645 two
snows came out about 100 yds down from me and made a circle out in the field.  They ended up
landing about 60 yds out in the field in front of me, about 20 yds out from the decoys.  Within
minutes six came out and did the same.  Then about two thousand followed, by the time they had set
the closest were still a good 50 yds.  Five jumped and came toward the decoys, at about six feet
high.  They were over the decoys in seconds.  I stood and saw that the second was a young bird, but
it in front of him just as he was about to land and fired.  The bird behind him was a young one also
and I quickly got in front and fired.  I then realized that out there at about 60 yds there were birds
falling.  I was swinging on the third bird when I knew I had better stop.  When they had came around
and the flock when over my head at about 40 yds high heading back into the refuge I could see
geese all over the field.  I couldn't see the two in the decoys, but I knew they were there.  Plus there
were 11 in the field out front.
It had all happened so fast.  I had heavy angina by the time I got to the truck.  Took a nitro pill and
started out in the field, picking up geese.  When I had eight, I came on home.  In a little while I called
a fellow that lives down the road, who now only hunts rabbit, but had asked if I would get a goose
for him.  We road back to the field, there were four to be found dead.  I guess the one had walked
back to the refuge.  He was glad to get them.
I had my auto loaded were BB shot, so I can tell you now that BB shot will kill all the way out to 60
yds or so.  I have shot through flocks like that before, but always with my single 36 inch barrel and T
shot.  Like you have heard me say "shit happens," but at least it doesn't happen to often.
There must be at least 40,000 snows starting at Hurlock (just a guess) so I will try them again in the
morning.  Going deer hunting in Delaware this evening.  Will try to write tomorrow.  Donald
Doug -- I put those two snows in the mail today.  Hope we have done the right thing.  Those
cripples sure don't look as good as what I have hanging on the back porch.  Can of course send
more if you want them.Donald

Subject:             Re: geese///donald
Date:             Wed, 15 Jan 1997
Douglas A. Meharry wrote: >  > Hi Donald, >  > If you can why don't through a few of those
mature geese you got in the freezer.  Then when everything settles down after the season we can try
again.
Yes, I will.  However those that I got yesterday got breasted out.  Got one mature this morning ( a
few minuties ago.)
>  > Did you happen to send that email to Magnum in Italy?  I'll do it for you if you want.
Yes, I did send yesterdays.  But if you keep back email he might like reading it, so send if you can.  I
know I kind of strated this email thing, but I feel like anyone can do anything they want.  Sure hope
everyone knows that.
>  > BTW-That was some awfully good shooting.  Hope you have some more luck like that
tomorrow.  If we all shot like you we would put the ammo guys out of business.
Yesterday wasn't good shooting.  I didn't given try to kill, but two.  The rest just got in the way.
Now this morning I had only what you would call half a shot.  The very edge of them just broke forty
yds on a swing out of the lagoon.  I had just time to get one shot off and downed him pretty.  Good
shot, even if I have to blow my own horn.  Donald

Subject:             Re: snow///donald
Date:             Fri, 17 Jan 1997
Douglas A. Meharry wrote: >  > Hi Donald, >  > The mail man brought the snows today.  They are
pretty good looking birds.  They sure look bigger than the lessers, I have seen.  I really appreciate
you sending them.  How's the hunting been going?  Will talk to you later. >  > Regards, > Doug Hi
Doug,
Glad to hear that they got there.  The true on the size is that the cripple birds really do not do the
greater Justus.  I think I will keep you a couple that are in good shape and you will see what I mean.
Of course, I know you can use some relax and they will mount a little bigger than they are as is, but
the ones in good shape will just be worth it.  Hunted ducks at Cabin Creek today, but they just will
not come close enough and there is not many even flying by.  Tomorrow I go back to the snows.
Donald.

