CONTENTS
OF WATERFOWLING DELMARVA
"NOTES FROM A RETIRED HUNTER"
1998-99 season by Donald Hughes
Area hunted was from Chesapeake Bay to Ocean and
Delaware Bay
daily deeds///donald
Hi Folks,
Well, it's one week from today till the hunting
season opens and I figure I might as well start boring you with what I
am doing. Looks like the best local goose hunting for me will be
over to Hard Scrabble. The big pond is holding 150 to 200 whenever
there is a little wind or weather. I have a few that are staying at the
Hurlock lagoon and maybe if I put some mounts out in front of the pit they
will feed there. Galestown pond is holding a few birds, but so far
they to would be hard to hunt. Cabin Creek has lots of birds, but
there again they are not feeding where I can hunt them.
The stripper season is back in and I have
been catching my limit of two without much trouble. Crabbing sucks.
Too damn many strippers.
Crows are finally working the call and I hope
to thin them out a lot. hehe Thanks 'Pete'. I am pissed
that I can't use my caller for Snows this year. Damn fools
that make the laws! I have three offensives 'tickets' and would just
DIE if they took my hunting away from me. BTW the fines that I have
had are those that you just can't do anything about. Like the last,
it was for shooting over bait, hell, I was invited to go hunting and had
know idea that the field was baited. I know , I know, I should have
been aware. However, SHIT happens. Must admit, they did
give us a Teal season that I am really excited about. Can't wait
to hunt those Bluewing. donald
Sept 1, 1998
Bill got here with the first parts of the
floating blind yesterday afternoon. We rode over to Hard
Scrabble pond. Guess what, NO Geese on the pond. He took
Pat and I out for some wonderful
sea food and then we tired to get some sleep for hunting in the morning.
Woke to a hot still morning. Headed
for Hard Scrabble. Had a flat on the boat trailer, but
made it to the pond. We were greeted with a nice flock
of geese roasting on the pond. Launched
the boat full of mounts and floater dekes and I when to
setting dekes while Bill got the next load to
the edge of the pond. By the time we had the dekes set
and the geese run out of the pond, we were both soaking wet with
sweat, but we were set by shooting time.
Around 0630, we heard geese coming.
I could see what I through was three flocks and figured
if we were going to shoot at that many geese it would have to
be a good shot. They passed to one
side of us at about 50yds and we watched as the circled back around
the pond. But they all when
back to the refuge except one and it came back and sailed right over
our heads. We took him and
missed him good, except for the last moment I shot in desperation and
it folded beautiful. We were
not skunked.
Didn't heard another goose till 0900.
A single honked as he came right in. Bill got him clean just
outside the dekes. Sunny, my new dog, had still not saw a goose
fall and Bill's goose floated to
shore. He walked over to get the goose and another single came.
It burst over the dekes and was
settling into the water as I shot and missed 'behind' and as it fly
out I missed it two more times. It
made a circle and started back in. This time as it went by Bill
he murdered him, laughed and said he
figured I had my chance. He'll not let me forget that one.
Bill and I hunted sunset but saw nothing.
Out for seafood and exhausted to bed. Life is good.
Sept 2, 1998
First light found Bill and I at Hard
Scrabble pond. Wind FAC. Hot and humid. First shots were at
a flock just a couple minutes after shooting time. With the overcast
conditions they were hard to see. We managed to kill three geese
and had a great breakfast. Then at about nine o'clock we had a single
come and go right over our heads at about 35 yds. We opened up on
him and after six shots it finally fell. Nothing at sunset.
I think it was like ten o'clock before Bill,
Pat and I were eating supper and planning on being up at four. Life
is full again and great.
Sept 3, 1998
First light found Bill, Jeff, and I at Hard
Scrabble pond. Wind FAC. Hot and humid. Just after shooting
time we had a single in that Bill and Jeff couldn't seem to decide
who should shoot. Bill finally shot the bird which turned out to
be banded. Then I think Jeff wished he had shot. After that
there was nothing going, except for the great breakfast that Bill and his
magic provided. Then at nine o'clock there was a flock of four that
came into us. We killed three. I watched Jeff cover the one
that flew away and we figured he would be in a little pond just off the
big one. But after looking we guess it made it back to the refuge.
Bill left at noon for Pa. Think he is
coming back for the end of the Teal season. Jeff tried the
doves, but with the East breeze saw few. We are planning to hunt
Fishing Bay on the 14th for Teal.
Took Pat and Granny to the airport for a trip
to Maine. Granny sister died. Going to hunt and
sleep now for a week while they are gone.
Sept 4, 1998
First light found me setting in
a light rain with wind NorthEast 15 to 20 at Hard Scrabble this morning
by myself. Nothing in the pond or decoys. 0720 about ten came
across just like the four did yesterday, but came into the dekes.
Killed two with three shots, but they all set down anyway. Loaded
and shot three more. Could have killed more! Believe it or
not the rest swan away and Sunny finally made them fly from out on the
sandbar. She almost caught one. It took her awhile, but she
got the dead ones all back to me.
Then I tied them all to a rope and dragged
them out slowly. Soaking wet by the time I got to the
truck, by grinning. Wish you could have been there. Just
as I got to the truck there was about seven go right into the dekes.
Eddie couldn't work and showed up at the house at noon. After seeing
the geese he just couldn't wait to get back to the pond. Weather
got pretty. We when over and stayed till dark, but saw nothing.
Eddie and I will go in the morning. donald
Sept 5, 1998
First light found Eddie and I at Hard Scrabble
pond. Wind FAC. Hot and humid. Stayed till ten o'clock.
Saw nothing. Think Eddie is a jinx. Pat called from Maine and
seems to be enjoying herself. Sure miss her. Glad tomorrow
is a day of rest. donald
Sept 7, 1998
First light found Eddie and I at Hard Scrabble
Pond. Wind FAC. Hot and humid. Heard geese on the way to the
blind. When we arrived at the dekes there were 47 geese setting out
in the pond 'counted them once it got light'. There were 4 sitting
on the end of the sand bar at about 50 to 60 yds, but we decided not to
shot at them, because of the rest of the geese on the pond.
About seven o'clock they began taking
off to go out to feed. They when out in six flocks. One flock
of 7 went into the beans to our left at only about 400 yds. We figured
at lease that flock would come back to the pond after feeding. Sure
enough, at 0830 we heard them take off and then saw them coming from behind
us. They passed at 25 yds down and 25 yds up. I shot Bertha
first murdering one and crippling another. Eddie followed with one
down, a second after I shot, and then another down and then another down.
My cripple made it across the pond and fell out dead. The other two
landed with him. Eddie said, 'Damn, we hurt them'. We had killed
5.
We had bought Eddie's dog Tuffy and he made
short work of retrieving the four that were close to us, but Eddie has
not let him range very far and he just wouldn't go across the pond for
the other goose. Eddie said he would take Tuffy around and maybe
the other two would fly out over me. When Tuffy came out from the
other side of the pond the other 2 geese flew toward me. Think they
remembered where they had been shot at cause they passed me at 60 yds.
Started not to shot, but then figured, 'hell they aren't coming back here
again', so I fire and could see my goose flinch. Both went to the
other pond across the field by the dozier.
Once Eddie returned we could heard a goose
honk in the small pond about every couple minutes. Within 15 minutes
we saw and heard one goose take off and leave the small pond. We
new that the other goose was down in the pond. It was nine o'clock,
hot and we had 5 geese to haul out, so we headed for the truck.
When we got to the other pond, there he was
siting there swimming around. Eddie when one way around the pond
and I the other. Eddie was down to a white tee shirt and the goose
saw him and came to my side of the pond. I had walked fast and was
having angina, but shot the goose which still came ashore just in front
of me. Eddie said get him and I said 'NO' I was hurting. Eddie
brought Tuffy and suddenly Tuffy took off through the marsh grass.
I told Eddie I had not seen or heard the goose run pass me and didn't think
it had , but out at 75 yds Tuffy caught the goose and proved me wrong.
Soaking wet with sweat we came home and had goose sandwiches from two breasts
out of the crock pot and a cold glass of wine, 'Bills'. Thanks Bill!
After that we felt more like working on the geese. Skinned 3, Eddie
will pick 3 for roasting. Supposed to blow tomorrow. Life is
good.
Sept 8, 1998
Daybreak found me by myself at Hard Scrabble
Pond. Light rain, wind NorthNorthWest at 10 to 20 kts. There
was 18 geese sitting on the sand in the middle of the pond. 0710
they jumped and flew North to my left about 75 yds, between me and the
truck. Guess they got me figured out. 0820 a single came from
the NorthEast and as it reached the middle of the pond it circled and came
to me. At 75 yds it started that long dragged out honk and Sunny
couldn't take it any longer. She broke and hit the water. I
had it on the goose, cupped up falling to the dekes, but just as I shot,
at 45 yds, it when to the left and I shot behind it. Tried
to reload Bertha in time for a second shot but just wasn't fast enough.
I could tell that the goose was hit in the ass, but he made it to the refuge.
Wet and cold, I went home empty handed. Blamed Sunny.
Yesterday I bought a CVA Black Power gun.
Today I spent trying to mount my scope on it. Couldn't get things
to go together, but after 2 or 3 hours I finally got it. Than I took
the boat over to the marina got had 17 rivets put in her. Think I
got the leaks. Also bought those snap on lights and washed the turtle
mud out. Ready to go Bluewing teal hunting!!!
Getting ready to go to the airport and pick
up Pat and granny. Pat says she had as good a time as you can at
a funeral. Always wonder why she comes back, but thank God she does.
