Post Season 2017

[DComeaux]

The gray really pops out to me in this photo. My little girl is getting old.

Fetch a mirror for him, Ellie.

I literally laughed out load.... I just got in from a walk with her and she has perked up nicely. This makes me happy.

[DComeaux]

The gray really pops out to me in this photo. My little girl is getting old.

Fetch a mirror for him, Ellie.

I literally laughed out loud.... I just got in from a walk with her and she has perked up nicely. This makes me happy.

[Darren]

She's lookin' good!

[DComeaux]

I'm not as interested in the conditions on the nesting grounds as I once was, but I couldn't help but look at snow cover now compared to last year. High and early nesting numbers doesn't seem to fill the skies down here as it once did.

April 17, 2016

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April 17, 2017

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[Rick]

High and early nesting numbers doesn't seem to fill the skies down here as it once did.

Snow in the PPR still has to be better than no snow.

[Darren]

Amen to that; I try not to get caught up in all that too much BUT I inevitably do, just to have something waterfowl related to keep up with in summer. In a few more weeks they'll have the crews out surveying up there so will be following those reports on USFWS website. Seemed like fairly legit winter up there so hopefully that means some new water on the ground in key areas.

[DComeaux]

Amen to that; I try not to get caught up in all that too much BUT I inevitably do, just to have something waterfowl related to keep up with in summer. In a few more weeks they'll have the crews out surveying up there so will be following those reports on USFWS website. Seemed like fairly legit winter up there so hopefully that means some new water on the ground in key areas.

I'll be doing the same, as I'll be curious and hoping, AGAIN, that this will be the year. Man, I sure hope the teal do their thing this year... and watch!, we'll be covered up early because of the later season opening we have this year. Looks like I'll have to take a day of vacation for teal opener this year.

[Darren]

Have lost track of that whole thing; is the Friday opener set yet or still up for public comment?

I'm all for it!

[DComeaux]

Have lost track of that whole thing; is the Friday opener set yet or still up for public comment?

I'm all for it!

I thought it was a done deal???

[DComeaux]

Yap, it's getting close.

I'm heading out this Saturday to look a place/lot to purchase down there for a camp spot. We used a camp last year, ( travel trailer with screened in kitchen attached, all under cover) and could continue to do so, but I would prefer to have my own place. She didn't want anything for rent but I couldn't let her do that.

I now have a warm and fuzzy about a long term deal in this marsh, and the way things look down there, I'll have no trouble selling the place if it should come down to that.....Long waiting list, everywhere..... I was able to slip to the front of the line

[Rick]

...this past Saturday is 5 months from teal season.

Yap, it's getting close.

That's about as fine of an example of the glass being half full as I've seen in some time.

[DComeaux]

Pecan Island hail storm 2017. Pretty nasty storms today, and it ain't over yet.

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[Rick]

Just got power back here, but that's flat wild.

[DComeaux]

This link was on tiger droppings. I don't do facebook but I was able to watch the video.

https://www.facebook.com/KLFYCarlyLaing/videos/1880599332194813/

[Rick]

That sucks.

[Rick]

Shit just got real: cable went out. Been following my old home basketball team (Cavs) in the playoffs (something I may never be able to do with our current one), and the game starts at 6.

[DComeaux]

Today, Ellie was released from the leash. I have to slowly increase exercise of the next month or so, but I think we're both ready for it. I still have a few doxycycline pills to finish off, and another check up visit next month, but we're about done.

I've been busy the last few weeks, acquiring a camp spot near the blind, and I bought a new travel trailer to slide under the 63' long cover, which has a good sized screened-in outdoor kitchen on a slab, all connected. We have a little work to do to become FEMA compliant, a few permits to pull, and we'll have a decent place to hang out during the season. Looks like I'll be spending a good bit of time down there over the next few months.

