Finale 2 Day Weekend....

[David Rearick]

Date: February 8-9th, 2008

Location: SW PA

Sunrise/Sunset: 7:09

Weather: Cloudy and Snow

Temperature: 30-35 degrees

Wind: SW-SSW @ 10 mph

Equipment Used: Avery® Finisher Blind Bag, Avery® Finisher Gun Sling, Avery® Finisher Blind, Avery® DIY Lanyard, Avery® Super Flag, Avery® Fleece Skull Cap, Avery® DIY Lanyard, GHG Ground Force Dog Blind®, Avery® Neoprene Hand Warmer, Greenhead Gear® FFD Lesser Active and Feeder Goose Decoys, Greenhead Gear® FFD Feeder Active and Looker Honker Goose Decoys.

Hunters: Matt Nilsson, Zink Staff member Erik Nilsson, and Avery® Pro-Staffers David Rearick and Rick MacFarlane

Retriever: Erik’s “Gauge”

Finale 2 Day Weekend…

With just one week left in the season and birds in a field, Friday was set to be the first of our PA weekend hunts. Cold temperatures and snow had created enough snow to hide even in the most barren fields, so with decoys and blinds in the back, we pulled into the winter wheat/corn field and set the decoys. As we parked the trucks and got ready to head to the blinds, a lone honk broke the silence and just five minutes after legal shooting time, the birds were on the move. After an all out sprint while trying to get dressed in our warm clothes, we got situated in our blinds and waited for Erik to arrive. He pulled in shortly after and we quickly set-up his blind and a few more decoys and got ready for the day to unfold.

It wasn’t long until the birds started working there way from the roost to a nearby pond for water. And with the perfect combo of calling and flagging, we turned the birds before they got to a loafing spot, which we had opted out of for the morning. We were hunting a plateau situated high atop the western PA hills. As the sun rose, we picked our way through the small groups that gave us a solid look throughout the morning. These birds have been hunted from September 1st and educated is an understatement when it comes to referring to these birds. The key to our success is the willingness to change and to let the birds determine what we need to do to make them at ease. From playing nobody’s home to heavy excessive calling, understanding what each bird wants and not just shooting at them when they pass over on the border is what made this hunt a success. Sometimes having the right group of guys makes all the difference in the world.


On the following day’s hunt, things were much different. Heavy wet snow made visibility limited and keeping the decoys clean was something more like a full time job than an option. Again some geese flew early and amidst the fog and heavy snow, calling and flagging got their attention and turned them into the wind. The first bird to make the mistake was a single that centered up perfect. Erik had brought his son Matt along today and this bird was all his. Kicking myself for not preparing the camera when the shot was called, Matt calmly threw open his doors, beaded the bird, and then crushed him as he made his getaway. For the second time this year I informed Erik, he had passed the test and no longer would we need to wait on him, as he probably will outshoot us. So when the next flock of six approached from the same direction and the shot was called, we all arose from the blind and awaited the first shot from Matt. When he pulled the trigger, he dumped two and the other 4 weren’t far behind. 7 birds in and 7 birds down, even with the conditions and limited bird movement, we were making the most out of the day.

As the morning progressed, we had a set time we needed to leave, as even though my 8 month pregnant wife really wanted to move into the house and today was the day, she understands my passion and had no objection to me heading out for a few hours. Not eager to press my luck, as we still have spring snows, a special Canada goose season, and a few days left in this season, we kept our word and picked up on time to get ready for the move after shooting another single that worked the spread. While today wasn’t a limit for us, it was Matt’s graduation from rookie to Game Hogg as it would be his last hunt of the year. To say he had a great year is an understatement and we all look forward to September 1, 2008.

[Travis Jendro]

great job guys.

[NickWellman]

great job that little kid looked like he had fun!

[Jason Mears]

Nice job guys!

[Joe Fladeland]

Very nice. Way to go guys.

[Rusty Hallock]

Good JE. Way to pile up the birds.

[Trey Peterson]

Another great looking hunt. Way to go guys!

[Stephen Pitt]

Great JE David. You have had an outstanding year.

[David Rearick]

Originally Posted by Stephen Pitt

Great JE David. You have had an outstanding year.

Between E. and I we have put alot of hard miles on this year keeping the birds in check. We both learned even more about the area, which makes this year a good one in my books.

[Angelo Casbarro]

Sweet!