The frost glistened thru the fresh dusting of snow and I sat and watched the last sunrise of 2013. The incredible season we had together in the woods, creeks and marshes is over for another year.
The harvest list has one last evening to be written on and folded away and I can guess that many shotguns need a thorough cleaning. As most of you are aware, it is that time of year that Whitetail and Waterfowl season comes to an end here in Southern Ontario.
At my house this means, the boot dryer does not have to be in the living room and the muddy Muck boots can be cleaned and put to the back of the closet. The wet gloves wont dirty up my dryer and the 9 pm suppers are over. I wont have to purchase hot hands in Bulk at Canadian Tire and I can finally sleep in on Saturday mornings. The feathers can be swept up on the garage floor and the layer of dust can be cleared away from the neglected items on the wall. Organization can begin.
Would I trade any of it, not a chance. The times had in the blind or treestand with friends and family or alone with nature are not replicable. Everything from the sun peering thru the thick trees to the gallop of two young fawns prancing thru the tall alphalfa. You cannot see these things from the couch.
What was my favorite part of this season?
That is such a tough question, most of you know that I love my time in a tree, awaiting the presence of the big buck and watching the does frolic through the grasses. The countless sightings of deer at a distance, learning their behavour and abilities, especially their sense of smell. Watching their anlters glisten in the sunlight and the little spikes get puffed up with pride. The does that appeared out of no where and in three leaps were gone again. The phase of the rut that the decoy worked and the phase that the grunt call sent them miles away. The chances that could have been and the ones that did connect. To all that did connect, be proud and hold you head high. The freezer is full.
Maybe my favorite part was the waterfowl season we had this year. We were fortunate to hunt Rondeau Bay, Holiday Beach and Michell’s Bay along with other wetlands and fields. The birds sometimes worked like they were on a string and other days the winds wouldn’t let them drop in. We played in the muck, water and snow and had a blast. We hit, we missed, we laughed. With painted faces we hid in the best cover available. The dog made some great retrieves and also gained some weight from the generosity of the other hunters sharing their keilbasa. The flocks grew to be magnificent as the cold weather came and the multiple sunrises and sunsets were even better as thousands of Canada Geese filled them .
Until next time.....put my feet up and chill out.....ohhh wait....it's almost snowmobile season.
Danielle Russell
December 2013 ©
The harvest list has one last evening to be written on and folded away and I can guess that many shotguns need a thorough cleaning. As most of you are aware, it is that time of year that Whitetail and Waterfowl season comes to an end here in Southern Ontario.
At my house this means, the boot dryer does not have to be in the living room and the muddy Muck boots can be cleaned and put to the back of the closet. The wet gloves wont dirty up my dryer and the 9 pm suppers are over. I wont have to purchase hot hands in Bulk at Canadian Tire and I can finally sleep in on Saturday mornings. The feathers can be swept up on the garage floor and the layer of dust can be cleared away from the neglected items on the wall. Organization can begin.
Would I trade any of it, not a chance. The times had in the blind or treestand with friends and family or alone with nature are not replicable. Everything from the sun peering thru the thick trees to the gallop of two young fawns prancing thru the tall alphalfa. You cannot see these things from the couch.
What was my favorite part of this season?
That is such a tough question, most of you know that I love my time in a tree, awaiting the presence of the big buck and watching the does frolic through the grasses. The countless sightings of deer at a distance, learning their behavour and abilities, especially their sense of smell. Watching their anlters glisten in the sunlight and the little spikes get puffed up with pride. The does that appeared out of no where and in three leaps were gone again. The phase of the rut that the decoy worked and the phase that the grunt call sent them miles away. The chances that could have been and the ones that did connect. To all that did connect, be proud and hold you head high. The freezer is full.