Wish I had the house cleaned up for her. O Well. donald
Sept 9, 1998
Daybreak found me still snuggled against Pat's
warm soft body. Geese got a break. Pat was waned up about the
trip and we talked about it most of the night, after picking her and granny
up at the airport at ten o'clock. I don't think I ever did go to
sleep. Spend the day with Pat.
Sept 10, 1998
Hard Scrabble Pond at first light and stayed
till nine, but saw only the few that left the pond after a first got there.
Landlord starting to cut corn. Home by ten to meet the carpet man
who is putting a new rug in our living room. Bought the new recycled
plastic in a light brown. Looks good, feels even better on bare feet.
Got the boat all loaded to go for Bluewing
Teal at Little Creek Delaware with Jeff, but after talking to him we decided
to just try the geese again. He wouldn't have got any sleep at all.
Sept 11, 1998
First light found Jeff and I at Hard Scrabble
Pond. Ran a few geese out upon arrival. They were the only
geese that we saw. Weather beautiful. Could have killed a couple
Teal. One came into the dekes, but we were on the wrong side of the
road. Wish they were not so selective on were you could kill one.
Jeff is going to Deal's Island in the morning and I am going to Fishing
Bay. We will have a good idea what's going on with the Teal after
that. He's planning on hunting Fishing Bay with me on Monday.
Sept 12, 1998
First day Maryland Teal found Eddie and I
at Fishing Bay on the marsh at daybreak. No mosquitoes at all 'hehehe'.
Trucks at trailers lined the road at the ramp, but had gone to the marsh
earlier then us. Course the spot I wanted was taken, so we went on
up the gut and setup and crawled out on the hard marsh. Shooting
time was supposed to be sunrise and people did wait till it was good an
light , but were shooting a little ahead of the sun. Once to first
shots were fired it sounded like a war. Man do they fly fast.
I started with a bang. Killed the first three I shot at and then
really don't want to tell you about the rest of my shooting. Most
all misses. I think they are harder to hit diving at dekes, then
when just passing by. Beautiful birds, wonderful morning. Hugh
mosquitoes.
We had taken Tuffy, Eddies dog and it was
his first time ever in a marsh. For some reason Tuffy just couldn't
seem to find them. Found three of mine and two of Eddies. I am going
to take Sunny from now on. It got hot as hell, 90's and we
left but eight o'clock. Wardens checked us when we got to the ramp,
but were nice about it and seemed most interested in if we had seen anyone
shooting big ducks. We hadn't. Hope to go ever morning the
whole season, all nine days. Best thing Maryland has done for us
in years.
Pat and I went to my 40th school reunion in
the evening. As we walked to the room, Pat said 'This can't be the
right place, there is a bunch of old people in there'. Man, how people
change. I had not seen most for 40 years and would have
know almost no one. Pat and I won a prize for having the most grandkids.
Food was good. Kind-da fun.
Eddie and I are going this morning 'Sunday'
to get the dekes from Hard Scrabble Pond and will just have to put the
mounts away till next year. Beginning to think that I will never
see the regular Canadian season again.
Sept 13, 1998
Eddie and I went over to Hard Scrabble Pond
and took the Canadian mounts up to put them away for the year. There
were four geese setting with the dekes that just swan away and stood on
the sandbar while we were getting the mounts up. Landlord has about
half the corn cut. Eddie and I wanted to go stripper fishing, but
the wind came around to the East, so we just canceled the trip.
Monday Sept 14, 1998
First light found Jeff and I setting in thick
fog at Fishing Bay WMA. Fog so damn thick that we
couldn't see the dekes we had set. I shot once at a pair that
went overhead at mark 5, but never caught up with them. We had another
pair come up the creek a zip over the dekes, but they did it so fast that
we didn't even get a shot at them. Fog was still there at 0800 o'clock
and we were bored so we started riding around, but there was nothing in
the marsh. Nothing. Jeff needed to pick up his daughter
so we called it quits.
Eddie and I hunted Cabin Creek this evening.
No Teal. A few Woodies. Almost got a shot at some Canadian
geese.
I am going over to Hard Scrabble Pond, for geese,
in the morning just cause it's the last day.
Tuesday Sept 15, 1998
Daybreak found me over to Hard Scrabble Pond.
FAC and fog. A couple geese were setting out in the middle, but they
went out on the West side and then into the refuge. Later there were
a few small flocks that came out of the refuge into the corn that has been
cut. Too hot to get the dekes out of the pond. In the 90's,
so I headed for the air conditioning.
Wednesday Sept 16, 1998
Fog, fog and more fog at daybreak. Hot,
in the 90's and humid, so I stayed in the air conditioning most of the
day. Did go over to Cabin Creek Blind for sunset, but just sat there
sweating and watching Woodies fly.
Thursday Sept 17, 1998
A rerun of yesterday morning. Fog, fog
and more fog at daybreak. Hot, in the 90's and humid, so I stayed
in the air conditioning most of the day. Did go over to Cabin Creek
Blind for sunset, again, but just sat there sweating and watching Woodies
fly. Damn heat, just will not go away. Sure is making for a
bad Teal season.
Granny met me at the door when I got home
fussing about I was to keep the door shut at all times. Seems the
cat brought in a grasshopper and I think she through it was going to bite
her. Little bit ago, about ten, she came out into the living room
and tried to get me to go out in the back yard cause someone's child was
screaming 'help me, help me'. I try not to pay any attention to her
but she is very insistent. Glad I will not out live my sense of reason.
donald
Friday, Sept 18, 1998
I went to Fishing Bay WMA this afternoon.
We, at least, had a little
wind from the NorthEast. Rode around and knocked 2 Bluewing Teal
down
but didn't really kill either and couldn't fine either. Hard
to shoot. Spent all afternoon. Marsh beautiful, but not many
ducks in it. Sunset, I had 3 Mallards and 2 single Blacks decoy,
but not even one Teal. First time it's been cool enough for me to
go. Had angina bad getting boat up. Guess I am just not going
to be able to go by myself. At least not for the day.
Bought myself a Humming Bird Wide 100 fish
finder this morning. Can't wait to try it out. Maybe tomorrow.
Put a crab pot off the end of my pier last night so that I can keep in
crabs for fishing bait. I had 11 crabs this morning. One doubler.
Four peelers.
Saturday, Sept 19,1998
Eddie and I faced fog again this morning and
decided not to go to the
marsh. We had some coffee and then headed for Cabin Creek Blind.
Sat there in the
fog for about and hour and headed for Hard Scrabble Pond to get the
floating
dekes out and to move the boat to the small pond. Water level
in the ponds is as low as I have ever seen it. Means that we will
have a wet winter while it trys to average out. Got everything done
including setting some dekes out into the small pond for duck hunting on
the first day of
Oct. Stopped at Hurlock Pit and picked up the rest of the Canadian
mounts. Guess we have to put them away for another year. Sure
hope I live long enough to see the season open again.
We went fishing this evening and caught 3
rock and one hardhead. One rock
31 inches. The others 24. The one crabpot at the end of
my pier looks like it will keep me in plenty of bait. It's been a
dozen or so each time I fish it.
Looking forward to Bill coming down the first
of the week. Hoping for a change in the weather so we have a chance
of Teal. If not we will set a trotline out and catch some crabs and
maybe go catch a rock. He's bringing another load of the floating
blind and will start working on it. I talked to Eddie and I think
it will be a good idea to put the seaduck dekes on separate lines for the
later season. They look so much better that way. just a little longer
getting them up. I will need to make weights up and guess I will
use mortar in a cup with wire set in the mortar. Write if you know
how! donald
Sunday, Sept 20, 1998
Great day with Pat, just being with her!
Eddie and I went rock fishing just before sunset. It seems to be
the only time you can depend on them biting. We caught our four.
I caught 3, but Eddie catch the biggest at about 32 inches. Others
24 to 26, nice fish. Bill coming in the morning so that we can try
the Teal. Going to Cabin Creek Blind cause of time it takes to go
to one of the WMA's. Sure hope the weather changes from this heat,
but not supposed to. donald
Monday, Sept 21, 1998
Bill was here at about 0615 and we were on
our way to Cabin Creek Blind. In my shorts and shirtsleeves, temp
hot and wind FAC. 'flat ass calm'. Just after
sunrise I tried a single teal as it went down the creek over my head at
Mark 5 and never did get in front. We only saw one other pair of
teal, but they went down the other side of the creek. Lots of Woodies.
After the morning hunt, Bill worked
on the floating blind and I baited a trotline so that we could go crabbing
before our evening hunt. When Bill Came up from working on the blind
I fixed Rockfish on the open grill for everyone and we pigged out.
Bill said he through it was great and would fix some like that for his
wife Annie.
We headed for Taylor's Island WMA to a spot
I knew that we could set the crabline out and catch a pot full of crabs
and then go hunt Teal. Bill had never been trotlining and I think
he really enjoyed dipping the crabs off the line. He's coordinated
enough that he missed very few and we had our pot full of hard crabs long
before the ducks would fly. We when over to a spot called Penknife
Point on what is know as the Narrows. I fine it to be a place that
you can see what is moving even if they don't get close.
They didn't get close! We, I should
say Bill, saw one Teal. We had brought our fishing poles and went
fishing even through were we where setup to hunt is not a good spot to
fish. Hay, the ducks weren't flying. Anyway I caught 2 rock,
one of which was 18 and 1/2 that we kept, so the Teal hunting was not a
complete waste of time. Stayed till sunset.
