Today's Duck and Goose Hunt

I just ended my week with mid-west outdoor writer, Ron Peach.  We had a great time, shared tons of great outdoor stories and I learned a lot from Ron's expertise as a waterfowl hunter.

Ron climbing into one of my pit blinds in the Willamette Valley.

Down in the blind, my hunters all but disappear.

Ron doubled on Cacklers.

Ron's heavy load of Willamette Valley Mallard's and Cack's

Sunrise in the blind.

Cacklers are only about the size of a mallard.

One of the things I learned this week while hunting with Ron was the value of using the drake mallard call with a duck whistle.  It was amazing how the birds responded to this call!

Thanks again Ron for a great week!

Bucket List Grouse

Yesterday, I spent the day east of Cottage Grove in the Cascades.  Ron Peach had dreamed of one day shooting a grouse.   We worked hard, but ended the day with nine birds flushed.  Four birds presented shots to Ron.  All of the shots were VERY challenging and Ron was succesful in harvesting his first ever Blue and Ruffed Grouse.

Ron Peach with his Blue Grouse.

Ron's first grouse, a gorgeous Ruffed Grouse.

Ron had so much fun chasing these challenging birds that he wants to do it again today.  He also want's to see his first Black Bear, so today we're heading for the coast to find some more grouse, a bear and maybe even shoot a few ducks.  Wish us Luck!  

Umpqua cast-n-blast with Ron Peach

The lower Umpqua yesterday evening.

Yesterday, I spent the first of four days hunting and fishing with mid-west outdoor writer Ron Peach.  He came all the way out to Oregon from Kansas to hunt ducks, geese and grouse and to try his hand at fall salmon.  We spent an amazing fall day on the lower Umpqua.  We hooked and lost a coho or two and Ron ended up with a limit of mallards.

A few moments after this photo was taken Ron got his 7th mallard, another gorgeous drake!

Ron writes primarily about waterfowl hunting at various locations around the mid-west and east coast.  Check out this story; http://www.wildfowlmag.com/tips_strategies_tips_for_setting_up_a_waterfowl_hunting_camp_102910.html

Today we're heading for the high country.  I'm taking Ron up into the Cascades to find some Blue and Ruffed Grouse and maybe even a fall Black Bear.  Tomorrow we're back after fall salmon down on the coast and then Wednesday we're back to chasing ducks and geese.