Outdoor hardship story

[GREASEMONKEY]

I would have no use for cold weather what so ever if it werent for Duck & Deer hunting!
Here in sc there are verry few chances to hunt wild heards of duck. They are all farmed & fed! Not to mention the $250per day to hunt.
What shotgun are you using?

I'm trading off between my Ithica 900xl, and my Remington 870

[boncrshr]

I'm actually using a Mossberg, and I hate it....which is good, because I don't freak out when it gets muddy, wet or salty...

I may get me an 870 next year, seems like every aftermarket goodie for shotguns is targeted at the 870....or I may pick me up a well worn Browning A-5 ???

If you ever come down here, I can hook you up on the duck hunting, and we will have to use our ATV's...the hunting is free too...that goes for any of the members here. This place we found is really neat. People camp, fish and hunt here. We even ran into 5 guys from Arkansas who come here once per year, and stay for 10 days. They do it because the Redheads are so thick here. The funny thing is they were all in one truck, and pulled one 4-wheeler. They loaded their gear on the 4-wheeler, and then somehow all piled on top of each other to get to their hunting spot. I thought I was in the Philippines again!

I also had a lease this year....did not kill ONE duck there. I seemed to be a sunrise observer. This lease had potential and is close...but it would take some work. Around here there is so much water you have to try and plant some natural vegetation and get your pond depth right in the off-season. Otherwise they will just go somewhere else. The frustrating thing was that the old flooded rice field across the street which was our "rest area" was holding several thousand geese and maybe 300-500 pintails. But they never would even cross the street.

[GREASEMONKEY]

did not kill ONE duck I seemed to be a sunrise observer. .

I know you'r pain!

Seriously a Remington 870 is great for everything, and the Remington 887 is just as tough and an auto! I'm looking to pick up an 887 in the near future.
You are right about the 870 being the top of the parts market! Mine doubles as home security with an 18" barrel, an extended shell tube, tactical butt stock, and pistol grip forend, with a verry bright stream light on it! It takes me all of 20min to get it ready to hunt. Put the 28" barrel back on, remove the extended tube, pistol grip, and butt stock, then just put my camo thumbhole stock on, and forgrip. AHHHH just another one of my toy's!

[mad_max_500cc]

Yep it's cooling off, I'm up here above the red river and the blue line (arctic front) is heading for the gulf coast

(All Canadians are snickering about now)

all canadians and a guy or 2 from buffalo

[mad_max_500cc]

[QUOTE=boncrshr;7843]I'm actually using a Mossberg, and I hate it....which is good, because I don't freak out when it gets muddy, wet or salty...

I was ok with my mossberg untill the action got loose , clunky , and sloppy i was thinking abought an 870 to replace it

[boncrshr]

The Mossberg started acting up yesterday....you can watch stuff rust in the salt air down here. It wasn't feeding shells properly, so I'm getting something new next year. I'm going to check out that Remington Auto....If I can find a worn out A-5 for cheap I may get one. The guys down here on the coast will put synthetic stocks on them and coat the outside with bedliner....makes a good duck gun. I have my grandfather's 50's vintage Belgium 16...it's a neat gun, feels good, points good, and kicks like a mule!

Well, we went yesterday evening and only killed one duck, but it was still awesome. Once we got to the beach, we put the trailer on the Hustler and I followed the truck, however; the sand really slowed me down more than normal, so we put the trailer back on the truck. There were a few dicey spots, but he made it. Got to the marsh turn-off point, put the trailer on the Hustler, and pulled 4 hunters, dog and gear all the way to the blind, which was under about 4" of water due to the rain we've had.

My dog made an awesome retrieve in front of everyone...I was so proud, he got Whataburger afterward(You northerners are missing out)

On the way out it was dark, so I ran in front of the Ford and picked out the path home. So the Hustler went about 26 trouble free miles yesterday, exhibited some amazing pulling, and really impressed my buddies. Power slides in the sand are fun. BTW, my top speed is 24mph right now, but my belt is slipping some. Fuel consumed appears to be a little less than half a tank.

The other conclusion I came to is that I don't need tracks. I ran through some flooded marsh yesterday without getting stuck, the only hiccup was that one time it would not climb up a bank after swimming. But I think the 25" Rawhides might be better.

[GREASEMONKEY]

Glad to hear you had a good time!

I have the same trouble with the argo not wanting to climb out after a swim. It's always the sandy banks that kill me! The soil isn't hard packed enugh to hold the weight!

I'm still amazed at how fast you guy's go in those max's. My argo get's squirlly about 15mph+

[Meinfield]

Hey Bon, I bet your dog is a happy camper after the burger dinner!
Glad to hear the hustler kicked butt...I did not get to take mine out for the hunt last weekend. We had to watch thousands of snow geese, specs and ducks work on the game refuge about a mile from our blind. Did not get a shot but still had a great time.
By the way, I have been shooting a 1980 wingmaster 870 for years...all my buddies shoot Beretta’s and various over and under expensive guns, but I can hit with the best of them! Also, it doubles as a boat paddle.
I got my Briggs 33hp v-twin in yesterday, this thing is big! It is going to be a tight fit in the hustler. I have to fabricate a motor mount, exhaust and linkage so it will be awhile before I have it running again.

[boncrshr]

Oh my...that motor is going to be interesting. The only thing we kinda messed up on was getting the belt tension correct, mine is a little loose. I can't wait to hear how that motor runs in your Hustler.

[Meinfield]

Belt

You might be able to find a slightly shorter belt? Most of the bearing houses like Motion Industries and BDI carry these type of belts. I am going to have to source a longer one when I bolt up the briggs.