PA RP Late season hunt

**Erik Nilsson** · #1 02-07-2008, 12:08 AM

I got together with fellow Zink staffers Rick McFarlane, Mike Bard and Avery Prostaffer Dave Rearick for a late season RP Canada Goose Hunt in Pa. Mike had to make a long drive through some possible Lake effect snow to come hunt with us and Rick having to make a good drive himself Dave and I wanted to make sure to do our best to have some birds lined up. Both Mike and Rick have invited us on hunts so, it was our turn to make it happen.

The Weather patterns appeared to be promising to get the birds out to feed so it was time to get out, put in some road time and try to secure a promising spot. This time of year for us can be tricky for patterning birds for its easy come and easy go, never to see them for awhile. After checking a couple of areas holding birds we felt good about having a plan A and plan B. The day before we spot checked everything and found out that our backup wasn’t holding the birds anymore so it was down to the one spot.

Mike had arrived at Dave’s house the night before and we were all set for the next day. The day of the hunt Rick arrived early at my house, We hooked up the trailer and set off to find Dave and Mike.
After a quick meet and greet time, We headed out to set out our spread of 4 doz FFD and 1 doz sleeper shells, set up the finishers and prepared for the incoming flocks. Having the experience of the other guys showed and things went together quickly. Jumping into my blind I realized I didn’t have on my lucky vest! I felt bad mojo for a short time until I discovered it in my blind bag where I put it so I wouldn’t forget it
(so much for that!) Shortly after we had everything set up I heard geese approaching and said "here they come". 3 geese appeared over the trees moaning ,double clucking and just happy to see us. The geese made a fast approach and swung on the outer edge of the decoys to Daves side. I called the shot, quickly we dispatched a pair but one left unscathed possibly to return later?

We had a bit of a lull until the birds really started to fly so of course the blind banter was in full swing amongst the members of the hunt. Soon, we began to hear a small flock approaching. We all turned to our Zink calls and gave some flock sounds that lit the field on fire, quickly the geese descended and the guns volleyed with several geese laying belly up in the spread. I noticed that my 10 gauge had jammed on me on the first shot and not being able to open the receiver to eject the spent shell I found myself down but not out.
I told the guys of my dilemma and I would just work on dog work for the day. After sending Gauge out to try for a couple of retrieves for the day we could hear more flocks coming our way.
After another good set of volleys, the guys had killed out with their limits and I still had 3 to go if we decided to stay. Rick offered his gun to me to finish up and I thought what a good opportunity to get some one on one dog work so the next 3 birds where mine

A single appeared way out in front of us and I leaned over to the guys and said " I feel bad for you guys cause you know that bird is banded" Of course the banter started of don’t miss!!! and things of that nature from the far right of blinds. The bird pitched right in the hole and the money shot was given putting the bird on the ground. After picking up the bird, what do ya know IT WAS BANDED hence the taunting "crazy train dance" Could it have been the single that got away from the far right side? Very possible!! Later a small flock came in and 2 shots fired and we were done. It was great having the guys together for a really fantastic time and some good hunting!

"Crazy Train"

Doing it the way we know how to do it