Spring Has Sprung!

Gearbox:

• Medalist Apparel
• LaCrosse Alpha Burly Boots
• Leupold Katmai Binoculars 8x32mm
• Leatherman Vista Multi-Tool

This time of year, I'll do almost anything to ward off cabin fever and I'm always anxious to get out in the woods and scour the ground for shed antlers.  I'm certainly no expert, but I usually manage to find a few every spring.  Plus, it gives me a great opportunity to scout for turkeys and check out some of the bedding areas and big buck sanctuaries that I try to avoid during the fall.

The first places I usually check out are where the deer have been doing most of their feeding.  Sometimes these spots are very different from the food sources they rely on during the fall.  However this winter, it seemed like the deer in my area were still hitting the oaks in search of the acorns buried under the snow.  And once all of that snow melted, I hoped that a few of those ivory antler tips would be easy to spot!

My first shed of the year!

I keep a close eye on my trail cameras to see when the majority of bucks have lost their antlers.  This year, it seemed like plently of bucks were still carrying their racks in early March.  Still, there were a few hot spots I couldn't resist checking out, and I got lucky on one of my early outtings.  I found my first shed of the year in a stand of pines that is bordered by plenty of oak trees.

Knowing that bucks sometimes shed both of their antlers in the same spot, I spent extra time looking around the location of my lucky find.  At first, I didn't think the matching antler was nearby, but then something white caught my eye.  It was the base of a small piece of antler that had been broken off sometime the previous year.

The small antler piece just as I found it

I was almost in shock when I realized just how small the broken antler was!  There was probably no way I ever would have found it if it had not been lying near the first anlter.  It was a milestone in my shed hunting career, because not only had I found two antlers in one evening, but I found a matching set!

Anyone can find the big ones, right?!

Some of you might be a little skeptical as to whether the two antlers actually came from the same buck.  I was too, but sorting through some old trail camera photos eliminated any doubt in my mind.  This buck was definitely a regular in my area and I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of rack he grows this year.

Hiking around the forest in the springtime is always a great experience and I love carrying my camera along and capturing some of the unique sights I usually see.  Searching for sheds requires a pace quite a bit slower than my usual speed, so sometimes I notice things that I would probably otherwise pass by.

Streamside skunk cabbage sprouts

I don't know much about fungi, maybe someone can tell me what type it is?

This old deer skull was not the kind of bone I was looking for!

Part of the purpose for my spring wanderings is to keep track of the local flocks of turkeys in anticipation of gobbler season.  Warm sunny mornings seem to be the best for hearing gobbles and we've been fortunate to have several of them this month.  I never like to get too close to the birds for fear of pressuring them prior to my hunts, and I never do any calling before season.  However on my last scouting trip, a little luck and a big camera lens allowed me to capture a couple photos of some local toms who were putting on quite a show!

I love to see those big flocks of early strutters!

There are a few youngsters in the neighborhood who will be experiencing their first turkey hunts this spring.  I can't wait to tag along and see if we can call a few of those wily old birds into range!  Good luck to everyone with your springtime scouting.  Stay Wired!

Trophy Whitetails Free Range, By Don Ott

Gearbox:

• Medalist Stalker Fleece Pants and Coat
• Medalist  Base Layers
• Medalist Packable Rain pants and Coat
• Hunter Safety Systems Pro-Series Safety Vest
• LaCrosse Alph Burly Rubber Boots
• Kodak Easy Share ZD 8612 LS  Digital Camera
• Canon XHA-1 HD Camcorder 

A journey to Pike County Illinois. World record bucks, monster long beards, waterfowl, morel mushrooms and Carter's Trophy Hunting Lodge!

Teresa and I drove all night and arrived in a little town of Milton, Illinois.  I pulled off the road and questioned a gentleman at the Post Office in an attempt to locate a gas station and of course a place to graze.  The gentleman kindly smiled and pointed directly behind the vehicle and stated, "Well Dink's Diner is the only place to eat in this town and the gas station across the street is open but not manned."  I thanked him and proceeded to the gas station.

To my surprise it is an UNMANNED gas station with no human beings present. The sign reads, "24 HOUR SERVICE,SWIPE YOUR CARD. IF NO PRESSURE , WAIT 30 SECONDS FOR THE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP AND PROCEED."  Talk about small town America.  Population 300 SALUTE!  After a few laughs we ventured about 10miles up the road to Pittsfield in hopes to find more resourceful accommodations.  Little did we know, eating at Dink's Diner is like eating Mama's home cooking after over indulging there on a couple of occasions.

