An unexpected message and a yes landed me on a plane to Colorado for my very first waterfowl hunt. The funny thing is I hesitated before I said yes. I had never been waterfowl hunting and it had been quite a long time since I even shot a shotgun. So I told them to let me think about it and I would call them back. Immediately, I picked up the phone and called my sister. She gently yelled at me and said, "What is there to think about, you go!"
So the flight got booked and I was headed out to spend the day with Platte Basin Outdoors and some women I had never met. What's crazy is it is so easy to talk ourselves out of situations. It can be based on fear or nerves, that we choose to say no to situations. In the last year, I have been in so many situations I have never been in but I am here to say, I survived every single one.
Aspen with Platte Basin was a dream. She coordinated everything, making sure I was picked up and got the group of women a place to stay. We arrived at the house and there were gifts and dinner. And most importantly, a group of women laughing their butts off and having a great time as if we had always known each other.
We headed out bright and early. In the dark I watched them study the wind and discuss the setup. Bird hunting is a lot of work, let me tell you there is nothing simple about this style of hunting. Each decoy was strategically placed. Once the stage was set, we all jumped in the pit and we waited for the morning light and sound of geese. Our guides called and worked so hard to bring in the birds. Truly one of the coolest experiences, watch a group of geese change flight and head in. Each sound of geese I hear now reminds me of this incredible group of people.
Luna kept us all entertained and smitten to be honest. Bird dogs are absolutely the best dogs. Watching their intuition to what they were born to do and their patience is astounding. I relate their energy to a shaken soda 2-Liter waiting for that cap come off. When they go, they go!
They did a great job making sure we were comfortable with how everything was set up and being new that I was next to someone (these two) that could assist and answer questions. It was such a great environment for someone brand new to learn and get acclimated to an entirely new style of hunting.
Maroon Bell Outdoor provided us each leather gloves and straps to use on the hunt. These are now my go to glove. The quality of these gloves is the highest standards. They provide the warmth and durability you look for in a glove. I think one thing I really enjoy is the movement you have in the gloves. So often you have to take gloves off to do the task at hand and these form to the shape of your hand so well, it is easy to get down what is needed with them on.
I was able to test the Decibullz Earplugs with percussive filters. These worked exceptionally well. We were able to mold them in hot water they night before to our ear shape. They rested in easily and no battery is required for them. I really like the small case they came with which gives you a place to hold them and toss them in your pack.
The gear was incredibly important to me, it was going to be December in Colorado and we were heading out very early in the morning. Kryptek just released their new waterfowl line called Flyway. The bibs were not out so I had to use some of my own but below are the pieces I tried and my thoughts on them.
Flyway Tartaros Hoodie- A great add in layer. This hoodie was thick enough to provide protection from the wind and cold with overheating too much.
Flyway Njord Vest- I can not say enough good things about the Njord vest. It is a great layer to add in for warmth without adding to much thickness to your arms for movement. Having mobility for me on any hunt is critical and this helps keep me warm and doesn't jeopardize that for me.
Flyway Njord Jacket- This has quickly become one of my favorite jacks of Kryptek. It is windproof and quiet. It also does really well in the rain, while it is not completely waterproof is is water resistant and has held out the water in the conditions of rain I have been in it.
Flyway Ventus Neck Gaiter- This is my new favorite gaiter I have ever owned. I have tried a TON of gaiters skiing. I am incredible particular about gaiters. There are two things I look for, can I breathe and does it provide warmth. I feel like I always get one or the other until this one. Not once did I feel like I was cold on my face or needed to pull it down to breathe better. Kryptek got it right with this one!
A few of us got to test out the new Remington V3 Waterfowl Pro before it was on the market. One of the sharpest looking shotguns I have ever seen. The Kryptek pattern made it one sexy looking gun. This semi-automatic shotgun has a cerakoted receiver and barrel. The recoil is soft which was comfortable for many of us to use and was a very consistent shotgun to use.
Our amazing guide Emma on the far right and the two incredible ladies Nina Rogers and Brittany Scovel that I got to spend the day with. Those ladies are killers and know how to show up and get it done. I wish we had a group picture of the rest of the ladies, because they contributed just as much to an amazing weekend.
I was excited to walk away with my first goose. Emma did a great job showing me how to harvest the bird and was able to bring back home some delicious meat. Check out Platte BasinOutdoors for your next waterfowl hunt. They will take exceptional care of you and bring the birds your way! Can't wait until my next adventure Platte Basin Outdoors and these amazing women!
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