Gavin

Last Weds-Friday was great, then no wind and 70 degrees all weekend. Things picked back up this afternoon. Still waiting on a push of Mallards. It was mostly gadwall & teal in the bag last week. We have a loaf of pintails in the area so we’ve laid off the triggers allot.

Still chasing wood ducks around the trees on Saturday, Sunday was dead still. Buddy shot a few this AM, including a drake widgeon (not common at our place). Will probably go tomorrow with a strong North Wind in the forecast.

Pretty slow on the Mississippi. Best day so far on Friday, but it’s still mostly an early morning wood duck pass shoot. Numbers on Cuivte & Dardenne clubs are still low and what is here isn’t moving much. Mallards are scarce, but there are some pintail, teal, and gadwall around.

A buddy sent some pics of the Upper Current yesterday, and it was at least 150-200 yards outside of its banks around Tan Vat. It should be back down by now, but I'm sure there is a ton of debris. Picks from Pulltite CG looks like it got scoured. Firewood should be easy to find this winter.

Justin Spencer is your man. He posts on FB sometimes. Brian Sloss moved to the Catskills a couple years ago and I think he is doing well.

I like Drathaars. My late friend O. B. Blevins (Duck & Fishin Guide/ Crawl Space Remodeler/ part time aluminum can collector, when not in jail) had Drath named Fritz, and Fritz was a great dog. Miss them both.

A good dog is, well you know. I’m glad you have great memories with that one. Buddies dog did great this weekend.

We had a great time this weekend. Mostly teal and wood ducks, but Mallards are starting to trickle in. St Charles County,. Reports from the North (BK Leach area) were not good.

Ice eater & genie got hauled in today. Be safe in the AM, and I hope you all have a great hunt!

Got out and pitched the decoys last weekend, but the east side counts from last week were 45% below LTA. I'm hoping this weeks rain moves a few into the Mississippi R. Valley.

If she has not wheeled you out to the back 40 to die yet, you might want to nicer to her.

Sorry to hear about your buddies illness. Ask him what he wants to do.. A nice float down the Current or Eleven Point would offer better scenery. Justin Spencer is guiding on the Eleven Point these days.

The pink one has been known to fly across levies if you are killing ducks and we are not. Fair warning..

Its looking good! I haven't been out to look, just pressure washing a few dozen.

You could fly to Anchorage and do some DIY stuff around Cooper Landing or Soldatna. You WILL want to do some fly outs and a halibut charter. You can book those on a daily basis through lots of outfitters.

Hauled allot of pin oak in the rain today water goes on on 10/2. Flip lids will be grassed.

Oh geez, y’all are on my same timeline. Maybe some, are more advanced, some less. Good looking gray haired posse!

At least your pulling the trigger. East side is deader than dead. Will be brushing up soon, and turning the water on around 10/15.

Head count, arrival times, and a meal plan. I usually do a Friday or Saturday night for 20 while primitive camping on a gravel bar in January. Your meal plan should include the gear you intend to cook it with so you know it is there. It helps to have a big stock pot, a couple of campfire grills, full size two burner propane stove, big skillet, a couple chef knives v pocket knives, cutting boards, and some portable tables, a couple dutch ovens. Pre cook and vac pack what you can so it wont get soggy in a cooler. Have a great time guys! Wish I could make it, but I have another commitment.

Nope, but I've built a few bamboo fly rods, and tied thousands of flies. The fish dont always comply.

The neighbors have a 75' tall persimmon tree, we rarely get any. There is one in the local park that I can pick....long piece of pvc with a coat hanger duct taped to the top...Pure redneckery. There are paw paw patches all over the river bottoms, ir you know what you are looking for. The racoons and possums usually beat you to them.

You just need to be the first to the spot when they want to eat. Predawn until sun hits the water is the most consistent for me over the last 40 years. Sunset bite sometimes. It helps if you know where they tend to be.

Jumping Joe Humphreys...Meh...I met the guy and he was a total dish rag. If you want a decent brown, be on the water before dawn, fish with something in the 3-5" long range, sneak in, and make your FIRST cast count. Move, after 3 casts, then sneak in again.

A small shallow runner like a Manns 1- over the slack water weeds. Red ear sunfish type colors. That is pickeral candy.

That should be fun! I've attended the Sucker Fest in Nixa, and the Turkey Trot in Yellville a few times. Do they toss the squirrels out of low flying aircraft?