On the way home Bill got us some chicken and
sides and when we got home we both said we were starved and ate till we
hurt, while the crabs cooked. Course we were to full to eat crabs
by the time they were steamed, but I like them cold better anyway.
I was exhausted and couldn't wait to get into bed. donald
Tuesday, Sept 22, 1998
Daybreak found Bill and I in a light
rain at Cabin Creek Blind. We had decided that where we had saw no
Teal in the marsh last night, plus it was raining, a blind with
a roof was the place to be. Just after sunrise there were a pair
that came up the creek and drove at the dekes. Of course they were
doing there usually twisting and darting and they were down low enough
to have the trees behind them and I just couldn't see them well enough
to shoot. Bill did shoot but they kept going. We had several
Woodies and it made the morning go by fast.
At 0810, I suddenly saw a flock of about 25
or 30 coming up the creek and although we had plenty of time as they went
right over the dekes the first shot was as they were going by us.
I did get one of the last in the flock, but if I had just shot earlier
Bill would have had a much better chance as they flared up. Bill
says he got excited and flock shot and was laughing about never learning
that you just had to pick a duck. Stated it sure seems that with
all that many ducks it would be hard not to hit something.
About ten we decided to go try the rock fish
in the Big Choptank River. However, by the time we came home and
got hooked to the boat and back to the boat ramp the sun had came out and
was shining brightly. I had told Bill we would be able to catch a
rockfish cause the sun was not out, by how it was. We went fishing
anyway. Caught nothing. Quit. Bill headed home to Pa.
Took a rockfish for Annie to try, but said no to the crabs this time.
He e-mailed after getting home and fixing the rockfish and said we now
had an excuse to go rockfishing cause Annie through the fish was good.
We hope to get together again the first of October.
It's Wednesday morning while I am writing
this and for the first time I woke to temp's in the 50's and NorthWest
winds at 25 to 30. I told Bill we better try them in the morning.
hehehe. Damn Teal are lucky the season is over. At least I
have a couple to eat and a few good memories. Write if you can.
donald
Sept 24, thur 27
Well, it's 94 degrees out there right now.
Guess were I am. Yea, in air-condition. Hope to go Rock fishing
just before dark. I have been catching my two 'mostly 25 to 30 inches'
each evening and have giving to my landlords, so it's time to put a few
in the freezer for this fall.
Ate the Teal that I killed and wish I knew
way I could rent a spot that held Teal. Man, they are great eating.
I called a couple places that I knew, but just couldn't seem to work anything
out.
Been working on painting dekes white.
Ready for BoomBay. Went down the Nanticoke River and replaced a Blind
Site sign. Think it just got wet and were I had used that paper paneling
it just broke off. What I am saying is that I don't think anyone
pulled it down. I have decided to leave the old blind that is there,
it's about 350 yds away, and if they did hunt it they would just help decoy
birds to us. Hope I can get away with leaving some dekes in the blind
on those nights when I know that we would hunt regularly. Course,
if the ducks aren't there I would not leave any. You can only get
so many in the boat at once.
My snapping turtle buyer came down and I took
he and his friend out to the best spot that I knew on public hunting that
is easy to get to, or from, in the dark.. He wants to kill a Sika.
I took them to a spot that I figured they would see a nice buck, but he
is the deer hunter, I am not, and decided to go to a bigger pine island
next to the easy one to get to. They saw 5, 3 bucks, but none got
close enough for the bow and arrow. Said they heard one whistling
out to the island I showed them first. Hell, I told them it was a
good place. hehehe They cut thier hunt short because of the
heat. 90's. Says they will be back. Hope so.
Well, I am going fishing. Write if you
do anything. donald
Sept 27th to 30th
Well, been painting dekes. Also redid
the seaduck dekes so that I could put them into bushel baskets, so that
we would be able to use them at the floating blind when the seaducking
is over. Needed to put them into baskets because of logistics problems.
Small boat, big people. I will have about 100 diver dekes for use
at the floating blind.
That's about it. Been fishing also,
but just not catching many. Even tried behind the house down next
to the bridge last night. They have been catching lots of small rock
18 to 22 inches, but I stayed from 0800 to 1000 and caught one, that just
made it. Four that were to small. There are plenty of fish,
but just not biting right.
Pat and my youngest daughter Dawn went to
a Hal Ketchum concert over to Washington, DC last night. Says they
had a great time.
Going to Hard Scrabble Duck Blind in the morning.
Still hot here and supposed to be in the upper 80's tomorrow, but is supposed
to be cloudy and cool off tomorrow night. Went over yesterday to
see if anything was in the pond, but there was nothing. Going anyway.
Will let you know what happens. donald
Oct 1st to 6th
Well, just not much going right for me.
Tried the Ducks over to Hard Scrabble Pond, but didn't have much hope having
not seen any. Saw nothing. Would have loved to go this week
to one of the public hunting areas in Delaware, but just can't go by myself
and could fine no one that wanted to go.
Saturday, after showing Eddie what I knew
would happen at Hard Scabble Pond at daybreak, we setup for crows and had
four shots. Eddie did at least kill one. I missed.
Monday was to be the first time for Jeff and
I and Snows at BoomBay Hook. But there was some confusion on just
when it would open. Everthing that was written down said it started
on the 7th, so we ended up not going. Hope to go on the 9th.
Today, Tuesday the 6th, I ended up going out
and got a mess of squirrels to eat. Killed four. My little
scope 22 is right on. Got all four by sitting in one spot were they
had been eating White Oak acorns. I haven't put any corn piles out
this year, cause there is so many nuts and acorns.
Still catching crabs in the crabpot behind
the house. When I fished it today I found one that was a five inch
'buster' so I have it in a bucket shedding. One more soft crab sandwich.
I will take a few hard crabs with me tomorrow when I go seaducking with
Brian. I hope. donald
Here's a letter I send to the seaduckers I know.
Hi Folks,
First of all, Brian, sorry you had to cancel
this morning. Looked
like it would have been a good one. After you canceled I quickly
called
my son-in-laws and Bobby said he would go. Got excited again.
At 0700
this morning, when he got off work, he called to cancel. Considered
going alone, but with my health, I didn't. O Well, maybe in the
morning. Brian, if you cancel, please let me know. If not
we will meet
at English's Chicken House in Cambridge at 0700. Weather looks
OK.
Write or call tonight.
Any of the rest of you guys that want to go
Thursday is open if it
doesn't blow. Then the week of 12th we can hunt the marsh or
the bay,
so if you can go let me know. donald
Oct 7th, 1998
I met Brain at English's at 0700 and by 0745
we were in the Chesapeake Bay seaducking. Wind was south-southeast
at about 10 kts and it was a little rough, but OK. A little after
1000 we had been able to decoy one single two pairs and four flocks.
Not lots of ducks, but enough so that Brian had shot more than a box of
shells. I can still hear him asking "how did I miss them, maybe they
were to close'. Some were flaring at about 20 yds and were hard to
hit with my 36 inch full choke gun. I missed also. We had two
ducks. One Surf Scoter and one Black Scoter. Those that we
crippled quickly showed us that they are as home in and under the water
as they are on and above.
As I said at 1000 we when fishing. That
was a mistake. We caught nothing. By 0100 we were on the way
home. Great day and it will get better. Hope I get to go a
lot this year. Supposed to rain tomorrow so I guess it's back to
painting dekes. Hope it's over by Friday morning, cause I want to
go to Boom Bay with Jeff and try the Snows. Write if you do anything.
donald
Oct 8th, 1998
Man did it rain today. Got a few dekes
painted and got ready to go to BoomBay in the morning.
Oct 9th, 1998
My day started at 0300. What a hell
of a time to get up, huh. Anyhow, I got my shit straight and headed
for BoomBay Hook to meet Jeff. Got there at 0515 and saw Jeff and
Greg putting dekes from the truck to the boat. Stopped and told him
I would meet him at the ramp. We launched and made our way to,
'damn if I knew where '. I had followed Jeff!
Anyway we set the dekes in the dark and were ready before shooting time.
Sounded like plenty of geese setting out from us.
When it got light most of the dekes were setting
on the mud and what was left of the water around us was leaving fast.
We tried to stay in what little water that was left. When the geese
started flying, they came to us in singles and pairs. As we started
shooting, taking turns at them, both Jeff and Greg were shooting them in
the ass and just not killing many. But before it was over they had
gotten the lead down right and began putting them down. About halfway
through the tide changed and began to flood. The first half of our
geese slammed into the mud, but as the tide rose they began hitting the
water, they were much prettier.
When we were done we had 28 Greater Snows,
only 3 of which were old birds. I kept out a few of the prettiest
to mount for dekes. Plan on doing 25 Snow mounts for the later part
of the season. What a day. It just don't get any better.
I just didn't want it to end. Did I mention ducks, it was a ton of
them, all kinds. Rockfish jumping almost into the boat when the tide
was low and we would go for a downed goose. Greg saw his first herd
of turtles. For his first Snow Goose hunt on the water he had a blast.
We were back to the ramp at about 0100 and
than the long drive home. I am exhausted, but would go again tomorrow
if it was open. Can't hardly wait of the 19th.
Can't fine anyone that wants to go back of
the house in the morning for Woodies and I know a spot that you can keep
your gun hot for a half hour. However Eddie wants to just go over
to the Cabin Creek Blind which suits old farts like us. 'him' No
work, just a 50 yd walk back to the blind. I would have liked to
go back of the house if he would have. Will let you know what we
do. donald
Oct 10th, 1998
First light found Eddie and I at the Cabin
Creek Blind. Weather was just right, NorthWest wind at 15 to 20 kts
and overcast looking like it might rain. Temps in the 60's.
