Why The Fall is the Best Season!

The time is 4 P.M. it is Thursday October 27th and My boss is holding me up, from being on the road to Esmond, ND.  As each year turns there are always a few planned adventures with the guys and none more important than the other but I am itching for some duck hunting as it has been almost a year since the last duck genocide.  My boss reluctantly allows me to leave a half hour early, I head to my house to meet up  with my brother "Nolan", quickly throw everything in my truck and we are off.  Two hours and forty five

minutes later we're already in Fargo, that's record time, but we still had 3 and some change to go.  By the time we get to camp its a hair past mid-night but with all the excitement of hunting ahead of us we are not tired.  The guys at camp are telling stories about there week and scheming for the next couple days.  Time is flying, it's already three in the morning when I look at my phone and we decide if we go to sleep now we won't wake up at five, instead we gather up gear and organize for the morning hunt.  Its a dark morning and we aren't as organized as we thought.
Set up happens on a blue bill slough and shortly after the sun is cresting over the skyline.  There are Plenty of early flying bird but by the time legal shooting comes there aren't many birds.  A bit of a disappointing morning but we stick it out for a couple hours with just a few attempts to shoot.  I am bored with the situation and decide to sneak the edge and kick up birds for the other guys.  The walk is slow, constantly my body is bent in a L shape as I am trying my best to be lower than the weed line.  There is a flock of redhead ducks nestled into the weed on the far end and I fear they are catching on to me so in desperation I blast off a shot kicking the ducks towards our group.  Holy Shit!! it actually works the other guys get a few shots off and knock down two ducks from the flock and we are starting to have a glimpse of luck.  As I circle the back side of the large slough more ducks attempt to land but once again I pepper them with steel shot and send them towards the other guys.  A couple more blasts and a couple more ducks.  By now it's nearing 9:30 A.M. which is late in a duck hunters world for sitting in one lousy spot.  We pack up the decoys and head into town for some lunch.  In Esmond there isn't much and just about everything is supported by the locals, we stick out like a sore thumb in their little town.  The time now is 11:10 and some of the guys were hoping for breakfast but they stop serving at 11:00 and there is no exception with these bubushkas.  With a little grief for the server we all get meals and satisfy our hunger.

Then night is spent scouting rather than hunting as we have come to realize our usual spots aren't producing the way we had hoped and we make a plan to rendezvous at the local Esmond bar to discus our findings.  I don't know how much we solved for hunting purposes but a good time was had by all.  Some even might have had too good of a time.  Actually we all had too good of a time, getting up the next morning was more than just a struggle it took a little self motivating and realization that I only get out there a couple times a year at best.  This morning camp looks barren not a sole moving about and with hardly and attempt to wake up the  zombies, Nolan and I headed out looking for a kill.  Just 10 miles from camp there is a small slough tucked away by hills surrounding all sides.  Looks like a good spot to try.  Waddling towards our spot with my ammo, decoys, and gun the slough appears to lift as green heads start their ascent away from us.  Excited we quickly set up and find a hiding spot among the cat tails, there is no where to sit, we stand in the muck and set the ammo bag on a near by muskrat home.  Minutes into our wait nolan tells me there are three greens setting there wings towards our decoys.  We sit still then thrust forward siting in the ducks as they become in range of  our 870's BAM!!! three shots ring out.  Damn only one duck down, the one Nolan shot, I immediately tell him that I swear I shot the other one and swing my eyes back to the remaining two duck and watch as the hen      mallard fall from the sky a couple hundred yards from the original strike.  The entire morning is a good hunt, constantly, green heads would drop down to our decoys for us to send them back to their maker.  By 10:00 A.M. the hunting had slowed down and we decide to head for some much needed lunch.  As we pack our gear we both can't help but grin as we had a good hunt and know the other guys are still in a coma.

Mid-day hunting for ducks can be a rough road to go down, we decide to spend this time driving around scouting and exploring.  There wasn't much for hunting in the places we drove but it's always fun to get to know the land better.  After a couple hours it is time to get ready for the next hunt, with the success that we had in the morning it is decided that everyone in camp is going to hunt that hole.  It wasn't a big enough body for everyone to hunt but we did it anyways, one of the best parts of duck hunting is the ability to bullshit and move without it ruining your hunting so this was fine.   We set up a small spread of mallards and hunker down,  it was a bit  of  a slow hunt, maybe those ducks were a little wiser because of what happened that morning but regardless it was fun.