Maybe my favorite part was the waterfowl season we had this year. We were fortunate to hunt Rondeau Bay, Holiday Beach and Michell’s Bay along with other wetlands and fields. The birds sometimes worked like they were on a string and other days the winds wouldn’t let them drop in. We played in the muck, water and snow and had a blast. We hit, we missed, we laughed. With painted faces we hid in the best cover available. The dog made some great retrieves and also gained some weight from the generosity of the other hunters sharing their keilbasa. The flocks grew to be magnificent as the cold weather came and the multiple sunrises and sunsets were even better as thousands of Canada Geese filled them .
Until next time.....put my feet up and chill out.....ohhh wait....it's almost snowmobile season.
Danielle Russell
December 2013 ©
WATERFOWL ADVENTURES
Many of us are unaware that the average waterfowler in today's society is approximately 50 years of age and older, and our traditional ways of life are on the decline. With that being said, it is times like these that we need to make certain our traditions are passed on to future generations.
In 2012, Waterfowler Heritage Days were introduced across the province of Ontario. This special day provides opportunity for young hunters to practice hunting and outdoor skills, learn about wildlife conservation, and reinforce safety training in a structured, supervised environment. Licensed adult hunters who serve as mentors have an opportunity to pass on their skills and knowledge by offering guidance and advice to younger hunters. For the second year, Delta Waterfowl announced a that they would be funding the Heritage Day in Essex County. When asked to participate in the event I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share a day in the field not only with a new hunter but to be out in the blind prior to regular open season, a day we all eagerly await. The ducks had not been educated yet and would attest to provide opportunity for the youth to have a chance at flying game as it passed in front of them.
After a full filled day of trap shooting and firearm safety, the new hunters were ready for the marsh. We all arrived at the main gate of Holiday Beach for a quick refresher of what the day entailed. Many of the guests were still brushing the sleep from their eyes as they excitedly listened to what the day would consist of. Mentors teamed up with their designated youth and headed for the duck weed and cattails. In my group we had three mentors and three youth. The kids were anxious and many were not aware of what to expect from their first time in a blind. Upon arrival to our location, the reeds were so tall that the youth could not see the water from the blind, so we opted to stand in the marshy water and hide amongst the reeds. In our chest waders, we painted our faces with charcoal and awaited first light. Before we could see well enough to identify a duck, the whistling wings touched down in our decoys.
I could hear the fellow next to me whisper to his youth. It was not shooting light and we patiently waited for the clock to tick. Finally the time passed and we allowed the youth to load their guns. The teal in the decoys must have heard the actions and quickly decided to take flight. He was fortunate this time but the morning had only just begun. As daylight broke, the ducks took flight. Some dropped in for a quick view and others for their last. The youth took their turns at extremely swift waterfowl and the kick from the shotguns reminded the mentors that we were amongst adolescents.
The excitement diminished and the coolness of autumn set in. Remember we had been standing in the water all morning and hunger seemed to be taking over. We soon packed up and headed toward the trucks. When we arrived to put things away, we were met by a Conservation Officer, Officer Brooks. His visit was planned by Delta to help the youth understand his role in the field. The conservation officer is not a bad guy or out to harm us. Rather he is there to assist with conserving conservation so we have ducks and geese to shoot in the future. He explained to the kids what he would ask for in way of licenses and such and carried on his way.
Once back at the pavilion, the Safari Club International provided a BBQ lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers. Stories were shared from the morning in the field and photos were taken of their harvests. The hunt was successful and well worth the exhaustion that many were now feeling.
Special thanks to the many volunteers that gave of their Saturday to assist with education for these NEW hunters. A day many of them will never forget.
Danielle Russell © Sept. 2013
In 2012, Waterfowler Heritage Days were introduced across the province of Ontario. This special day provides opportunity for young hunters to practice hunting and outdoor skills, learn about wildlife conservation, and reinforce safety training in a structured, supervised environment. Licensed adult hunters who serve as mentors have an opportunity to pass on their skills and knowledge by offering guidance and advice to younger hunters. For the second year, Delta Waterfowl announced a that they would be funding the Heritage Day in Essex County. When asked to participate in the event I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share a day in the field not only with a new hunter but to be out in the blind prior to regular open season, a day we all eagerly await. The ducks had not been educated yet and would attest to provide opportunity for the youth to have a chance at flying game as it passed in front of them.