Date:          Sun, 19 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, Saturday morning found Paul an I at Hurlock pit.  I could hear them sitting just over the bank.
I put Paul about 200 yds north of the pit were I knew they would come out and I got in the pit.
Before sunrise I had four or five times that small flocks came out looking at the decoys in front of
me.  None really committed themselves, but they did break 45 yds and I am sure I could have killed
one, but I didn't want just one and I wanted Paul to get a shot, so I waited.
Just at sunrise the roar happened.  At once, Paul had 1000s over him at about 20 yds high and I
heard him unload.  When he shot they headed for me.  O. Yea, I forgot to tell you that this was the
coldest morning that we have had all year, in the teens.  Wind from the Northwest with a wind-chill
below 0 degrees.  I was frozen.  ( As you can see I am trying to make some excuse for missing all
three times.)  Actually I didn't miss them, cause I could see the feathers flying, but just didn't kill
either one.  If I hadn't seen the feathers fly, I would swear that someone had dumped the shot out of
my shells.  O. Well, Paul got two anyway.
Next week I am reduced to hunting rabbits, deer and quail.  Sea duck season is still open, but I don't
want any part of it in these temps.  Eddie, Paul and I are going to work on things up to Hard
Scrabble this morning, cause the snows open again there on Saturday.  BTW, Eddie took the kids to
Cabin Creek duck hunting Saturday and even through I had told him that I thought he would be
better off at Hurlock, they spend most of the day.  Killed nothing.
Even though most of you guys no longer have an open season, I hope we can stay in touch.  I will
write tomorrow.  Write if you can.  Donald

Date:                      Tue, 21 Jan 1997
Hi Everybody,
Well, my rabbit hunting is probably finished.  I tried, but just to much angina, of course the walking
might be good, by if it causes angina it not.  So I will go after the snows Saturday.  Looks good.
Paul, Eddie and I when to Hard Scrabble Sunday and moved some decoys around.  As long as it
doesn't get to warm or snow so they can't see the decoys, I think we will do OK next week.  I will
know Saturday.
Damn heating unit in the Jacuzzi when up.  Hope I can get the man to come out and replace it quick.
Miss it.  Feels good on old bones.  Out back through my siding glass windows, I can see that the
Marshy Hope is frozen this morning.  We have enough tide so that it seldom happens.  At least it is
going to warm a little, so it will open up again.
This cold spell has schooled our white perch so that the waterman are catching loads of them.  My
cousin had 1100 lb., getting $0.35 a LB, yesterday and I got a mess to eat out of them.  We are
now allowed to use very small mesh on our nets, so that we catch a lot that are just six inches.  I
helped pick them out of some of the nets.  A few years back we couldn't use the small mesh and the
lb. adding up quicker.
Going to bake a couple of young snows for supper.  Thinking about an oyster stuffing.  What do you
think, sound good?  Donald.

Date:                      Sun, 26 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, goose hunting is back for me. We, Eddie, Paul and I when at Hard Scabble Satuday
afternoon.  It rained in the morning and I just don't do rain.  They didn't either.  We had several shots
at canada's that just would not stay out of the decoys.  We don't have much trouble with them when
we are useing just snow goose decoys and I have know idea why they throught that they had too
decoys to them that afternoon.  We also had three times when ducks came to them.  But only one
snow and it came about two minuites before time was up.  We had several flocks that flew over high
and this one dropped out from maybe 300 yds high.  All by itself and just kept falling without
circleing till it was over the decoys at 30 Yds.  Eddie murdered him.     Hope that you guys saw my
post about getting a new pup.  She is really something else.  Mom and Dad were great looking
dogs.  Young couple that had the kennel had three litters and just decided to sell at sale price of a
hundred busks.  Well, needless to say I had to go look and that was all it took.  I know that she will
never replace Misty, but has proven that she will become herself, Tinker  Bell, of Marshyhope.
Not much else happened during the week of know hunting.  I got bored with deer hunting after the
first two evenings.  I did help Swank, my cousin, take some fish out of his nets and got another mess
of fresh white perch.  Today, Sunday Eddie and I when and got the duck decoys from Cabin
Creek.  I am going to try Hard Scabble in the morning and where it it not going to rain, it might be
better.  Will write and let you know.  Write if you can.  Donald

Date:                      Wed, 29 Jan 1997
Hi,
Well, Monday found me at Hard Scrabble by myself.  Saw lots of snows but done that would
decoy. Had a sore throat that has had me down most of the time till tonight.  Rode to Hurlock this
evening and there seemed to be plenty in the refuge, so I will check it out tomorrow morning.
Gotto go, will write if I do anything.  Donald.

