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Hey all, well it's that wonderful time of year again! Couple more days until the season opens. So it's time to revive this thread that was started some years back.
I hope each and everyone of you have a very successful season and above all a safe one.
So....let's see all those wonderful pictures!
All the best!
Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
Ret
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Thanks Greg! Always my favorite thread of the year...Geo
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Thanks for this topic, Greg. Truly is one that stands out for positive, mutual enjoyment. To that end, and with all sincere humility, let me encourage everyone to strive for excellence in the other shooting that takes place- the photography. PLEASE take your camera afield! If shooting with a buddy, let him take the gun and you take a camera. Or if solo, make one jaunt with that four legged nose a photo shoot only. Try different angles, like getting on the ground. You can get some amazing shots from above and below, a perspective and aspect of composition often overlooked. As in shooting a gun, it is good to sometimes review the basics of shooting a camera: the law of thirds, bullseye photography, lead in lines, filling the frame, etc. There are some amazing venues traversed by our members, and I really look forward to the vicarious experience of your hunt in places I will never get to go. Happy hunting and good shooting! Mike
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Sidelock
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Wingshooter is right, but dead bird with sxs plus dog pics are fine too...Geo
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photography is nice but I prefer the older oils/waters/acrylics......or quality prints of such.....adds a bit of elegance to the man cave.....
gunut
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Good Luck to everyone on tomorrows Dove Opener!
Ge Safe!
Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
Ret
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Good dove day 
Last edited by skeettx; 09/02/17 09:57 PM.
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Sidelock
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You didn't have to show us up in the very first pic sheesh!
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Old 20 Gauge Flues What fun  Mike
Last edited by skeettx; 09/02/17 09:58 PM.
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Mike, is it out of respect for the dearly departed dove that there are no photos of the birds?  Gil
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No pics from today for me either. But, the report is good nonetheless. I shot 46% with the Yildiz .410 S x S to kill a 15 bird limit this afternoon. One grandson got 13, but the younger brother was in a bad location ............... happened to be surrounded by shooters who could shoot. Birds would be coming towards him but seldom made it in range for him. Representative photo from an earlier year, but the same gun.  SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Yes Piles of doves do nothing for me 
Last edited by skeettx; 09/02/17 09:57 PM.
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Piles of doves do nothing for me They do me, especially if they are slow cooked all afternoon in gravy. SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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He he he
YUM
Enjoyed the answer
Mike
Last edited by skeettx; 09/02/17 09:58 PM.
USAF RET 1971-95 ![[Linked Image from jpgbox.com]](http://www.jpgbox.com/jpg/57865_80x60.jpg)
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Delighted you got the youngsters out on the opener Stan, those memories are precious.....
I gave the opener my .410 effort and acquitted myself well for an old crippled guy..... But I miss the chance to take those LOOOONG shots that I have always relished, so it will be put away for now, and today I went out with more suitable ( in my opinion) ordnance for West Texas Doves....needed it too, weather threw us a curve this afternoon....
Hope everyone gets their season off to a GRAND start....
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I felt the same way, Paul, passing up lots of shots I knew I could have easily taken with a 20. I still poked at a few I shouldn't have. Shooting a .410 at game is as much about having the will power to only take shots close enough as it is skill.
But, with the two grandsons there I wasn't in a hurry to limit out and leave, so I tried to pace myself. It was fun.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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 One last fling with this little this little 28 ga before giving to a nephew.
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Another South GA dove opener in the book. Although I'm retired, I still serve on the board of a mutual Savings and Loan here in my hometown. A number of year's ago we figured out that it would be much less expensive over all to quit entertaining customers with preserve quail hunts and to just have one big dove shoot to open the season every year and invite a lot of people at once. We had about 90 folks yesterday, many with kids shooting with their dads. For the first time in many years I had all three of my grown sons in the field with me.
We dedicate the shoot to a local charity, "The James Eunice Foundation" and although the shoot is on us, we have raffles and a small auction to benefit the charity. The charity raised about nine grand yesterday.
Those who've been around here a while might remember me posting about a terrible duck hunting accident which occurred here a few years ago. Eighteen year old James Eunice was hunting with a nephew of mine at a private lake south of town. Somehow he fell out of the boat in waders in the middle of the sizable body of water, and drowned. My nephew was in the water on the decoys while James was relocating in the boat to another spot. He did not see what happened, but he did after a while notice the boat running in circles out in the middle of the pond. It took a tremendous search and recovery effort a month to find the body.
Before his death, James was due to be an honor graduate and attend the University Of Ga the next Fall to play football. After the tragedy, the parents organized the foundation to honor their son's life and dedicate the proceeds of the foundation to providing scholarships for deserving students from the South GA area.
The shoot yesterday was another success with most shooters, including two out of three of my boys limiting out. Personally I was a little under the weather but still managed to hold down my stand for a nice bag. Luckily, my friend '67 galaxie' sat nearby and was kind enough to retrieve my birds since I was a little unsteady on my feet.
Best wishes to all my friends here and I hope your coming hunting season is the best ever...Geo
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Just got back, almost didn't go because of the gas panic in Dallas Thursday. Scrounged gas out of the generator and used my five gallon can of ethanol free that I use for the small power equipment, and got the tank near full (you basically could not find gas Thursday in Dallas). Neighbor was going to go, but decided not to because of the gas. I reasoned that it would be ok once I got out of town, took two five gallon cans with me. No problem, and I rolled onto the property with a full tank and ten gallons in cans. My son joined me Thursday through mid day Saturday, and here he is with a whitewing (took his eyes and ears off for the pic)  This is pic heavy, with a lot of the dog. Apologies for that, just wanted to show a variety of poses. Birds very thin the first day, but got progressively better.   Wicked storm blew in with what I would guess were 80 mile an hour winds (rain was horizontal), and destroyed my tall Mojo set up.  One of the more interesting cloud formations I've seen:  More pics on another post, lest this one get too heavy, and apologize for the text being scattered around- the return key is not working (I think I fixed it)
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Wingshooter,
Nice pictures! What gun is shown in the picture?
