WATERFOWL MIGRATION
As the haze slowly levitated, the echo of waterfowl filled the air. I found it hard to believe the day was finally here. The rumble of ATV's dampened by the fog and my associates were all hard at work. The vendors slowly filed into position and the trout pond splashed in excitement. This day would go down in history for being the first time "Jack Miner's Bird Sanctuary" would be open to the public on a Sunday. A day that young and old would congregate at the home of the man that some called the "Father of Conservation" and celebrate "Nature" with others who care about Conservation, Waterfowl and the Great Outdoors. It seemed to go against the grain for some and for others it was a day to show off what days of practice had accomplished. We had waterfowl experts from near and far, come to experience Goose & Duck calling at it's best. The contest was like no other, the callers had an opportunity for the first time to have his/her name put on an authentic "Jack Miner" leg band and released into the wild.
On Saturday October 22, 2011 the winners were invited to join the Sanctuary and it's volunteers in placing some very special bands on live waterfowl. With anticipation the Friday night was filled with laughter and excitement as some of the best callers in the area joined for a campfire filled with stories and tales. The ring of duck calls filled the hallways of our small home and laughter was shared on the patio. Many of the these Winners had never had the opportunity to share in the tracking of waterfowl and the privilege was worn on their faces with a proud smile. The weather was superb for an autumn morning and it was over far too quickly. I can't wait until we hear their whistling wings when they return in the spring from their path of warmer places.
Until next time...
Danielle Russell ©2011
Some pics below...
Until next time...
Danielle Russell ©2011
Some pics below...
FENNVILLE WATERFOWL FESTIVAL
The 1st Fennville Goose Calling Competition was a success! October 8 starting at 2:00pm the Juniors kicked off the show. A real sight to see. These youth are our future in Goose calling and you could really some that have put a lot of time and effort into the sport. Next was Novice, followed by the Two-Man and finally what everyone was waiting to see - the Open Competition! The weather was beautiful and even though it was Opening day for DUCK season in Michigan....the show was a HIT! The calibur of Judges and Callers were extraordinary and the stage continued to have a large audience. The winners walked away with some great prizes including a GUIDED GOOSE HUNT with DAWN PATROL for the 1st Place Youth, others walked away with BIGFEET goose decoys, DU prints and lots more. Great job to the organizers and we will definatley be back.
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Photos from the "Canadian Goose Calling Championship 2011"
VIDEOS OF THE SAGINAW CALLING CONTEST-CLICK HERE!
Bay City, MICHIGAN - Pictures of some of the callers
ANGLER / HUNTER RADIO Presents "Canadian JR GOOSE CALLING Champ 2010" getting ready to defend title for 2011
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That's why they call it hunting!
The corn stubble that was once prime deer habitat in autumn’s glory has turned into a landing zone for feeding fowl as they return home to the south for the blistery winter ahead. The snow around me is only a couple inches deep in places and the igloo style hideout is much shorter from yesterdays sun rays. With 120 of our best decoys in place, we await daylight in all our white gear.
I can hear the call of the birds before seeing them, we all hit the ground in anticipation and dare not to move. About 300 yds out and coming towards us are four Canada geese. The callers have started to lower their tone and quiet fills the air, waiting for the expected call. The call, only one guy in our blind makes when it is time to jump up and take the geese. They have their wings locked up and one is doing what we call the funky chicken. That is what we call it when they do that little dance just before landing. Just then they do not like our set up and flare toward the east where some other local hunters are located. They glide right in and we can see 3 out of four drop.
These geese have probably seen decoys before since we are late in the season and they must have suspected something was wrong. As we talk amongst ourselves to determine what may look wrong in our set-up, we notice more geese coming. We all hunker down and the callers begin again. There are many flocks, as far as the eye can see and they are all heading to the sanctuary. You see, It is very tricky to pull a bird away from a flock that is headed to Jack Miners. These birds have known of this safe place for generations and all they want is to rest up before the long trek to the south. This does not discourage our callers.
