Sartell Angler

good day for new birds to move into the area...saw them cruising down with strong NW wind until we decided to call it quits around noon today. Solid second weekend for us (to match the first), especially considering we have been strictly running traffic.

go to any waterfowl site and you will find a pretty even split of guys who are obsessed with avery and guys who hate avery. there are a multitude of reasons but most center on a few key principles: 1) the paint on a lot of their decoys falls off, rendering them useless 2) their stuff is made in china 3) their "prostaffers" are almost always complete tool boxes! the end

it is nothing you're gonna find in the state regs...the state didn't advertise it because they felt it would confuse too many hunters and they were worried that guys would forget to put their plugs back in for the regular season. E-callers are also allowed although I feel their use for canada geese is limited at best. I trust my sources and am too lazy to look up and provide a link to a printable version to bring afield. Today I had my plug out but forgot to take a 4th shot on both flocks I shot into. Old habits die hard. Didn't matter much anyways because shooting out of layouts you're lucky to get 3 good shots at them.

it is legit I've been plug-less since the opener and will remain so until Sept.15th when the loophole is closed. Just know that if you don't have it in you can't shoot doves. Note from admin, please read forum policy before posting again,thank-you.

I hunted 7 years before I got a layout and to this day still hate hunting out of those things...early goose especially, you can do just as well just hunting field edges by sitting in standing corn or in tall grass or something. As far as the decoys--if it were me I'd bring 'em back and pick up some RealGeese silos...easy to transport and they look good, plus they don't take up so much room in the garage. Mix in some Bigfoots but I'd stay away from the Avery disease if possible. Glad to see a lady excited about duck / goose hunting...you're a fairly rare breed I believe.

was out fishing today on a couple lakes and also scouting for hunting spots...came across a nice point perfect for a NW wind and it contained ample vegetation to conceal our boat blind. The water was plenty shallow quite a ways out for decoys as well. Looking closer I noticed some bozo had built a "private" blind there and posted it with "NO TRESPASSING" signs. This thing was so far back in the weeds that there is no way he could see a landing duck let alone shoot it. I'm fairly certain the blind was not on dry land, meaning it would be fair game for anyone setting up there...and even if it was (couldn't get close enough to check) there would be absolutely nothing stopping anyone from setting up in front of it and hunting legally. I plan to do just that this fall and when I'm out there if the blind is not on dry ground I will be disassembling it (assuming the birds are not flying) and bringing it home for a bonfire!

it seems that I was unfair in my interpretation of your post, Eyepatrol--I should have given you the benefit of the doubt. Also, I've noticed the same thing with the unburnt powder in my barrel after shooting Remington shells. Last year I used about a half of a case of Federals and never experienced that issue with those shells. I've pass shot before and found it to be fun...just think a lot of guys think that because they are pass shooting it is okay to skybust. There are probably enough guys who use Black Cloud as a 3rd shot, just to reach out and touch the birds as they are backpedaling trying to get out of range. Sorry for sounding like an elitist--I understand that pass shooting is the norm for a lot of folks and I'm alright with that.

they should rename the product "Skybuster Enabler" Eyepatrol, you said: "Black Cloud really does a number on the birds. Creates some of the biggest holes I've ever seen." then you said: "Still, I wouldn't hesitate buying some. It's a good shot to use." So, from your post I can deduce a couple things... 1) you enjoy eating duck/goose meat that is blown apart and full of feathers OR, you don't bother eating the birds you shoot 2) You struggle to decoy birds in close (hence the need for black cloud)

You can drop those dirty birds in the water just like you can in a field!

If water/cattails come within a stones throw of the road ditch, and that road is not a Minimum Maintenance Road (and therefore potentially private) I would have no hesitation of hunting it from a boat. Lot of dbags out there who think they own public water--I know I've done my part to set as many as I can straight but I'm sure there are plenty of 'em I haven't educated yet. Get out there and have fun!

calling is severely overrated...a lot of times a very eager caller is a group's greatest conservation tool

oil based is what you want to use go nuts!

If you don't trust the accuracy of your Rolex, just use your cell phone. I reported some poachers shooting after hours last year and helped the CO make the charges stick by completing an affidavit...usually a CO would have to witness it firsthand and record the time but my word that I had read the time off of my cell phone was enough to compel the county attorney to bring charges.

anyone who has hunted with a flag before wouldn't call that a "secret"

that, and the grip-and-grin after the hunt is somewhat ruined Pheasant legs are as good or better than the breasts! I pick those over the white meat anyday.