That night was spent supporting the local economy at the Esmond Bar, since we didn't have much left for food at camp thanks to the hunting dog.  A good time was had by all and the locals told us all about the current hunting situation and unfortunately it wasn't in our favor as the local birds had left and the northern birds hadn't made it down that far impart to the recent warm weather.  With this news it was decided to do some more supporting of the local economy.  Even with it being the Esmond bar Halloween party most of us are tired and  ready to get back to camp.  Ah, I actually rested my head down in a bed that night and for the first time in three nights had a decent nights rest.

Rejuvinated by daylight, we slap on our waders for our last day of hunting, as the locals had predicted it is a slow morning but we don't give up easily.  After a couple birds down it is decided that we are going to be best off by jumping ponds and that's exactly what we did for a couple hours,  it was a success as we shot a ring-neck, redhead, a diver, mallard, and one really stupid sharp tail grouse that thought it was invisible sitting on a hay bail.

By the time the remaining three of us that went out to jump ponds get back camp is clear and everyone is gone.  Its tough to leave when it feels like you just arrived and as I leave every year I am sad to go back home so soon but there might still be time for one more trip this year and I know there is always next year.

Duck Stash!!!
     

Fishing the Brule

Its been a long time since I hit the blog but it's time to get back at it.  I didn't manage to take any photos from last weekends trip to the Brule River but I intend on making it back up there for some quality mid-west fly-fishing.  For anyone who likes to test the slack waters but thinks there aren't many good spots to go in this region think again.

I lived in Duluth For two plus years and had no idea the gems the area had to offer this time of year.  As the fall weather creeps closer and closer so does quality fly-fishing on the Brule River.  This river has a wide variety; brook trout, brown trout, steel head, king salmon, and more, all that need to happen is for the conditions to be right and you may be fishing elbow to elbow out there, as the locals know all to well what the river has to offer.  I'm going to keep this one short as I want to tell what kind of fish can be caught rather than just talk it up without any photos.  Just know there are places hidden right here in the lake states.

Luke Bryan is a BOSS!

Proof that we actually caught a fish while fly fishing in Duluth

The top two photos are of the same steel head, caught by Seth.  I didn't have any luck, but it was a good experience with a different style of fishing, as I have fished for; bass, walleye, and pike for most of my life.  I find fly fishing to be extremely enjoyable as you are in constant action and the more skill you have really pays off. 

Back Home After a Glorious Duluth Weekend!

8:00 A.M. Saturday rolls around, my phones ringing and I have a call from my friend Seth.  He is on his way up from the Minneapolis area and wants to know if its raining.  I take a quick peak outside and it looks like we might have got a little bit but its not raining at the moment, so I tell him no.  It looks like the weather might be nice to us, on a rare day of going fly-fishing with friends.  A few minutes after 8:30 A.M. Seth and his girlfriend Audrey are at the door.  We hadn't seen each other in a long time so I give Seth a strong hand shake with a pat on the back and Audrey a hug.  We are waiting for one more, Donnie, so we snack on some  chocolate and blue berry muffins Seth baked and make small talk about fishing and what everyone's been up to.  Soon Donnie arrives and we throw our gear into his Jimmy and off we go.

We know the steel head move north as the season gets later but this has been a cold spring and the fish are still around close to Duluth.  We made a pit stop by the French River because there is a spawning area that is illegal to fish and the fish are there in copious amounts.  The reason for stopping was to see how many were still in the river, we were in luck the rivers still loaded with Steelies, but from spending weeks in the river banging against rocks, logs, and one another they are becoming a dark ugly color and appear to be deteriorating.

A short jaunt up the North Shore is Betty's pies a great spot to stop for a bite, but we weren't there for that as it is located right next to the Stewart River, which we thought would give us the best chance to lay into some steelies.  Seth and Donnie had fished the river the year before so they already had a few spots picked out.  A few miles short of the river rain drops start to pepper the wind shield, a little rain wasn't about to dampen our spirits.  We slapped on our waders, set up our fly-rods, and made sure we were carrying the right back up lures, and off we went up the river.  There was no shortage of fishermen, so we had to follow the fishermen code and pass up on the first pool that produced last year as we didn't want to be those guys. 

Getting across the river was no walk in the park, the river was high and we needed to cross a section with fast moving rapids and a steep rock wall.  One after the other we cautiously climbed down the side and handed each other our rods, part two actually getting across the waist high rapids without filling our waders.  Sounds easy enough well it wasn't hunting waders are pretty buoyant and like to float from underneath a guy if he isn't careful.  We moved slowly and successfully, no one went swimming.  Roughly a quarter mile further up the river was the second pool they had in mind and we were in luck, no one was fishing our spot. 