I can hear the call of the birds before seeing them, we all hit the ground in anticipation and dare not to move. About 300 yds out and coming towards us are four Canada geese. The callers have started to lower their tone and quiet fills the air, waiting for the expected call. The call, only one guy in our blind makes when it is time to jump up and take the geese. They have their wings locked up and one is doing what we call the funky chicken. That is what we call it when they do that little dance just before landing. Just then they do not like our set up and flare toward the east where some other local hunters are located. They glide right in and we can see 3 out of four drop.
These geese have probably seen decoys before since we are late in the season and they must have suspected something was wrong. As we talk amongst ourselves to determine what may look wrong in our set-up, we notice more geese coming. We all hunker down and the callers begin again. There are many flocks, as far as the eye can see and they are all heading to the sanctuary. You see, It is very tricky to pull a bird away from a flock that is headed to Jack Miners. These birds have known of this safe place for generations and all they want is to rest up before the long trek to the south. This does not discourage our callers.
A couple videos from Grand Rapids in Michigan - March 19, 2011
PICTURES FROM GRAND RAPIDS CALLING CONTEST - CANADIAN BOYS DID GREAT!!!
COLE RUSSELL - 2nd place Youth Goose
MIKE COPPOLA - 1st place Novice Goose
BRANDON WOOD - 2nd place Novice Goose
ALEXIS RUSSELL - 4th place Youth Duck
Just then a loner breaks off from the flock and glides in towards our
decoys, right before landing he starts to flare and my dad sitting on the far left drops him before he has a chance to leave. Something is still not right in the decoys though. They dedicate to come in and then at the last moment decide something is wrong.
As in all things we sometimes need to change our strategy. The guys re-arrange the spread and one of the shooters set up in a better location to flag the birds. Basically we use a black flag and wave it to show movement amongst the decoys. This works if done correctly. We normally only do this when birds are farther away and never when in lock down.
As the next flock approaches, it locks up but is still far to the east, closer to the neighbours. As the flock turns towards our decoys, the neighbours in distraught fire into the air and sky bust the geese we have just worked around. This is not ethical. You must wait until the geese are within range to fire. Canada Geese area large birds and you must take ethical shots in order to harvest them. This flock flares from the neighbours and our callers manage to call them back around and into our spread. With four out of four down, we realize our job is almost over.
If you are an inexperienced hunter, please be sure your birds are within range and never sky bust at a flock. The late season birds are experienced and sometimes require different strageties to get them to work. That’s why we call it hunting!
Often we have a lot of competition in surrounding fields, which can be part of the fun. We would never want to deliberatly disrupt a flock going toward the competition. They work just as hard as we do to try and work the birds. Let others have equal opportunity and play fair. Remember to watch the birds, they will tell you if there is something they do not like and most importantly be safe.
As in all things we sometimes need to change our strategy. The guys re-arrange the spread and one of the shooters set up in a better location to flag the birds. Basically we use a black flag and wave it to show movement amongst the decoys. This works if done correctly. We normally only do this when birds are farther away and never when in lock down.
As the next flock approaches, it locks up but is still far to the east, closer to the neighbours. As the flock turns towards our decoys, the neighbours in distraught fire into the air and sky bust the geese we have just worked around. This is not ethical. You must wait until the geese are within range to fire. Canada Geese area large birds and you must take ethical shots in order to harvest them. This flock flares from the neighbours and our callers manage to call them back around and into our spread. With four out of four down, we realize our job is almost over.
If you are an inexperienced hunter, please be sure your birds are within range and never sky bust at a flock. The late season birds are experienced and sometimes require different strageties to get them to work. That’s why we call it hunting!
Often we have a lot of competition in surrounding fields, which can be part of the fun. We would never want to deliberatly disrupt a flock going toward the competition. They work just as hard as we do to try and work the birds. Let others have equal opportunity and play fair. Remember to watch the birds, they will tell you if there is something they do not like and most importantly be safe.
