GC hunt 12/22
 

We made a quick hunt hunt this morning before having to be at my grandpa's for Christmas lunch. We left the blind at 8:00 with 8 down but we were only able to find 4 (I really need to invest in a dog). Cripples have plagued us nearly all season long. We drop them, but can't seem to kill them in one shot. That leaves a lot of them able to swim off in the marsh grass where we struggle to find them. We had a run in with a little gator this morning while searching. The ducks weren't thick, but the ones that did pass over worked flawlessly. At most they would make one pass before coming in. The majority came in locked up off the bat. It wasn't a slaughter, but I'll be dreaming of those cupped up wings until next weekend!

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Here's a pretty cool pic my brother took on the ride to the blind this morning.
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The Crew de Fou
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Cool pics. Dog is a wise investment not only for hunting but just a cool friend to hang out with that never runs it's mouth. I might have a litter coming after this season


"Go ahead, share your opinion! I won't cry"

Pretty when those greys lock up,we killed quiet a few of them up here today,you said you are having cripples ,what shot size do you use?

I'm shooting Kent 3" No. 2 shot with a modified choke.

It's always a good nite when you lay down and you can still see them cupping in!

I bought some 3" drylock 11/4 #2's. killing stone dead at 40 yards. Was shooting the same Kent's you are and was having same problems.

I shoot the same except different brand maybe just try getting them a little closer,we all know steel cant do what lead can.Good Luck and I'll shoot'em back your way

Have you considered a patternmaster? It has really helped me reduce cripples and is awesome for shooting cripples on the water when my partners cripple em. 😉


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try using 3" 4 or 6 if you can find them more pellets less cripples

I shoot #3 or #4.

I've been looking at different chokes, but there's just so much out there I didn't know which one to get. Which Patternmaster are you using? I think before I drop the coin on a new choke, I'll try changing out the shells next weekend and see how that works out. I've also thought about trying my improved cylinder too.

I use a patternmaster long range and I shoot Kent 3" #4's. It's given me a little extra distance but mostly just increased clean knock downs. I definitely recommend it.


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Matt, a dog would reduce the lost birds by probabl 70%. Now I am not saying if you get a dog that you send the on a 100 yard retrieve in tall grass. But if anything falls with in 50 yards or on the few yards outside a pond a good dog should have no problem picking up the ducks. If we didn't have dogs on our lease we would lose a lot of ducks. As for chokes if you buy one go with pattern master mid range good up to 50 yards. Just my 2 cents trying to help.

How's the hunting been
 

Matt,
How's y'all hunting been? We did really well the first split until Thanksgiving then in fell off. Opening weekend of 2nd was off the chart 6 limits both days. This weekend slow again. See birds but nothing wants to work. I am finding less calling they come in. If you call they just fly on.

Chokes
 

You need to invest in a good choke. I just bought a new 870 super mag and shoot Estate 3" 1 3/8 #3 and killin em dead at 40&50 yards. I got a mid range and long range(when it's windy). With the log range over the decoys, you have to shoot like you would a rifle(LOL). They're worth the money. Shells aren't cheap.:smokin:

Make sure your improved can handle steal shot. I know some fulls can't


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