All of us were casting yarn or a lure made of yarn to imitate an egg as that's what their diet is during this part of the season.  We each took a spot and repeatedly whipped our lures over every inch of the raging river.  With a late start to the day most of our casts were unsuccessful, catching rocks and branches.  And as the mid-day wore on, my fingers got cold.  I wasn't properly dressed, I had no gloves, I was wearing a ball cap and my jacket didn't have a hood and was only water retardant.  For fishing with yarn a special knot called a snell knot is used and with cold hands I was no longer able to get close to tying it.  I had to rely on Donnie, the knot master to help me or I would have had to retie my line all the time. 

11:30 A.M. I'm fumbling with my line trying to get reset, after a fight with a rock for a good five minutes when bam! got one! yells Seth.  Donnie and I quickly set our rods to the side and observe Seth as he gracefully plays the steelie, he tells me, "grab the net" I do as I'm told and step shin deep in the water and try to net the Houdini of fish.  This fish wasn't having any part of the net, I had his head and half his body in when he decided it wasn't going down like this, it shot out of the net and I chased and damn near went face first into the water.  Seth's reel was buzzing and the fight was back on.  After another couple minutes the fish was worn out and In Seth's grip.  A nice steelie roughly 25'' in length and beautiful in color.  I snapped a few pics with Seth's camera so I can prove it's not one of those fishing stories, but I am going to wait till the weekend for the pics as Seth is a busy man. 

For the most part we practice catch and release and on this day it was no different, after a couple photos and a bit of marveling at the creature Seth placed it in the stream and gave it a little fish CPR to make sure it would swim off.  On with our day, a half hour after the catch another friend, Kyle, joined up with us and we all went back to snagging trees and catching rocks.  After a couple hours of no fish and lots of rain we had enough of the Stewart River for the day and headed to the trucks.  Its amazing how great a; rainy, unsuccessful day of fishing can be, we sat on Kyle's tail gate, Wild Cat in hand, getting dumped on, and it was awesome.   It was my first experience fly-fishing on the North Shore and miraculously I'm addicted.

Duluth Bound for the Weekend!

I've been looking forward to this weekend for a while now and it's finally here.  The steal head run is still in full swing and with the help of friends and online fishing forums I am ready for it. 

The plan is to attack the Lester River from its mouth on lake superior, upstream as far as the upper pools.  Using mid-weight fly rods, small hooks and yarn incognito as spawn sacks, a couple feet up from the hook we are going to run indicators to help us notice the light bites.  With an early start and some help from the weather we should be able to have some success.  It's still early in the season so there won't much vegetation or insects for the fish to eat but just in case the bites are far and few in-between, I am packing some of my mid-season lures to differ the presentation and hopefully produce some strikes. 
Being a rookie to style of fly-fishing in the Duluth area I have my fingers crossed and hope for some beginners luck. 

Hoping for some good fortunes so I can boast about the weekend but I shouldn't get my hopes up to high as I know even the best can bet skunked.  Worst comes to worst the guys and I enjoy the scenery while choking down a wild cat or two.

OutDoor Doer: Musky Fishing is just around the Corner

OutDoor Doer: Musky Fishing is just around the Corner: "Open water fishing is approaching, time to think about what you need to get done to be ready. After last years season your tackle box is..."

Musky Fishing is just around the Corner

Open water fishing is approaching, time to think about what you need to get done to be ready.  After last years season your tackle box is probably a mess and its time to start organizing and figuring out what's missing from all of last years action.

Just like in years past you leave a few lures that never get touched in there, just for a day when nothing seems to work, ah what the hell nothings working so why not throw out this old lazy ike.

As I go through my lures I always seem to be missing a ton of spinners and dare devils.  I don't like to buy cheap spinners, so it's always a bit depressing realizing the amount of money needed to get re-stocked to be ready for all the different situations.

I was talking to my friend Andrew about this and he told me he has started making his own musky lures as they are really expensive to purchase, on average they cost 20 bucks, if not more.  It is a smart idea especially for someone who has more time than money to stop buying those expensive lures and start making your own at home.  Not only is it cost effective but you also get to personalize your lure selection, to what you believe works best, as everyone has lure presentation preferences.