Anxiously awaitng our Grouse season opener on the 15th, with wookcock to follow on the 24th. Come October!
Karl
Last edited by Karl Graebner; 09/04/17 04:28 PM.
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Wingshooter,
Nice pictures! What gun is shown in the picture? Karl Looks like an MF Ideal to me...Geo
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I noticed the absence of a full length rib.
Karl
Last edited by Karl Graebner; 09/04/17 06:01 PM.
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That is my Ideal No. 5 from 1925, 16 of course.
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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That is my Ideal No. 5 from 1925, 16 of course. Show off!
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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James, that's a rather odd looking gun, don't 'ya think? Gil
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That is my Ideal No. 5 from 1925, 16 of course. Show off! James, if you had an Ideal in 16, and could find your dog, you could post pics like this too. 
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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MF describes that gun perfectly.
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Curly coated or American water.???...
gunut
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AWS, your state dog, I believe. Absolutely coming out of her skin to hunt in the morning, but wasn't interested in the evening shoot. Preferred staying in the a/c. Female, of course.    Here she is holding up her right front, having stepped in some grass burrs. They are pure evil, as she has really soft pads. Getting her to wear doggie boots just wasn't worth the battle.  Mike
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Fantastic pictures of your outing Mike!
If nothing bad don't happen, this thread will run the '17/'18 season with pictures of shared shooting experiences that will allow vicarious fun from dove, to grouse, the woodcock, to waterfowl, to quail and other small game, and wind up with next Spring's gobblers. I may even post a deer pic or two if I get lucky.
Repeating myself, but this is my favorite thread of the year...Geo
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Mike,
How often does she get a perm? She sure has some curls. I don't notice any cockspurs, burrs, beggar lice, etc., in her coat. My dogs would be head to toe with them around here. It's a little too warm for them early dove season. I will give them buzz cuts for cool weather hunting. Sure cuts down on the embedded burrs, etc. Gil
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You forgot Spanish needles, Gil.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Mike,
How often does she get a perm? She sure has some curls. I don't notice any cockspurs, burrs, beggar lice, etc., in her coat. My dogs would be head to toe with them around here. It's a little too warm for them early dove season. I will give them buzz cuts for cool weather hunting. Sure cuts down on the embedded burrs, etc. Gil In this pic, you can see them on her chest, ear, and on the bird. Have to do daily maintenance on her to keep the count down. I once spent three hours getting them out of her coat- dinner fork is best on her coat, longnose pliers to get them out from between her pads. 
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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is your doggie an irish water spaniel? used to hunt grouse and pheasant with one 30 years ago...she was a wonder!
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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I'm Irish, she's American.
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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I'm not sure who was more overjoyed that dove season had finally arrived....Miss Bella the lab or her grey-bearded old owner. DeHaan S2 28 gauge with 28" barrels converted a limit of doves into some fine poppers for the grill. One side of a dove breast, slice of jalapeno, slice of onion, slice of water chestnut and wrap with bacon....grill over hot coals and drizzle with thinned BBQ sauce. Mighty fine eating.   
Last edited by GaryW; 09/06/17 12:54 AM.
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Having some dove with your bacon?
So many guns, so little time!
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Don't worry builder, that bacon fries right down to practically nothing before to eat the dove poppers!...Geo
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I love bacon, but I just use a half a slice to wrap mine. Seems to cook better.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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I like bacon; I like dove, but I don't mix the flavors. DSFDF. Gil
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Hi all, well today was our Sharptail and Hun opener. To be honest, it was a poor one. We did see birds, but not near as many as last year or in years past. The birds were also spooky for some reason, they acted like mid to late season birds. The day wasn't very good for the dogs either, poor scenting conditions; hot (85), Windy (15+ mph) and very dry. Raina had a couple good points, but the birds didn't hold well. We did manage to get 3, Rick, my buddy from MN. got 2 and I got 1 Here's the crew, my daughter Teresa, Rick, my son Jim and the dogs, Raina my GSP and Rick's Chesse Mazy May  I used my 28ga Dickinson today, nice gun  We'll see what tomorrow brings, still great to get out on the prairies! Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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Greg,
Good to see you and the kids enjoying the special times in the field together. Good to see Jim home for opening day ! !
What chokes are you using in your 28 ga ?
Regards, Karl
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They are growing up so quick
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Hey all, yep they sure do grow up to quick. Will my other son is in the Army in Germany right now. Jim is going to school to become an Archeologist, sometimes he's looking more at his feet looking for artifacts than looking ahead for birds! Teresa is going to High School, but is starting to become my constant hunting partner.
Anyway, thanks for the kind words!
Best,
Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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Early season Texas Mourner Limit...... The way the Birds are flying this season, this will likely be my only .410 limit.....Browning 425 30" with AA Sporting 1/2 oz. hard 8's Effective out to about 32 yards with Carefully chosen chokes if I do my part.... 
Last edited by mel5141; 09/10/17 12:44 PM.
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Hey all, well Sharptail hunting today was a bust for my daughter and me, my buddy Rick was able to get 2, good for him, heck, he drove all the way from MN to hunt with us. He sure deserves a good hunt. My GSP Raina went on a solid point and a bunch of around 8 flushed, he got one on the flush, then a lonesome Charlie, I didn't even fire a shot. Did take a poke at a long crosser, didn't connect. After that bunch in the morning, we saw a few more, but spooky, wouldn't even give the dog a chance to point. Weather was hot, dry and windy....again! No pics today, can't find my camera! On top of that on the way home, one for my tires lug nuts sheared off! Not a good day!!!!
Best!
Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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Hey all, today was a 180 from last weeks opener. I decided to hit a couple of my honey holes and it payed off. Got a limit of Grouse, plus a bonus Hun. Weather was much better, overcast, 50 and lower winds. My GSP Raina did well also, happy with her! All in all a good day! I was using my 16b Charles Boswell  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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Hey all, my son Jim and I went out after work to hunt around the house here. While I got 2 (poor Jim, didn't connect today) we only saw 4 birds total, all were singles. Not like last year or years past. Hope to do better tomorrow. Jim and Raina, Jim was using his 16ga AyA  My 2 birds, I was using my 16b John Wilkes  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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Hey all, well my son Jim and I went for a little walk for grouse today, saw birds, but for some reason they sure were wild today. Didn't bust a cap all day, oh well that's why they call it hunting! Raina did as best she could, couple of good points, but nothing there. It was a perfect day, low winds, cool and overcast. Just something about being on the prairies I love, that nice cool breeze, no noise, I just love it! Jim and Raina, Jim was using a 20ga Yildiz SxS  Until later! Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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Grounds around your son in that photo look lush compared to NE MT, Greg.
The drought has knocked our cover down and dried what is left into explosive tinder.
We have pulled our land out of the blocks, as are so many landowners up here.
bc
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I didn't have the heart. When it's 95 degrees, a man deserves a drink. 
Out there doing it best I can.
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Good for you, CZ. You will remember that much more than a kill.
SRH
Last edited by Stan; 09/23/17 08:00 PM. Reason: punctuation
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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A couple of his sibs were above him in the brush on the left. Momma and two other sibs were across the road behind him cooling off under a pine tree.
I was running my derby, trying to get him a little heat endurance, so I wasn't armed. I thought Ted might like the pic.
The plan sort of came unglued when I walked up to the puddle and birds were going up ahead, AND behind us.
This heat has been brutal.
Out there doing it best I can.
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Grounds around your son in that photo look lush compared to NE MT, Greg.
The drought has knocked our cover down and dried what is left into explosive tinder.
We have pulled our land out of the blocks, as are so many landowners up here. Hey Bob, you should have seen it a month ago, dry as dust and brown as all get out. Within the last month we've been getting rain just about every week, sometimes 2 or 3 days. We are now within 2" of normal annual rainfall. But too late for the birds, crops or anything else that needed rain earlier this spring. Even with the rain we've been getting, the duck sloughs are really down. The ones I normally hunt are either gone or cover is a good 20 yards from the water. I think this year we may just do some jump shooting rather than over decoys. We haven't been seeing many pheasants either, we normally get some up while hunting grouse, but not this year. I'm afraid it's going to be a very poor season. I hope next year will be better, barring a bad winter. Fingers crossed! Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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Other than the two that flew over me while in the parking lot, this is the only dove I saw. Absolutely gorgeous sunrise.    Lou M
If it weren't for the wonder of electricity, you'd be reading this post by candle light!
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Nice drilling Lou! I used to hunt with a guy who shot doves with one of those...Geo
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Hey all, my son Jim and I went out after work today for a short walk. Saw a lot of birds today, but still wild. The big bunch we saw flushed as soon as we came over a ridge. We each managed a single, so not all was lost. Good day for a hours walk. Jim, Raina and the birds. Jim was using his 12ga Yildiz:  My bird, I was using my 16b Charles Hellis:  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Owen
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Not a current pic, but just checking to see if my PB account still works...Geo 
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Hi all, went out after work today, solo. Didn't see but 3, it was a bit windy. 2 of the birds were wild, but the 3rd one didn't get away. I was using my 16ga Carl Goluch  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Gil, I will be hunting in October in the Watrous/Last Mountain Lake, SK area. Blue Wing Teal are such beautiful birds after the season ends and they are in breeding plumage. Now they are all LBDs (little brown ducks) as shown in your tailgate pic.
Gil introduced me to the modern grown Carolina Gold rice. He gave me a book telling the story of its resurrection involving a Texas seed bank. I was so impressed with the story I bought a ten pound box of the rice. You wouldn't BELIEVE how much rice that is. Seven ounces makes all you can eat with supper. But it is the best rice I've ever tasted!...Geo
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Geo, don't know if you recall, but Floyd illustrated the book which was written by the former owner who is the father of the present landowner. Gil
PS: Watrous is 1800 miles away and at the top of the Central, or maybe Mississippi flyway. What's this teal doing on the Atlantic flyway??
Last edited by GLS; 09/30/17 04:27 PM. Reason: flyway question
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Will President Trump's opening the Savannah River Refuge to hunting do you guys in Savannah any good, or has the Corps ruined it?...Geo
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Great pics, Gil.
Were you shooting in flip flops?
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Geo, the duck hunting will never be like it once was. The Hordes of Engineers through one boondoggle project have pushed a slug of saltwater so far inland that the natural foods aren't there like before. I know some places I'll hunt woodcock if they don't require steel shot. Spring turkey hunting has been allowed for 20 years. Stan, I lost two pairs of flip flops in the mud. Next time I'll duct tape them to my feet. There was just enough of a nor'easter to eliminate mosquitoes. It was 76 F when I got up to go hunting. I haven't seen teal like this in at least 40 years and more likely, ever. Gil
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Nice looking Draat, Dave. Thanks for sharing!
When I bought my GWP Willy 12 years ago, I figured I'd train one more bird dog/retriever into a one dog team. Nope, Willy won't swim, never would. She points and retrieves other game on land but insists on only picking up ducks in water up to her knees. I can do that! Had to get another Lab for duck shooting...Geo
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Hey all, went out today solo after our Annual Church Dinner/Fair. Decided to hit one of my good spots. Didn't see any grouse today, but Raina pointed a couple of nice roosters. Flushed up some Huns and managed one from that covey. Flushed up another covey and managed a double for a limit. I felt like Ben O. Williams! I used my 16ga FN  and.......Raina  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Greg, give that dog a bone. Would love to get into the Huns and Sharptails some day. Gil
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Nice looking Draat, Dave. Thanks for sharing!
When I bought my GWP Willy 12 years ago, I figured I'd train one more bird dog/retriever into a one dog team. Nope, Willy won't swim, never would. She points and retrieves other game on land but insists on only picking up ducks in water up to her knees. I can do that! Had to get another Lab for duck shooting...Geo Thanks, Geo!