After a full filled day of trap shooting and firearm safety, the new hunters were ready for the marsh. We all arrived at the main gate of Holiday Beach for a quick refresher of what the day entailed. Many of the guests were still brushing the sleep from their eyes as they excitedly listened to what the day would consist of. Mentors teamed up with their designated youth and headed for the duck weed and cattails. In my group we had three mentors and three youth. The kids were anxious and many were not aware of what to expect from their first time in a blind. Upon arrival to our location, the reeds were so tall that the youth could not see the water from the blind, so we opted to stand in the marshy water and hide amongst the reeds. In our chest waders, we painted our faces with charcoal and awaited first light. Before we could see well enough to identify a duck, the whistling wings touched down in our decoys.
I could hear the fellow next to me whisper to his youth. It was not shooting light and we patiently waited for the clock to tick. Finally the time passed and we allowed the youth to load their guns. The teal in the decoys must have heard the actions and quickly decided to take flight. He was fortunate this time but the morning had only just begun. As daylight broke, the ducks took flight. Some dropped in for a quick view and others for their last. The youth took their turns at extremely swift waterfowl and the kick from the shotguns reminded the mentors that we were amongst adolescents.
The excitement diminished and the coolness of autumn set in. Remember we had been standing in the water all morning and hunger seemed to be taking over. We soon packed up and headed toward the trucks. When we arrived to put things away, we were met by a Conservation Officer, Officer Brooks. His visit was planned by Delta to help the youth understand his role in the field. The conservation officer is not a bad guy or out to harm us. Rather he is there to assist with conserving conservation so we have ducks and geese to shoot in the future. He explained to the kids what he would ask for in way of licenses and such and carried on his way.
Once back at the pavilion, the Safari Club International provided a BBQ lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers. Stories were shared from the morning in the field and photos were taken of their harvests. The hunt was successful and well worth the exhaustion that many were now feeling.
Special thanks to the many volunteers that gave of their Saturday to assist with education for these NEW hunters. A day many of them will never forget.
Danielle Russell © Sept. 2013
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SETTING UP DECOYS IN THE FIELD
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Fasten your seat belts as we take you on an amazing adventure to Eastern Ontario
The trip began in Canada’s most southern town, Kingsville at 6:00 am on the last weekend in September. The truck was loaded with waterfowl gear and headed for a place where the leaves were already changing to magnificent colours. After a quick stop at Bass Pro Shops for some last minute supplies and a much needed break we finally arrived at our destination. We decided to take a quick tour of the small town and look for a gift shop for some souvenirs. We did not find a gift shop but enjoyed the silence as day fell to a close near the water’s edge. The geese began to pour over head and down the river and instilled high hopes for the morning hunt.When we returned to the motel, we were met by Matt Probi from Nova Scotia. Matt would be serving as our guide for the next two days. Generally guiding waterfowl in Prince Edward Island, with his trusty side-kick – Chase, a Chesapeake Retriever. They too were excited and seemed honored to be guiding for the St. Lawrence Outfitters. Soon another guide - Josh Brugmans returned from scouting and advised us where we would set up in the morning. He and his new companion, “Koda” a youthful yellow lab would be joining us. We chatted about some old hunting adventures and soon returned to our rooms, as 4:00 a.m. would fast approach.
Although excitement remained unsettled, my sleep was undeterred. We awoke and headed to an old stone quarry on the outskirts of town. We set up along the small waterway, half in the water and half on shore. The decoys were set and the sun began to rise. We hid behind a Zinger holding blind that had been properly camouflaged and both Josh and Matt concealed themselves in the shrubs to our right with young, Koda. The morning seemed to pass with very little action. We packed up and headed to the motel for some homestyle cooking. We only had one goose in our bag and both guides were extremely unsatisfied. The afternoon hunt was planned over lunch and everyone regrouped about 3:00pm.
