why so many training threads and soooo little...

[Mark Teahan]

I gotta get a good camera!
I find it hard to take pics while things are going on. Don't have time as the bird is floating away, and gotta send trap quick. I have a few, but rare.
This is great guys, really enjoying the pics.

[Troy Fields]

Hi Carol,

No, Pearl is straight up black lab, she is from Dave Burton's kennel in N.C. http://www.blueheavenretrievers.com/

She's a great pup, especially since she is my first lab.

There certainly are some chessies in this area though.

[huntinman]

Hi Carol,

No, Pearl is straight up black lab, she is from Dave Burton's kennel in N.C. http://www.blueheavenretrievers.com/

She's a great pup, especially since she is my first lab.

There certainly are some chessies in this area though.

Troy, I believe Carol was complimenting Pearls tenacity... As I do...

[Troy Fields]

My bad, sometimes you really have to smack me hard

Thanks for the compliments!

[gdgnyc]

Terrific photos from everyone.

[Mark Teahan]

I guess maybe we can expand this thread a bit.
Lets talk gear.
Who uses what waders?
I have a pair of hodgman that have served me well til a month or so ago.
I got a tear in one of the front clears in my right heal. The heel is hollow and now i get a wet foot.
I have tried shoe goo, aqua seal, glue i got from a plastic welding place, rubber cement, and even super glue. Nope can't seal it. Next step is a torch and some rubber and gonna melt it closed.
In the mean time i saw an ad from www.rogerssportinggoods.com and bought a pair of their 5 mil toughman waders, delivery due today.
The price seemed very reasonable, after spending quite a bit more on the hodgman's for waders with more features, more insulation in the boots, and construction that sounds the same.
How are you getting decoy and such to your spots?
I am thinking of trying a wagon or something similar to get decoys, mojo's, chair, etc for a one trip haul all.

[gdgnyc]

I like my breathable waders, Proline-camo, got them at fishing show. I get no condensation, only in the boot area.

I have used both Shoe Goo and Aquaseal successfully. What problem are you having? Maybe another hole you don't see? How about a photo? I wouldn't give up especially since I have had much success repairing rubber and neoprene waders. Try repairing inside and outside.

My decoys get transported in my garvey---12-18 oversize to magnum size and 4-12 goose stool.

Carry ins are self inflating. I can fit 2 dozen in a small backpack.

Maybe a seperate thread on each of these?

[KwickLabs]

Mark said:

I gotta get a good camera!

Yes, you do! I consider my camera “regular hunting gear”.

I find it hard to take pics while things are going on.

Once you start, it becomes an easy habit. I will admit to missing a few “opportunities” with my camera out, but I'm getting better at avoiding those situations. In addition, the pictures are worth more than “just another duck” (or two).

I keep a journal of all my dogs' training and hunting.......with many photos mixed in. Looking back is greatly enhanced by “seeing” and "re-living" old memories. Here's a favorite day's camera work........out of many.

foggy morning diver hunt with friends on the Mississippi


we all got our “cans” (including the camera man)


shooting/retrieve sequence on a “canvasback”

[KwickLabs]

About one year later, I finally had the dead mount of Gunny's and Taffey's "cans". Those were from two consecutive days of unusual and spectacular diver hunting in pool 13 on the Mississippi.

Having a camera when hunting is mandatory (for me).

[MooseGooser]

Kwick

That is a BEAUTIFUL mount.

Gooser