The Last Stand of 2008-2009

[Erik Nilsson]

Date: 2/28/2009

Location: North West, PA

Sunrise: 6:55 a.m.
Weather: Over Cast to Partly Sunny
Temperature: 29* rising to 38*

Wind: NNE 8-12 M.P.H

Equipment Used: GHG® FFD Lesser Canada Decoys, GHG® FFD Canada Decoys, Avery® DIY Lanyard, Avery® Fleece Callers Gloves, Avery® Finisher Blind, Avery® Power Flag, Avery® Finisher Blind Bag, Avery® Mud Case, Avery® Ground Force Dog Blind and Avery® Neoprene Dog Vest.

Hunters: Avery® Pro-Staffer David Rearick, Avery® Flyway Manager Rusty Hallock, Shaun “Smiley” Smith and Avery® Pro-Staffer Erik Nilsson.

Dog: “Gauge”

Journal notes:
Today was the last day of our 2008-2009 waterfowl season. From the moment I awoke to the first handshake of day, to the first cup of coffee watching the sunrise from the blind, I enjoyed remembering all the great times I had the opportunity to experience this year. I tried to come up with one thing that stood out above all the other. The decision was not hard. Hunting with family, friends and your retrieving companion makes everyday in the outdoors as best as it can get.

This was our hunt.
Today we hunted the farm that I had found earlier in the week. These geese were feeding during the evening hours and with the warm up, they started to feed twice a day. The same crew met at the farm minus Mike for he had headed out west to chase down snow geese and today we were joined by our friend Shaun. For this hunt, I had secured permission with the farmer prior to haul everything in and out with my four wheeler because the tractor lane was completely non-drivable from the farmer moving round bails to the barn.
We loaded everything on the trailer and I made my way out to where I had watched the geese the night before until they left the field. The geese went off to roost in small flocks and in different directions, so my hopes were good that they would return the same way. As we set up the spread, we chatted how the season was and no matter the outcome of today’s hunt, we were all about having fun.

As legal shooting time approached, we made finishing touches on the spread and completed brushing up the blinds, we could hear geese in the air. I moved the four-wheeler out of the way and jumped in my Finisher waiting for the first arrivals.

Off in the distance, we could see a small flock of birds approaching the spread. We flagged with the Avery® Power Flag and called gently on the calls, making the spread come alive with sound. This flock made a fast approach, locked up and was happy to be there. The guns went up and we had our first geese of the day. Gauge was sent on his retrieves and I really enjoyed watching him, knowing that this would be our last hunt together this year. He did well and I gave him a good pat. Kenneling up, he was ready for his next opportunity.

A small flock appeared through the trees and made its way on the same line as the previous flock. As they approached, they sat down out in front of us. Maybe late season birds who have seen gunning pressure or there was something that they saw. David walked them out and they left the field. A pair came from a different direction, pitched right in and Shaun and I made a quick dispatch of them. The birds started to fly now and we had birds in and out with Rusty and Dave adding to the harvest as well. Shooting was good for the morning, with a couple of pink shirt moments and the banter was strong. The remainder of the morning we continued to work several flocks to the decoys. Team work was the name of the game today and we finished up the day with 19 Canada geese.

This ended my 2008-09 waterfowl hunting season. A great season that was full of fun memories. Here’s to next season!

Group Photo


L-R Avery® Pro-Staffer David Rearick, Avery® Pro-Staffer Erik Nilsson, “Gauge”, Shaun “Smiley” Smith and Avery® Flyway Manager Rusty Hallock

[David Rearick]

Good times and a great way to end the Canada season in PA.

[duckman1313]

way sum it all up nice write up very true nice hunt

[Rusty Hallock]

Very nice JE Erik. Thanks to David and Erik for their hardwork and scouting to put us on birds.

[Mike Hungle]

Sounds like a great ending to the season.

[PWILLIAMS]

great way to end the season

[Jon Lee]

Thats a nice way to cap-off a season boy's.

[Ray St. John]

Tough to beat that. Rearick is smiling.....................didn't somebody bring penny candy?

[Kent Contreras]

Way to go! Thats a great haul for a "last day" looks like gauge was kept busy.
JE and Photo = A+

[Ron Zega]

Way to go out on a high note!!!......The september countdown begins.......