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Hey all, well today was our pheasant opener. It was a poor one (at least for us). One of the poorest openers I've had in years. My son Jim and I each did get one (and Jim also got a grouse), so not all was lost! Saw few birds, plus the wind was really whipping today (22+ and gusts over 30). That didn't help. We saw 5 roosters total, no hens. But as I said the wind really affected everything. Going to try around the home place here tomorrow, so we'll see what happens. Jim with his birds. He was using his 12ga Victor Sarasqueta 3EC  I used my 12b James Purdey  Raina and the the days bag  Until tomorrw! Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Always look forward to your report with the birds and beautiful guns ! ! !
Congratulations to you and Jim
Karl
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Want to adopt me? Great posts!
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Hey all, . my son went out yesterday and we saw about 8 birds, and I was able to get one. But, my GSP Raina got a good gash on her leg, so that ended our hunt early. That really sucked! Went out today solo and no dog, didn't see a thing!!! Terrible hunting, but a nice day for a walk! Anyway, here's my bird from Sunday. I was using my 12b F.A. Anderson  Hope Raina heals fast! Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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I can't wait to go up there and hunt
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Don't make the mistake I made and go too early. I was too anxious to start the season. Lots of flies, mosquitos and way too many leaves, not to mention the heat. I'm looking forward to the woodcock flights. 
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Looks like you brought at least two Germanic creations there, Karl. My guess is a 147 and a side lock of some sort! Hope the weather cools down on your next foray.
Owen
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Owen,
The sidelock is my 12 ga. Browning BSS-SL, my main bird gun. The other one is my Merkel 147EL 20 ga.
I'm headed out again this Thursday since the weather is expected to start cooling down. Anxious for the woodcock flights to start soon.
Karl
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Hey all, well, lady luck smiled on me today (even if it's Friday the 13th). Went out solo with Raina, decided to start off with an old RR cut that can be either hit or miss. Well today it was a hit. Lot's of birds in it and I was able to limit in a half hour. Most birds I've seen all season. Hope I'll be able to do this again (time will tell!). I used my 12b Blanch today  And of course....Raina girl!  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Greg,
Glad to see Raina healed up and is back out!
Ken
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Greg,
Glad to see Raina healed up and is back out!
Ken Thanks so much! I did have to wrap her up (can't see it in the pic) she came thru A Okay! Thanks again for the kind words! Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Greg, beautiful gun, dog and day. Gil
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Greg, what were the shells you used today in the Blanch?
Thanks!
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Greg, what were the shells you used today in the Blanch?
Thanks! I was using some of my reloads. 2 3/4", 1 1/8oz, #5 at 1150fps and a pressure of 5700psi. Been using this recipe for the last 3 or so years. It's been a good one for me. The Blanch is Nitro chambered for 2 1/2" BTW. Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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I love this yearly thread because I get to see all of Greg's shotguns but I finally saw one of Greg's shotguns I didn't like. The J. Blanch & Sons. There is a first time for everything.
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Hey all, today my son and I hunted our friends ranch north of Mandan. It was a bit chilly this morning (in the 30's) and a bit breezy. We saw birds today, more than earlier this year. We each got 2. I should have limited, but flat missed one!. I had a very enjoyable day with my son, can't put a price on that. Raina also worked well, happy with her. A very good day! Jim with his birds. He used my 12ga SIACE 350G:  My birds I used my 16ga Ugartechea 1030  And Raina with the days bag  Best Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Greg, I had the opportunity a couple of years ago to hunt near Garrison in North Dakota and really enjoyed it. We stayed near Sakakawea and found plenty of birds. I had a good week there and hope to return someday. You live in a great part of the country. Karl  
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I love this yearly thread because I get to see all of Greg's shotguns but I finally saw one of Greg's shotguns I didn't like. The J. Blanch & Sons. There is a first time for everything. Well...you felt the need to comment that you dont care for gjws Blanch (a gun I almost bought btw), can you please tell us what you dont like about it? IMO...the pictured Blanch is the finest gun hes got, its an amazing gun actually and if you had it your hands, you wouldnt want to put it down. Blanch finished those back actions better than anyone during that time...rivaling H&Hs version of the same gun. Beautifully finished, top notch engraving, and best quality Damascus. There just isnt much there to not like.
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I don't like it compared to his other guns. But being a Brit I know one thing it handles like a dream.
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I love everything about gjw's Blanch.
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I've just returned last week from my annual grouse/wookcock hunting trip in Michigan's northern peninsula. I saw fewer birds this year compared to the previous one, no doubt due to the excessively wet spring and summer. Minnesota had reported a 50% increase of drumming reports and I had hoped for an increase as well. It seems as though I was seeing some smaller birds from a second hatch, if that's possible. Anyway, I still had a great time and thankfully managed some birds. In addition to the usual GEMS sites, I came across an area managed by the Michigan DNR specificaly for woodcock which looked good. I love October! Karl    
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I just got back from the UP too. Birds were definitely low and very wild which seems to go along with low numbers. I had a couple good days, really had to work at it with good dogs. I heard MN was tough too despite an increase the spring drumming count by approximately 50%. Makes one think drumming counts are only a reflection of how the birds fared during winter but tends not to reflect fall numbers. I had fun though and shot my 16 ga SLE that weighs 5 lb 13 oz. I had a new stock made for it and really enjoyed carrying and shooting it.
Socialism is almost the worst.
