I called the two guys I was taking out today yesterday afternoon and asked if they would pick me up so we could go for a scout. Both being otherwise tasked - i forwent the scouting trip to see if the ramps were clear - went to them this morning - they were completely frozen.

Rewind to last season - where I backed my trailer into the ice - busted my tail lights...etc.... wasn't going to have a repeat of that.

Back to today - I walked the ramp prior to unhooking the boat - no surprise - frozen. and not just a little frozen, i estimate about 4" thick ice.

Back in the truck we went looking for a ramp.

well, we found one and launched and battling the waves, made it to a spot where we could setup for a hunt.

I've only had these guys out once or twice this season - and I wanted them to do most of the shooting so i put the gun down for the first 30 mins after legal. Mind you - no one fired a shot because there wasn't any birds.

I didn't want to start my December with a skunk - but there was nothing flying!

we had a single Goldeneye come by at 30yds - I called "Take it guys!" 5 shots rang out but they couldn't connect.

At least they got to shoot at something - so I was a bit relieved they got at least 1 opportunity.

Then 2 more singles came within 30 yds and again - they couldn't seem to connect.

I ended up grabbing my gun when a group of 3 GE came whistling into the spread at 25yds. I called it - but only I shot. I looked to my partners and asked "why didn't you shoot??"

One guy didn't have his gun in his hand as he was pouring a coffee - and the other was taking a leak!

I got the bird I aimed at and watched the other 2 fly away untouched.

lol we had a chuckle at that one.

But the laughing stopped as another single came ripping in and Ryan, having just pulled his waders back up - picked up my trusty 870 and shot his first GE.

2 Birds in 2 minutes! Success! Everything after that was a bonus.

Later in the morning, I watched Daniel smoke a beauty Mallard Drake at 30 yds, and Ryan get a real nice GE Drake (hovering in the decoys at 15yds!) - both birds fully plumed and looked great.

We were aiming for 6 birds - we could have gone home with 12-15 if our shooting had been better - but 5 birds out of that hunt was a nice treat.

Final Tally:

1 Mallard Drake
3 GE Drakes
1 GE Hen - Ryan got the HK badge today.

pic of the happy shooters: