Duck season is under way...

Thanksgiving day marked the start of 2010-2011 waterfowl season.  So far it has been a good one.  We got some much needed rain (3.5" in one day).  It made for some wet conditions, but the ducks sure didn't mind.  I guess that's where the old saying "Good weather for a duck" came from.  I don't have any pay hunters today, so I'm going to take Harley my young dog on his first duck hunting trip this afternoon.  This should be interesting.  Hopefully y'all had a good Thanksgiving.
God Bless,
Duke

Twas the night before...

Ha!  I bet you thought I was going to say Christmas didn't ya?  Nope, Duck Season, that's what I'm talking about.  Tonight marks the night before the opening day of duck season.  For waterfowlers, there is no difference between these two nights (as far as anticipation goes), tonight it is our "night before Christmas".  With that said, tomorrow's weather forecast shows the signs of weather that is only fit for a duck.  Rainy, windy, cold, I'm getting goose bumps thinking about it.  Tomorrow marks the first day of a 60 day adventure called Duck Season.  Some would call it battle of wills, others a testament to a person's insanity.  Me? I call it the best, most wonderful time of the year!!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone, take a minute and give thanks tomorrow.
God Bless,
Duke

I got together with Bass Tackle Depot and we shot some video...

I shot a video with Bass Tackle Depot (http://www.basstackledepot.com/) promoting Powell Rods (http://www.basstackledepot.com/powell-rods.aspx) .  I had a blast, it was a little windy, but otherwise it was a gorgeous day for mid November.  Check out the video below.
God Bless,
Duke

I got some great news...

I recently got the privilege to join the Powell Rods Pro-Staff, and am I ever excited.  Powell Rods is a west coast based company, that makes not only some of the best rods on the market, they make them at a very affordable price point. Personally, I think they are one of the best values in the fishing rod market today.
For the last month I have put some serious time on the water with my new fleet of rods, and I have no complaints.  I'm usually pretty candid about products I use and their capabilities, regardless of my relationship with the company.  I have to admit, these rods exceeded my expectations, they are an extremely sweet rod, regardless of cost.  With only a month of use under my belt and hunting season around the corner, I guess I'll have to wait until spring to put some serious time on them.  But that's ok, I know they'll be ready when we go!  I'll leave you with a picture of the "new crew", they are nice!
God Bless,

Duke

It's getting closer...

With only two and a half weeks until the start of waterfowl season, I still have a few last minute items to take care of.  I'm headed to the local home improvement store to pick up some flat gray paint to touch up my Green Head Gear Full body Mallard decoys.  After two seasons of use, some of the gray on the Mallard drake decoys has taken some abuse, so a little touch up painting is in order.  Other than that, I just picked up a new complete set of Drake waterfowl gear, including waterproof insulated bibs, a windproof fleece jacket (new in the Drake lineup this year), a waterproof quarter zip pull over, fleece cap and neck gaiter.  All items are on the Realtree Max-4 pattern.  I'm pretty stoked about the new gear, I can't wait to use it. 
We atarted pumping water into our field Saturday, it's been so dry in Southern Illinois that we will lose a lot of water to absorption, but we should have enough water to get the job done.  Which is good, as a few ducks have already begun to migrate.  I'll keep you posted on the progress.
God Bless,
Duke