"WATERFOWL NOTES"

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FORWARD ALLOWANCE – LEAD

Every hunt, usually after a miss at a duck or goose at 40 plus yards the conversation turns to how much to lead the bird.

Years ago I read the book “Shotgunning, Art and the Science” by the late Bob Brister. If I could remember to do what Mr. Brister suggests on every shot my harvest for any day would be double or even triple on those really bad days.

In chapter, Forward Allowance, Mr. Brister tells every thing a waterfowler needs to know. In 15 pages to be a much improved shotgun shot.

It starts with the best method to point at the waterfowl. Mr. Brister writes, “The easiest way to hit flying game is to swing the barrel through the bird as if to paint it out of the sky.” The swing through system is best for long-range pass shooting. It forces the shooter to swing through the bird and decrease the chance of slowing down nor stopping. Both will case the shot to pass behind the target.

Most birds are missed by stopping the follow through and shooting behind the bird. The second problem is pulling the trigger before the stock is nestled in the shoulder pocket. Causes big bruise on the arm, plus being off target. Mr. Brister writes, “One degree of barrel movement translates to about 25 inches at 40 yards.”

For some shooters the “sustained lead” works, but appears to require much more practice to prevent slowing down or stopping as the shotgun trigger is pulled. The “sustained lead” is starting out in front of the target and staying there, measuring the lead and correcting the distance in front while continuing the same steady speed of swing.

“In long-range pass shooting, birds appear slower (moving) than they are, particularly geese which seem even slower because they are big. Thus, the longer the range the greater the optical illusion as to the speed of the target. Always swing past a goose far enough to center the pattern on his head rather than the body. If you misjudge his speed, the extra allowance often provides enough error margins to center the pattern in the body. If you’re perfect it should still kill him, because there are invariably plenty of pellets behind the front portion of the shoestring at long range.” Mr. Brister wrote this at the beginning of the steel shot era. Since that time shotgun shell manufacturers have improved the shell, especially the shot cup. The change is that the steel shot stays together longer. The shoestring isn’t as long as old lead or the first steel shells. 

To determine distance in front of a bird, Mr. Brister took his findings and those of others and converted them into “Bird Lengths.” With the “Bird Lengths” one of the distances is easily determined – forward allowance.

Forward Allowance Calculated in Bird Lengths Crossing at 90 degrees and 35 MPH

Forward Allowance Calculated in Bird Lengths Crossing at 90 degrees and 50 MPH

NOTE: These allowances are for a smooth sustained lead based on computer readout of mathematical lead in feet. Swing-through shooters can reduce leads one-third (1/3) to one-half (1/2) depending upon speed of swing.

Very seldom does a bird cross at 90-degrees, but they do cross close to 90 degrees, so that the “Bird Lengths” can be adjusted to give proper forward allowance (lead).

Mr. Brister believed that no shot should be made that would make finding the down bird impossible or the shot string at 60 to 70 yards could hit and cripple birds around the one be shot at.

BIRD TO HUNTER DISTANCE

The other distance – how far is the bird from the hunter?

Several months ago in Waterfowl Notes suggestions for developing a method of determining the distance of hunter to waterfowl was discussed. Briefly, there are a few methods that can help out the waterfowler.

1. On windy days fly the Farm Form kit at 40 yards, either side of the blind or hunters in a spread.
2. On still days fly the Airduck/Airgoose decoy at 40 yards, again at either side of the blind or hunters in a spread.  
3. When hunting over water, place floating decoys at distances left, front and right at 40 yards.
4. The best but most difficult is aim a laser Range Finder. It will work successfully if one member of the hunting party will aim the Range Finder and inform the rest of the party the distance. On the many occasions I have tried to use the Range Finder and shoot, none were successful. But by using the Range Finder on several flights, it is easier to tell the distance of the birds.

There are still other methods of determine distance. No matter what you use – know within 5 yards the distance the bird will be from the muzzle when the trigger is pulled.

DECOY SPECIAL OF THE MONTH

Windtamer Windsocks Ready To Hunt on Fiberglass Stakes – Windtamer Windsocks are heavy plastic 30 by 30-inch on a ¼-inch by 24-inch. Designed to be puffed and placed in the ground at a 45 degree angle (with the ground) will stay puffed, resembling a feeding goose in zero wind or 40 mph wind.

Snow Goose Windtamers                     100 decoys per box                  $ 96.00 per box
Canada / Spec Goose Windtamers          50 decoys per box                 $ 52.00 per box
Blue Goose Windtamers                          50 decoys per box                 $ 52.00 per box

With 200 Windtamers a Windsock Bag can be purchased at (Windtamer bag will hold 130 to 150 Windtamer Windsocks) – $ 18.00 per each

With 250 Windtamers a pack of six (6) alert or feeding heads (white, brown, black) at –
 $  10.00 per pack of six (6)

- - - Freight included in above prices - - -

CHECK LIST

Over the past few months several callers have asked, “What do you carry into the field?” You need to make a checklist. The only way to be sure you aren’t leaving something at each hunt is to make a list. Check each item before leaving your home.

