Eagle Lake Ranch-Ducks 18th

[GWP]

  The wife and I decided to call around to a guide service to see about a duck or goose hunt after spending the weekend of the 11th walking around with nothing but exercise to show for it. Eagle Lake Ranch was the winner this time, though there were others we considered. As this last weekend was a slow one for them, we decided to try them out. We were paired with another couple and headed out Saturday morning at O-dark thirty after a very good breakfast in the lodge. We were not sure whether we were going to stay there Saturday night or not, though we were both impressed with the lodge and the breakfast they served us. We helped our guide 'Tim' get set up in the cattails, but he asked us to let him set the duck decoys out. The fact he was grinning while putting out decoys in freezing temperatures and snow told me he really enjoyed his work. In short order his excellent calling had birds coming in. Conversation was great, and there was enough birds to keep us busy. It slowed down quite a bit, so we switched to another spot that was already set up by another guide. We were two shy of our limits when we called it a day. If we had hit all that we shot at we would have been done hours earlier, but then again, that is not what it is all about for us. We learned some great tips, and had a great time. We decided to stay the night in the lodge. Dinner was great, and I had an excellent dark beer that they have on tap, 'Irish Death'. Yummy! The only down part was the kennels were not very good, so the dogs stayed in the car, and I went out every two hours to start it and warm it up for them, but all in all, it was a very pleasant experience. Next day was goose! 

[carpsniperg2]

Sounds like a great hunt. Glad they got you on the birds

[GWP]

They have leased property that they have had the lease on for over 40 years, and most of the guides have been there a long time. Tim started guiding there when he was 12! Our guide 'Tony', the guide we had the next day, said he had known Tim since he was twenty one inches long! It was worth the money for the experience, birds were a bonus. We had a great time. The wife broke in her new shotgun by shooting a Green Wing Teal, her favorite waterfowl. I could see getting spoiled if we could afford to do this more then once a season. Might be tempted to park my boat and decoys!

[Hot Lunch]

Sounds like your typical day with Eagle Lakes, they run a classy operation and with all thier properties can move hunters around to maximize everyones success.   I talked with Mike Bernson last week, he told me the numbers of ducks they are holding and shooting and its beyond impressive. I am glad you had a great time!

[400out]

very good memories! Good for you  and your wife

[Fish4Fun]

Sounds like you had a great time over there. My buddy and some others were there as well, they did ok on ducks and geese for the 2 days that they were there too.

[HighCountryHunter88]

Irish Death is a darn good beer

[teal101]

Irish Death is a darn good beer

That it is.  Brewed in Ellensburg.