I've been seeing tons of geese on and around the South Branch near where I live. So with the help of Bowguide I launched my pontoon boat and floated the river for a few miles. I went on Google maps and printed out the river so I had a better idea where houses were and possible safety zones. I had a good idea where I thought I would see ducks and geese and marked it on the maps. Saw plenty of both but unfortunately they seem to always be near the homes. I was lucky enough to catch one goose within range of my 3 1/2's. hugging the tree tops. The rest of the float was uneventful. The ducks would see me way out and flush before I could get close enough. That was until I came to the last island of the float. I got close to the left bank and eased down the shore. From the Google picture I could see it cut back in and held a good size pocket of water. Just about then a single hen mallard swam out the back in. I got as low on the boat as I could and floated closer to what turned out to be the mother load of drakes and hens. Birds flying everywhere. First shot! Miss. but the second and third found green at the end of the bead. I got out the net a scooped up my first drake with my new Super Black Hawk and what do we have here? my first band. Picked up the other bird and called Super X with the news. What a day! I'm going to get the info about the bird and post it later.
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