Ten minutes later we see another group of geese that have weathered
the long flight south, it does not take long and our callers have them locked up and coming in without hesitation. The shot is called and the beating explosions fill the air. With our limit met, it is time to call it a day. With three generations in the field this morning and many laughs, this was surely one of the best hunts this fall.
Danielle Russell © 2010
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Geese on Lock up!!!
The goose season this year has been one that is full of great adventures. I can't begin to describe the excitement when the callers get the geese locked up and coming in. The decoys are placed just right and the wind is perfect. The sun begins to rise and the fog begins to lift.
To some the hunt is more about numbers, but to me the laughter and stories in the blind and way the guys work the geese is the thrill of the hunt. Check out some of our pictures from this years hunts. See below
To some the hunt is more about numbers, but to me the laughter and stories in the blind and way the guys work the geese is the thrill of the hunt. Check out some of our pictures from this years hunts. See below
World Goose calling comp.
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1.Wade Walling, Ferndale, IL USA GK Calls
2.Mitch Hughes, Easton, MD USA Bay Country
3.Hunter Grounds, Johnston City, IL USATim Grounds Championship Calls
4.Robbie Iverson, Ottawa, IL USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
5.Field Hudnall, LaGrange, KY USA Field Proven Calls
6.Tim Grounds, Johnston City, IL USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
7.Josh Neuwiller, Trappe, MD USA Sean Mann Outdoors
2.Mitch Hughes, Easton, MD USA Bay Country
3.Hunter Grounds, Johnston City, IL USATim Grounds Championship Calls
4.Robbie Iverson, Ottawa, IL USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
5.Field Hudnall, LaGrange, KY USA Field Proven Calls
6.Tim Grounds, Johnston City, IL USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
7.Josh Neuwiller, Trappe, MD USA Sean Mann Outdoors
2010 Champion of Champions Goose
2010 World Goose Callling Championship
1.Mitch Hughes, Easton, MD USA Bay Country
2.Field Hudnall, LaGrange, KY USA Field Proven Calls
3.Robbie Iverson, Ottawa, IL USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
4.Wade Walling, Ferndale, IL USA GK Calls
5.Trevor Shannahan, Millington, MD USA Lynch Mob Calls
2.Field Hudnall, LaGrange, KY USA Field Proven Calls
3.Robbie Iverson, Ottawa, IL USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
4.Wade Walling, Ferndale, IL USA GK Calls
5.Trevor Shannahan, Millington, MD USA Lynch Mob Calls
2010 World Championship Live Duck
1.Trevor Shannahan, Millington, MD USA Rich-N-Tone Duck Calls (RNT)
2.Bret Crowe, Durham, CA USA J.J. Lares Co. Duck & Goose Calls
3.Josh Manuel, Coldwater, MS USA Hobo Duck Calls
4.Field Hudnall, LaGrange, KY USA Field Proven Calls
5.Brad Allen, Judsonia, AR USA Hobo Duck Calls
2.Bret Crowe, Durham, CA USA J.J. Lares Co. Duck & Goose Calls
3.Josh Manuel, Coldwater, MS USA Hobo Duck Calls
4.Field Hudnall, LaGrange, KY USA Field Proven Calls
5.Brad Allen, Judsonia, AR USA Hobo Duck Calls
2010 World Championship Live Goose
1.Forrest Carpenter, Longmont, CO USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
2.Hunter Grounds, Johnston City, IL USATim Grounds Championship Calls
3.Trevor Shannahan, Millington, MD USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
4.Mitch Hughes, Easton, MD USA Bay Country
5.Jake Steppe, Sudlersville, MD USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
2.Hunter Grounds, Johnston City, IL USATim Grounds Championship Calls
3.Trevor Shannahan, Millington, MD USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
4.Mitch Hughes, Easton, MD USA Bay Country
5.Jake Steppe, Sudlersville, MD USA Tim Grounds Championship Calls
2010 Junior World Goose Calling Championship
1. Grier Wakefield, Wilmington, DE USA
2. Andrew Graham, Cheney, WA USA
3. Michael Ritter, Carterville, IL USA
4. Gabriel Evrard, Marion, IL USA
5. Blake Hodge, Lancaster, SC USA
2. Andrew Graham, Cheney, WA USA
3. Michael Ritter, Carterville, IL USA
4. Gabriel Evrard, Marion, IL USA
5. Blake Hodge, Lancaster, SC USA
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GOOSE HUNTING TIPS...