To make the checklist, assemble every item, case and bag in the garage. Separate the items in piles to go in each case. At this time if you need to replace an item or add items write them on the list.

I have the pleasure to use an ATV and a DNG Trailer. The trailer allows my group to place all the decoys on the trailer, cover with a camo tarp and leave for the entire season all the decoys required for 6 hunters to snow goose hunt and/or duck hunt for the entire season. This includes a helium tank, two 6-inch PVC pipes 24-inches in length to place stakes for spinning wing, landing decoys and string decoys.

Quite a few of my hunter friends disconnect the ATV trailer from the vehicle, then hook it behind the ATV to carry decoys, bags, cases and hunters into the field. The majority of the time this system works. Trailers made to haul ATV and other items over the highway aren’t designed to be pulled over a mud field. Axle’s can be damaged pulling over levies; lights and screw lifts can be damaged and/or torn loose traveling over grain fields.

The personnel items that I carry in my auto for each hunt are-

1. Plastic Tub (the size that holds all your items) – rain gear camo & white, insulated bib, insulated coat, hats – camo & white, camo muff with hand warmers, extra socks with toe warmers, vest, extra shirt, pants, sweater, gloves, boot jack.
2.  Boots (2 pair) – waders and short boots. Travel with the waders in a wader bag. 
3. Shell Bags (2 bags) – 3” no 2 shot for ducks and the second 3-1/2” BBB shot for geese
4. Blind Bag – calls, face mask, gloves, knife, utility tool, head flash light, decoy cord, 12” cable ties, wind gauge, binoculars, range finder, cigarette lighter, extra batteries, compass, zip loc sandwich bag with LeMaster Waterfowl ID booklet, zip loc sandwich bag with Tylenol, Tums, BC Powder, zip loc sandwich bag with Band-Aids, Neosporin, eye wash, zip loc sandwich bag with toilet paper and a small roll of 30-gal trash bags (5 or 6).
5. Shotguns in floating gun cases (Two, main and spare)– 12 gauge auto and 12-gauge pump – both shoot 3-1/2”
6. Helium, small bottle

TIP: If you ware reading glasses, carry an extra (drug store) pair in a hard case. It is better than a good idea to carry a flashlight in the shell bag, auto plastic tub as well as the blind bag. If you plan to clean your own birds before reaching home, carry a box of 30-gal trash bags, a box of gallon zip loc bags, a box of latex gloves, a pair of game shears, a gallon of water (a couple of plastic half gallon milk cartons (washed clean of course) in the Auto Tub. Wash the birds and your hands with the water, place feathers, and waste parts in trash bags and cleaned birds in zip loc bags.

Decoys that a couple of hunters need for duck hunting

1. Two bags of floating duck decoys (24 per bag)
2. One bag of floating goose decoys (12 per bag)
3. One case with spinning wing mallard drake
4. One case with shaker decoys mallard hen (2 per case)
5. One case with swimming decoy mallard drake & 4 each H2O Quiver magnets
6. One bag with 24” stake of swimming decoy, 24” stake for Jerk String, trot line & 36” bungee cord

Decoys that a couple of hunters need for snow goose hunting

1. Three bags of Texas Windtamers (450 Windtamers) – 350 snows, 50 blue, 50 spec/Canada
2. One case with spinning wing snow goose (Mr. Lucky painted white with pink bill and legs
3. One duffle bag with Goose Magnet landing decoys and 8 each 45” graphite poles (6 snow & 2 spec)
4. One All Wind sling with 12 snow, 6 blue & 6 spec decoys
5. One bag Wave Magnet – snow, ¾” metal pipe cap, hammer
6. 4 Wave Magnet poles – (2 each ¾” 5 feet long and 2 each ½” by 5 ft long)
7. 6 Airgoose Goose (filled at the auto)

Cut the ½-inch by 10-foot conduit in 2 pieces of 3-foot and 2 pieces 2-foot in length. Cut the ¾” by 10-foot conduit in 2 pieces 5-foot in length. Place a ¼-inch bolt (with locking nut) 8-inches down on each of the ¾-inch conduits.

