Rainy Day Mallard Shoot

[David Rearick]

2006/2007 Hunting Journal Entries



DATE: 10-20-2006

LOCATION: Western PA

SUNRISE/SUNSET: 7:41

WEATHER: Overcast and Rainy

TEMPERATURE: 50’s

WIND: Moderate

EQUIPMENT USED: Avery® Natgear Skull Cap, Avery® Natgear Neck Gaiter, Avery® Finisher Blind, Avery® Finisher Blind Bag, Avery® Game Hog Game Strap, Avery® Mud Bag, Avery® Mud Case, Greenhead Gear® Hot Buy Mallards, Greenhead Gear® Full Body Active, Rester, and Feeder Mallards

HUNTERS: Erik Nilsson and Avery® Pro-Staffer David Rearick

JOURNAL NOTES:

With the rain falling at a steadily and annoying rate we pulled into the farm. The once small pool that had formed at the base of a corn field was growing rapidly. We set out with our full bodies and a few floaters and planned to try and get a few mallards before heading off to scout for the next day.

Shortly after light the birds were in the air. Buzzing around us, their wing beats made us hold our breath and wait for them appear. As the sun began to rise the first pair worked the spread to perfection. As soon as they started to back peddle the guns went off, and after a few more shots than I would like to admit, two ducks were on the ground and Erik sent his new pup Gauge on the retrieve. After 2 good retrieves the day was a success as the dog had got some work, anything else was a bonus. The birds continued to fly and work another spot in the field just around the corner. Two small flocks hit the small pocket of water and being the nice guy that I am, I offered to go jump them up and see if Erik could get them to give him a look (Well knowing I could put a pretty mean stalk on the boys and get close enough for a shot). After low crawling and a complete dunking and draining of my SBE, I was close enough to jump them off the small pocket of water. After a small barrage three birds were on the water. I turned my head for a split second and looked back, but one was gone. Funny, I thought, as there was no where to go in this 3” water pocket on grass. I gathered up the two I could find and headed back to get Erik and Gauge. Erik came with me to do some more searching, but after a look around, I figured the third must have taken off when I turned my head. There was no sign of the bird and it didn’t look hit to begin with, as it was well out of the shot pattern when I pulled the trigger.

While we were contemplating what happened the ducks still wanted in. We got back against a hedgerow and waited. A pair presented itself directly in front and after a few more shots, both ducks fell. We sent Gauge on the retrieve and after chasing down his first cripple and keeping a rock steady hold we had 6 mallards in the bag. Even with our wet bodies, blinds, guns, and gear the blood flowing made us feel like it was 80 out and sunny. We decided to get out and do some scouting for the next day and leave the spot for later in the week. A great quick hunt and some great work for a new dog.

Gauge on the retrieve!


A very proud Erik and Gauge!

[Jason Mears]

Nice JE Dave!

[Paul "from NZ" Stenning]

Dave

Labs love the rain and Mud, looks like Gauge has a smile on his face! Look forward to some more JEs

[David Rearick]

He had a gret time running around in the water, and pouncing on the decoys. He quickly figured out that they were plastic and not feathers.LOL. Gotta love watching a dog feel out the hunt deal.