The Unseen Importance Of Logs

[Feathers and Fins]

Well its over and done with except for spring snows. The totals were way down but ended up not doing to bad thanks to a emergency trip to Oklahoma and the last weekend of Arkansas and finding some stupid birds. Final was

125 Ducks

93 Snows

75 Honkers

16 specks

Total Hunt days 48 for a 6.4 bird per day average Last year saw 71 hunt days for 15.2 bird per day average for the same species listed above so below half. I just ran the numbers for the ten year average which is 64 days with a 9.2 bird per day average.

Work was a major factor in loss of 16 days of hunting. Weather was a major factor as we all know it never got cold. Water level was another factor as it was high on the lakes and lots of it in the ponds keeping birds spread out. 3 of the 4 major factors this year I had no control over and were related to nature. Work is what it is so though a factor not near as much as weather.

This is where log books really bring a reality check back to hunting. Many Many good years get you spoiled and when the bad one hits you find yourself not wanting to hunt. Well I was that way but still finished out the season. But after review of the logs it wasnt really a bad season, just one that had circumstances beyound my control in it that didnt give me what i was use to. So I am smiling thinking next year i hope to just be an average year as thats alot of shooting in retrospect.

I have kept logs for as long as i can remember as a tool to help me get the birds but this years log actually turned what was feeling like a horrible season and year, and put it in perspective. I havent been about numbers in years as I do it more for the love now but in a year like this that on face seems so bad the logs showed in reality it wasnt to bad.

Kind of neat actually to look back at the logs and see them. But here is the kicker. I looked back to the 1980's log while writing this up and had to chuckle. On average under the Restrictive regulations we had back then I averaged 63 days hunting for a 3.5 bird average. Keep in mind the limit then was 4 birds. So in the restrictive seasons I did better then in a liberal season lol. If there was ever a wake up call as to numbers dont matter that is certanly it!

Perception of the hunt for many and even myself at times is based on numbers. This season will forever be a reminder it is not about numbers but quality of the hunt and people. I had many quality hunts even when no birds were harvested this season and spoke with some really great guys and read some really great stories. I think to me Marty's Can will be the highlight of my season. I wasnt there but reading his excitement reminded me of how fun this hobby is when you find a jewel.

[BilletHead]

Thanks Scott, It was my highlight too:) Thanks for the invite to hunt this weekend but my son and his family will be here for a visit. I have 4 doz. Silosocks too, never had them all out yet. I had to help Mom out on a project today and there was one lone snow walking around a pasture on the way over there. I see white birds and think of you now. I called where you recommended for the can mount and asked some questions. May get the bird sent first of the week. 8-10 months is a long time. I could be hunting the next season when I get it back. This was my best season so far here. Especially on the geese.

Marty

[Feathers and Fins]

Marty, ive had birds take that long many times and always worth the wait. I look at it as if I know i got a present comming im sure what it is but i cant see it.. Kinda makes it fun waiting. Dont worry about this weekend I, might not be doing anything myself the truck went down today so I got to get it fixed and they arnt sure when it will be done but its a big bill unfortunatly... Oh well 300,000 miles and never a problem yet so I guess a few coil packs and some head work and other misc items aint to bad.

[eric1978]

What in the hell are you gonna do with all that poultry?

[Feathers and Fins]

More to the point WHERE AM I GOING TO GET MORE!!!!

I only have 2 honker breast 1 snow breast 1 speck breast and 4 duck breast left... Durring season my wife and I eat duck and goose atleast 3 times a week and I share it with a few of the old guys around town that I know that cant make it out anymore and a couple families who I know that can use the meat more than us. Honestly we seldom buy store bought meat or fish as we get fresh ourselves.

You got to keep in mind 4 ducks is a meal and 1goose is a meal so it doesnt take long to make them go bye bye and if i make poppers to share with people i normally do it out of 12 ducks or 4 geese and i make them alot durring the season. Lord I love poppers.

[eric1978]

Good to hear you give some away to needy families! I think after about duck #100 or so, I might not wanna eat any more duck.

[Feathers and Fins]

Eric, there are alot of ways to cook it... Dont think of it as duck #100. I'll show you.. You have 20 friends over for duck and goose kabobs. That takes 8 geese and about 20 to 30 ducks . You give away over the season 50 ducks and 20 geese . You then have some summer sausage made thats about 15 ducks and 15 geese... You can see it quickly goes bye bye. Throw in the poppers and family meals and really it doesnt last long. I doubt we get 100 meal out of it.. You also have to remember this is over 5 months September to the end of January. And Teal, Wood duck and other smaller ducks go faster.

Heck opening day of resident goose I put down 5 of them. I got home and my neighbor came over and helped clean them so I invited him and his family over for a bbq. I had 2 breast fillets, my wife ate 1 fillet his family ate 7 fillets.. All the birds ate in one day. It goes fast man.

[laker67]

I agree on the log book. I have kept a log book of my lunker trout since 1975. I started it with the very first one, and I have continued ever since. My log tells me the date, which creek, which hole, fly, tippet size, bow or brown, weight, and whether it was kept or released. I have hand written logs plus it is on a spread sheet which makes it a lot easier to access specific data.