As the shooting got started around us, we had Woodies all over us.
Most so low as they went by that in the bad light we couldn't really see
them good enough to shoot. Even had several land in the dekes.
My first shot was at a pair of Greenwing Teal that I didn't even come close
to hitting. Than we could see good and started shooting Woodies.
Killed two and had two that swam to the other side and into the woods.
We had brought Tuffy and he retrieved the two on the water and Eddie took
him across for the two that swam into the woods. Last year in was
as simple as taking him close to where they went ashore and he would be
right on them. But for some reason he just could fine them.
Once Eddie got back we tried again for Woodies,
which had been flying all along. We each knocked one down which swam
to the woods on our side of the creek. Eddie took Tuffy and went
for them, but again Tuffy just could fine them. Tuffy had done this
same thing down in the marsh the first day of the early Teal season, but
we had no idea he would not be able to fine the woodies in the woods.
Like I said he had know trouble finding them last year. Our next
shots were at a flock of woodies that I think was the largest flock I have
ever seen, about fifty birds. We each shot once, knocking two down.
Tuffy got the one that was dead and the other swam to our side of the creek.
Eddie again went with Tuffy, but again came back without the bird.
Went Eddie got back and the next flock of
Woodies came through, he knocked one down and I waited to see if it fell
dead. It didn't, but fell close enough so that I finished him by
shooting immediately. Dead on the water Tuffy had no trouble retrieving
it. We finally had our four Woodies. Three drakes and a hen.
Beautiful birds.
It was about nine o'clock and we stayed till
ten to see if a Teal or a Mallard would come to us. We saw a few,
but none that would come to us. Eddie and I agreed that we had seen
more Woodies than either of us had ever seen in our 50 years of hunting.
At home we skinned five of the Snows, for mounting, that I had brought
home yesterday and Eddie will pick five. Picked our Woodies and my
two look wonderful soaking in a bucket in the fridge.
We decided that we would go back to Cabin
Creek Blind for the evening hunt and see if a Mallard or a Teal would fly
to us and if nothing else just enjoy the Woodies flying. We also
decided that we would take Sunny, my dog, instead of Tuffy, to see if she
would retrieve one if it fell and made it to the woods. Eddie and
I had just got our guns loaded when Sunny came into the blind with a crippled
Woody drake. Eddie took the duck and would have gave her a kiss on
the nose if she had let him. I just let her run the shoreline and
I'll be damn if she didn't come back with another Woody drake. We
had two Woodies, but had not fired our guns.
We watched Woodies and then suddenly there
was a Mallard drake that when I called to him, he set up a made a beeline
for the dekes. Eddie and I shot at the same time and down he came.
Sunny headed for him with a little squeal bark and retrieved him.
Just before the sun went down the geese started coming to the creek and
we had one flock land within 60 yds. As we were leaving they started
coming one flock after the next. Course there aren't enough for us
to be able to shoot them. Damn sure seems like it is through.
Sunny didn't want to give up the last two
ducks she retrieved and set them both down a little away from the blind,
but we got both anyway, so even through she didn't do it just right I was
still tickled with her. Eddie and I figure that Tuffy has just lost his
sense of smell and we hope he gets it back. If I have many more days
this fall, like the last two have been, with good friends and lots and
lots of waterfowl, I will be one happy hunter! Sure hope your lives
are happy and satisfying. Write if you can. donald
Sunday, Oct 11th, 1998
Worked most of the day at it, but I got three
for the Snows mounted
and ready to go hunting. Guess I will have to go to Cabin Creek
Blind
in the morning by myself.
Monday, Oct 12th, 1998
Daybreak found me at Cabin Creek Blind
with geese setting in the
dekes till Sunny couldn't stand it any longer and went out to see if
she
could catch one. Saw about a third of the Woodies that we saw
on
Saturday the first day. After it got light it took me four shots
to get
my two woodies. My first shot was a single that fell outside
the dekes
and Sunny went to retrieve. She carried the duck to the other
side of
the creek and into the woods. When she came out she had no duck.
I
paddled over to see if I could find it, but all I found was feathers.
Came home with only one Woodies and a dog that knew she had done
something wrong.
Spent the rest of the day doing the other
two Snows for mounts.
When muzzleloader deer hunting over to Hard Scrabble this evening,
but
saw nothing. Trying to find someone to go seaducking with in
the
morning. donald
Tuesday, Oct 13th, 1998
Daybreak found me by myself at Cabin
Creek Blind. Saw only about
a tenth of what we had on the first day, but did get my two Woodies.
Took me six shots. Sunny made beautiful retrieves, so I guess
I can
forget what she did yesterday.
Pat's birthday today, so we went out to eat
'that's what old people
do'.
Went deer hunting, but saw nothing.
Bill's coming in the morning.
Will be glad for the company donald
Wednesday, Oct 14th, 1998
Bill and I were at Cabin Creek Blind
before light. Saw few
Woodies, no Mallards. Killed one that Sunny made a great retrieve
on.
I other went down crippled, upcreek about 200 yds which we couldn't
find.
Bill worked on the floating blind and I painted
dekes. We headed
back to Cabin Creek for the evening hunt. Saw few ducks and killed
one
of them.
Bill took Pat and I out for supper and a great
evening. With a
full belly we headed for bed to get up early and go down to the marsh
at
Fishing Bay WMA. donald
Thursday, Oct 15th, 1998
Up at 0430 and heading for for Fishing Bay
at 0500. Weather was
clear and little wind. Launched and headed to a creek of of Fishing
Bay That I knew would hold some ducks. It was only two
other trucks at
the launch. Had about a 15 minute ride to my spot and was setup
before
shooting time. Once out of the boat and on the marsh we could
hear the
Widgeon leaving the marsh and could hear some wings. Calm and
clear
there were few ducks that moved. We could hear them in the marsh
quacking but saw few. Had one Greenwing squirt over the
dekes, but we
didn't see it in time. After sunrise we had another Greenwing
that came
to the dekes and as it flared I shot and killed it. It dropped
on the
other side of the creek. but Sunny didn't see it fall. I was
sure that
we could fine it when we went across, but the marsh was bad there and
we
just couldn't.
Bill fixed us sausage and eggs 'magic'
and we decided to float
some guts. Shot a Mallard drake and two more Greenwing Teal,
but just
couldn't fine any of them. It was the first time in the marsh
for Sunny
and she just didn't see any fall. Beautiful Bluebird day so we
decided
to call it quits. Bill needed to head home anyway.
Jeff coming in the morning to chase Woodies.
Sure hope I can find
some for him. donald
Friday, Oct 16th, 1998
Daybreak found Jeff and I at Cabin Creek Blind.
Weather FAC 'flat ass calm' and clear. Just after shooting time there
was a flock for about 15 or 20 Greenwing Teal buss through, but we didn't
see them in time. Had enough Woodies fly so that we had our four
by 0800 and Sunny made me proud by making great retrieves. We left
by 0830 and went for a ride on the Nanticoke River so that I could show
Jeff were we would put the floating blind that Bill is putting together.
He agrees that it looks like a good spot.
For some reason I really felt bad this afternoon.
Lots of angina. Be glad when Pat gets home. She's at Atlantic
City for a nursing seminar. Should be home later tonight.
Hope to go with Eddie in the morning.
With all the angina I had this afternoon I figure I better just go to Cabin
Creek Blind again. Will let you know what we do. donald
Saturday, Oct 17th, 1998
First light found Eddie and I at Cabin Creek
Blind. Weather FAC and clear as a bell. We had enough Woodies
so that I shot 5 times at them and once at a Greenwing Teal, with Bertha
. I didn't touch a one. Couldn't seem to hit my ass with either
hand. Eddie killed a Woodie Drake and a Greenwing Teal Drake.
For the first time we had taken both dogs' Sunny and Tuffy'. We hoped
they wouldn't fight over the ducks and thank goodness they didn't.
We left at 0900 and headed home for
a sandwich and a couple gallons on white paint. Then we when to Hurlock
Pit and started painting tires. We kept our guns loaded cause there
was about 50 Snows sitting within a hundred yards of us in the refuge.
We painted till 0300 which was when I had run out of paint. A gallon
was painting about 150 tires. Four or five more gallons should finish
the job. Damn paint is expensive.
We came home and I fixed us venison hamburgers,
thanks to Bill 'hard as I am trying, I can't seem to get a deer'.
With our bellies full we headed back to Cabin Creek Blind. The Woodies
started flying about 0530pm and I was two Woodies for four shots.
Much better shooting than in the morning. Eddie got one and we were
done at 0600pm.
Eddie told me he was going to sell his Browning
10ga pump, which is just like new, for $225.00. I told him for that
price I wanted it. So I am the proud owner of a 10ga pump.
It will shot my reloads and I am having trouble with Bertha's hammer and
of course I like the idea of more than one shot with my reloads.
I now have a 10ga Ithaca auto for sale. Don't know what it's worth.
Write if you know how. donald
Monday, Oct 19th, 1998
Well, 0300AM Bill and I were up at getting
started to BoomBay Hook to meet Jeff for a refuge hunt. Bill
had came down Sunday and worked on the floating blind. We meet Jeff
at 0515AM and the plan was for me to launch right away and go get our spot.