Pittsfield, Illinois is also home of Jeff Foiles Inc., and the Archery Shop. The only bow shop within 50 miles.  After talking to a few of the patrons, this is the place to go for personal care of your bow and friendly staff!

Once we fueled up and found a place to eat we headed to Carter's Trophy Lodge where we were greeted by Nathan Carter.

Once inside, I managed to pick my chin up off the floor and wipe the drool from my lip in astonishment of all the trophy mounts adorned on the walls.  Nathan conducted a short safety briefing while checking Teresa's license. Some casual conversation and we were escorted to our humble abode.

Once unloading all our gear we returned to the Lodge and met some of the hunters, our Guides Eddie and Randy.

Talk about resourceful, 8000+ acres owned or leased, 250 double hung stands, bow hunting only for MINIMUM 140 class whitetails. Escorted to the stand site strategically placed due to wind direction, food source and whitetail movement.   A cameraman's dream...double hung stands at every location to acquire the over the shoulder shot when presented.

Free range whitetails that are given an opportunity to mature only means one thing, MONSTER BUCKS!  For you as the hunter, a chance to harvest a buck of a lifetime.

The first night in camp we took a ride with Randy to check out the property. Hopefully get some footage of bucks and/or buck activity. The deer trails look like cattle paths, fence posts and cedar trees are shredded and the bucks are chasing does. Shortly after admiring a few rubs we rounded the corner to encounter a buck tending a doe.  An act of nature that most hunters never see in a lifetime of being afield. We were able to capture this act int he first hour with Carter's Hunting Lodge.  To a bow hunter this means the rut is near. Enabling multiple sightings of mature bucks and the ability for the hunter to prey on mother natures weakness of such an elusive animal.  The desire to reproduce, forcing the most nocturnal animal to be seen within the guidelines of legal shooting hours.  Making dreams come true.

With the camera in hand I attempt to capture the beauty and fruit of Dale Carter's labor as he enables others to enjoy his passion and embrace their innermost desire.  The thrill of a whitetail abound on the forest floor as one attempts to put a well placed shot with his or her bow on a buck of a lifetime.  Stimulating an endorphin dump that over-rides the brain's ability to remain calm and in control. Stabilizing a tiny pin on a minuet hair in hopes of silencing the pulsating heartbeat in ones head. Better known as BUCK FEVER!  I call it heaven on Earth!

Everyday at camp the rut activity was getting more intense.  A minimum of six bucks sighted up to eleven on our most active day.  The Guides told us if you were here when the rut goes into full swing, peak rut...it is off the hook with buck sightings.  Being from Pennsylvania hunting State Game Lands, eleven bucks in one day is virtually unheard of.   I couldn't imagine being suspended above the forest floor when the peak rut kicked off at Carter's Hunting Lodge!

Most hunters I talk to that have taken a hunting trip have complained of not seeing doe and very few bucks.  This was not the case.  We saw plenty of doe and when you saw one running you could bet one thing. There was a buck in pursuit, grunting and growling behind her.

If you are looking for a hunt of a lifetime. I would sincerely recommend Carter's hunting Lodge. Where not only could you shoot a buck of a lifetime, you will encounter a laid back friendly attitude an exemplified personal care from Dale Carter and his staff. It will make you want to take a road trip just to bring you back to the grass roots of our magnificent sport and those family traditions of camaraderie and fellowship in deer camp.

See Carter's Hunting Lodge crew at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show and book your hunt of a lifetime!

2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor will Feature More Seminars, Outfitters, New Products and Manufacturer Demonstrations

HARRISBURG, Pa. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, the largest consumer event of its kind in North America, will be bigger and better when it comes to the State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg February 6-14, 2010.

"Building on last year’s success, we are again bringing in some of the biggest names in hunting and fishing to present seminars and meet our guests. And, of course, we continue to bring in more manufacturers, retailers and outfitters from around the world than any other show in the world," says Chris O'Hara, Manager, Strategic Accounts Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show attracts outdoor sports enthusiasts from across the country to view the latest and best hunting and fishing products, plan and book hunting and fishing trips, shop for the latest gear, boats, ATVs and RVs, and enjoy a wide range of contests and family entertainment.

This year’s Show includes more than 1,100 hunting- and fishing-related vendors including a wide range of hunting-related, archery, outdoor-apparel, fishing, and game-call vendors and over 500 outfitters from around the world.