When arriving at the afternoon location, we could hear the trumpets of the far off geese. The smirk in Josh’s smile, re-assured that success was close by. We set the decoy spread in a manure spread corn field and waited for the waterfowl to leave their roost. With little time passing the first wave of waterfowl rose to the sky and before long Chase was fetching birds out of the stubble.
As the shots fired another echo erupted. Within moments the sky was black filled. The geese seemed to take to the sky and in admiration we watch at thousands of birds flew over head. The second wave of waterfowl seemed to have an aching to land in our spread, with the help of the life like calling from our guide, Matt. It was a spectacular moment when Matt turned to us and stated “There is just too many birds guys”, as they seemed to be landing all around us. We immediately understood and Chase was soon released into the field to go and drive away the hungry fowl. The geese did not seem to be bothered by the K9 running throughout the field and eventually our guide went out to help the tired Chesapeake. Sunset was soon upon us and we were smiling from ear to ear Tonight we did not fill out limit however we had an experience of a lifetime. We returned to our quarters for some more great food and laughter before retiring for the night.
Joined by Grant from South Carolina, we returned to the same field in the morning. Both Josh and Matt had been up early to set the decoys and before long we were back in the blind. The spread was set on the East side of the field this time, where the geese had not eaten all the corn as of yet. The geese soon arose and were welcomed into our spread. We all took our turns as our daily limits were filling up. Once while Chase was out in the field retrieving a downed bird another goose wanted to come in. With the great handling skills of his master, Chase sat still as could be and the lone bird deployed his landing gear. With a clean shot to the right, the single was dropped and in high spirits, Chase willingly retrieved it. The final three birds entered the decoys and with only two left to fill our bag, the boys finished our morning.
Festivity erupted on the tailgate as we were greeted by three new hunters. The excitement portrayed left the new group in anticipation of what lay ahead. As for us, we packed up our gear and were off on the long journey home.
The trip was superb and now our freezer full of fowl. The St. Lawrence Outfitters showed us immense hospitality and we look forward to our return.
Until next time,
Happy hunting.
Danielle Russell
October 2012
The trip began in Canada’s most southern town, Kingsville at 6:00 am on the last weekend in September. The truck was loaded with waterfowl gear and headed for a place where the leaves were already changing to magnificent colours. After a quick stop at Bass Pro Shops for some last minute supplies and a much needed break we finally arrived at our destination. We decided to take a quick tour of the small town and look for a gift shop for some souvenirs. We did not find a gift shop but enjoyed the silence as day fell to a close near the water’s edge. The geese began to pour over head and down the river and instilled high hopes for the morning hunt.When we returned to the motel, we were met by Matt Probi from Nova Scotia. Matt would be serving as our guide for the next two days. Generally guiding waterfowl in Prince Edward Island, with his trusty side-kick – Chase, a Chesapeake Retriever. They too were excited and seemed honored to be guiding for the St. Lawrence Outfitters. Soon another guide - Josh Brugmans returned from scouting and advised us where we would set up in the morning. He and his new companion, “Koda” a youthful yellow lab would be joining us. We chatted about some old hunting adventures and soon returned to our rooms, as 4:00 a.m. would fast approach.
Although excitement remained unsettled, my sleep was undeterred. We awoke and headed to an old stone quarry on the outskirts of town. We set up along the small waterway, half in the water and half on shore. The decoys were set and the sun began to rise. We hid behind a Zinger holding blind that had been properly camouflaged and both Josh and Matt concealed themselves in the shrubs to our right with young, Koda. The morning seemed to pass with very little action. We packed up and headed to the motel for some homestyle cooking. We only had one goose in our bag and both guides were extremely unsatisfied. The afternoon hunt was planned over lunch and everyone regrouped about 3:00pm.
When arriving at the afternoon location, we could hear the trumpets of the far off geese. The smirk in Josh’s smile, re-assured that success was close by. We set the decoy spread in a manure spread corn field and waited for the waterfowl to leave their roost. With little time passing the first wave of waterfowl rose to the sky and before long Chase was fetching birds out of the stubble.