Man, was the tide low. We had to launch the boat into the mud at
the foot of the ramp. I took of. My boat plains nicely with
the dekes in the front and I zipped right along, in the dark. About
3/4 of the way to the spot I started hitting bottom. This old guy
had to push the boat with and oar for about a half mile. Just before
I reached enough water to run the outboard again, Jeff and Bill went by
me to see if they could get to the spot first. Course that damn GoDevil
just needs a wet spot to keep right on going.
I arrived at the spot before they had
finished setting dekes and started setting mine. The tide was now
coming and they were on water by the time we had set up. Not good
for us. It would have been much better if we could have had the tide
going out for 2 or 3 hours and they had set on the mud. Lots of Snows
were sitting about 100 yds away.
Sunrise was unbelievably beautiful.
Greater Snows and ducks of all kinds everywhere. We had two Greater
Snows, an old bird and a young one, that decoyed and overhead I shot an
hit one in the ass followed by Jeff shooting and killing it dead.
The old bird swung around the stern and Jeff made a great shot on him and
down it came hitting the water like a ton of bricks. He doesn't know
it, but it skinned out clean and I am going to mount it for him.
Hope it turns out pretty.
The morning went by fast, but most of the
geese just wouldn't decoy to us. Once, when we had gone to fetch
a dead bird, Jeff and I both remarked on how hard it was to see the dekes
out on the open water. A setup close to us had V-board sillywets
and with the shadow and the sillys being large they showed up much better
then ours. Guess that's why they got lots more shooting then we did.
The morning was gone much to soon. Tide
was changing. Going out again. Five hours of flood and then
out, so we had to get off the flats. We had gotten seven Greater
Snows and had seen 'a shitload' of Snowgeese and ducks. I have given
up guessing now many there are. Well, of course as soon as we left
the dekes to go for my boat a single Snow almost broke his neck trying
to get into the dekes. He landed and Bill and I headed for him.
He was happy sitting in the dekes and just wouldn't fly. So we yelled
and shouted for him to get up and when he finally did, Bill shot.
Scared me, cause it wasn't till the third shot that the goose fell dead.
Bill had made several good shots that morning, but I think this one was
just too close for a decent pattern. Then as we were picking up dekes
there was a pair that decided they wanted in. As I watched them,
when they were at 40yds away I started saying shoot'em shoot'em, but Bill
says I only brought three shells. An't life great!
After we pulled boats, we went around on the
dike and watched waterfowl by the tons, as Bill fixed one of his magical
breakfasts. It just doesn't get any better than that and we didn't
need a Bud to make it that way. I was so exhausted that Bill drove
home, but I am sure that I had a smile on my face while I was sleeping.
A great day with two guys I am proud to call friends. donald
Tuesday, Oct 20, 1998
Man, yesterday was great but today we really
got into the Greater Snows. Went to a pit next to BoomBay Hook with
Jeff, Bill, Eddie, and Greg' fellow that works with Jeff'. Jeff had
set the dekes better than most professional guides would have taken time
to do. Over my years I think I have seen most every setup and Jeff
had considered everything. He is as quick and intelligent a guy as
I have ever met.
Proof of what he had done was in were the
birds came when they decoyed. Yep, they came right over the pit,
just like he had set a runway with lights and everything for them.
Hope my few mounts helped, but I am not sure. We really worked the
Greater Snows over, last year we would have been way over the limit, killing
22 by 0100PM and then ended up with 35 at sunset. Don't think Jeff
thought we would do much in the afternoon, but I knew that with what had
happen in the morning we would do OK. The Snows came to us in larger
flocks and when we go again and Jeff asks if we want to let them land,
I think I am in agreement him, and would enjoy just watching a funnel finish
developing and watch and listen and enjoy.
Their are not words enough to tell you what
a wonderful day this was. donald
Wednesday, Oct 21, 1998
Worked cleaning geese.
Thursday, Oct 22, 1998
Mounted 5 Greater Snow geese.
Friday, Oct 23, 1998
Met Jeff, his brother, and Greg at BoomBay
Hook pit. Weather FAC and clear as a bell. Decoy setup looked
great. Saw about half as many birds come off the refuge. We
got 8 birds, one of which burst over Jeff's head about 20 feet high as
a surprise. Greg got him at about 20 yds.
Jeff cooked and believe me, I am getting spoiled.
Sunny went with me and she was so excited that she was a problem getting
back into the pit. I need to take her a few times by myself.
She did look great carrying the one Snow across the field, but with all
the new people she wouldn't bring it all the way back to the pit.
Think she will be fine once I take her by myself.
My landlord at Hurlock has cut the beans so
Eddie and I will go in the morning and set it up. Course we will
be hunting while we do it. Will be nice when the Snows get here close
to the house. If you do anything write. donald
Saturday, Oct 24, 1998
Spent the day setting up dekes at Hurlock
Pit. Finally it's none. Only a very few Snows at the refuge
now. About 100 or 200. Lots of Canadians. Saturday evening
I went to Bull Riding with Pat. Guess I am getting dumber in my old
age, cause I didn't think about it being outside and I damn near froze.
It was in the 40's and I had on nothing but a heavy shirt. Man them
bull riders is NUTS. Just kids, most with little man syndrome.
Sunday, Oct 25, 1998
Got a couple bushels of oysters from a cousin
and shucked them in the morning. Had oyster fritters for noon.
Pat didn't even want to go out and eat, hurrah. Man this time
of the year they are a bitch to shuck. Course I guess I have not
built up the power in my hands yet either.
Rode over to Hard Scrabble Blind in the afternoon
to take the floaters to the little pond. Had to just leave them in
the boat, cause the water level in the pond is so low I couldn't even float
the boat to set the dekes. Duck hunting there, opens next Saturday
and there was at least some Greenwing on the pond. I guess and believe
that we will have a wet winter and then I will be able to set the Snow
floaters. Just hope it isn't snow, cause it hurts my Snow goose hunting.
It's early Monday morning and I am getting
ready to ride up to BoomBay Hook area and join a Club there. Will
let you know what happens. donald
Monday, Oct 26, 1998
Sunrise found me at BoomBay Hook Pit by myself.
Just walked in on dekes already set. Man that's nice. Already
glad I joined the Club. Didn't get there till 0615 and the Canadians
were already flying, but the Snows waited for sunrise. As the sun
came up 0630 I suddenly had a single come from the North and of course
I was looking for them to come from the refuge from the East. It
swung around in front of me at 40 yds and over head at 35 yds. I
had taken both my BPS and Bertha and downed it with Bertha.
By then the Greater Snows were coming out
of the refuge just one flock after the other. Most were flying at
about 150 yds high. At 0700 I had another single that for some reason
came out of one of the flocks and made a circle getting over my head at
45 yds. Bertha and my reloaded #2's did it in and I had 2 dead in
the dekes. At 0720 I had three break out of the flocks that were
going over head and they also got right over my head at 40 yds. Used
the BPS and downed the white bird and a gray with my first shot.
Shot the other goose 2 times but didn't break flying gear and it when to
the corner of the field next to the refuge. Fell out dead.
I was down watching geese go over head and
flagging. When I had a break in the geese that were leaving the refuge,
I stood to see the white goose walking away from me at about 100 yds.
I sent Sunny out after it, but she caught it and stood there looking at
me. I guess the other time when we were walking to get our birds
caused her to do this and I guess I will have to start again with her and
Snows. Anyway the bird looked really hurt and I figured it would
be retrievable when I quit.
About 0915 I had a single that broke out of some
birds that were coming back and as it got to the field it flipped
out and was suddenly over the dekes in front of me and getting ready to
set down in them. It had gotten out at 50 yds or so before stopping
that damn flipping and I shot it 3 times hitting it all 3 times, but it
still just made it to the woods on my North side. Sunny later found
it on the edge of the woods for me. At 0925 I had another single
that broke out of a flock that was going back after passing me and came
back to the field. It came right to the edge of the dekes and swung
at about 30 yds high and 30 yds out. I missed it clean with Bertha
and before I could grab the other gun it was gone. Right in my face
and flew away. Believe me when you are by yourself and go every day
like I do you get so this kind of shot is easy, so I guess that bird was
just lucky.
By 1000 things seemed to be over and I was
walking out 'Hell of a walk for the old guy', when I saw Kevin coming out
to the field. He came over and gave me a ride to my truck.
He and another fellow had been hunting at the route #6 pit, but had not
killed anything. Told him I had 6, but we just couldn't fine the
white walker. Guess it wasn't hurt as bad as I through. Gather
5 up anyway and he seemed to be glad that the Club had not gotten skunked.
Kevin says that he and the other fellow will be in this pit in the morning.
I am planning to be with them, if the body will do it. The mind is
already ready. Had taken 30 half tires up to setup the duck pit for
Saturday and had planned to do it in again the morning, but I was just
to worn out to load them in the truck. Hope to show him how to kill
a duck out of that pit. Hope I can get up in the morning.
donald
Tuesday, Oct 28, 1998
Ended up taking George ' Eddie's son' and
we were at the BoomBay Pit just before sunrise. FAC and clear.
Met Kevin Fox and Kevin Jason there. My first time to hunt with either,
liked both. Kevin Fox is fun to talk to. We killed only three
Snows, but had a very enjoyable hunt. I was glad to have the time
to talk to Kevin, I think we will have a lot of fun. I guess some
of the Club Members do not like the idea of him taking day parties, but
the way I look at it, is that the more he can take the more pits he can
lease and the more fun I can have hunting out of them.