All the lures shown here are made by Andrew, he chose what he considers deadly colors for musky fishing and designed them to produce lots of vibration in the water, as that's what attracts the fish of 10,000 casts.  He has plans to make many more lures, making his own lures has become another aspect of fishing for him and is something to take pride in, as you reel in that fish, you know your presentation works and this fuels the fishing obsession.

I hope you consider trying to make a few of your own lures and experiencing one more aspect of the sport! 

Why I am a still a vikings fan

This is a bit off topic for the blog but the talks about the NFL drafts have my mind drifting back into football so I had to do a little catching up on my vikings.  As I was skimming through their roster I saw Jared Allen and couldn't help think about how much of a sportsman he is.  For crying out loud he's speared an Elk.  Who does that?  I didn't even know that was legal but I do know that its 100% awesome!!!!  I am hoping the Vikings coaching staff can pull off a miracle and get the team back on track.  I know the Vikes are an aging team and that concerns me.  With a fix at the Qb and a healthy team I still think they can make a run for it.  And for my roommate Zack, just like in the picture J.A. is going to take down the Bears and their wimpy quarterback Jay Cuttler.

All hale the Nuge

BATTLE OF THE CAMERAS

The last time I bought a camera it was 2006 and it still wasn't abnormal to be shooting photos using film.  I no longer take pictures, not because I don't enjoy it but rather because I never think to take my P.O.S. sony cyber shot with me any more.  I have lost interest taking photos because my cyber shot doesn't take quality photos.  

I want to get back into photography and have been turned onto the Nikon d3100 by my friend Ben.  I wanted a video camera for capturing hunting and fishing trips but I also want something that will take quality photos.  So the Nikon d3100 is Ben's proposed solution and as I look into this camera I am in agreement with him.  The d3100 takes great pictures and has the shutter speed that I want to capture the action of the moment.  As cool as the picture quality is with the Nikon d3100 what may be the biggest turn on is that it takes 1080 video.  This sounds like a perfect union.  I am open to ideas about other cameras but I am already forming a heavy bias towards this camera although I have only been looking into it for 5 days

YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS STORE

I was at Cabelas the other day browsing their selection of shot guns and rifles.  Just as always, I got my viewing pleasures done as intended, then proceeded to make unintended purchases.  When I left I had a plastic sporting clay thrower, a box of sporting clays and 4 boxes of sporting shells.  It never fails I go to a sports store with intentions of inspecting my planned purchases, so I can compare the product to what the other stores have, but end up leaving with new toys.
I haven't decided which sporting store is the best yet, as Cabelas has a great selection but their prices are always high even in the bargain cave.  Scheels has a better all around outdoor selection than cabelas but as hunting and fishing goes Cabelas has the upper hand.  As I once worked at the Gander Mtn. in Duluth, MN I know plenty about what the company has to offer.  I like gander for their selection of fishing products but the store as a whole is a bit unorganized.  There aren't any bass pro shops near by and I have never been to one but I know they have a great catalog.  If anyone has a reason why one of these sport shops is king please let me know so I stop wasting my time with the other ones.

Extension poles for fishing are dumb

AS I was posting on the blog today I decided to check out some of the videos at the bottom of the blog on my video bar. I have decided that the guy with the 48 ft. extension fishing pole needs to find a more exciting way to catch fish. Yes he actually succeeds in catching fish but they are all tiny sun fish and other pan fish. Sure looks lame to me. where is the sport in posting your over weight butt in a lawn chair and reeling in half pound fish. As a sportsmen the biggest reason I love the outdoors is the thrill and I don't see anything thrilling about dragging in a 48 ft. pole all for a sun fish. The idea of filleting all those sunnys alone is enough to deter me from such a dumb fishing adventure.

Turkey Hunting in the rain

Turkey Hunting in the rain

Bowfishing Carp

Its been some time since I went bowfishing, the last time was on buffalo lake in Minnesota.  We launched my buddy Andrew's14 ft. john boat a couple hours before dusk and set up the 3 foot stand made of 2x4's and ply wood.  From this vantage point and a pair of polarized sunglasses we had a clear view into the shining waters.  Right from the get go we had success, Andrew getting the first shot at the carp as it was his boat and truck we were using.  He set up and drilled carp after carp with his bow.   Then each of us took our turns with more success than failure.  It sounds a bit redneck but bow-fishing carp is a skilled sport and a ton of fun.  I am planning on shooting some carp on the Red River near fargo yet this spring.  Cant wait to get out there, soaking up the sunshine and helping out the rivers eco system.