Thompson/Center Arms, one of the world's most respected designers, manufacturers and marketers of premium hunting firearms, is bringing their full line of products and factory representatives to the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. Thompson/Center Arms, a Smith and Wesson Company, is widely recognized by hunters as a manufacturer and distributor of innovative irearms that meet the highest precision, performance, craftsmanship, and reliability standards.


Hunting Seminar Speakers and Special Guests:

Michael Waddell
In the world of outdoor television, Michael Waddell is huge. Since joining Team Realtree in 1994, Waddell has gone from cameraman to producer to host of Realtree Road Trips. Waddell also hosts the very popular, Bone Collector's.

Lee and Tiffany Lakosky
Many people have already gotten hooked on the success of Gettin’ Close with Lee & Tiffany, one of the highest rated shows in outdoor television. Now Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, star in the reality based outdoor program, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany on the Outdoor Channel.

Stan Potts
Stan Potts has hunted whitetails for 40 years, harvesting numerous whitetail bucks with a bow, three of which scored over 200 inches. His hunting successes have been featured in North American Whitetail magazine and several other media sources. He has appeared in several hunting videos and television shows, including Realtree Outdoors and Hunter's Specialties Prime Time series. He is a co-host of North American Whitetail Television on the Outdoor Channel. He is also featured on Whitetail Country on ESPN and Hunt Masters on the Outdoor Channel.

Chuck Adams
Chuck Adams is the world's best known and most widely published bowhunter, authoring 4,550 magazine articles and 10 full-length books. He appears 25-30 times each year on ESPN, WGN, and TNN television networks and stars on ESPN's Whitetail Country and Advantage Adventures shows. Adams is the first archer to accomplish the "Super Slam" by taking of all 27 species of North American big game. He also has 111 Pope & Young record-book trophies and 181 Safari Club International records to his credit—the most in history.

Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo
Vicki Cianciarulo, of Lanark, Illinois, is an experienced bowhunter, an enthusiastic nature photographer, the better half of North America's Favorite Hunting Couple, and co-host of the award-winning Archer's Choice and The Choice television shows alongside her spouse, Ralph Cianciarulo.

Bobby Hart
Bob specializes in Long Range Shooting and Hunting, Custom Rifle Building, and Reloading. He also offers an 'accuracy package' that has been proven to greatly increase the reliability of many 'factory' rifles. This combined with a Hart designed muzzlebrake are a few of the general gunsmith procedures done in-house.

Dan Whitmus
Dan Whitmus grew up hunting and fishing in Washington State where his knowledge of the outdoors landed him a manager's role at a 20,000 acre duck and goose lease. In 1999, Dan moved to Idaho to continue his career in the hunting industry, concentrating on elk hunting. Since that time, Dan has won two world elk calling titles and nine state and regional championships.


Fishing Seminars Speakers and Special Guests

Bob Clouser
Bob's love of the outdoors, especially fishing, led him into the fishing business. He is the creator of the famed “Clouser Minnow” fly pattern, known world-wide and has caught more varieties of fish than any other fly. He continues to guide, teach and share his enjoyment with others. He will present casting demonstrations, using visual aids and casting weighted flies
and lines, as well as lectures on “Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass”- (Catching smallmouth from top to bottom using flies and) “Fly Fishing Adventures”, about various species that can be caught on fly rod and flies.

Mark Menendez
There are few bass fishing professionals on the national scene like Mark Menendez. On the water, the 44-year-old Paducah, Kentucky angler has spent the past 17 years earning the reputation of a warrior on tour. His career earnings of more than $900,000.00 along with success in individual tournaments (three wins and 18 top-ten finishes) and season long point
standings are testament to his passion and skill for competition.

Aaron Martin
Missouri native Aaron Martin is quickly becoming a fixture in the bass fishing universe. As the host of the Bass Edge television show, he reaches millions of viewers through the Versus Network and World Fishing Network HD in the U.S., and on WILD TV in Canada. He is also a co-host on The Edge, the #1 bass fishing podcast on iTunes, and is a frequent contributor to
www.bassedge.com and the "Inside Edge" monthly e-newsletter.

Other Seminars
Albert Wutsch, Director of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts, will again share his butchering skills during daily deer butchering sessions. Sessions will include: fabricating one side of a hanging carcass; breaking down carcasses into sub primal cuts; fabricating cuts into steaks, roasts, stir fry, butterfly and other cuts. Wutsch’s
presentations were some of the most popular seminars at last year’s show.