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Set out today to hunt the place I went to high school. A small town on the Saskatchewan prairies. I haven't been back in 40 years and at that time it thrived in upland and ducks but not a goose or pheasant to be seen. Still no pheasants but plenty of Canadian geese. My objective was to see the land, drive the old roads, see a few very old acquaintances and try one large slough that used to be full of canvasbacks. Met up with an old high school chum who now farms 62, quarter sections of land. He said he only saw one upland bird this season. I can see why. The farmers have planted up to the edge of the road, no ditches, bulldozed every dried up slough possible (it was very dry here this year) and along with herbicides and pesticides there isn't an upland bird left. My slough that I used to sit around and dream of shooting a canvasback those long years ago still held a good raft of them. At that time I had no dog, no boat and had little idea of how to hunt them. Today I had no boat, have 2 dogs, but still no idea of how to hunt them. They sit out in the middle of the slough much too far to shoot and slowly shy away from the side I was on. There were plenty of other ducks but I had little desire and only took 2. The bunny was a bonus. Surprisingly, my younger lab retrieved it. I had a good day, reminded me of my younger days and saw some great country that really should hold a lot more upland birds. Sadly, I won't be back again. Remington 1894 B Grade 
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
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Tamid,
Sometimes visiting old haunts can be bittersweet, I know I've done it myself at times and it's hard to resist. But I find it good for the soul and the memories. Glad that you could go back.
Buzz,
Glad to hear you connected a couple of days, hopefully next year will improve. The winter and spring weather will decide. Still, October is still young and the woodcock flights have yet to begin!
Karl
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My slough that I used to sit around and dream of shooting a canvasback those long years ago still held a good raft of them. At that time I had no dog, no boat and had little idea of how to hunt them.
Today I had no boat, have 2 dogs, but still no idea of how to hunt them. Glad you got to "go home again", Tamid, to some extent. The way to kill the canvasbacks is really quite simple, if you think about it. You just have to be there before they get there. Haven't hunted cans in Cannadey, yet, but I've never seen a place that holds the same ducks 24 hours a day. They have to come into it from their roost at some time, and you've just got to lose enough sleep to beat them there. A few dekes near the edge will usually cause them to swing by, even if they intend to light in the middle. Being in the right spot at the right time is the best "calling technique" I know of. SRH
Last edited by Stan; 10/16/17 07:07 AM.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Stan,
I don't want to take this thread off context but:
The slough is big enough they just move around it. I have never seen them off the slough as everytime in the past I went there, morning or evening they were there. Perhaps a Nova Scotia Duck Toller to get the raft to move closer to the shore.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
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Tamid, I've used my Labs to toll ducks, particularly bluebills; once, for over a quarter-mile.
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Last edited by Geo. Newbern; 10/16/17 09:13 PM. Reason: added pic
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That is quite the blind. Is' any of it commercial or is it all home made ?
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
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That is quite the blind. Is' any of it commercial or is it all home made ? Home made. Sets up either as a box or a lean over as shown in the pics. As a box it can be set for two shooters or five with an extension, and any where in between. The woven palm grass sheets are Cabelas, and hang on the four ft. wide supports...Geo
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Well done, great pictures
Mike
USAF RET 1971-95
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Hey all, went out solo today, hunted a place about a mile or so from the house, did very well, was able to limit and got a double in the process! Raina did very well, just a nice day! I used my 16ga Garbi 100  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
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Geo, I don't know if you were aware of this, but someone placed a bunch of dead ducks at the foot of your blind while you slept. Gil
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 My dad's old Winchester 101 20 gauge. He bought it new in 1964. He's gone now, but I still take the gun out a few times a year. Picture taken last week in Michigan. Old gun did well. Limited out in 4 shots.
Last edited by tut; 10/16/17 04:42 PM.
foxes rule
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Tut, nice seeing the first doodles of the year. Gil
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Lots more doodles to come once the flights start!
Karl
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Shot a limit of doves today with my American Arms Royal in 20 gauge.  
Last edited by skeettx; 10/16/17 10:17 PM.
USAF RET 1971-95
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Sidelock
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Youth deer season precedes our regular season in GA this week. The pics below show the latest kids to take their first Whitetail on my farm this last weekend. The little girls both shot does and my grandson passed up a young eight point, not his decision; his dad thought he needed a little more experience before he was allowed to make his first kill. I've lost count of how many kids have taken their first deer on the farm. Me included, come to think of it (a long time ago)...Geo  
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WAY COOL!!
Thank you for sharing this FUTURE with us
Mike
USAF RET 1971-95
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George,
I'm proud of you for giving them the experience. It will go with them the rest of their lives( I'm guessing yours too).
Mike
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Canvasback and Wingshooter in the Sandhills    More to come. difficult to download/upload
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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That's it, I'm putting sharptails on my bucket list! Great photo of dog with bird.
Karl
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Mike, Keep those photos coming about your excellent adventure in the Sandhills. I see you have the birds and it appears James shot your dog. Damn. Scout must have talked him into it. He seems to have recovered nicely, however. Gil
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Did you run over them or shoot them ?
Mine's a tale that can't be told, my freedom I hold dear.
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George that is too cool! Great job wingshooter!
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Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Sidelock
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Wingshooter thinks eating half a cow helps his hunting.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Sidelock
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Don from Kansas City stopped by to ask if there were any sharpies in the vicinity. He and his two pointers had been out for 3 hours and seen nothing.
Wingshooter and I wondered if it was because the 60 birds we had just kicked up had left the area.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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What guns were you guys using?
CB, looks like your French gun?
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What guns were you guys using?
CB, looks like your French gun? I've been running my Ideal 314, which now has three sets of barrels. Tubes choked .005 and .015 were employed successfully in the Sandhills; have switched to the barrel set choked .000 and .007 for the North woods. James was shooting his Heym, both guns 16's.
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Way to go on the life list, Mike.
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What guns were you guys using?
CB, looks like your French gun? Treb.....the 12 gauge Ideal might be a bit overkill for woodcock and ruffies choked .026 and .035. lol The Heym is choked .007 and .015. Also it was a bit rainy today. The Heym is closer to a "rain" gun. It is my go-to ruffed grouse gun. Middle weight for a 16 at 6 pounds 6 ounces. It's either that or my 5 pound Tolley 12 gauge. But I didn't get the Tolley on the list of guns BATF was okay with me bringing to your fine country.