SETTING UP DECOYS IN THE FIELD
Successful goose hunters recommend that you spread your decoys in one of three patterns. Place your decoys in a "V" pattern, "U" pattern or a "J" pattern. These are the basic patterns and they work. The opening of each pattern should face the wind. The point of the "V" or turn of the "U" should be into the wind. The opening of the "U" or "V" will be the landing zone for most of the birds. Make sure your decoys are facing different directions so the birds see the spread of your decoys from all directions. The birds will land into the wind so more of your decoys should be broadside to the wind. The general guidelines suggest 50% of your decoys be broadside to the wind, 30% at 45 degrees to the wind and the rest parallel to the wind.
Most hunters spread their decoys three to ten feet apart. Individual birds in family groups will stay closer together while different family groups stay farther apart. To understand how flying birds see decoys, place one decoy on the ground and walk around it from 100 feet away. You will notice that the decoys do not completely disappear until you are looking directly at the decoy's edge. It is the size change, appearing and disappearing that gives the decoys the illusion of movement to circling birds. Movement in your decoy spread is critical because live birds on the ground move.
Most hunters spread their decoys three to ten feet apart. Individual birds in family groups will stay closer together while different family groups stay farther apart. To understand how flying birds see decoys, place one decoy on the ground and walk around it from 100 feet away. You will notice that the decoys do not completely disappear until you are looking directly at the decoy's edge. It is the size change, appearing and disappearing that gives the decoys the illusion of movement to circling birds. Movement in your decoy spread is critical because live birds on the ground move.
DECOY SPREAD
One sure way for you to double check how effective your current decoy spread is to leave the decoys up, walk away from the spread, and watch what happens. If the next flock that comes in flares at 50 yards even when you are gone, then a red flag should come up and you may have to make some adjustments.
PICTURES FROM GRAND RAPIDS CALLING CONTEST - CANADIAN BOYS DID GREAT!!!
COLE RUSSELL - 2nd place Youth Goose
MIKE COPPOLA - 1st place Novice Goose
BRANDON WOOD - 2nd place Novice Goose
ALEXIS RUSSELL - 4th place Youth Duck
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GEESE THAT FLY SOUTH
Growing up with world known "JACK MINER Bird Sanctuary” in our back yards we really take for granted to abundance of geese we hear on a regular basis. Everyday about 4 o’clock the geese fly over by the hundreds towards the lake. Our house, just on the edge of town is the direct flight back to Lake Erie for them. With elevated goose numbers bring some of the BEST of the BEST goose callers. These callers have produced some great calls right here in Ontario.
I myself cannot call a lick but my son only nine years of age loves taking his 187 goose call out in the front yard and just honking away. The odd one will actually turn around and look for who is calling him. It’s getting less painful for the neighbours too I think because he is actually starting to sound like a goose.
These are the great things about living in the most Southern town of Ontario. If you ever get a chance take the kids over to Jack Miner and tour the grounds. They have geese and ducks in a pond are that you can feed by hand and a large field where you can sit in the privacy of your own car and watch the geese come in and out all day long.
I myself cannot call a lick but my son only nine years of age loves taking his 187 goose call out in the front yard and just honking away. The odd one will actually turn around and look for who is calling him. It’s getting less painful for the neighbours too I think because he is actually starting to sound like a goose.
These are the great things about living in the most Southern town of Ontario. If you ever get a chance take the kids over to Jack Miner and tour the grounds. They have geese and ducks in a pond are that you can feed by hand and a large field where you can sit in the privacy of your own car and watch the geese come in and out all day long.