Date:                      Wed, 29 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,     Well, goose hunting is back for me. We, Eddie, Paul and I when at Hard Scabble
Satuday afternoon.  It rained in the morning and I just don't do rain.  They didn't either.  We had
several shots at canada's that just would not stay out of the decoys.  We don't have much trouble
with them when we are useing just snow goose decoys and I have know idea why they throught that
they had too decoys to them that afternoon.  We also had three times when ducks came to them.
But only one snow and it came about two minuites before time was up.  We had several flocks that
flew over high and this one dropped out from maybe 300 yds high.  All by itself and just kept falling
without circleing till it was over the decoys at 30 Yds.  Eddie murdered him.     Hope that you guys
saw my post about getting a new pup.  She is really something else.  Mom and Dad were great
looking dogs.  Young couple that had the kennel had three litters and just decided to sell at sale price
of a hundred busks.  Well, needless to say I had to go look and that was all it took.  I know that she
will never replace Misty, but has proven that she will become herself, Tinker  Bell, of
Marshyhope.     Not much else happened during the week of know hunting.  I got bored with deer
hunting after the first two evenings.  I did help Swank, my cousin, take some fish out of his nets and
got another mess of fresh white perch.  Today, Sunday Eddie and I when and got the duck decoys
from Cabin Creek.  I am going to try Hard Scabble in the morning and where it it not going to rain, it
might be better.  Will write and let you know.  Write if you can.  Donald      Hi,     Well, Monday
found me at Hard Scrabble by myself.  Saw lots of snows but done that would decoy. Had a sore
throat that has had me down most of the time till tonight.  Rode to Hurlock this evening and there
seemed to be plenty in the refuge, so I will check it out tomorrow morning.     Gotto go, will write if I
do anything.  Donald.

Date:                      Thu, 30 Jan 1997
 Hi Again,     Well, I missed them by about 100 yds this morning.  When to Hurlock for daybreak,
but they came out 100 yds north. Guess about 8,000 or 10,000.  Of course all at once.  I know they
will get harder to hunt now that the days are getting longer and they are as fat as greater snows get.
But I WILL still kill some     Going over to help my cousin "Shank" take fish out of gillnets.  He just
called and said he had better than 1,000 lbs and if I want a mess he could use the help.  He wants to
get the nets back overboard today.  So if anyone wants a nice mess of White Perch just let me
know.  Gotto go.  Will write when I do something.  Donald     (ps) My picture site....
http://www.intercom.net/user/ppeds/ppeds.html  Scott -- You might want to use the greater snows
pic  Scott - Jim   That fox is a predator for that predator page I keep after you guys about. ha

Date:                      Fri, 31 Jan 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, I tried them again this morning, but they just aren't coming out my end of the refuge.  Still lots
of geese, but they all went east, towards Delaware and the coast.  Anyway, with them acting like that
we will try Hard Scrabble tomorrow.  Should be Eddie, Paul and I.  Will advise.
The watermen are still catching lots of white peach.  I ate my belly full of fresh perch roe at noon and
had the fish for supper.  Even my mother-in-law said they were good.  I have plenty if any of you
want a mess to eat.  Will give some to my landlords.
I want really bad to go out and catch myself a mess of marshrats to eat, but I just can't walk the
marsh anymore.  Can anyone go with me?  The guys are getting five dollars for the hides and two for
the meats, but if I try to buy they would cost me $3.50, cause I don't know anyone that's trapping
right now.  They are doing to well on perch.
Mounted five mallards today.  All just sitting down.  Bobby, the fellow I mounted them for said the
last day of the season he pushed some out on the ice and they murdered them.  Took a long time to
gather up all the stuff I use to mount them, but now it will go a little better.  Marry, another guy, want
his on a board so that he can use them around a pond that he hunts.  Will start on his Monday.
Well, wife's working, old ladys in bed, so I think I will crawl in the Jacuzzi and soak a while before
bed.  Will try to write tomorrow.  Did you like the picture of the fox?  Donald
Sat, 01 Feb
Hi,
Well, we tried them at HardScrabble this morning, but nothing.  We did see lots flying.  On the way
home Eddie and I stopped so that I could show him where the snows that are roasting at Hurlock,
were at yesterday.  When we got to the field their it was setup with about 1,000 Texas rags with
three guys in them.  We watched for about and hour while we had a sandwich.  They were having
about the same luck that we did.  There were plenty of geese flying around and even setting up to
them, but nothing going to them.
The weather was pretty and temps in the 50's and no wind so I just don't think that they had a
chance even though there were geese in the field the day before.
If it stays warm like this I think I will have daffodils by the fifteen of February.  This weather sure
makes me want to go fishing.  Will let you know what happens Monday.  Donald