TIP: To set the Wave Magnet, determine the first stand location. Place the ¾” cap over the top of the conduit and hammer it half way into the ground. Slide the ¾-inch conduit over the exposed end, with the bolt at the top. Tie one end of the Wave Magnet to the 3-foot ½” conduit an inch or two below the top. Slide it into the ¾” conduit. Tie the other end of the string decoy to one end of the second 3-foot piece of ½-inch, pull tight perpendicular to the wind. When pulled tight, slide the other end of the conduit into the ¾-inch conduit. Stretch; place the pipe cap over the top end of the 2-foot conduit. Hammer it 12-inches into the ground. Slide the ¾-inch conduit over the ½-inch conduit.

JANUARY CALL IN SPECIALS

U.S. Freight FREE on ALL orders exceeding $ 100.00
(Reduced freight out of the U.S.)

Call (281) 821 – 3795             We accept Visa, Master card & American Express

THP Shaker Battery-Powered Decoys – Hen mallard, twice the motion of the decoys with inserts. Designed to add movement to the spread. Water resistant motor with counter weight battery powered motor. Requires 1 AA battery (not included). - $ 38.00 per each

THP Swimming Battery-Powered Decoys – Drake mallard, propeller mounted in the tail of the decoy; run by water resistant motor, which is mounted inside the decoy. Requires 1 C battery (not included) - $ 40.00 per each

Expedite Fowl Floater – Easy to use self-floating unit – no floater decoys required – no assembly required. Use in shadow or deep water. Three pounds each with center anchor cord. Mount Mr. Lucky on top, attach 4 floater decoys for optimum movement. - $ 30.00 per each

Drake 3 in 1 Chest Pack / Hand Warmer – Max 4 camo, polyester denier, spring steel tops, waterproof liner in accessories compartment, thick fleece hardliner lining with neoprene cuffs. - $ 40.00 per each

Airgoose Balloon Decoy – Snow goose, lo shine plastic, life size when filled with helium or air. $ 24.00 per 6 pack

White Cloth Parka  (XL) – Polyester / cotton. No better parka for hunting in white spreads (on days it isn’t raining). - $ 19.00 per each

White Rubber (no shine) Parka (XL) – Rubberized outer (Lo Shine). Fits the average hunter over a parka. $ 22.00 per each

White Cloth Hood – Polyester stretch fabric, “one-hole” design. Pull over your head, face and neck. Warm in cold weather and the perfect cap/face mask. Roll up to wear as a sailor’s knit cap when not hunting. $ 6.00 per each

All-Wind Goose Decoys – The ultimate in windsock type decoys. Works equally well in zero or 40 mph winds. Body doesn’t catch water in a driving rain. The fiberglass stakes allow you to punch through frozen ground. Replaces shells, full-body and siliquets for less cost, weight, transporting space and store space. Available in snow, blue, spec and Canada. $ 40.00 per dozen kit

Back Rest – Makes the ground a lounge chair. Aluminum frame with black plastic mesh. Makes “White Spread Hunting” easier and much safer. $ 30.00 per each

DNG Waterfowl Spice – Developed by waterfowl hunters to give old or young ducks and geese that “I want more” taste. - $ 6.00 per 6-oz shake plastic container

DNG Bar B Que Spice – Developed by a multi-winner of Bar BQ contests to spice any meat. - $ 6.00 per 6-oz shake plastic container

NOTE: Purchase any two (2) items in BLUE and receive an additional five (5 %) percent off

COOKING EQUIPMENT  CALL-IN SPECIALS

Call (281) 821-3795                 We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express

Weston Deluxe EM-2 Meat Grinder – Electric, designed so that steel shot passes through rather than getting hung up and damaging the rotating blades. Perfect for chili meat, spaghetti meat, sausages, meat loaf and hamburger. - $ 110.00 per each  (U.S. freight included).

Jaccard Deluxe Meat Tenderizer – 48 stainless steel blades produce incredibly tender meat. Enhance the penetration of marinades. Dishwasher safe. Eliminates pounding with half the effort and mess. - $ 27.00 per each (U.S. freight included)

15” Barbeque Tongs – Not the normal tongs. Allows the pickup of large pieces of meat and vegetables on the grill with out dropping the load or scorching your hand. –
$ 11.00 per each (U.S. freight included)

10” x 11” Wire Basket – Open and place in large or small pieces of meat and vegetables, close the lid. Turn over; never loose any ingredients and/or cooked food. Great for grilling goose stakes, fajitas, hamburgers. $ 19.00 per each (U.S. freight included)

Kabob Basket – Includes skewer frame and 6 skewers. Flip waterfowl kabobs all at one time. No burned fingers or lost food into the fire. - $ 24.00 per each (U.S. freight included)

Kabob Skewers – Package of 6 extra skewers for Kabob Basket. Load extra skewers to save cooking and prep time. - $ 6.00 per pack of 6 (U.S. freight included)

Rib Rack – Holds 6 slabs of beef ribs, 12 slabs of pork loin ribs, non-stick, size enables use of for roast or smoking an entire large goose or turkey. - $ 15.00 per each (U.S. freight included)