I've collected the basic trinkets to set it up, and we (the family) have a reservation at a local camp ground for next weekend for me to see how this works. Seems simple enough. Fair sized slide out and adult sized beds were a must. The bathroom and shower are also a decent size for XL hunters.

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[Rick]

I tend to cringe at the word "permit". Hope that process goes smoothly for you. Appears you'll be nicely set with something that can run from a storm.

[DComeaux]

I tend to cringe at the word "permit". Hope that process goes smoothly for you. Appears you'll be nicely set with something that can run from a storm.

You must do these things we tell you and it will cost you $50.00 and a trip to Lake Charles for the permit to do it.... $30.00 for a one time travel trailer permit for the parish.

[Darren]

Looks like a great set up in the making! And like Rick said, it can run from storms, even better. Don't need much when it's near the huntin' grounds. Having that covered area to park it is a winner for sure, especially if it hails again like that, geeez

[DComeaux]

Looks like a great set up in the making! And like Rick said, it can run from storms, even better. Don't need much when it's near the huntin' grounds. Having that covered area to park it is a winner for sure, especially if it hails again like that, geeez

Yap... Thats where my thoughts went, immediately, when I first saw those pictures.

[DComeaux]

I tend to cringe at the word "permit". Hope that process goes smoothly for you. Appears you'll be nicely set with something that can run from a storm.

Thats the exact reasoning for the camper. I (we) don't have the "play money" to cover something set to the elevation required for a permanent dwelling, much less to cover a rebuild. The anxiety during a storm would be hell for me with a permanent camp no matter the financial situation, but the slabbed, partially screened area with flood vents would be a manageable rebuild, if needed.

Floor elevation is over 14' AGL in that area. My only fight will be the salt air, and this is something I must stay on top of.

[Deltaman]

Love the Gypsy Condo solution Dave, and having a close, warm and cozy place to get out of the weather when needed, much less spend the nights during the season, is huge!!!!! Sounds like your spot is set up perfectly for your camper as well

[DComeaux]

Went down to the camp site last Saturday to have a look at a few things and made a trip down our lease road. We got a good look at whats left of our island and wave breaks to our south....NOTHING! With the strong south winds we've had lately Blake and I would jokingly text back and forth "goodbye to the blind". Well, that's exactly what happened. We will shortly have a bare tub held down with timber in the middle of the sea. Our wave break terrace to the south is gone,so everything north of that is in danger of disappearing, rapidly.

Not sure what the plan will be for remediation, but it's out of my hands and pocket book.

[Rick]

Yarch, sure hate hearing that.

[DComeaux]

I got word just a moment ago that we'll be moving to a "better", and for me, a more protected spot in that area. He wants my input for blind placement.
I had my eye on a spot or two where the birds want to be, and these spots are much better protected from immediate erosion. I think the move would give us a at least a couple of years of service at a minimum. That's something I'm going to look at as well when picking a spot.

[Rick]

We'll be hoping your bad break becomes good luck and last season's dos gris become this year's canard gris.

Besides, starting anew will give Blake something to do with his spare time while you fish this summer.

[Deltaman]

I got word just a moment ago that we'll be moving to a "better", and for me, a more protected spot in that area. He wants my input for blind placement.
I had my eye on a spot or two where the birds want to be, and these spots are much better protected from immediate erosion. I think the move would give us a at least a couple of years of service at a minimum. That's something I'm going to look at as well when picking a spot.

Glad to hear Dave!!!!!

[Darren]

Yea that sounds promising for sure. Having made a hunt there a few years back I got to see first hand how open (and constantly becoming more open) that area can be. Birds were there for sure though, mostly puddlers on that hunt, didn't seem to bother them coming into open and choppy spreads. Thought your previous blind set up looked pretty darn sweet so sorry to hear the waves got it. I'm sure y'all will have the new spot lookin' right before long

I'm trying to get after the fish right now but the winds aren't cooperating. Won't be long though and I'll have about had my fill and will be looking to do something ducky. If I could be of use one day, let me know.