Re: Migrator blind - stubble straps

[Randy Dennis]

Which direction do the stubble straps go on the Migrator?

Depending on which ad you see in which magazine....I've seen them run 2 different directions.......across the blind from one side to the other........and the length of the blind like most other models do.......to hold barley stubble in an upright position instead of it laying across the blind. I don't guess it matters on the top surfaces, but on the sides, I would think you'd want to have the ability to stand the stubble up to match the surrounding rows where the combine clipped it short.

And (secondly).....I'm sure Shawn Stahl had a good reason for running the stubble straps across the blind instead of lengthwise......I'd really be interested in the logic behind that, 'cause I respect his views.

......Just curious, because I am considering buying 2 more blinds so my wife and I won't have to swap pea stubble and barley stubble every time we change fields (cover types). We're considering both.....Finisher and Migrator.
Also, I think the Finisher's stubble straps are a little large (legth between 'tack' points) for barley and wheat-type stubble. The spacing (loop size)is OK for pea stubble but the straps would hold barley a little tighter if the stitch points were a littel closer.......'would like to find a spacing somewhere in between.

One more thing.......if you locate the stubble straps in-line with the framing members.....it makes it a little tough to cram stubble in the straps. Was that intentional? and if so, for what purpose?

Oh yeah.......I also think if you offset the stitching ('tack' points that holds the stubble straps) on adjacent rows......it might create a better over-lapping affect instead of clumps of stubble in the same line........just alternate the stitch points from one row to the next, for more even coverage.

I know this is my first post.......'don't mean to be critical.......I just see a few things you might consider to make your products better.IMO Maybe you've already made some improvements since Anne bought her 'Finisher' a couple of years ago.

Regards,
Randy Dennis

[Rick Frisch]

Randy,

We changed the CamoStraps from vertical to horizontal this year. Our original thinking behind the vertical was that is takes about 2/3's the stubble to cover the blind. The idea was not been embraced by the customer, so we changed them to horizontal like all the other blinds.

I will make sure and pass on the other ideas you had to the R&D team.

Thanks,

[Rick Frisch]

[Randy Dennis]

Thanks for the response, Rick.

I figured the vertical straps just didn't 'catch-on' in spite of the fact that it was probably a good concept.

[Brobones]

Randy you have pea and barley fields in MS??
Or you are referring to hunting in Canada.

[Scott Moates]

Randy and his wife hunt in Canada. Randy, you need to post some of your pictures from up there on this site. I am sure everyone would love to see them.

[Randy Dennis]

Hello, Scott.........thanks for the introduction.

But........I don't think I can post any photos on here......because the only Avery equipment in any of the photos I have, is Anne's 'Finisher'........but, hey....it works great!

Besides, if I posted pictures from our SK trip this year.....'Brobones' might figure-out where we're hunting.

'Brobones'....we spend 2 weeks a year freelancing for honkers up your way. But don't worry......we're extremely tight-lipped about specific areas and locations we hunt, particularly when it's someone else's (like SK resident waterfowlers' and outfitters') stomping grounds. We're genuinely thankful for the 'privilege' of hunting up there and we honor that by respecting the local guys. We just don't want to do anything to make resident hunters resent us (and other non-res freelancers) being there.

OK, Scott (since you insisted).....here's a photo of Anne and 'Sprig'. This is the only photo I can display on this site because it's the only one that shows all-Avery gear.......see Anne's 'Finisher'?......right behind her?



'Blends-in pretty well, I think.

Come to think of it, this photo reminds me...... the first thing Anne bought when we got home was 2 'Avery' windproof/waterproof Fleece Yukon Hoods in MO Shadowgrass. (We usually HAVE to buy 2 of everything, hunting-related) See how dark her 'hood-lum' in the photo is?......she wanted something that matched the terrain better. She thinks several geese bailed-out early on us, because of those dark blobs sticking out of the lids of the blind. That oughta teach us to stick our heads out, huh? But she's right about the dark 'blob'.

I WILL say this.....the 'Finisher' blends-in much better than my 'Pro-Guide' (can I say that on here?) because it has a much lower profile from the front view (the view that geese approach from). It was much easier to hide in a pea field on a sunny day, which is IMO one of the toughest set-ups to pull-off unless you have a South or Southeast wind to work with.

That's why I'm considering another blind or two. Not sure which one(s) yet (Finisher, Migrator, or Power Hunter). I'll see if I can find someone in this area with a Migrator or a Power Hunter to try-out, before next October.

The Power Hunter is looking real good for the pea field scenario, while the Finisher(s) or Migrator will be brushed with barley and get snow covers.

Thanks for the responses guys.......good to hear from you Scott. Remind me to send you a photo of Rob's room, for if/when he goes to Canada with us. It's classic 'Heflin'. 'Course he'd shoot me if I posted it on here.

One more photo from this year....my favorite of them all......



Many Happy Sunrises, guys.

[Christian Curtis]

Randy,

Welcome and thanks for the ideas. Great photos...Stick around for some good conversation and ideas such as yours.

[Randy Dennis]

I appreciate the 'welcome', Christian. You guys have a wealth of knowledge and experience on here and we look forward to exchanging ideas of how to get closer to the birds (for whatever purposes)......'cause in our book, that's the biggest thrill in waterfowling.

For instance, here's a clip of just one of the many sights I filmed this year, that depicts what draws us to waterfowl. I apologize for the unsteady hands at the start of the clip, but my heart was about to jump out of my chest, just being that close to so many birds.......I was just trying not to drop the camera.......plus, the water was right at the top of my boots.

Crank-up the volume for the full affect of the roar of wings.

Lift-off

[Scott Turpen]

I can see why your hear was about to jump out your chest.

Welcome to the site.