Tim Flanigan will present a daily seminar on “Tips for Successful Outdoor Photography.” Flanigan has been shooting wildlife photos for the print media for more than thirty years with photo credits in numerous books, magazines, newspapers, greeting and post cards, calendars, travel brochures, phone books and advertisements. His photography can also be seen on the covers of the Pennsylvania Game News Magazine and their annual calendar.

Daily Attractions

Randy Oitker
At age 21, Randy Oitker has already established himself as a professional archer, hunter and exhibition shooter. Oitker travels the country as a precision archer and is known for shooting multiple arrows and hitting multiple targets simultaneously. In 2007, Oitker broke all archery history records by shooting 4 arrows striking 4 individual targets (lifesavers)
simultaneously at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Expo in Harrisburg, PA. Oitker recently traveled to London, England for the Guinness Book Of World Records TV show called Guinness World Records Smashed to make archery history! On April 7, 2009. Oitker shot 6 arrows with one shot 6 arrows at a time and simultaneously hit 6 separate balloons!

Raptors Up Close
Raptors Up Close, a program designed for all ages to educate and teach conservation through an entertaining demonstration with live birds of prey,will present demonstrations on February 9-13. “Raptors Up Close” is filled with visually exciting displays illustrating the power, skills, and beauty of raptors including owls, falcons, hawks and other birds of prey.

Taste of the Great Outdoors
On Tuesday, February 9, from 5 to 8 PM, students from the culinary school at Harrisburg Area Community College will present a variety of delectable game and fish recipes in the Small Arena to the hundreds of attendees who can’t wait to sample unique game recipes and learn new cooking techniques from cooking professionals. During the event over a thousand free samples will be consumed.

Other entertainment includes:

Keystone Regional Duck Calling Contest

The Duck Decoy Painting Contest

Northeastern States Elk Calling Contest

Kids Fishing Contest

Dog Training Demonstrations

Turkey Calling and Owl Hooting Contest

Knife & Tomahawk

Professional Taxidermy

Amateur Wildlife Photography

Antler Scoring

Fly Tying

PA 3-D Bowhunter Challenge

Susquehanna River Gunning Decoy Contest

Capital City BASSMASTER Casting Kids®

NEW! Predator Hunting Contest



Show Dates & Times

Sat. Feb. 6: 10 am - 7 pm

Sun. Feb. 7: 10 am - 5 pm

Mon. Feb. 8: 10 am - 7 pm

Tues. Feb. 9: 10 am - 7 pm

Wed. Feb. 10: 10 am - 7 pm

Thur. Feb. 11: 10 am - 7 pm

Fri. Feb. 12: 10 am - 7 pm

Sat. Feb. 13: 10 am - 7 pm

Sun. Feb. 14: 10 am - 5 pm

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is proud to have the following partner/sponsors: Cabela’s, the official retailer; Thompson/Center Arms, the official firearm; Outdoor Channel, the official network; and Realtree, the official camouflage.

For more information, or to order tickets online visit our website at www.easternsportshow.com .

Geese PLEASE in Wisconsin

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• Medalist Cheyenne Shirt & Pants


• Medalist  Base Layers


• Medalist socks


• Muck brand Field Boots


• Beretta Xtrema 2


• Kent Fasteel 3" #2


• Canon XHA-1 HD video camera


• Dogtra e-collar


• River Bottom Goose Call


• Sillosock decoys


• Big Foot decoys


• Smart Stick


• Goose Tree Decoy


• Just a Bale Blind

 

 Last year I spoke to a gentlemen over the phone who had a product he was interested in me trying out while goose hunting. This would be Mr. Larry Juhl from Janesville, Wisconsin. Needless to say we had quite a lengthy conversation about geese.  One conversation lead to another and soon he was telling me about a program he initiated in Janesville to control the nuisance goose population called GEESE PLEASE, (Private Lands Enrolled As Shooting Environments).

Geese Please is a program that Larry Juhl himself implemented to maintain local goose populations at established quota levels and to safely pursue the geese that take up residency within the city limits. These geese are not otherwise subject to public hunting pressure.  The program must have Land owner permission, police department authorization for firearm discharge and Parks Department discretion for time, place and duration.  The hunters must adhere to all Federal and State waterfowl regulations.  Larry has taken great pride in this program and it's success thus far. But not only has he implemented a SAFE and controlled environment for hunter's to take nuisance geese with the city limits, Larry has devoted much of his time in helping with the nuisance resident geese in many ways. such as a make shift fence that he installs at the local parks to help with waste left behind by the geese. The fence works to keep geese off the grass. This is only one way he has worked to help preserve and contain the quarry that he so passionately pursues.

