Youth Goose Hunt 07

[Squidnation]

I know this should go in the hunting or jr forum but since most of our friends tend to stick to this board I decided to post it here. Sorry John and jer. Move it over if you need to.

This is my 3rd year being invited to the Maryland Youth Hunt Day at Oftenn Ernies Place. Oftenn lurks around here all the time but never has had a single post. He also fishes with many people on this board. Once again my weekend at ernies was phenominal. Nico couldn't make it but I came anyway to take pictures of the kids and their dads. Thanks John for allowing us to hunt on your land. Thanks Ernie, Noni and all the other eckenrodes that make this one weekend I look forward to every year.

As usual the morning came early and the kids all got their morning safety instructions.





The decoys looked like they were even paying attention to the morning ritual.



We then seperated into three location. Two went into their own fields and I went to the water blind. A little morning swim never hurt anybody.



This little dude was ready and would soon show us how to blam these geese down.



So was this dude. Thank god he came or we would have had some cold wet dads on the retrieve.



The first group came in and the kids were locked loaded and ready.









3 geese went down and it was time for stoney to go to work. Pretty impresive for a young dog I think he got all three and one was clear across the creek.







This little guy stoned his first goose with his first shot. Pretty work and he sure was proud as was his dad.



Ernie and I left the waterblind and moved over to one of the field where I would be able to stand close to the blind but out of the way to hopefully get some pics and not scare off the birds or get shot He jumped in the pit and helped out with the calling. It didn't take long for our youngest hunter to get his first bird. This was Masons 2nd youth hunt and showed that his first years limit was no fluke.













Lunch time came and it was time for most to take a break. Raymond and his son Mason and I stayed in the pit to finish out Mason's limit. More to come .....

[Squidnation]

Next came a group of 6 birds. I saw little Ernie was locked and ready as the geese approached. Lil E and his buddies got a pair. But some needs to tell Lil Ernie that it is much easier to get these geese down with a gun







Ernie- I think he's getting further away buddy








Raymond, Mason and I stayed in the blind to get his limit. Here they come Mason get ready.










After Lunch we came back to the pit to help the other kids round out their limit Kayla made short work of the afternoon hunt. As she got two birds on her first two shots of the afternoon.



Once all the kids got their limits it was time to have them pick up the decoys and head back to the house and take care of their geese.

[Squidnation]

meanwhile while the kids got to relax and play around the farm, Ernie recruited the dads to help him with his little hunting shack that he is building for next years hunt.





Here is our Host Ernie - 10 minutes out of the pit and back to work. Take a day off dude!







Time to kick off the boots and get a little grub before the evening deer hunt





Hey Mason - If you give me $20 I will delete this picture of you sticking 4 packs of smarties in your mouth at once.



Hey Raymond - If you give me $40 I will delete this picture of you giving it him. I sure Mom would be really proud to see this pic






Thanks again Ernie and Family - It was an awesome weekend to be a part of. And Congrats to all the kids that got to enjoy so a fun day!!!!

[John Rogers]

Thats awesome, glad you all had a great time. You got some amazing pics.

[Bert Rodgers]

Great shots Bill , looks like the kids had a blast.

Bert

[flatbottom]

Nice read Bill
Awesome pictures captured the day
thanks for the post
I enjoyed it.

That ernie guy is in the marlin vid
Great job on the leader ernie
Did you throw the mate over to retrieve the lure?

[gradywhite273]

Original recipe or extra crispy????? nice job guys and girls.

[POON MAN]

Good stuff Bill

You guy's really know how to make the kids have a cool day in the field

[carom]

great report and pics Bill. thats what's all about...good time for the kids and us a lil older to remember

[Tuna Taxi]

Thank for the write-up, Bill. Looks like everyone had a great time. Lotsa smiles, kids & Dads.

That's quite a hunting shack Ernie is working on......