Diggin the Brantley gilbert

FLY FISHING EUPHORIA

As anyone knows who starts fly fishing, you grow a burning passion for it and think about it with every river you pass, could I catch something with my fly rod in there?  Living in North Dakota we don't have much for fly-fishing but I am frequently in Minnesota.  I want to find a some spots to hit up this summer in Minnesota, for any type of fly-fishing, so far I have only been fishing for trout but I'm sure it would be intense to hook into some smallies with a fly rod.  I've even heard of people fishing the St. Louis River up by Duluth for Muskies.  How intense of a fight would that be, a Muskie on a fly-rod, anyone who pulls that off deserves some serious kudos.  Fly fishing is a finesse sport and from my experience of muskie fishing it's nothing of the sort.  Anyways its very impressive.  If anyone has good ideas about where a guy should venture out with his waders and fly-rod hit this post up with your knowledge.

B.A. SCOPE SELECTION

Since I plan an getting a rifle I need to find the right scope.  It's always a shame when a guy pulls out a nice gun equipped with a Tasco scope.  I don't plan on being that guy. So whether I end up getting an assault or conventional rifle I would like to hear what scope you are using and a rating for it.  Why do you like it?  does it have great zoom and clarity? does it pick up light well?  and always and important factor are you able to abuse it and have it still work?  And just so you know the scope shown is a red dot scope by www.vortexoptics.com

WITH SPRING COMES THE ITCH OF OPEN WATER FISHING

As I am up in Grand Forks, ND the best sport fish for the early season is catfish as they can easily weigh 20+ pounds and are always a fun fight. Its a pretty relaxed activity as well. I don't have a boat up here and in the spring I wouldn't want to navigate all of the debris in the red river anyways so I fish off the shore. Sporting a medium to heavy weight rod and a bait caster reel, I get some large barbed hooks egg sinkers that I hook up 3 ft. up my line and on the end of my hook I use a cut in half sucker minnow. Cast it out there, kick back and relax with your beverage of choice and wait for the action.

Nodak Outdoor Doer

ITS BEEN SETTLED THE NEXT SHOTTY IS THE MAXUS

North Shore Spring fly fishing

This Spring I will be fly fishing on the North Shore of Minnesota a.ka. lester river, french River, and possibly the knife.  I'm wondering if anyone knows when the run is going to be the strongest and what are the preferred lures this spring? 

Everyone seems to enjoy talking Guns so here's another one for ya!!!

I've been shooting a semi-auto reminton 30-06 now for as long as I have been deer hunting but I want to get a different gun that is both worthy of deer hunting but good for varmit.  Mostly Coyotes but maybe for plunking a few gophers in the thinker as well.  I am thinkinng perhaps ruger 243 with a leupold scope.  Out here in Nodak we can take some pretty long shots!

Betsy the Moo-gooser

Last year my hunting group attempted to use a cow decoy to walk up on a flock of snow geese and we actually got pretty close but that about it.  After a couple hundred yard of tired lower backs and shaky knees we ended up scaring the bird before we got a chance to shoot.  We think with a slower pace and a little better cover we can make it happen.  Lets hear about it? Anyone have a succesful cow decoy story?

WHAT SHOTTY SHOULD I GET FOR NEXT SEASON??????

I have been shooting a Remington 870 for 7 seasons now of duck hunting and upland game.  Although a great gun its nothing impressive it just simply works.  I have been thinking about upgrading to a SBE II, M2, Extrema or maybe a higher end remington, browning or winchester.  I really like the SBE II but the price tag is a bit steep for my liking.  Which has lead me to look at Franchi's and Stoegers since both guns use the same action as the SBE II but are assembled at different locations using diffent components besides the action.  Anyone with experience with all the diffent guns your input would be much appreciated.

North Dakota OutDoor enthusiast: ITS ALMOST SPRING TIME AKA SNOW GOOSE HUNTING

North Dakota OutDoor enthusiast: ITS ALMOST SPRING TIME AKA SNOW GOOSE HUNTING: "I haven't been keeping up with the snow goose migration this year, so if anyone has any imput about what line the birds are flying and when ..."

ITS ALMOST SPRING TIME AKA SNOW GOOSE HUNTING

I haven't been keeping up with the snow goose migration this year, so if anyone has any imput about what line the birds are flying and when they are going to have to most numbers through North Dakota your input will be much appreciated.

Ice fishing in Northern Minnesota

right now it is early in the month of December and I am gearing up for some ice fishing adventures whats best lake of the woods?  or maybe Red Lake?  any one who does much ice fishing in those parts I would like to hear why one is better than the other