George and I stayed for a little while after
the Kevins left and while they were heading for there trucks we had lots
of Snows come over the woods from the Allee House and were I didn't know
how far out in the field they had gotten we shot the first single that
got close enough. When we stood up, it was to late, but I noticed
that there were two small flocks coming to the dekes and maybe if we had
waited we would had had them come right to us. However, not knowing
were they were in the field, plus from past experience I fine that one
in the hand is worth many in the sky.
George and I left at 1100 with four beautiful
Greater Snows, all gray birds. George says he will be a member next
year.
Wednesday, Oct 28, 1998
Sunrise found me at the BoomBay Hook Pit with
a friend 'Ray" a fellow that sheds crabs and we have become good friends.
FAC and no wind. The first goose was on his end 0715, but he
needed to get past the excitement and missed it three times. However
the next single he had no trouble killing. 0725 we had several working
us and suddenly there was a pair that came right in and as they were over
the dekes at 10 yds high at 25 yds out we took them. I got mine with
my first shot, but Ray had to shot his all three times. He knew he
was shooting the goose in the ass and said he would lead them further next
time.
I couldn't talk him into shooting the geese
that were 45 yds to 55 yds out and finally shot one that he just said he
didn't think he could kill. The next goose was also at 45 yds and
I talked him into shooting at it. He hit it with the first two shots
and killed it with the third. 0930 we had one last single come and
just kept falling in till he was ready to land in the dekes. Ray
took care of him with no problem. We had six Greater Snows.
That seemed to be it and Ray wanted to see the refuge, so we left and rode
around. He says he will be back and that he wanted to bring some
guys he knew. Says he will get the money together to join the Club
next year.
I am to meet with Bill, and Jeff in
the morning. It's actually supposed to blow a little in the morning.
Maybe that will make for good shooting. Looking forward to it, but
don't think I will try to make a day of it, cause it's just to much for
my heart and I just am not ready to die with all these geese to be hunted.
Write if you know how. donald
Thursday, Oct 29, 1998
Met Jeff and Bill at BoomBay Hook just before
sunrise. They had the setup looking good. After watching the
Snows yesterday, I was a little afraid of what might happen today.
The Snows flew high at sunrise before the wind picked up. Most appeared
to be heading far inland.
We did get 3 singles to look at the dekes
and killed 2 gray Greater Snows. Which was a good morning except
for all the work to get dekes out. When I walk in on dekes close
to the house and kill 2 I feel like it's a good day. So for me this
was a great day with great friends. They wouldn't eat my oysters
that I had brought along and I ended up giving them to Kevin Fox.
Got to agree that the ham an egg that Bill puts together are wonderful.
I had planned to leave after the morning hunt
and could see nothing developing goose wise. Plus I had a little
spot of cellulitis getting started on my face. I left about 1030.
They stayed the day, but didn't get another shot. donald
Friday, Oct 30, 1998
First light found me at Hard Scrabble Duck
Blind. Hear ducks quacking, saw not even one. Spend the rest
of the day moving tires out of Hurlock and mounting a goose for Kevin.
Was glad to hear that Jeff found the Snows
at his pit and killed 12 while working on the pit.
Eddie wants to go to the BoomBay Duck Pit
in the morning, so it will be another of those 0400 in the morning days.
Don't expect much.
I put some pictures of what we have been doing
in my personal images page.
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/1533/jeffgees.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/1533/spread.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/1533/water.jpg
More there. donald
Saturday, Oct 31, 1998
Another 0400 morning. Eddie was here
so that we could leave at 0400 with another load of tires that I wanted
to try up to BoomBay. We arrived at BoomBay at 0530 to fine that
the tires that I had set at the Duck Pit were on the edge of the woods.
There was no way we had enough time to set them, but I could see the Snow
goose pit was setup and figured that's were Kevin wanted me. Eddie
and I got into the Snow pit and were ready at shooting time.
Weather FAC and clear as a bell. Saw a couple
flocks before time and right at time I tried 3 that squirted by by end
of the pit. They were zipping so fast that I knew I had shot behind
them. A few minutes later there were 4 that cut by Eddie's end and
he shot first but missed and I fired just as two got together and killed
both. Course Eddie was shooting T's 'I cann't seem to explain anything
to him about shot size' and I had 4's 'still big for the 2 Greenwing Teal
drakes that fell. Sunny retrieved 1 and Tuffy got the other.
Had no trouble getting Sunny to bring it right to me 'now for the Snow
geese'.
Course the duck flight was over before the
sun came up and we noticed that we would have gotten more shooting at the
duck pit, but at lease we weren't skunked and still had a half a chance
at a Greater Snow. There were tons that came out of the refuge, but
only one single that got close enough, which Eddie took care of and Tuffy
made a good retrive on. I could see nothing developing and we left
at 0900. donald
Sunday Nov 1, 1998
Eddie and I got another load of tires out
of Hurlock. Bill Arrived to work on the floating blind and he and
Eddie went right to work. Sunday belongs to Pat and she wanted to
go out to eat. Of course Granny goes along.
The floating blind is taking shape and looks
like maybe one or work day will do it. Sure hope with all the work
that Bill has put in it, the ducks cooperate. donald
Monday Nov 2,1998
When to BoomBay Hook Pit with George Doty.
Had told him we would have to leave the house at 0415, but he heard me
wrong and showed up at 0345. We tried to kill some time and it got
away from us. We arrived late at the pit and the ducks had already
flown. Kevin was there moving some dekes and the three of us stetted
into the pit. Weather calm and clear. The Snows came over high
and at about 0730 we rode around to show George what the Club offered.
George couldn't seem to keep his eyes open. Not used to getting up
in the middle of the night.
When we arrived at the route 6 pit we found
Snows by the tons in the field next to it. When we rode back to the
pit a Gray Greater Snow came close enough to the truck that it could have
been shot. George and my guns were back in my truck, so Kevin said
that if George wanted he could stay there with his gun while we when back
for ours. We were ready to make things happen, when Kevin asked if
everyone had everything that they needed for the warden cause out on the
road we may easily get checked. Come to fine out George didn't have
a Delaware stamp. It would have taking a while to round up a stamp
for George, so he and I left Kevin and the geese a came home. George
was asleep all the way home.
Sure hope Kevin got into them!
Was supposed to be all set to go up with Eddie's
son George in the morning, but at the last minute he canceled out, so I
am heading up by myself in a few hours. Wish you were with me.
At least I have Sunny! donald
Tuesday, Nov 3, 1998
Went up to BoomBay Hook Pit by myself.
Lots of Snows flew and one that broke out of a flock and came to me.
Sunny made her first good retrieve on a Greater Snow, bringing it back
to the pit after playing with it a little while. Weather was supposed
to close in and rain. So I took a nap and when I woke up I through
it must be 1100 or 1200 o'clock and without company I decided to go home.
When I got to the truck it was only 0850 but I came on home. Then
the weather closed in. O well.
Wednesday, Nov 4, 1998
Met a young man named Wayman at the Cambridge
Inn at 0800 and we were on our way to go seaducking. Rough as hell,
but we managed to kill our seaducks. Think Wayman said he went through
a box and a half of shells. He wants a Old Squall Drake for mounting,
but we had only killed 2 immature Squalls. Hoping he gets him next
time.
Thursday, Nov 5, 1998
Wind was to be NorthWest at 15 kts and with
it being the first day of duck season I decided to go to Cabin Creek Blind.
Wayman, George Doty and I with more Woodies than you can imagine.
We killed our limits of Woodies, but never got a shot at a Mallard.
Couldn't fine but 4, 3 drakes and a hen. The wind was to blow again
in the morning so we planned to take Doty's 24 foot SeaArk and go anyway.
Friday, Nov 6,1998
Daybreak found Wayman, Doty and I at Cabin
Creek Blind thinking we might see all those Woodies again. WRONG.
They learn fast! We killed one and headed for the Chesapeake Bay.
When we left the duck blind the sun was shining
beautifully, but once we were setup out on the Bay, after a nice breakfast,
it clouded in and even rained a little for the first hour we were there.
Rain - seaducking - no-good! Wayman did make a great shot on a nice
Drake Old Squall and he was delighted. After the front went through
it cleared again and the sun came back out. The ducks began to fly.
Skunkheads. The first was a flock of about 10 that came right in
to us. We killed one. I said it stopped raining, not blowing.
It was a 4 or 5 foot wave and you can't even imagine what it's like to
try to hit ducks while bouncing up and down. Next flock was about
15 and they were right on us. We got one more. And so the morning
went. We did get our ducks before noon and Wayman had to get a plane
back to Ga.. Sure hope he had a good time. I can't wait to
go again in that big Ark of Doty's. Man, that's the way to go seaducking.
Evening found me back at the Cabin Creek Blind
by myself. Had a single that came to the dekes and I got him.
Then a flock of about 15 that came close enough, but I missed and then
a pair that I got the Drake out of. Stayed till sunset, but still
no Mallards. My 2 Woodies were Drakes and beautiful. Going
with Eddie in the morning.
Saturday, Nov 7, 1998
Shooting time found Eddie and I at Cabin Creek
Duck Blind. We saw few Woodies, but managed to get two.
A new visitor was a single Mallard Drake that we killed along with a pair
that came to the dekes. We had 5 ducks and felt it was a great day.
I think the Saturday hunters is why we killed the Mallards. We returned
for the afternoon hunt and got only one Woodie. Think most are headed
South.
Sunday, Nov 8, 1998
Eddie and I cleaned up the rest of the blind
in the ditch at Hurlock. Bill came down and he and Eddie worked on
the floating blind. It really looks good. Bill worked right
on into the dark hours with truck lights. Think it's pretty well
finished except for brushing it and anchoring it in place. Now as
long as the divers come! Pat and I and kids and families all went
out for dinner for our 38th wedding date.