Larry Juhl, Owner Inventor of the Smart Stick, Goose Tree Decoy System and Just a Bale Blind.

In a conversation I had told Larry that this was such a great story line. Since you read so much in the National newspapers how so many cities in order to control their resident goose  populations are gassing, sniping, and using various means to kill nuisance geese, rather than finding a way, if possible t control them by hunting as Larry has. He then graciously and without hesitation invited me and the Wired Outdoors crew out to hunt with him and his friends.  Of course, I agreed!

 

We loaded up the Wired Outdoors vehicle and headed into a world of the unknown.  We traveled through the night to miss traffic and meet the demands of our host Mr. Larry Juhl. Of which may I say had a very detailed itinerary that was sent prior to our departure.

The trip would take us from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania to Janesville, Wisconsin. A town where kindness spewed from it's residents.  The crew met up with our host, Larry Juhl at the Baymont Inn. After quick introductions and a few jokes...which we soon learned was a trademark of Larry's, we were off to tour Janesville. Myself and Don Ott with camera in hand were escorted in Larry's vehicle while fellow crew members Eddie Wise and Bob Miller followed in tow. We toured the parks where the geese take up residency and where a detailed explanation of how a man that loves nature and an avid waterfowl hunter would become a legend in his own town. Every where we stopped you would hear people say, "Oh you are Larry..so and so hunted with you." Or they knew him the moment he stepped in and greeted him with a smile.

Larry is the Owner and Inventor of the Smart Stick and Goose Tree Decoy System. He lives for his Faith, family and love of waterfowl hunting.  Assuring that anyone in his company will be given every opportunity to expand his or her knowledge, enjoy a clean joke, and be overwhelmed with a good story. His mere presence will put a smile on your face and to harvest a few geese...well that's just a bonus!

We visited a few of the parks that held the geese. Janesville is known for it's Parks, appropriately named "The City of Parks". Some of the parks we visited to name only a few, Montery Park, Jeffris Park, and Rotary Gardens. It didn't take long to see why the geese are considered a nuisance. With the water and grass it is a natural attractant for geese and there was sign of them everywhere.





Some of the "sights" at the Parks in Janesville.

While on our trip, Larry gave us a grand tour of some of Wisconsin's landmark treasures. Black Hawk Monument, Veterans Plaza, Rock River, the Milton House and of course, Horicon Marsh. This was worth the trip in itself to see history of the Black Hawk War, The Milton House history of the underground railroad and the famous waterfowl mecca of Horicon Marsh. Every town we stopped in had something to see and Larry made sure we saw it.

Black Hawk Rock

Milton House 

 

 

Don and I looking at various License plates at Texas Roadhouse in Janesville.

Me at the Phabulous Pheasant Farm buying gifts for my neice and nephew.

Now the trip wasn't all site seeing we went to hunt. Hunt we did! starting with the first evening and every morning. The sites were seen all between the morning and evening hunts.  Which meant we were very busy during the trip. We enjoyed every minute!

The hunts were each filled with birds in the air, some dropped from the bark of our barrels and some just gave a look and kept on going.

Eddie Wise and I taking aim.

The Goose Tree and the morning's set up.

 Eddie with his and Erik's banded birds.

But I can safely say we learned something new each time afield, met knew people and made many friends. To name a few, Lee Chiroff and Mick from the Sportsmen Channel, Paul Juhl, Erik Olson, Carl, John,Dave, the guys from Dakota Decoys, (Kyle you will like this..) Jarod who hunted geese with a bow, and many many more!!

Paul Juhl, Mick, Lee Chiroff (Sportsmen Channel), Jarod, and Allen.

Above, Jarod practicing his aim waiting for the geese to come in.

Above, Erik Olson after "wading" at Ron's.

Carl above with some of our birds from Ron's.

Paul, Hunter and Don

Then we met Mr. Ron Maass our host in North Central Wisconsin who so graciously welcomed us to hunt in his own waterfowl paradise literally in his backyard! I am talking pit blind, goose food plots, beautiful pond, waterfowlers dream! This man was so nice, and the warmest smile on his face. Even while encountering a personal hardship health wise you would never know. His dog Chloe and Drake were instant friends and even had a joint retrieve on birds we dropped on our hunt.

Above the Goose Tree at work in Ron's pond.

Don and I awaiting the geese in Ron's pit blind.

Above, Mr. Ron Maass. What a great guy!

Left to right, Carl, John, Larry, Drake, Don and me.

Larry Juhl, myslef and Ron Maass after our evening hunt.