Date:                      Mon, 03 Feb
Hi,
Well, I'm still chasing the white ghost.  When to Hurlock for daybreak.  Saw about 2,000 that all
jumped the same time and went out the Northeast end of the refuge, where I can't get under them,
and they know it.  Weather is just to warm to give me any edge at all.  Temps in the 30'ths at night
and 50'ths during the day.  Most of the snows have gone back to the coast.
See a few guys starting to fish with hook and line for the white perch.  Could catch some off my pier
I think.  Hate to try, cause it seems to signify that winters over and therefore the snow goose hunting
is also, and I am not ready for that to happen.  We just goto have one more cold snap.
Have an appointment to have the taxes done this morning?  Be glad when its over.  Wish I had made
enough to pay a hole lot of tax.  Noticed my daffodils on the South side of the house are up good.
Usually have daffodils in bloom by the 15th of February.  Well, I will try to write tomorrow.  Write if
you can.  Donald.

Date:                      Tue, 04 Feb
Hi,
Well, I took my ten minute drive to Hurlock this morning, to watch the greater snows leave.  At
0710 they all jumped into the air, about 3,000, and went out the Northeast end of the refuge.  They
know were I can't get to them!
Weather is still not going below freezing even at night and isn't supposed to all week.  Spend the day
mounting mallards.  Then drove to Hurlock to watch were the geese came back from.  They arrived
about ten minutes after shooting time.  No change in there feeding fields.
One good thing today.  The mother-in-law headed for Florida.  Ten days, hot damn.  Wife and I can
act normal.  You know, crazy.  Hope she doesn't run to long.
Hey Doug, I had a guy bring me a greater snow today that he wants on the wall with it's wings open.
Hope he realizes now much room it will take up.  Told him I didn't have the equipment to do a great
job, but if he wanted I would try.  He killed it this morning down next to the coast.  Said that's were
all the snows are at.  May ride down tomorrow and check it out.  Will write if I get a chance.
Donald

Date:                      Sat, 08 Feb 1997
Hi,
Well, I was up this morning and it was snowing, so I rode up to Hurlock just in case there might be a
snow goose there, but if it was, I couldn't fine him.  Like a said, its snowing, but it's wet and not
supposed to stay.  May even turn into all rain.  As far as the snows go, my wife and I rode down to
VA to the camper yesterday.  I looked in all the likely places, but saw no snow geese anywhere.  I
think that with the warm weather they are just all staying on the marshes of the coast.  Can't seem to
fine anyone who wants to go and I don't want to go by myself, so I guess I am just done unless it
gets cold again.
The trip to VA to the camper was nice.  It will not be long before the fish move in and I am looking
forward to catching a flounder and some clams.  Crabs also.  Crab meat is selling for $18.50 a lb
right now.  Man have I ever picked a lot for 4 or 5 a lb.
My new Golden pup is growing like a weed.  She's already becoming a part of my life.  She goto so
she takes nothing off the cats at all.  With granny in Fl I am having much better luck getting her house
broke.  Another week.  She seems to have a good head on her.
Well, I promised my wife, who is working today, that I would have a venison roast for supper so I
guess I better get off this thing and get it in the oven.  Going to roast a whole front shoulder, so
there's plenty for all if you want to come for supper?  Write if you get a chance.  Donald

Date:                      Wed, 12 Feb 1997
Hi Guys,
Man, is this depressing or what.  I can't fine a snow goose anywhere close enough to hunt.  I think I
am going to hunt with my camera for a while or go nuts.  Remember that greater snow that I shot
back in November?  I did have the band info in the mail this morning so I will attach a copy.  I was
just sure that it was banded right here, man was I wrong.  Looked on the map for Lot Island and it's
far north in Quebec.  Makes me wonder again if the neck bands on snows are a death sentence.
Know anyone that has killed one that was with the main flock?  All that I have killed have been single
and away from the main flock.
Well, I forgot how much and now quick puppies SHIT.  Tinker loves to be in the house, but for the
last two weeks there has been times when she is quicker than I am.  Its been two days now and she
goes to the door now, so I think she has it figured out.  She wants to please, which is the thing that I
was looking for.
Got another mess of fresh perch yesterday and have a fellow bringing me a half dozen muskrat meats
today.  Haven't make up my mind which to fix for supper.  What do you think, muskrat or fish?  You
coming?
If you didn't see my pup yet -http://www.intercom.net/user/ppeds/ppeds.html Write if you can.
Donald