Last edited by canvasback; 10/21/17 07:16 PM.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Thanks guys!!
Oh, your Ideal, that little Frenchy of yours is beautiful!!! Mike didn't you lend it to James last year for a hunt?
A Heym? Nice!!!!!
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Sidelock
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There was a bit of a kerfuffle last year getting my form 6NIA back so I had to go south without any guns. Mike very kindly let me use his grade 5 Ideal 16 gauge but we did swap guns a bit so I ended up using both of Mike's Ideals last year.
Last edited by canvasback; 10/21/17 09:59 PM.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Hey all, kind of a crappy day today, it started off with rain and ended up with wind! Managed to get out for a hour or so, saw birds, but spooky in this wind (20mph). Did manage one however, so not all was lost. I used my 12b H&H Royal today.  Best, Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
Ret
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Mike, Cocoa's "I ain't touching that mistake you just shot" reaction to the woodcock isn't uncommon among bird dogs used to quail. James, Scout appears to have a bird pinned down in the photo. Who missed that bird? Gil
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Beautiful Royal Greg, that and your Henry Atkin, love em.
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Wingshooter thinks eating half a cow helps his hunting. Hmm, either a microaggression against cows, or, a macroaggression against Wingshooter. I like to be well fed and well hydrated on a hunting trip as well. Especially well hydrated. Domestic or imported hydration will do. Best, Ted
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It's good to be me.  More to come from North Yorkshire.
Out there doing it best I can.
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My tired baby dog. 
Out there doing it best I can.
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Bad day for this guy. Especially with the Jeffery. 
Out there doing it best I can.
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Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Sidelock
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GA opening day 12 point. Good one taken yesterday evening at the farm:  ...Geo
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Wow great shots everyone...the season is in full swing.
Owen
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It's good to be me. More to come from North Yorkshire. CZ, did you take your guns over there?
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I've been out chasing woodcock. Great time of the year to be alive! Congrats wingshooter 16 on your first woodcock. Karl 
Last edited by Karl Graebner; 10/23/17 04:48 PM.
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Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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 Look closely at the sling. Chasing ruffs and woodcock in the North woods has me looking for a bayonet/machete attachment for my Ideal 
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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That is some thick brush. Debilitatingly thick.
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Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
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Sidelock
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Great deer George! Can't wait to see more!
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Sidelock
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Mike- The picture showing a walk in the woods with a friend are just beautiful. You and I hunted together in NE for Prairie Chickens many years ago when your passion was first indulged. Glad to see you are still out there and going after it. Time waits for no man. Treb, I didn't take my guns over, I had poor connecting flights, limited time, and didn't want the hassle. I borrowed the pair of Jeffery's for a day. But I liked shooting the Dickson R/A, single trigger, micro forend, gun the most. 1 of about 1,000 worldwide. The people you meet when you are shooting at a castle.
Out there doing it best I can.
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The gates at Ripley Castle. What shooting experience lays beyond? 
Out there doing it best I can.
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CZ, can't wait to see the pics of that trip!!
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Blast my builders eye for seeing the broken window, scaffold & other work that needs doing.
Otherwise, nice pants.
O.M
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Finally got out and got this Mature bird! 
Last edited by RARiddell; 10/26/17 11:27 AM.
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Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Sidelock
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I'm still not sure what happened this afternoon. I sat in a ground blind I have in the Alapaha River swamp east of town. I had a shooting pod set up in my blind to be sure the .270 Remington model 700 would be steady for a possible shot. I hadn't got around to sighting in this season, but wasn't worried because this gun seems to keep itself sighted in from season to season. At 5:30pm a doe came out about 70 yards out, followed immediately by what looked like a fork horn buck. I didn't want to shoot the little buck so I waited. A few minutes later, the doe took off running followed by a nice buck. I watched him carefully with 10x binoculars and decided he was a mature 8 point. He was big enough for a first buck of the season. The big buck and the little guy milled around until I decided to take the shot. I lined the scope up on the base of the big buck's neck and squeezed the trigger. I saw a deer fall and kick on the ground. Then, the doe and a buck ran back across the clearing. I figured I'd walk down and see the deer. When I got to the scene of the crime I was surprised and disappointed not to find the buck on the ground, but evidence of a severely gut shot deer. Stomach contents but not much blood. I didn't see a blood trail at all so I circled out in arcs where the tracks indicated the deer had run. About 50 yards out from the place I hit the deer I picked up a blood trail and followed it like the yellow brick road. The deer fell or lay down three places along the blood trail. At 300 yards along, I spotted the buck on the ground again out in front of the blood trail. His head was up and the antlers didn't look quite right to me, but I finished him off with a shot to neck where it connects to the head. I had hit him in the back haunch and the bullet must have glanced off the bone and exited through the stomach. The exit hole was big enough to have dropped the entire stomach and intestines at the shot, so the meat was not tainted by stomach fluids from my exceedingly poor shot. First time ever I've had one field dress himself! Somehow I had managed to miss the buck I was shooting at and kill the smaller one. He was a small five point; not what I wanted, but will eat just fine. I called one of my sons who came out with my grandson to help pull the deer out of the woods and get him in my son's truck and on to the processor.  I will go and sight in my rifle tomorrow morning and try to figure out what happened. The smaller buck was out in front of the one I shot at, so I had to have missed my target by several feet. This was either the worst shot I ever made or the luckiest! My wife's first question was when had I last had my eyes checked. If the scope's not badly off, she might have a point...Geo
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Im glad you are out in the woods! I have yet to go
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Sidelock
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If the rifle is on, and you're fairly sure you were on the bigger buck and squeezed off a good shot, go back and recreate the shot and look, in line, for a twig or small branch the bullet hit. It happens.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Im glad you are out in the woods! I have yet to go You know Keith, my retirement is so much fun I have no idea how I ever found the time to practice law for 45 years...Geo
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Sidelock
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If the rifle is on, and you're fairly sure you were on the bigger buck and squeezed off a good shot, go back and recreate the shot and look, in line, for a twig or small branch the bullet hit. It happens.