Below is Chloe, Ron's yellow lab and now Drake's new friend.

 

 

The wired Crew, (LtoR) Bob Miller,  myself, Don Ott, Drake, Eddie Wise and Chloe.

Another part of the hunt I really enjoyed were meeting some of the adorable youngsters already involved and carrying on our passion for waterfowl hunting. There was little Hunter Juhl, Paul's son and Larry's grandson. Now he can call a goose already at 5 years old. Then there was Nolan the size of a peanut who loved the hunting adventure! And we can't forget Kaylin. The little girl who wasn't a bit shy. A little pistol who loves to spend time with her dad afield. She wasn't very happy with her dad though cause she "wanted to hunt with the girl", meaning me, and we were in opposite blinds that evening. My understanding from Erik is that she scolded him the whole way home about it.

 Above is little Hunter Juhl. Below is Nolan.

 Above is little Kaylin with Eddie.

Now back to hunting. I know all of the Wired Outdoors crew were anxiously waiting to see the Goose Tree in action.  Well, let me tell you this...it works, it works and oh boy does it work!!!  In a nut shell the Goose Tree was again invented by Larry who had told me that the concept came to mind with his previous army helicopter pilot experience. When landing a pilot is focusing on the "X", which all we waterfowl hunters know that is where the geese land...on the "X".  So if you have geese simulating they are landing via a decoy, geese will follow.  The idea of this breaks the mold of common decoy set-up. Instead of the geese coming in directly at you, with using the goose tree they are coming in about 30 yards in front of you sideways. Thus the geese are focusing on the tree and "honoring" the already landing geese. The blinds were bale blinds that fit anywhere from 2 to any number of  hunters custom to fit, set up in a triangle safely distanced apart. The family groups of decoys were stratigically placed with a goose tree approximately 30 yards from each blind. When Larry and the guys were working the geese, they banked at the Goose Trees, thus giving the hunters a shot. Here is another quick example...shooting hours are over. Tearing down decoys. The only thing left standing was the goose tree. Don was out in the middle of the field with Nolan and Allen taking the tree down. A flock of 5 geese came in. Drake, Hunter, Paul and I were near the blind. Paul started calling and the geese came in and tried to light behind the goose tree. Lifted and banked around near the tree 3 times before finally leaving the field. These things work!  Drake was shaking drastically while he sat ever so steady, (thank you Pat Nolan!), and Don was out under the Goose Tree in amazement!  Needless to say not only do I have one ...now so does Bob and Eddie! You should have seen the Wired Outdoors car coming home with 2 goose trees strapped to the vehicle!  We will be doing a video product review of the Goose Tree for all to see. And no one else better to explain it than Mr. Juhl himself!

Above, Don, Drake and I in one of Larry's adjustable Just a Bale Blinds.

Below is a 3 man blind.

Above is the Wired Outdoor Team with Larry Juhl in middle, along with our morning birds pulled in by some sweet calls and of course the goose tree.

 A group effort.

The trip went by very fast!   There were so many aspects of the trip to tell and I am only touching the surface. The stories, so many photos, so much footage, good food, and good people, the learning experience...oh yeah and the calling.  Erik Olson worked those birds. Larry, well if you closed your eyes you thought you were listening to the goose himself. I kept teasing saying he was a goose in another lifetime. He was the master. Even Erik said, "He is the closest thing to a goose I have ever heard!"  Well I agree!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE we met and helped to make this hunting adventure such a wonderful trip! The laughs and memories will last a lifetime as well as the friendships made.  We all went away learning a little more about the waterfowl we pursue and the State we visited.

A special thanks to Ron Maass for opening your hunting paradise to the "foreignors" from Pennsylvania. And no words can do justice to the gratitude to our new dear friend Larry Juhl. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! I look forward to the day when we can hunt together again!  Your wit, wisdom and kindness have touched us all very deeply.

Oh yeah...one more thing, we did kill some geese!  That was the bonus!

Bob doing some filming while Drake watches on.

Drake sporting his "Wired gear".

He decided to stick with the shades and give the hat to Don!

Below is the absolutely beautiful Wolf Creek Lodge we stayed in while hunting with Ron.

 

Anxiously watching the sky!

Brenda Kelly and I at Horicon Marsh.

Above me interviewing Larry Juhl about his "Geese PLEASE" program.

Above Drake and Don discussing camera shots.

 Above, Drake chasing down a cripple at Ron's.

 

Below, the Wired Outdoors Team walking by the Goose Tree with our morning success.