 Date: Sat, 22 Feb 1997
Hi Folks,
Well, I have the first daffodils of spring! This always means that there are fish (perch, catfish and
rockfish) that have moved in behind the house. So I when down and sat on my pier to see. On the
way down I turned over two or three logs and found some worms for bait. I stayed for about an
hour and caught four perch three catfish and one little rockfish. Hadbroiled fish for supper.
The snow goose season is still open here in Maryland, but there are none around Hurlock. The
season is closed in Delaware and the damn snows have covered the field at Hard Scrabble for the
past three days. The season opens over there on the February 28 and I can only hope that they are
still there. This is the first year that the snows have seemed to use my fields between the seasons.
Hurlock, during the deer season and Hard Scrabble now. O well, that's luck for you.
Finished mounting all the birds that I had saved for decoys. Once I get the decoys that I have left in
the fields, I guess I will have to let this season go. It hurts. Hope I get another. Well, I will write when
I get a chance. Write if you can. Donald

Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, my pup is now 12 weeks and yesterday was her trip to the vets. He says she's doing fine.
Cooled off here again, in the forty's, but the fish are still biting down off the pier if you want a mess to
eat. I am going down after a bit to catch supper.
Checked the snows out yesterday at Hard Scrabble. They are still there! 15 maybe 20 thousand.
About 60 acres sitting tight. Weather is supposed to get bad Friday, so just maybe I will get in
another good week of hunting. After being there every day for better than a week, there can't be any
corn or anything for them to eat. I don't know why they are staying but of course I am glad to see it.
Well, going fishing for supper. Talk to you later. Write if you can. Donald

Date: Thu, 27 Feb 1997
Hi Mark,
Here's a good link for info on the area. http://www.beach-net.com/Bayhome.html You will love the
area. Maybe we get together and plan a hunt. Sounds like your dad and I have a lot in common.
Wish you guys were here now cause I am going snow goose hunting in the morning and have no-one
to go with me. The snows have been using my field for almost two weeks and I know they have
eating all the corn, but I still should get a good hunt for a few days.
You will be about an hour away from me, but a lot of my hunting is in that direction. I hunt some at a
public hunting area that will be about five minutes from where you are going to live, so you can see
that you will have places to hunt.
I will put you on my email list, let me know if you want off. Stay in touch. Write when you can.
Donald.

Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, daybreak found me at Hard Scrabble field. There were 20 acres of snow geese out in the
three ponds that are in the field. I had decided not to shoot at them as they left, as I could find
no-one to go with me. I let them see me drive out in the field and away they went.
Made my way to the blind. In just a couple minutes I heard that tell tail noise that a single snow
makes. When I answered him he was up at about 150 yds. When he heard me calling he sat up and
just kept coming -- till he was about 30 yds over the decoys when he meet his dead.
The next were a pair and they circled two times. On the second circle they came over at about 55 or
60 yds and didn't look like they would come again, so I took one and he fell next to the pond.
Heading back now to see if Paul is right and they come to the field early to roast. Will tell you what
happens. Donald.

Date: Fri, 28 Feb 1997
Hi Again,
I'm back. Paul when with me this afternoon. The first flock was about 1,000, nothing like the singles
this morning. There were about thirty that came over our heads and after the shooting stopped there
were three down and two that just barely made it out of the field. We did not know that they were
lesser snows till we when out to get them. Two young and an old bird. They seemed so small after
shooting only greater snows till then.
Half hour later there were about a 1,000 more. About half went over our heads, when we both
figured the were low enough. They were not, and we crippled up three that, again they just barely
made it out of the field.
Next were a couple hundred that went over head and the last flock looked plenty low, I guessed
about 45 yds, and it looked like the only chance that we would get at them, cause they were also
headed to the center of the field 4 or 500 yds away. After the shooting we had one down that turned
into a greater. As you can see we were having trouble knowing now far away they were when having
both greater and lesser flying over our head. They never seemed to be mixed.
Sunset came and as we were leaving the field they just poured into the ponds. I will be there in the
morning. Paul says he doesn't want to go, but Eddie will go with me. I will write and let you know
what happens. Donald