Monday, Nov 9, 1998
Shooting time found me alone at Cabin Creek
Duck Blind. Never got a shot. Saw few ducks. Plan on
trying BoomBay Pit in the morning. Have a couple guys coming from
the net and I think Kevin will come out and hunt with us. It's going
to close in weather wise, so maybe we will have a good day. Hope
so. Write if you know how! donald
Tuesday, Nov 10, 1998
0545 Found me meeting Jay and Steve at the
sign for BoomBay Hook. We headed over to the Pit. Tons of Snows
came out of the refuge at sunrise, but nothing that would decoy.
By about 0800 there were a few that began searching and we had a single
that came right in. The boys made short work of downing him.
Next were three that we managed to kill a bird out of and the last shot
was at a flock that tried to go overhead a little to low. One bird
fell, but not till he made it to the refuge.
Kevin was around most of the day working on
dekes and told the boys that he would take them for the evening hunt.
I hope they know just now special that really was and treated Kevin right.
Hope they enjoyed themselves.
I went to Cabin Creek Duck Blind for the afternoon
hunt and with the wind an being overcast weather I was sure I would get
some shooting, but I didn't fire a shot. Will go there in the morning
with Eddie, it's supposed to be raining. donald
Wednesday, Nov 11, 1998
When to Cabin Creek in the rain by myself.
Eddie had told me that he would not ride over to work for nothing again,
but he did. Anyway, in the rain I killed a Mallard hen that came
in ahead of another pair she was flying with. I had let her land
in the dekes, but while waiting for the pair to circle again, that had
a beautiful drake I wanted, I suddenly heard her quacking as she jumped
out of the dekes. I shot her as she leveled off. Next were
four that came over the dekes and I picked out a Mallard drake. I
had two more shots, but just plain missed. 0830 I feft in a hard
rain.
Noon time found me up country at Jeff's pit
to fine they had killed nothing. Jeff couldn't hunt in the afternoon,
so I asked if Bill and Rod wanted to go to BoomBay to the club for evening
hunt. WRONG We didn't even see a goose. But we at least tried.
Thursday, Nov 12,1998
Daybreak found me at Cabin Creek. Lots
of Canadains, not many ducks. Did manage to get on Mallard drake.
Went back for evening, but nothing.
Friday, Nov 13 1998
Jeff and Greg showed up and we headed for
Cabin Creek. Tons of Canadains. Only one shot at three Greenwing
Teal that bussed over the dekes. We tried but we couldn't do it,
and just watched them fly away.
Jeff and Greg loaded the last of the tire
dekes and headed for Easton to go to the Waterfowl Festable. I went
back over to Cabin Creek for evening, but saw nothing.
Pat, Tricia and Dawn all left today to go
to New York to a country music concert. They will meet my oldest
daughter and have a couple days together. I am so happy they get
along so well and can get together.
Eddie will not work tomarrow, so we will hunt
somewhere.
Saturday, Nov 14, 1998
First light found Eddie and I at Cabin Creek
after stopping at Hurlock Pit to listen for Snows. Didn't seem to
be any at all, so Cabin Creek was it. Being Saturday everyone seemed
to be out and they make a few Mallards fly around. Our first shot
was at 8 Mallards which decoyed in over the dekes. Eddie killed and
drake, I got feathers. After it was light enought to see good we
had 4 Mallards come and I got mine but Eddie didn't. About 800 we
had a pair come to the dekes and Bertha stapped on the shell, Eddie missed.
We when for coffee and noticed that they were
spreading lime on the field at Hurlock Pit so we asked if we could spread
it thru the dekes with a bucket without taking them up. The farmer
said that if we just tighen them up a little he could spread it himself.
While we were talking to him, we noticed a single Snow circle the dekes
that would have been an easy shot. We spend the 11 to 0100 watch
at the Hurlock dekes and killed 1 old white Snow that decoyed. Saw a few
others and it looks good for next week. We dicided not to hunt in
the evening.
Hope Pat comes home. Miss her!
donald
Monday, Nov 16, 1998
First light found me at Hurlock Pit.
I could hear the Snows in the refuge. Sunrise they all jumped at
once. Not many there and they when out 150 yds South of me.
Weather was beautiful so I just stayed and had some coffee. Had 2
times that ducks come by within 20 yds, but both times I had not seen them
coming and just wasn't fast enough to shoot at them.
0830 I had a single Snow that decoyed right
in. I crippled him all up by shooting him in the ass and just couldn't
seem to get far enough out in front of him. Was sure he would fall
out as he flew away but he just kept going. 0900 I had another single
do the same thing, but unfortunately I did also and it also flew away.
Can't believe that I had 2 birds decoy and didn't kill either. When
home and mounted geese.
BTW Pat came home! She says they had
a great time. Sure glad she came home, Granny was driving me NUTS.
Tuesday, Nov17,1998
Daybreak found me at Cabin Creek Duck Blind
in the fog. Hardly even saw the dekes and left at 0730 to go to Hurlock
Pit and see what was going on there. Fog cleared at 0830. Stayed
till 1000. Saw a few, but nothing that would work the dekes.
Bill is coming down in the morning.
Hope we see a duck. Not much going on right now.
Wednesday, Nov 18, 1998
Bill and I were at Cabin Creek at first light.
Just no ducks. About 0730 a Mallard drake came up the creek and passed
overhead at about 40 yds and killable. NO he just flew away. We never
touched him. Headed for Hurlock Pit. Saw some geese, but killed
none.
Did get to feed Bill some of my single fried
oysters and he did finish up the floating blind with the exception of brushing
it. We will take it to the mouth of the river for the Dec 14th opening.
Thursday, Nov 19,1998
Jeff and I found ourselves at a farm called
Pea Hill at 0530. I had an invite to come with Jeff's decoys and
hunt the Snows that had been on the farm for two weeks each day feeding.
As we sat outside the farmers house, trucks started coming from everywhere.
Suddenly it was a group that was going to hunt. I had told Jeff that
I didn't know what to expect, but I didn't expect a crowd.
We went out and set decoys. Another
guy came walking across the field. He was number 10.
I wish I could let you see a picture of these guys. You talk about
the Clampets and the McCoys. These guys came out of the woods, 'fields'.
We were to hide under a big camo and were told that we would shoot after
they had sat down. The farmer even passed out some shells to some
of the guys saying that they would only need 3. He also told them
if they came again they would have to get a license. He was in charge.
Well, the geese came and came, tons of them.
The first funnel came right to the dekes with geese 10 feet over heads,
hundreds of them. There were 4 or 5 that sat in the dekes, but the
main flock landed out across the field. We just sat there waiting
to be told to shoot, but there was no order. The geese that were
in the dekes jumped and went out with the flock. This happening 3
times, with as many as 8 in the dekes at one time, one that landed 10 feet
from us, but we were told to wait. Once all the geese were in the
field we got to shoot at two small groups that came over to the dekes.
Ten guys killed 7 geese and at 0800 we were told that he had to go to work
and would have to take up dekes and go. What a hunt. Got to
admit, the funnels were beautiful and the guys seemed to be save gun handers.
Don't care to go again.
Jeff is heading for Assateague Island WMA
in the morning for divers but I think it's to early, so I will stay around
here.
Friday, Nov 20, 1998
Daybreak found me at Cabin Creek but there
were no ducks. Spend the day mounting geese. Talked to Jeff
and he had gone to Assateague in the morning and Deals Island in the evening,
but still no ducks. We will try seaducks in the morning.
Saturday, Nov 21, 1998
Jeff and I tried for a pass shot at Hurlock,
but they came out high, we shot, and I only knocked one down. I told
Jeff we would get it later and we headed for Taylors Island. In a
hurry, Jeff picked up a speeding ticket $130.00 'bummer'. Got
to the Island late to fine Doty waiting for us. Launched and hit
the Chesapeake Bay in a NorthWest wind at 15 to 20. Not sure Jeff
was comfortable with the waves at first, but he was ok after we got setup
and started shooting ducks. Damn, they are hard to hit bouncing around
like a ball on the waves. We all shot lots of shells and killed a
few ducks, but anything that was crippled was impossible to get.
After a couple hours the winds picked up even more and we took one over
the bow so we headed in. It was a good hunt till Doty fell overboard
trying to walk out on the trailer while loading the boat. I tried
not to laugh. Honest. Thinking it must be my turn for a blow.
Jeff and I stopped at Hurlock Pit on the way
back to fine Snows in the refuge by the tons. We got into the pit
and waited for them to move. Wasn't long before they started and
we had a couple flocks that came within 30yds but not out over the field
and we didn't shoot back towards the refuge. Then we finally had
a single that did make it out over the field and Jeff downed it.
We took 2 other shots and downed 3 more, but just didn't kill them and
I had left Sunny home, so we couldn't get them out of the refuge.
Jeff walked over for the one that we had killed in the morning, but the
gulls had already eating the breast out of it. Five Snows down, but
only one to carry home wasn't good. Think Jeff enjoyed himself.
Next time Sunny goes.
Long day. Jacuzzi fell good. Eddie
killed nothing at the Cabin Creek Duck Blind. He and I will set dekes
out over to Hard Scabble in the morning. Write if you do anything.
donald
Sunday, Nov 22, 1998
Eddie and I set dekes out at Hard Scrabble.
