2007 - 2008 Third Hunting Season

Page 5

Oklahoma Crow Hunt 2/29/2008

On the  Migratory Forum of the Texas Hunting Forum, I posted that I had an open seat for a "just for fun" Oklahoma Crow hunt before the season ends there March 4th.

I wanted to get one last bird hunt in this season and Crow is all that is left. One of the forum members, LJ "fireant" accepted the invitation. His first Crow hunt. He brought his foxpro caller which was a big improvement over my homemade CD caller and I have a good mix of decoys, so we were set.

Hunted Public land in the Red River Bottoms. First set up we had two Hawks diving and screaming with the Crows. That was neat! Never really got into the numbers at the first set up, but we got some shooting on singles and pairs that would come in at intervals.

I try to have some decoys above the Owl when possible. It is not natural for the Owl to be above the Crows in a real fight.

Second Setup, we had a little more numbers come in a couple times, but after that it was pretty much over. Very smart public land birds that I am sure are shot at by locals on a regular basis so I feel we did ok for what we were up against.

Here is a good picture that shows one set up of decoys. Dead Crows were also saved and propped up in the trees. The more decoys the better for these smart birds.

LJ coming back with a crippled crow. I try not to let my dog Blaze get the wounded ones. They fight back to much.

Here is Blaze standing in our pile of decoys and dead crows. With Blaze sitting next to me watching those Crows come in, I don't think I have ever seen that dog's tail wag faster than it did today.

Enough birds to keep it fun for sure. Our shot to kill ratio for both of us this morning was not too good, but we got some. Them suckers fly a whole lot faster than they look. I sure had fun. 

A big public Thank You to LJ for coming along on this mornings hunt. Enjoyed it sir!

May 1st, 2008, The Squirrel Hunt Bust

Though I did talk to a Wildlife Biologist in Oklahoma and had some good intel for a Swamp Rabbit hunt up there, I just never caught the weather right for it, but May 1st, we did try to get in on the opening of Spring Squirrel season. On Richland Chambers WMA I had seen several Squirrels on a previous hunt for something else, so that was my destination. When I got there I found posted on the gate bulletin board an Executive Order from Austin that the place had been opened up to Gun Feral Hog hunting for the same dates. Not real happy about the surprise, but I gave it a go.  I tried to hunt where I did not see any other vehicles for safety reasons. But within a few minutes of hunting, hog hunters shots rang out very close to us. Blaze looks too much like a Brown Hog through the Woods, so I gave up on the hunting, did a little hiking on the roads, and kept her close. 

The Dog had fun even though she was wanting to hit the woods bad. 

The weather was such that there were Snakes everywhere. Blaze ran up on a Cottonmouth on two different occasions as well as a few non poisonous Snakes. She is real good about avoiding them after being bit a couple seasons earlier, but too many at this place to risk her running over one. Walked on a Diamond Back Water Snake eating a recently caught meal. 

With Squirrel hunting done for the day as fast as it started, I hit one of the slews with my fishing rod for some Gator Gar fishing. Only caught one Small Alligator Gar, but did catch several Spotted Gar. Blaze stayed healed with me and really did not know what to think about them when I pulled up on shore. 

Well a bad day hunting is better than mowing the lawn any day. Even though this day was a blank on Squirrels, we made the most of it.  I picked up a vest for Blaze, so next time we will be prepared when we find the woods could have a chance of other hunters being near. Goofy dog always likes wearing stuff like this too!

That will wrap up the 07-08 hunting. Blaze and I may try another Squirrel hunt in August of all times. Season is still open in SE Oklahoma. Going to visit some old hunting grounds from my coonhound days. There were always a bunch of Squirrels there deep in the woods. Will post that hunt for the start of next seasons page. 

Texas Hunting Forum, Migratory Bird Hunting Forum, "Meet & Greet"

Couple pictures from an off season get together at Lake Lavon with members of the Texas Hunting Forum. www.texashuntingforum.com Thank you to John Wester for the Pictures and for hosting the event. The other dog is Molly, a Labrador Retriever owned by forum moderator and duck hunter Guy. 

To Go to the 2008-2009 Season

All Content and Pictures Copyright ©2003-2008, John Hardin. Pictures not to be used, copied, linked to other sites, or posted on internet forums without prior permission