Just as little kids the night before Christmas, we could hardly go to sleep - the off season had been way too long. When the alarm went off at 3:00 am, I could hardly hold my eyes open. My 18 yr old son (David), decided he was going to pull my boat for us. So while I was still sleepy eyed and in my under-roo's, David was hooking up. My 14 yr old son (Dillon) also beat me getting ready, and the 3 of us finally got out the door around 3:45 am. My oldest son Daren (20) had to work... so he would miss the hunt.
After swinging by McDonalds for some "to go" eats - we arrived at the reservoir about 45 min's later, at the boat launch closest to the dam (about 100 yards away). There were 3 boats already out, but none looked to be duck/goose hunters - so I was thinking we were "good to go", and should have our first pick of places to set up. We quietly idled straight across the lake to the other side, and then headed shortly upstream (looking for game land signs). Since I hadn't had time to scout, I elected to hunt as close as possible to the dam, where I had seen Canadas hang out over the past several years.
The lake was down 5 foot or so, and there was a lot of exposed shoreline. I found a protruding point on the game lands with some fell trees for concealment, so this was the spot I decided on (The wooded point, that protudes furthest into the lake on the right side of the pic). The wind was blowing directly up stream, so I had David to start building the blind on the upstream side of the tree laps while Dillon and I set decoys. We put out all 16 Canada floaters I had, about 15 yards off the shoreline. I added my blue heron confidence decoy on the upwind side, and a pair of mallards on the down wind side (for realism). I hid the boat on the downwind side of the tree laps, and used burlap and brush to conceal the boat. We then added some vegetation to the blind, then hunkered in for the hunt.Legal shooting time rolled around at 6:28 am, and we loaded up - and began the wait. As I glassed down toward the dam, I saw no geese... hummmm, I figured they would be coming down the lake to loaf during the morning hours (so it was looking real good). After about a 30 min. wait, we began to get sleepy.... so I kind of laid back. Just then, Dillon said "here comes one dad". As I look up, I see it.... a blue heron, coming to our decoys. I reassured him it was not a Canada, so he continued to watch diligently.
Doves were beginning to fly by, and I was taking in the view... then Dillon again said "here they come dad" (7:15 am). I look across the lake, and sure enough... there is a flock of about 75 geese (flying 2 ft off the water), but on the far side (probably 200 yards away). I start calling, but they go on to the dam and sit down. Right behind them, was another flock of about 75. I continue to call to get their attention, and then the two tail birds fell out of formation and come right at us. As my boys get ready, I see a final third flock of about 50 birds - following the two birds that fell off the second flock. I hold the boys off of the first two birds, and we wait on the third flock. Sure enough... as the flock centered right over the decoys (15 yards out, 8-10 ft high)... Dillon can't contain himself and yells, "Take 'em"!
Dillon fired first, and dropped a bird.... then David and I took 3 shots each. As the birds drop and the smoke clears.... Dillon's gun had jammed after his first shot. I look at my watch, and it's 7:20 am.... 7 shots, 5 birds... not too bad at all.
After I collected the birds by boat, I noticed the other birds that landed near the dam had left the country (over the dam, and on down stream)... The morning would probably turn out to be real slow after the ruckus we had just made, and boats were coming on the lake in a stream now (labor Day boat traffic), so I decided that we were through for the morning (and I had a PM dove hunt lined up). We picked up decoys, spent shells, and tore the blind down - and headed on in. By 8:30 am, we were on the way home.
Dillon and David had afternoon plans, so I headed out for the Dove opener by myself (opened at 12:00 noon). I settle in to a "pass shooting field", and it is a little slow. I only had 6 birds come in range, and managed to take 3 of the 6. It was not too spectacular, but all in all - a nice day to be back "at it".
With the kids school and soccer being back in full swing this month, I'm not sure if I will be able to get back out again - but rest assured, I plan to try my best. There is 3 other places I want to try, as well as to revisit the reservoir we went to on opening day.
Happy Hunting,
Troy Smart
AC - Caldwell County DU
Pics to come, as soon as they get developed. Stay tuned...
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