hey guys and gals, What a great morning to be out hunting. My partner and I did really well, for the 1st day of our hunt competition. All together we got 11 ducks and 1 common merg. 2 buffles,3 redheads. 3 bluebills, and 3 ringnecks. Yesterday all the teams met at the sportmens club, we discussed the rules and all agreed on them. The only rule that I didn't like was about shooting mergs. I seldom shoot them cause they suck, but one of the guys said,"they're ducks too and he likes to eat them". We shot 1, but I still feel bad that we're using them in our contest. I'm going to try his recipe and I'll let you know how it is. Still I think I'll pass them up when I know they're mergs. I respect your opinion 16 gauge, everybody has one, and it's what this country is made on. 1st the money to get in the contest is going towards some prize $, and a really nice luncheon tomorrow after noon. Plus a lot of local business' donated prizes. Yeah , there will be a winner, but in this case everybody wins. Everybody who particapates gets tickets, and the more birds you get ,you get more tickets. They all get put into a barrel and the prizes will be picked. Like my friend Wigeon says,"we are all friends U.P. here and it stays that way,we all hunt together at times.Hell, last year I kept bumping heads over this spot. So I invited my new hunting buddy over. We all respect everyone and we're TRUE Sportsmen U.P. here. And MY invitation sticks to all Michiganders, Trolls or Yoopers, ever want to come U.P. and hunt and meet a great bunch of guys you'all give me a call. Good Luck hunting and hopefully more birds are on there way, for our friends under the bridge. Will let everyone know how we do tomorrow.