SRH I shot from a pod, so the shot was practically benchrest. If the scope's not off, you're idea may be just what happened. What kept me awake last night was that maybe I had not missed the big buck at all and had made a twofer. He looked healthy to me when he ran off, and the neck shot usually either misses clean or drops'em in their tracks. I didn't try to track the big one. I guess the buzzards will tell me this weekend...Geo
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Geo, good idea you have to shoot some paper and ease your mind one way or the other. I've had zero shift for no apparent reason from end of season to start of next season.
Mike, that's a great photo of you and Cocoa. Gil
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Geo, good idea you have to shoot some paper and ease your mind one way or the other. I've had zero shift for no apparent reason from end of season to start of next season. Gil Gil, this rifle is composite stock with the barrel floated. When I sight in every Fall, it is always just a one shot thing with a bulls-eye at 100 yards. We'll see this morning...Geo
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I'll bet not only my house but my neighbor's house that your rifle and your shot were dead on but you just picked up the wrong deer in your scope.
That can easily happen.
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How was his shot "dead on" when he hit the little buck in the rear end?
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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I went back to read it again, I see that now.
The rifle is probably a little off from the off season but I'll bet dollars to donuts when he went from his eyes to his scope he picked up the wrong deer. Or someone really gave that scope a smack to knock it off.
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My Leupold is a variable, but I had it set on 4x. I could see both bucks in my sight picture and they weren't lined up...Geo
On the way to the range.
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Scope was way off. Lesson here is sight in every Fall no matter what you have else to do!...Geo
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Our host Steven's bird finding machine Charlie. 
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Remind me to tell you a story about my scope mess buck miss
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Mike- The picture showing a walk in the woods with a friend are just beautiful.
You and I hunted together in NE for Prairie Chickens many years ago when your passion was first indulged.
Glad to see you are still out there and going after it.
Time waits for no man.
Your reference to prairie chickens (which I chased with Steve Voss in SE Nebraska for a number of years) threw me off- there were a few others that occasionally joined us, but I couldn't place you. Mr Voss clarified that it was the Sandhills for sharpies, and I knew instantly of whom he spoke: Greg with the GSP not afraid of porcupines! You made the best coffee on the planet, and had an amazing upland bird chasing rig and a fascinating employment situation. I really enjoyed your recounting of a serious conversation you had with your daughter, and have often wondered over the years what happened to you. Glad to see/hear you are well. Mike McDaniel Flower Mound, TX
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Mike, Cocoa's "I ain't touching that mistake you just shot" reaction to the woodcock isn't uncommon among bird dogs used to quail. James, Scout appears to have a bird pinned down in the photo. Who missed that bird? Gil Gil, going back over this topic I noticed your unanswered question, and found the picture I think you reference. If it is the one showing James and the two dogs on a two track, I'm afraid the answer is rather ignoble: I believe this is the start of the hunt for the day, and as dogs do at the time, Scout is finishing processing the dog food from the day before.
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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[quote=GLS] I'm afraid the answer is rather ignoble: I believe this is the start of the hunt for the day, and as dogs do at the time, Scout is finishing processing the dog food from the day before. As we say in S. Ga.: "a kennel point." Gil
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A few pictures from my friend, Eric Karlsson of MoIndal, Sweden:   Eric uses his turn-of-the-last-century R11 to good effect for woodcock, pheasants, mallards, wigeon, doves and hares. His Darne needs just a little "love" right now (broken trigger return spring) and I will help him out, as the factory doesn't seem to be interested in helping-not the first time I have heard this of late. Great pictures, Eric! Best, Ted
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The European Woodcock is a magnificent bird; nice gun, too. Gil
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They look much larger than ours do stateside.
Karl
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Hey all, went out solo today, my son Jim was working cows for some friends of ours. Anyway, went up to the farm were we hunt deer. Always see birds in that area. Did see a few today. I did manage a limit.....but, lost one in the cattails and Rania couldn't find him, so only two in the bag. Good day overall, nice weather and a good dog! I used my 16ga Arrieta 871  And....one tired Raina girl!  Until later! Greg
Gregory J. Westberg
MSG, USA
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American woodcock can be fairly large as well.  Got this one after you left Ted.
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Lloyd, I've managed to take a couple of large females that were rather large, but looking at the example of the European one puts ours into perspective. Going out today to find some more. Karl 
Last edited by Karl Graebner; 10/29/17 04:57 AM.
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
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Wow Karl, you are up early.
FWIW, European Woodcock are more than 2X as big as their NA counterparts.
They are a pound plus.
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,146 Likes: 1145 |
Most interesting that they can shoot doves in Sweden, Ted. I'd sure be interested in hearing more about what dove species it is and how they go about it, whether there are large concentrations or if it is just "pot" luck kind of hunting for them. I wonder if it is the Eurasion Collared Dove which has become an invasive species here, and which we can shoot at will.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,080 Likes: 466
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,080 Likes: 466 |
The advantage of my pursuit of American over the European woodcock is that I don't need an Airbus or Boeing to hunt them. Gil
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Joined: Oct 2017
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Boxlock
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Boxlock
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Most interesting that they can shoot doves in Sweden, Ted. I'd sure be interested in hearing more about what dove species it is and how they go about it, whether there are large concentrations or if it is just "pot" luck kind of hunting for them. I wonder if it is the Eurasion Collared Dove which has become an invasive species here, and which we can shoot at will.
SRH Im the Swede with the Darne. It is indeed the euroasian collared dove that we hunt. It can be shot over decoys or in August/september when wheat is harvested I take post under a tree on their flightline near the fields. About the woodcock. The north american is a smaller one, hence the latin name Scolopax Minor, the european is Scollopax Rusticola. I am new to the forum, but when I learn how to post pictures I have some from dove hunts.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,080 Likes: 466
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,080 Likes: 466 |
Welcome aboard, Eric. Beautiful gun and bird. Looking forward to your photos. Gil
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,482 Likes: 390
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,482 Likes: 390 |
Welcome aboard scollopax. Very interested to hear more about your hunting experiences in Sweden.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 742
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 742 |
Most interesting that they can shoot doves in Sweden, Ted. I'd sure be interested in hearing more about what dove species it is and how they go about it, whether there are large concentrations or if it is just "pot" luck kind of hunting for them. I wonder if it is the Eurasion Collared Dove which has become an invasive species here, and which we can shoot at will.