Damn I'm sore all over. About 300 tires and the floating dekes that
we had in the boat, about 40. No water in the pond. Don't know
what to expect in the morning.
Fixed young snow goose for dinner. Great.
But Granny just will not eat any more wild stuff. Not going to fix
her a different meal, so I guess she'll starve.
Monday, Nov 23,1998
Sunrise found me at Hard Scrabble. Clear
and what wind there was in my face. Temps to reach the 60's.
Saw more geese than I had expected. 0730 Had one young bird decoy
in and downed him with no trouble. 0815 Had and old bird circle twice and
figured on the second I better try him at about 45 yds. He came down,
but went all the way across the pond, 150 yds, before landing in the puddle
that is the pond. Sunny had made a beautiful retrieve on the first
bird, but had not seen were this one when. There were geese flying,
so I called her in the blind and watched the bird as it sat without going
anywhere. About 20 minutes later I looked up to see a Red Fox standing
over it. I took Sunny and as I got close enough to sting the fox.
I shot and Sunny saw the goose. However when she brought it back
it was headless. Loss what would have been a good mount, damn.
Sure doesn't seem to take long for something to be having a good dinner
once you down a goose.
Left about 1000. Still sore from yesterday.
Did go ahead and mount the young goose. Want to do about 20 Snow
mounts sitting on the ground for Hurlock and later in the season.
Wind is supposed to come around out of the NorthWest at 15 to 25 tomorrow,
which will be at my back and I think it might make a good hunt. I
have a heart Doctors appointment in the afternoon.
Tuesday, Nov 24, 1998
Sunrise found me at Hard Scrabble. Weather
was overcast and a good wind from the NorthWest. I saw tons
of geese, but they didn't seem to be able to see the dekes like they did
with the sun shining on them. Anyway I only had one bird decoy, which
I made a good shot on and Sunny made a good retrieve. I spent the
afternoon mounting him.
Heart Dr. gave me another appointment for
4 months down the line. Hope I don't see him before then. Pat
is still working to hard, but she says it's better then being at home with
mom. The sun is supposed to shine tomorrow, so I will see if that
makes any difference with the geese decoying.
Wednesday, Nov 24, 1998
Had them come 3 times today. Flew across
high and would start down
and end up in a funnel. 0715 First bunch a single got in way
ahead of
the rest and I just when ahead and downed him. Second was about
0830
and the funnel was at maybe 40 yds as two fell into the dekes.
Shot
them at about ten feet off the ground. About 0900 I had 4 Mallards
circle the pond and called them over to look at the black tires.
At 40
yds I shot at the lead drake and killed a hen behind him, hit him in
the
ass also. Was in the process of leaving at 1030 when I heard
tons
coming back out of the fields inland from me. Another funnel,
tons of
geese coming and this time I was going to get a white bird. Lots
of
geese under 30yds all around me and one that landed in the dekes.
Sunny
going nuts!! Me holding on to her. About 25 right in over
the dekes at
35 yds maybe 30 feet off the ground. Big white bird out front.
Up with
my BPS and my excuse is, Sunny bumped me, anyway I shot the big white
bird in the ass and crippled another. Grabbed Bertha to get the
single
that had landed and noticed that Sunny had run it out of the dekes
and
it was to far. Had tons overhead but by the time I got on them
they
were to far. Watched as 2 cripples flew away. Tons of geese
and not
even one on the ground.
Anyway came home with 3 Snows and a Mallard.
Supposed to rain in the morning. Eddie
will go with me. Wish they were dependable cause I had another man,
'Bob', that wants to go, but hate to take him for nothing. Will let
you know what happens on turkey day.
Thursday, Nov 26, 1998
Hard Scrabble at first light in the rain with
the wind blowing a gale. Field was wet and it took me a long time
to walk the 350 yds to the blind from the truck. Still had plenty
of time cause we didn't see any geese till about 0745. Tons of them
flying low, about 150yds high, but they just didn't pay much attention
to us. 0800 we had 4 that circle back and suddenly came right to
the dekes. We took them at 35 yds 20 yds over the dekes. I
had brought Bertha and killed mine dead. Eddie shot one 3 times in
the ass and it fell just outside the dekes and began walking away.
I shot it with Bertha and rolled it over. We send Sunny after it
and when she got almost to it it flew right at us. As it when away
from the blind Eddie shot it again and it fell again. When Sunny
brought it back it was still alive. Damn Steel. Eddie sat on
it and that killed it.
We saw tons of geese, but they just would
not come to us. I think they come better when the sun is shining
on the dekes. We did try two more shots at about 50 yds, but I had
stayed loaded with #4 steel ' case a duck flew by' and didn't have any
chance of killing them at that range. So I just let Eddie shot T's
at them and watched as he didn't kill any.
Sun was just coming out as we left at 1100
to go eat turkey. ATE TO MUCH..... Hope it doesn't hurt me
tomorrow. Was nice to go to Tricia's house and be with most of the
family. Miss Doris my oldest that lives in Me. Pat has a pain
in her side just under her right rib. Hope it's just a browsed rib.
Say a pray for her, and me, cause I sure don't need her down with anything.
She is my life.
My friend Irene apparently just got online,
so if you notice a new email addy that's hers. She's my fishing buddy,
but never see her during the hunting season. Now that she has a machine
maybe we can stay in touch till summer when we can go fishing. Eddies
going to take her the 2 young gray geese that we got this morning.
Write her if you want, I am sure she wouldn't mind. She has a 'GRANNY'
to put up with also. Misery loves company. Write if you can.
donald
Friday, Nov 27, 1998
Sunrise found Eddie and I meeting Jeff at
Hard Scrabble. Weather clear and cool with a good NorthWest wind.
Jeff had brought some Rags to put some movement in the dekes. He
had gotten there first and said that there were about 200 Snows that had
roasted on the little pond that had flew out just after he got there.
As we were unloading things we heard Jeff calling and saw a single working
the dekes. It landed and walked around in the dekes while he finished
setting out the Rags, finally flew off.
We took time to put a camo roof over us and
then when the same single came back it was shooting time and I was told
to shot him. MISSED. Jeff put him down, and we weren't skunked.
Geese flew good and we managed to get 6 with one of them a white bird that
was banded. Jeff and I both shot him. Jeff's first banded Snow.
Also had a flock of Mallards that came to circle the pond. I caught
them with my duck call and they began circling the black tires to find
were that duck that was calling them was at. When I say gettem we
managed to knock 3 down but one made it to the woods before falling and
wasn't found.
Jeff had to leave at 1030. We had 6 Greater
Snows and 2 Mallards. Had seen tons of geese. Think Jeff enjoyed
himself.
Eddie and I stayed till 1230 and got a single
and one funnel that we killed one out of, which made 8 Snows.
Took Eddie home and went to pick up
the mounts at Hurlock Pit to take to Hard Scrabble in the morning.
Got there to find a young Snow walking around in the mounts. It let
me get within 30 yds before it jumped and I downed it. Tons of geese
in the refuge. Damn season closing. While I was getting the
mounts into the truck the geese in the refuge got up and started overhead.
Standing by the truck with Bertha I let the first 1000 go by and even through
they were 65 yds or more I shot into a flock, but got nothing. They
were still coming overhead so I loaded and tried again. This time
I lucked one and had #10 for the day. I am beat, but ready to go
in the morning.
Eddie's son, Little Eddie '6 foot 260 lbs
30 year old' is getting marry tonight, but being beat and the wedding a
long drive I will not go. Hope he understands.
Pat's better! Thanks!
Saturday, Nov 28, 1998
Sunrise found Eddie and I at Hard Scrabble.
Weather clear and calm and warm. Saw lots of geese, but they seemed
to know just where they were going. We each had a shot at two different
singles that decoyed, but that was it. Mine fell about 1/2 mile away
in the woods. Eddie missed his. We didn't stay long cause both
of us were tired. Eddie had been up late with the wedding and I am
just a wimp.
I think the damn Snows can read cause they
seem to know when the season is closed in Maryland and my field by the
refuge was white with them today. It would be the best 2 weeks of
the year for me if they just left it open during the deer season.
They seem to get here this time every year. By the time it reopens
the refuge will be so full that they will be shooting smoke shells over
them to scare them away. O Well, so is life.
Helped my son-in-law with a deer and we had
butterfly steaks, eggs, and home fries for supper. Glad you were
not here cause it was just enough for us. Without a place to get
one for myself, this year, I sure hope someone shoots an extra one for
me.
Write if you know how. donald
Monday, Nov 31,1998
Sunrise found me at Hard Scrabble. Beautiful
weather for fishing. Saw few geese. Just as I was bored and
leaving at around 0900 there seemed to be more flying then earlier.
Had to leave cause I needed to go to Jarrisville and pick up a deer that
Craig had for me. A beautiful little button buck. Pat went
with me and we made a great day of the trip. THANKS CRAIG.
Had the deer skinned and quartered and in the fridge by dark.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 1998
Sunrise found me at Hard Scrabble. Still
in a heat wave. Supposed to reach the 70's. Had a single Snow
that had stayed in the pond come to me just after sunrise. It circled
the dekes out front of the blind and then started to head for the mounts
behind the blind. I shot him at about 30 yds overhead. Again,
bored by 0900 and left, but noticed that the geese seemed to be just getting
ready to fly. I intend to try to stay longer tomarrow.
Finished cutting up the deer and had some
wonderfull steaks for supper. You should have been here.
donald
click here for December
1998
If anyone is reading these letters,
it would be nice to have an account of what your life is like. I would
love to hear from you.
Donald
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