2006 Newsletter

Flyway Fowling Guide Service, LLC

2006 Season Review Newsletter - January 2007

SEASON END 408 BIRDS IN 2006!

Stale weather patterns throughout most of November resulted in slower days than expected. Unfavorable south winds blew for half the month with several days being completely calm. We came out of October averaging over 8 birds a day and by the end of November we were down to less than 6 birds per day. Cold weather moved in for December and the last two days of the season had to be canceled due to ice and unsafe conditions.

Unfortunately, fresh birds never arrived in time. The total for the year was 407 ducks and 1 goose. We lost 32 ducks which put us at a 92% recovery rate. We shot 19 different species, of which 53% were puddle ducks/geese and 47% were divers. An overall average of 7.2 birds was taken per day during the 2006 season. Over 75 birds headed for the taxidermist this year with beautiful specimens of canvasbacks and redheads being at the top of the list. Congratulations to all!

Species Breakdown

American Black Duck	5
American wigeon	12
Blue-winged teal	13
Bufflehead	30
Canada Goose	1
Canvasback	85
Common goldeneye	18
Common Merganser	1
Gadwall	29
Greater scaup	3
Green-winged teal	22
Lesser scaup	16
Mallard	110
Northern Pintail	1
Northern Shoveler	19
Redhead	19
Ring-necked duck	20
Ruddy duck	1
Wood Duck	3

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

I’ve been donating hunts to area banquets since starting my guide business – this year it was a 2 day Youth Hunt to a Wisconsin Waterfowl Association banquet. I had the pleasure of taking out two 14 year boys, one of whom had never hunted ducks before

On the first day they shot a limit of 12 ducks in 20 minutes and the second day it was a limit again in just under an hour. It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced such a fast and furious hunt. I had to explain to these young hunters that these are the kind of hunts we dream about that keeps the excitement going as each fall season rolls around. With smiles on their faces I think they understood – welcome boys to our sport! I would also like to welcome all the first-time duck hunters I took out. We are all glad to have you! I hope you continue to enjoy the wonderful sport of waterfowling.

We also had an adventurous 50 minute chase for a wounded goldeneye that we finally recovered. What a wild time! I swear that duck took us 5 miles up and down the river. I’ll keep you guessing on how many shots it took.

A YEAR OF TRANSITION

You are all aware by now that we successfully purchased the Grandview Motel on January 27, 2006. We have truly enjoyed the transition and feel very fortunate to be able to live in such a beautiful area. A few modifications are in order again on the boat as I continue to make it as user friendly as possible.

The fee for 2007 will be $145/day per person. The rate for 2008 will be $160/day per person. Speaking of 2008, if you are thinking of planning a trip please call me ASAP to reserve a date. I will hold the calendar open for repeat clients until March 1st. I apologize for the fee increase and any inconvenience this may cause, but I promise to provide you with the best service possible, and a safe, enjoyable outing each fall.

A SINCERE THANK YOU

Once again I want to thank my clients, friends and family for making the 2006 hunting season a success. Time spent in the boat with repeat clients as well as new ones is always a rewarding experience and I look forward to it every fall. Thank you for giving me the opportunity! “May the 2007 season be filled with great companionship, great weather, and great hunts!”

Please be sure to share this SEASON REVIEW newsletter with the other members of your hunting group. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year – we’ll see you once again when the ducks are flying!

Todd & Donna Lensing

“TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO WATCH THE SUNRISE IN THE MORNING.

YOU MAY NOT MAKE A LIVING AT IT BUT YOU WILL BE RICHER FOR IT.”

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Flyway Fowling Guide Service, LLC

Captain Todd Lensing
14812 State Hwy. 35
Ferryville , WI 54628
(608) 734-3235
Email Flyway Fowling