SRH Ask, and you shall receive. I have a care package being mailed from Minnesota to Sweden on Monday for Eric. I wish it were easier to get factory support to help keep the old Darne guns running, but, I'm guessing that horse has left the barn. I have no evidence they are building guns at this time. One can use and shoot a Darne with a broken trigger return spring, but, we all like our guns to work as designed. Perhaps this photo should be in a separate catagory, titled "Photos that bummed you out, 2017", but, here is the root of the problem with Eric's gun:  I have great confidence it will be fixed shortly. Best, Ted
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Winding down pics from our excursion, here is my shooting mentor and friend Steve evaluating the sales pitch from James, himself a sales specialist:  And one of Canvasback and Fourtrax, your guess as good as mine: 
Tolerance: the abolition of absolutes
Consistency is the currency of credibility
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
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Ted, just curious. If Darne is not building guns and they aren't repairing guns, what are they doing? Busy being insolvent?
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,482 Likes: 390
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,482 Likes: 390 |
Actually, Steve Voss was momentarily stunned by the brilliance of what I had just said and was wracking his brain for a suitable response. And Fourtrax had just admitted that yes, SxS are much better than the pumps he had been using. 
Last edited by canvasback; 10/29/17 10:46 AM.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Jul 2012
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,461 Likes: 207 |
During mid-day while on a Red Deer hunt, a German Forester set me up to shoot Collared Dove( Ring Tauben) from a blind at a mud hole on a forest road. He knew they "watered" there. Also from time to time, while hunting small game on drive hunts, a flock of doves might fly over and we would shoot( these were more like pigeon size). If they were multi colored we wouldn't shoot, for fear of hitting someone's Homing Pigeon( flying these was fairly popular in the area).
Mike
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
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Ted, just curious. If Darne is not building guns and they aren't repairing guns, what are they doing? Busy being insolvent? James, I will admit, that I don't know, exactly. Herv Bruchet was bought out by a firm known as Fort Royal, a French company that was interested in keeping French artisans of all types producing heirloom quality items for a home market. A quick read of the Fort Royal website shows nothing about the Darne guns, however, they used to be there. The Bruchet website seems to be on autopilot. My understanding of the Fort Royal organization is that money is not a problem, and never will be. Geoffroy threw in the towel as US importer just after the purchase, and told me he doesn't believe the new owner had full grasp of just what he had bought. People outside of France who contact (more like attempt to contact) the company report no response. I did notice that the Bruchet website has no mention of the Petrik designed O/U that was in production from about when Geoffroy got out. There is a truly ugly single trigger Blitz action O/U in it's place, and I've got to believe when you ramp up to produce something like the Petrik, and it isn't listed a few short years later, something has gone terribly wrong. Full disclosure, I, too, threw in the towel as US importer, and while I wish them the best of luck, I have my doubts a company producing a gun that unique can make it from where we are today. Best, Ted
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,482 Likes: 390 |
Ted, as a former importer and distributor of products, often sporting related, I have seen up close numerous examples of companies being bought and the new owners being either aimless or clueless....or with a plan in mind that may be good for them but ruins said company. My favorite example involves three footwear companies...Etonic of the US, Tretorn from Sweden and Puma, the German giant. What a tangled web. But that's a different subject. You've answered my question....thanks.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
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Actually, Steve Voss was momentarily stunned by the brilliance of what I had just said and was wracking his brain for a suitable response. And Fourtrax had just admitted that yes, SxS are much better than the pumps he had been using. Or he's pleading to keep that little Frenchy since the French can no longer be bothered building guns for people who are not French.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
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Treb,
The logistics and language barrier are such that I'm surprised it went on as long as it did.
Did you ever order a new French gun? No?
Neither did I.
We both had that opportunity. No company can survive on tire kickers.
Best,
Ted
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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First PA woodcock taken with my old French SxS:  First big red stag taken with my old Alex Henry 500bpe: 
Last edited by Chasseur d'ours; 10/29/17 03:25 PM.
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,966 Likes: 293 |
Well done Chasseur!
Glad to see you are alive and well.
It's been far too long since we've hunted together.
What are you doing in PA?
Out there doing it best I can.
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
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Ted, Ain't that the truth. A shame really that few people know of the ultra high quality and perfect balance of a French built shotgun.
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Actually, Steve Voss was momentarily stunned by the stupid shit I had just said and was wracking his brain for a suitable, yet kind response. FIFY
Last edited by steve voss; 10/30/17 11:11 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,482 Likes: 390 |
Actually, Steve Voss was momentarily stunned by the stupid shit I had just said and was wracking his brain for a suitable, yet kind response. FIFY Glad you fixed it for me, Steve.
Last edited by canvasback; 10/30/17 11:33 AM.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 742
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 742 |
Lloyd,
I have been letting the woodcock fly away when we find them for perhaps 2 decades. If the dog handled one superbly, I'd take it, but, the last English Setter never did, and Louie hasn't, as of yet.
I used to see thousands in the course of a season, now I find it rare to see one.
My Gordon Setter was outstanding on woodcock. We took many when he was alive.
Best,
Ted
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Joined: Feb 2015
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Where were you hunting in Saskatchewan? (I was born and raised in Saskatchewan)
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,701 Likes: 99 |
Where were you hunting in Saskatchewan? (I was born and raised in Saskatchewan)
[quote=Geo. Newbern]Just back from Saskatchewan. Last Mountain Lake (Long Lake) area, south of Saskatoon. Our house there is in Nokomis...Geo
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