As the shots fired another echo erupted. Within moments the sky was black filled. The geese seemed to take to the sky and in admiration we watch at thousands of birds flew over head. The second wave of waterfowl seemed to have an aching to land in our spread, with the help of the life like calling from our guide, Matt. It was a spectacular moment when Matt turned to us and stated “There is just too many birds guys”, as they seemed to be landing all around us. We immediately understood and Chase was soon released into the field to go and drive away the hungry fowl. The geese did not seem to be bothered by the K9 running throughout the field and eventually our guide went out to help the tired Chesapeake. Sunset was soon upon us and we were smiling from ear to ear Tonight we did not fill out limit however we had an experience of a lifetime. We returned to our quarters for some more great food and laughter before retiring for the night.
Joined by Grant from South Carolina, we returned to the same field in the morning. Both Josh and Matt had been up early to set the decoys and before long we were back in the blind. The spread was set on the East side of the field this time, where the geese had not eaten all the corn as of yet. The geese soon arose and were welcomed into our spread. We all took our turns as our daily limits were filling up. Once while Chase was out in the field retrieving a downed bird another goose wanted to come in. With the great handling skills of his master, Chase sat still as could be and the lone bird deployed his landing gear. With a clean shot to the right, the single was dropped and in high spirits, Chase willingly retrieved it. The final three birds entered the decoys and with only two left to fill our bag, the boys finished our morning.
Festivity erupted on the tailgate as we were greeted by three new hunters. The excitement portrayed left the new group in anticipation of what lay ahead. As for us, we packed up our gear and were off on the long journey home.
The trip was superb and now our freezer full of fowl. The St. Lawrence Outfitters showed us immense hospitality and we look forward to our return.
Until next time,
Happy hunting.
Danielle Russell
October 2012
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WATERFOWL MIGRATION
As the haze slowly levitated, the echo of waterfowl filled the air. I found it hard to believe the day was finally here. The rumble of ATV's dampened by the fog and my associates were all hard at work. The vendors slowly filed into position and the trout pond splashed in excitement. This day would go down in history for being the first time "Jack Miner's Bird Sanctuary" would be open to the public on a Sunday. A day that young and old would congregate at the home of the man that some called the "Father of Conservation" and celebrate "Nature" with others who care about Conservation, Waterfowl and the Great Outdoors. It seemed to go against the grain for some and for others it was a day to show off what days of practice had accomplished. On April 10, 2011 we had waterfowl experts from near and far, come to experience Goose & Duck calling at it's best. The contest was like no other, the callers had an opportunity for the first time to have his/her name put on an authentic "Jack Miner" leg band and released into the wild.
On Saturday October 22, 2011 the winners were invited to join the Sanctuary and Everything Outdoors volunteers in placing some very special bands on live waterfowl. With anticipation the Friday night was filled with laughter and excitement as some of the best callers in the area joined for a campfire filled with stories and tales. The ring of duck calls filled the hallways of our small home and laughter was shared on the patio. Many of the these Winners had never had the opportunity to share in the tracking of waterfowl and the privilege was worn on their faces with a proud smile. The weather was superb for an autumn morning and it was over far too quickly. I can't wait until we hear their whistling wings when they return in the spring from their path of warmer places.
Until next time...
Danielle Russell ©2011
Some pics below...
On Saturday October 22, 2011 the winners were invited to join the Sanctuary and Everything Outdoors volunteers in placing some very special bands on live waterfowl. With anticipation the Friday night was filled with laughter and excitement as some of the best callers in the area joined for a campfire filled with stories and tales. The ring of duck calls filled the hallways of our small home and laughter was shared on the patio. Many of the these Winners had never had the opportunity to share in the tracking of waterfowl and the privilege was worn on their faces with a proud smile. The weather was superb for an autumn morning and it was over far too quickly. I can't wait until we hear their whistling wings when they return in the spring from their path of warmer places.