Meat Press – inch-by-inch steel plate with wooden handle. When grilling breasts, steaks, etc. place the press on top and reduce the cooking time. - $ 14.00 per each (U.S. freight included)

RECIPE

SPANISH TEAL & SHRIMP with NOODLES

2 ea teal breasts, cut into bite size pieces
Water
Cider vinegar
6 ea fresh large shrimp, peeled, devained
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 piece (1-inch) fresh ginger root, frozen, grated
3 sprig fresh coriander, chopped
1/2 tsp DNG Waterfowl spice
1/4 tsp ground cumin
2 Tbls Dave’s Peppa Royale
1 ea fresh lime, squeezed
4 Tbls peanut oil
2 Tbls dark sesame oil
Cajun Chef’s Green Hot sauce, to taste
2 Tbls dry sherry
½ cup Whipping Cream
4-6 cup cooked thin egg noodles tossed with butter, to serve

In a non-conductive bowl place teal bites, cover with water plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Refrigerate; change water with vinegar every 20 minutes until water runs clear. In a second bowl place garlic, ginger, Waterfowl spice, cumin, half the Peppa Royale, half the limejuice and half the oil; mix well. Season with Cajun Chef’s Green Hot sauce. Drain off the water from the teal. Add the shrimp to the teal bowl. Pour the spice bowl over the teal and shrimp; stir to coat. Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes. In a skillet heat remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium, heat. Sauté teal and shrimp until shrimp are pink and teal are medium rare, about 5 minutes. Remove the teal and shrimp and keep warm. Add the marinate mixture, remaining Peppa Royale, remaining limejuice, sherry and whipping cream. Heat to bubbling; continue cooking until thickness desired; remove from heat. In a serving bowl place hot noodles, top with teal and shrimp. Place shrimp on a serving dish and spoon skillet sauce over top. Serve. Pour skillet sauce over teal, shrimp and noodles. Toss to mix. Yield: 4 servings.

RECIPE

HONEY-PECAN GOOSE STRIPS

6 ea snow goose breasts, deboned, skinned, cut into 1-inch strips
Water
Cider vinegar
Canola oil
Sweet Chipotle Season-All spice
3/4 cup Dijon mustard, divided
3/4 cup honey, divided
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin powder, divided
2 cup pecans, chopped fine
1/2 tsp curry powder

In a non-conductive bowl place goose strips, cover with water plus 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Refrigerate, change water with vinegar every 20 minutes until water runs clear. Sprinkle and rub in oil; liberally sprinkle Sweet Chipotle Season-All over all sides of meat, rub in with your fingers. Place meat strips on a dish. In a bowl combine ¼ cup mustard, ¼ cup honey, garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of cumin powder; pour over goose strips. Cover meat with plastic wrap; refrigerate 4 hours to overnight. Remove meat from refrigerate and wipe marinade off the meat with your fingers; DO NOT SCRAP, leave enough coating to hold pecans. In a shallow dish pour in chopped pecans. Dredge meat strips in the pecans. In a disposable aluminum foil pan place goose strips. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes until meat is medium-rare. In a bowl combine ½ cup of mustard, ½ cup of honey, ½ teaspoon of cumin and curry powder. Serve sauce with goose strips. Yield: 6 servings.

RECIPE

AFTER THE HUNT VEGTABLE PLATTER

1-1/2 lb fresh green beans, ends trimmed, cut in half
Water
1 Tbls salt
2 Tbls Canola oil
2 Tbls butter
1 cup purple onions, chopped course
1 cup fresh mushrooms, stems removed, sliced ½-inch thick
1/2 cup sherry
1-1/2 lb small red potatoes, cut in half
2 Tbls olive oil
2 tsp DNG Waterfowl Spice
1 Tbls fresh cilantro, chopped

In a pot place green beans; cover with water plus 2-inches. Remove green beans and bring water to a boil, add salt and green beans, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. In a high-sided skillet melt butter in Canola oil. Sauté onions until tender. Add mushrooms and continue to cook for 3 minutes. Drain green beans and add to skillet. With a wooden spoon toss to mix. Drizzle sherry over green bean mix. Stir to incorporate brown bits into bean mix.

In a bowl place washed potatoes. Pour olive oil over potatoes and with your hands coat oil over potatoes. Cover a cookie pan with aluminum foil. Spread oil coated potatoes over foil. Sprinkle potatoes with Waterfowl Spice. Sprinkle potatoes with cilantro. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until tender.

The December winner was Mary Kay, Houston, TX and the Runner-up was Mary Thomas, San Faransico, CA. The Give-A-Way for January is a package of Game Tags and a Winner’s Special Price List.

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21302 Old Ranch Road
Houston, TX 77073

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