Back in the game
 

I am up early and thinking our NY season is less than 2 weeks out. I am hoping to hunt quite a bit this year as a battle with Vertigo kept me sidelined for some of 2023. I was fortunate to gather quite a bit of ammo from a retiring friend. My guns are in order. Decoys ready.
I have a few wishes for this season-
First I am hoping to blood a few guns .
Widgeon #2 restocked by Brian a few years back #159075 the JN Young gun DHE 20 #1 framed PG DT 32" FF last of 8 widgeon gun club guns.
Also the 20 Gauge C engraved Superfox with 30" FF barrels (1 of 1) which I am saving for a Superfox winter hunt with Craig. Pics attached.
Second - and this is up to chance and fate- I enter 2024 at 446 Ducks and Geese without a band. (Yes I keep detailed records of every duck hunt) The Span goes back over a decade- my last band in pic attached. Perhaps this is the year I break that streak. Perhaps not. No matter I suppose, as I have never been able to decide if a banded bird is more of a trophy than one that had not been trapped when it was young????
In any event my last band was with a good friend who passed a month ago. I will be thinking of him often band or not.
Reports and pics to follow for those interested. Every season is a new adventure and I have high hope for this one.
The last pics are of the Vanderbilt Marsh and Irondequoit bay where I will spend most of my time.
The table is set!

Mark, so glad to hear you've conquered your vertigo and that you're excited for another hunting season. I'm not sure non-hunting folks can know what a significant part of living the hunt is for those of us who cherish the tradition. Too bad for them(!)

Good luck blooding those guns, and please report back on some of your outings.

May this be a memorable season for you (and everyone!).

If you want to blood that 20 gauge C Super, I'll buy you a mallard and hold it up while you shoot it. :rotf::rotf: Can you post a picture of the order card for that wonderful gun?

I will pass on that offer .....
Here you go....

If anyone missed it you really need to read about Mark's Super Fox 20 in the double gun journal article. What a gun!

Which of the Journals is it in ? I must have missed it and would enjoy reading it !

Autumn 2021 is the issue referred to Russ.

THANKS REGGIE - Russ sorry I missed your question-
I was not back in the game for long as I was gifted my first dose of Covid on opening day.
I am almost ready to try again -
I did shoot Widgeon 2 on the opener as there were widgeon in the area - I had opportunities but All were teal (and not the best gun choice for teal :). It was Not my best work. But I was happy to have knocked some birds down with it.
So much for a full season ........

"Sometimes you just cant get there from here"