Until next time...
Danielle Russell ©2011
Some pics below...
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THAT'S WHY THEY CALL IT HUNTING!
The corn stubble that was once prime deer habitat in autumn’s glory has turned into a landing zone for feeding fowl as they return home to the south for the blistery winter ahead. The snow around me is only a couple inches deep in places and the igloo style hideout is much shorter from yesterdays sun rays. With 120 of our best decoys in place, we await daylight in all our white gear.
I can hear the call of the birds before seeing them, we all hit the ground in anticipation and dare not to move. About 300 yds out and coming towards us are four Canada geese. The callers have started to lower their tone and quiet fills the air, waiting for the expected call. The call, only one guy in our blind makes when it is time to jump up and take the geese. They have their wings locked up and one is doing what we call the funky chicken. That is what we call it when they do that little dance just before landing.
I can hear the call of the birds before seeing them, we all hit the ground in anticipation and dare not to move. About 300 yds out and coming towards us are four Canada geese. The callers have started to lower their tone and quiet fills the air, waiting for the expected call. The call, only one guy in our blind makes when it is time to jump up and take the geese. They have their wings locked up and one is doing what we call the funky chicken. That is what we call it when they do that little dance just before landing.
Just then a loner breaks off from the flock and glides in towards our
decoys, right before landing he starts to flare and my dad sitting on the far left drops him before he has a chance to leave. Something is still not right in the decoys though. They dedicate to come in and then at the last moment decide something is wrong.
As in all things we sometimes need to change our strategy. The guys re-arrange the spread and one of the shooters set up in a better location to flag the birds. Basically we use a black flag and wave it to show movement amongst the decoys. This works if done correctly. We normally only do this when birds are farther away and never when in lock down.
As the next flock approaches, it locks up but is still far to the east, closer to the neighbours. As the flock turns towards our decoys, the neighbours in distraught fire into the air and sky bust the geese we have just worked around. This is not ethical. You must wait until the geese are within range to fire. Canada Geese area large birds and you must take ethical shots in order to harvest them. This flock flares from the neighbours and our callers manage to call them back around and into our spread. With four out of four down, we realize our job is almost over.
If you are an inexperienced hunter, please be sure your birds are within range and never sky bust at a flock. The late season birds are experienced and sometimes require different strageties to get them to work. That’s why we call it hunting!
Often we have a lot of competition in surrounding fields, which can be part of the fun. We would never want to deliberatly disrupt a flock going toward the competition. They work just as hard as we do to try and work the birds. Let others have equal opportunity and play fair. Remember to watch the birds, they will tell you if there is something they do not like and most importantly be safe.
decoys, right before landing he starts to flare and my dad sitting on the far left drops him before he has a chance to leave. Something is still not right in the decoys though. They dedicate to come in and then at the last moment decide something is wrong.
As in all things we sometimes need to change our strategy. The guys re-arrange the spread and one of the shooters set up in a better location to flag the birds. Basically we use a black flag and wave it to show movement amongst the decoys. This works if done correctly. We normally only do this when birds are farther away and never when in lock down.
As the next flock approaches, it locks up but is still far to the east, closer to the neighbours. As the flock turns towards our decoys, the neighbours in distraught fire into the air and sky bust the geese we have just worked around. This is not ethical. You must wait until the geese are within range to fire. Canada Geese area large birds and you must take ethical shots in order to harvest them. This flock flares from the neighbours and our callers manage to call them back around and into our spread. With four out of four down, we realize our job is almost over.
If you are an inexperienced hunter, please be sure your birds are within range and never sky bust at a flock. The late season birds are experienced and sometimes require different strageties to get them to work. That’s why we call it hunting!
Often we have a lot of competition in surrounding fields, which can be part of the fun. We would never want to deliberatly disrupt a flock going toward the competition. They work just as hard as we do to try and work the birds. Let others have equal opportunity and play fair. Remember to watch the birds, they will tell you if there is something they do not like and most importantly be safe.
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