I have given up my waterfowling, both guiding and for pleasure. I've sold every decoy I owned along with my Benelli SBE2. I no longer own anything but my calls. It has been a huge part of my life since I was a teenager. I guided and outfitted for 15 years of the 25 years I have hunted the Missouri Bootheel.

The new venture is occupying all the time and $$ I can put together. I was going to take my new rig out to Rickie's house after I bought his breakfast. I opened my garage door before it was much more than breaking light. As soon as I step out of the garage I hear it---maybe I should say heard THEM. About 25 snow geese were directly above my house ,screaming their fool heads off, no more than 100 Yards high. They were taunting me!! I probably called them some unrepeatable names, as I have many times in the past.

I got the rig hooked up, ate breakfast with Rickie and BaldJohn, then headed to Rickie's garage to hook up the new Helix 10 and gear. Buffalo13 came by to visit, drop off some work for Rickie, and check out the Excel. Later, I headed to the store to pick up an item we needed. When I opened the garage door I heard THEM. The unmistakable calls of sandhill cranes. I called for Rickie to come out to see them but they had quit calling. I mouth called to them and they all fired back up, circled a few times, then headed on SE.

Seems I can't get away from some things in my past that gave me days and days of enjoyment.