The inaugural Moose Creek Cast-n-Blast - was a BLAST.
Definitely a great cast of characters.
The boys flew up from Chicago Executive Airport in a King Air 300 and landed 1 hour later at Lakeland Airport in Arbor Vitae Wisconsin. From there some of the boys flew with Ron in the Beaver on the 15 minute seaplane ride to Moose Creek Lodge, with the rest hauling most of the gear and goodies in the van with Andy.
First Blood - Immediately upon arrival, Ben Erskine expertly stalked and successfully shot a bird that was just off the main pier. The species of said bird is still under investigation.
Then the boys fanned out in groups into the woods looking for grouse. Bill Birck drew second blood, a fine grouse, and then also quickly knocked down a woodcock.
David Burden and Randy Rich ventured to the weedy shallows in search of musky. Suckers were dragged, but this year big old Oscar won.
Several hundred rounds of clays were shot, Bill Birck won Knockout. Kellen Monti had a harder time hitting the clays with his pistol grip Mossberg defensive shotgun. While Randy Rich swung his shotgun, he gave Andy expert lessons on how to duck down.
Meals were outstanding with Stacy and Don cooking the feasts. Dinner specialties included game appetizers, and each night alternated first a seafood line up, then pasta, then steak.
After dinner each evening, it was all hands down to the Dillinger bar for cocktails, table shuffleboard, pool shootouts and watching the Cubs loose in the playoffs. Well, there is always next year.
Bill Birck and Steve Levitas went predator hunting with Ron during the afternoon.
Randy Rich successfully stalked and killed a duck decoy. A replica BB ridden mount can be found in the basement trophy area for future generations to marvel and learn from.
The ultimate duck hunt took place on the last evening, Saturday. 2 Polaris RZR's loaded with 5 guys, 2 labs, 1 trailer and gear including 3 kayaks and 1 canoe, followed by 5 on ATV's hit the Many Rock Road trail to the Black Lake 2 wilderness area. There the group split into 2 regiments, one taking to the water and paddling to the south side of the lake, and then forming a picket line from the east beaver dam to the western edge of the willow marsh. Group 2 followed the trail to the north river mouth. Then the shooting started. Wave after wave of ducks passed back and forth. As they came from the south, any that were missed were cleaned up by the group to the north at the river mouth, and vise versa. Some beautiful teals and wood ducks were dispatched. The highlight was the huge musky that exploded the water as he tried to devour one of the duck decoys. Our black labs Rooster and Sadie did outstanding.
In the end, awards were given out in three categories:
MVP went to Bill Birck for his remarkable marksmanship and commitment to the outdoors.
Rookie of the Year was awarded to Kellen Monti for the event's only "double duck" take down.
Lastly, the Crappie Award went to Randy Rich for the stalk and take down of that deceptive little floating duck decoy!
Honorable Mention goes out to David Burden, Ben Irskine, Steve Levitas and Jack O'Brien.
Well done Gents on an amazing weekend!