Date: Sat, 01 Mar 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, Eddie and I were at Hard Scrabble field before light and were able to get into the blind without
spooking the snows that had roasted in the ponds out in the field. There were about 3 or 4 thousand
about 400 yds away. Wind blowing from them towards us made them sound like they were setting
right along side of us.
For about a half hour we watched ducks come to the pond next to us. Mallards, blacks, balplates,
woodys and a few teal. Then the explosion of wings and all the geese were in the air. It took only
moments for them to be all over us. They were from 50 yds out on my side of the blind to 150 yds
out on Eddie's side and about 20 yds high. Coming with the wind they were really moving out. My
first shot lucked out and downed two, second murdered another and my three was a clear miss.
Eddie's gun hung up and he said that he was just too excited and had flock shot, but hit nothing. He
has been trying for years to kill the first one as they bust out of a roast. He takes the missing OK and
just keeps trying.
Tuffy, he's Eddie's retriever, gathered them up. All three young greater snows, just as if I had time for
a choice. I didn't. We stayed another half hour, hoping that being Saturday, someone would be
hunting the field that they were going to, but I think we were the only goose fools in the area.
I have a funeral to go to this afternoon or I would be at them this evening. Hate funeral I will not have
one. Going to get cooked. Told the wife she could have a memorial service, but there will be no
viewing me dead or watching my body being lower into the ground.
Will try the snow geese Monday and let you know what I do. Write if you can. Donald.

Date: Mon, 03 Mar 1997
Hi guys,
Well, I was at Hard Scrabble field before daybreak, but the snows were not. I stayed for a little
while, but the only thing I saw were ducks. Lots and lots of woodys showing up. If I get a chance I
will ride down to the Ocean and see if I can figure out how to get another shot at them. Who knows,
they may even come back to Hard Scrabble. I have till March 8.
It was sure a funny feeling to be killing snow geese while the frogs were singing. Eddie said that one
of the snows that he cleaning had been feeding on the frogs. Wonder what that one will taste like.
Rained here all day. My bones hurt and I am headed for the jacuzzi. Write if you get a chance. Will
write if I do anything. Donald

Date: Thu, 06 Mar 1997
Hi Guys,
Well, I missed my first goose hunt of the year because of being to sick to go. Man have I had it for
two days now. Fever, aches & pains ect. Feel better tonight.
Paul when in the rain Wednesday evening with his son over at Hard Scrabble field. He said that they
saw plenty of ducks and just about quitting time a flock of maybe a thousand snows came. They
circled five times just out of range and then funneled down landing mostly in the pond, but several
landed in the decoys. As the last were landing they stood and shot, killing five. I just knew that they
would come, but it was raining and I felt bad. Sick as I got, I am glad I didn't go.
This evening I still felt to bad to go, but they didn't come in this evening anyway, so I didn't miss
anything. I plan on going tomorrow.
Put new pictures on my page-- http://www.intercom.net/user/ppeds/index.html
Write if you can. Will let you know what we do tomorrow. Donald

Date: Tue, 11 Mar 1997
Hi,
Well, what a hell of a way to end the waterfowl season. Who the hell ever heard of cellulitis. Seems
it is something that you don't have any trouble with till you get older with poor calculation. Well, it
seemed to be a big deal but I sure felt funny in the hospital with no pain. Took till now for it to go
away.
I seems that there was nothing killed over at the field anyway, so I didn't miss anything. Of course I
would have gone down to the beach where they are at. I am sure that no-one did anything in
connection with getting to decoys out of the field, but it will not take too long for me to get them as
long as it will dry up so I can get into the field. I have all my skins mounted, so I guess I have to call
the season over.
I sure hope we can stay in touch. Maybe if you do anything interesting you will email me. It has been
nice to hunt with you in different areas this season, by email. I learned a lot. Donald

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 1997
 Hi Guys,
 Well, finished up putting sawdust in Woody boxes. Put two culverts in at two farm ponds. Our
Woodys and local Canadians are looked for a place to nest. Sure seems like plenty of both woodys
and local geese. Local geese are really impressive, they seem to be ever were. This to me seems to
be another very obvious sign that our migrant geese are being affected mostly by not having a place
to nest. Looking forward to a good season next year. Donald
                   THINK SPRING
CONTENTS OF WATERFOWLING DELMARVA
If I need to give credit to anyone for things used, please advise