I know that it is a little late to post this, but I had a conversation with a young fellow this afternoon that is just getting into the sport, but was a little discouraged because he has not been hitting the ducks that he was shooting at.

 He asked me the "BIG" question that everyone that is just starting out wants to know the answer to, but is afraid to ask for fear of looking stupid. What is the proper lead time for shooting ducks? I know that someone else is probably wondering the same thing, so here it is.

The first thing that you will have to know is the speed of your shell and the speed and distance of the duck that you are shooting at. For this example we will be shooting a 1550 fps shell at a Wood Duck, whose average speed is 45mph (66 fps). I will set the distances at 40, 30 and 20 yards.

January 2012: Connecticut's Duck Population Fewer than Last Season

A recent aerial survey conducted by the Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) discovered fewer duck numbers than found last year. 15,893 ducks were spotted during the survey which was conducted during the first week in January, 7033 less than last year's total of 22,926. The lower numbers are more than likely a result of this winter's above average temperatures. According to the DEEP's Migratory Game Bird Program's leader Min Huang, " This year's survey conditions were relatively poor because the weeks leading up to the survey were very mild and most inland bodies of water had yet to freeze. Plus, the flying and viewing conditions were difficult the day of the survey".

The DEEP does not rely on the midwinter survey to count perspective populations in the state. The January survey is used as a "snapshot" of current bird numbers in Connecticut's area of the Atlantic Flyway.

To see the full article and interview in the Middletown Press click this link.

What is the real reason for Christmas?

While it is normal for us to want to focus all our energy on friends and family this time of year, we will no doubt hear many preachers and other well meaning Christians remind us that Jesus is the reason for the season. But they aren't entirely correct. The real reason Christmas exists is for you.

If the ducks are scarce, it's a great time to train the dog.

It was the time of day that as children shadows came alive and moved, tree limbs thrust though windows to snatch the small mischievous urchins that weren't paying attention and the monster under the bed became restless and eager to frighten toddlers. It was the time of day that paper boys around the world dread but it was the time of day that duck hunters yearn for.

For the duck hunter it's the time of day to contemplate things yet to come and things past. All the equipment, guns, dogs, thermos, calls, etc. are all in arm's reach.