Over the past three seasons I've added 8-10 small islands within the wetlands we've hunted since 2004. A primary advantage during high wind days it that the islands serve as a wind break if they are placed at a right angle to the prevailing N and S winds. They're also good for planting late maturity seed crops.

They also serve as nice loafing areas when the birds want to rest and sun themselves. We were at the wetlands today to check on the status of the draw down we started last week for the new owners so they can plant next month. Lots of ducks still around. Even in the spring they tend to congregate on the islands.

Too bad one of those bluewings didn't die of natural causes

Lots of pretty BWT! I'd love to hunt just once on those wetlands. You've done great work!

Awesome pics seems like the hard work is paying off

Sorry to hear you are losing a spot. Looks like a great spot. I'm sure you got plenty places to hunt tho..

Guess you didn't see it in previous posts, Guy.

Carol and I bought that 56 acre hay meadow parcel in 2004. We engineered and excavated it so as to create an 11 acre wetlands on the lower elevation South end. We designed it in a manner that catches and holds all of the surface flow from the approximate 100 acres around it. We control the water level by an 8" PVC discharge line from the deepest part of the holding pond out through a berm and a valve to a wet season creek on the edge of our property to the South. That creek flows some 12-1/2 miles into Lake Crockett to the East.

Over the 9 seasons that we owned and hunted the wetlands, we've had three of our dawgs retrieve close to 2,000 ducks and geese there. In fact, it's the only place that our Remi and Rusty have ever hunted. When we lost Cappy last April at age 13, he had been retired for two seasons because of cancer surgery and laryngeal paralysis. Carol and I have never hunted elsewhere in those eight years, never cared to.

At age 72, father time and declining health has made it virtually impossible for me to continue to maintain the wetlands as I've done in prior years. By mid-last season it had become apparent to me that it was time to allow someone else to own and enjoy the property as much as we have. After all, each of us are stewards of our property for only a short period of time. The new owners are very dedicated duck hunters and have been gracious in allowing us the privilege of still being able to hunt the property occasionally next season. To the extent that I'm able, I'll help them with planting and chores there since they are in Houston and we're just five miles away. Running over and opening/closing valves rather than their having to come up from Houston for small tasks like that.

I know, you need to take it easy there Cappy. I remember one season you almost over did it in the heat. You get to still hunt that place, that's cool deal. You can come hunt with me anytime.

Very nice place you've created!