
Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
- Jeff S
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Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
During the last few years I have posted some pictures from our annual trip to the U.P. for the duck opener. We've been doing this for about 30 years and sometimes we do pretty good, and some years it's a bust. This was not one of the great years. I had hoped to use my 10 g. Charles Daly, but in spite of gallant efforts by my friends at RST, the shells arrived 1 day too late for this trip, so I opted to use "Stubby", my 24" Parker GH. Between the 3 of us, our combined "bag" matched the number of ducks engraved on "Stubby" (that's 2). That's not a lot of shooting, but we had a great time. It's a good day when a 93 year old pulls on his waders and climbs into a duck boat. At that point, the number of ducks taken really doesn't matter. Besides, he got to have his favorite chicken noodle soup at McGowen's Family Restaurant 3 nights in a row. We'll get the ducks next year.
Sorry about the picture orientation. I have to figure out how to correct that problem. Jeff
Weather permitting, Stubby will get another chance tomorrow morning when the season opens in the Southern Zone.

Last edited by Jeff S on Fri Oct 11, 2019 8:55 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Shoot vintage firearms, relax, and have fun.
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
We should all hope to be pulling on the waders at 93!
Roger
We should all hope to be pulling on the waders at 93!
Roger
"Somehow, the sound of a shotgun tends to cheer one up" -- Robert Ruark
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
Jeff, that was a fantastic hunt. At 79 years old, I have a long ways to get to 93 and still duck hunt, but I am trying to make it. I tried my waders on yesterday and they still fit even though my feet have gotten bigger. I am heading out for the CA opener on the 19th.
Jim
Jim
Goodbye Mandy, once in a life time hunting dog. I miss you every day.
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
A+ for your effort Jeff.
" . . . but we had a great time." And that's great!
If I were to put my hip boots on to go duck hunting, I'd best stay in the boat. They're full of age cracks and holes.
My wife and took a ride around Lake Huron last week from upstate NY including Lower and Upper Michigan. Nice looking country. It rained 3 of the 5 days of the trip. Boo Hiss!
Do good tomorrow.
Jolly
" . . . but we had a great time." And that's great!
If I were to put my hip boots on to go duck hunting, I'd best stay in the boat. They're full of age cracks and holes.
My wife and took a ride around Lake Huron last week from upstate NY including Lower and Upper Michigan. Nice looking country. It rained 3 of the 5 days of the trip. Boo Hiss!
Do good tomorrow.
Jolly
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
Go Stubby!!! Nice pics buddy... Good luck and be safe and make Stubby proud. 
PS; We'll miss you in SD this year.

PS; We'll miss you in SD this year.
Owning a Fox is not a spectator sport.
- Jeff S
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
Update from the blind. A few woodies buzzed by, but no luck. A flock of geese flew over too low and Stubby dropped one with a 1 oz. load of #5 bismuth.
[attachment=0]06F77593-75F0-4666-A67B-9AA10FF33155.jpeg[/attachment
[attachment=0]06F77593-75F0-4666-A67B-9AA10FF33155.jpeg[/attachment
Shoot vintage firearms, relax, and have fun.
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
Nice photo J.S. Ole' Stubby is a real looker 'eh?
BTW- Just goes to show you that you don't need a 3.5" roman candle load to drop a Canada. Nice shootin'. 5's are my go to load for geese and ducks.
BTW- Just goes to show you that you don't need a 3.5" roman candle load to drop a Canada. Nice shootin'. 5's are my go to load for geese and ducks.
Owning a Fox is not a spectator sport.
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
Jeff, thanks for the report from the UP!! Anytime your hunting with friends and family (especially a 93 Y/O) bird count means nothing. Weather permitting heading up that way this week for grouse/woodcock. Enjoy the Lower opener and keep the pics/stories coming.
Regards - Foxnut
- Jeff S
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
One down with the 10 ga.
Shoot vintage firearms, relax, and have fun.
- Jeff S
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
[attachment=0]5498ECEE-F610-49D4-A625-4CD72AC5D71B.jpeg[/attachment
Make that 4. Love the hammer gun
Make that 4. Love the hammer gun
Shoot vintage firearms, relax, and have fun.
- Jeff S
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
Well, I had a great morning. I had my 6 duck limit by 9:30. 3 woodies, 2 gadwalls and 1 mallard. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that much action. Lot’s of woodies in the air.
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Re: Duck Hunting in Michigan's U.P.
You picked a good spot my friend. Nice shooting. Next time give 'ole Stubby a chance.



Owning a Fox is not a spectator sport.