Hot Opener!

[KBell]

My son and I traveled to the relation's farm in North West Iowa today. We managed our six birds but hunted most of the day to get them. Warm weather and adjacent corn were major factors in the afternoon. We had to work for number six.

We only harvested one bird of this year today. Four were two year olds and one the I managed before he made it to an adjacent corn field was most likely a three year old. He is a crock-pot recipe bird for sure! Did observe two hens we felt were small and very young as they flushed in front of us.

I would detail the hunt but am dealing-since 4:13 p.m with a twice-skunked Sophie and the ensuing vomiting and tomato-juice baths. She was slightly skunked once prior but made up for it this time. I will try to give details later.

Should have some progress by next week if we do not receive Monday's or Tuesday's rain. If we do--I will venture it will be two weeks before more cover is available for hunting. We heard zero shots after 12:30 today. It was very busy and much shooting during the early morning hours.

At lunch several of the hunters commented about how a few birds held in the cover on public grounds but most made it to the adjacent corn in short order! That sums up our experience this afternoon.

 

[Fred74]

My son and I traveled to the relation's farm in North West Iowa today. We managed our six birds but hunted most of the day to get them. Warm weather and adjacent corn were major factors in the afternoon. We had to work for number six.

We only harvested one bird of this year today. Four were two year olds and one the I managed before he made it to an adjacent corn field was most likely a three year old. He is a crock-pot recipe bird for sure! Did observe two hens we felt were small and very young as they flushed in front of us.

I would detail the hunt but am dealing-since 4:13 p.m with a twice-skunked Sophie and the ensuing vomiting and tomato-juice baths. She was slightly skunked once prior but made up for it this time. I will try to give details later.

Should have some progress by next week if we do not receive Monday's or Tuesday's rain. If we do--I will venture it will be two weeks before more cover is available for hunting. We heard zero shots after 12:30 today. It was very busy and much shooting during the early morning hours.

At lunch several of the hunters commented about how a few birds held in the cover on public grounds but most made it to the adjacent corn in short order! That sums up our experience this afternoon.

Get bottle Dawn dish soap, a box of baking soda, and some hydrogen peroxide (big jug or several small ones).

I don't remember the exact measurements of each ingredient. I think I used 4 16 ounce bottles of peroxide a cup of baking soda and half a cup of Dawn. Mix all ingredients together really well. Scrub the heck out of your dog with ingredients and wash it out well. You may need to repeat this 2-3 times.

It works extremely well, and you won't have that lingering smell. It's a night and day difference between tomato juice !

 

[Point!]

Fred74 is quite correct. Here's the formula:

1 quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/4 cup of baking soda
1 to 2 teaspoons liquid soap

Mix in bucket
Hydrogen Peroxide must be fairly fresh (turns to water in about 60 days)
Work into dogs coat or sprayed area
Let soak on dog for 1 - 2 minutes
Flush with water
Don't get solution in dog's eyes.
Unlikely you'll need to repeat unless you miss a spot.
Doesn't work well after skunk urine has dried and worked well into skin.

I actually keep a "skunk bucket" (orange Home Depot bucket with lid) in my dog trailer. It contains the items above plus a pair of jersey gloves. The gloves are used as a "mitt" and hold the solution making it easier to put on the dog.

Here's why it works. (For those faint of heart, beware chemistry lesson ahead):

Skunk urine contains mercaptan (same stuff they put in natural gas to make it stink). Mercaptan is very acidic. H2O2 and baking soda are base. The base neutralizes the acid in the mercaptan removing the smell.

This formula works so well that if you use it on your dog, he may smell good enough to bring inside that very night. Also works immediately.

Best of luck.

Point!

 

[niceshot]

KBell, thanks for taking the time to share your report. The way you write, and the little details you include, make it seem like we are right there with you. Keep us updated on the skunk adventure! Thank again.

 

[mstand]

Nice Job Kbell,

We had the same issues with heat. Ended up having to carry a dog back. I told my hubby she was to old and it was to hot to hunt her long........one day husbands will listen to wives.

For the skunk, the above mixture is good. But I have found that adding that orange hand cleaner that mechanic use adds some punch to it. Plus it smells like oranges.

Good luck.

 

[roscoe71]

got skunked on opening day!! that sucks! i didnt go nor am i goin today, waaay to warm for me and my weim is not a warm weather dog. talked to a couple hunters today at the gas staition, needless to say they were kinda frustraited with the weather and quit around 10:00 this morning. i only have a 4 day work week this week so im praying for cooler weather next weekend. good luck and stay safe.:cheers:

 

[KBell]

Thank you!

I appreciate all of your support and suggestions! Fred74 and Point you can be sure I am carrying a "skunk kit" from now on. I will add it to the wire snips, first aid kit, treats, snake anti-venom and various other items. I took her to a local groomer at eleven this morning and she "treated" her with a solution very similar to the one you supplied. Thanks.

I for the first time could not get Sophie to leave her box this morning. After some coaxing, she did come out but we knew she was in no condition to hunt today. I examined her nose and nasal passages and to say they are inflamed is an understatement!

I believe it was that second shot from Mr. skunk that really did the trick on her. I knew of the discomfort that they experience but the sickness and inflammation is new to me.

My son and I went this morning before these gusty winds kicked in and he managed one on his side of the slough. Great reminder for he and I on the importance of dog work and their contribution to a successful hunt! We flushed five hens and one other rooster before calling it quits and enjoying a nice lunch with the family.

Did not see another hunting group today and very few shots. I am of the opinion that the amount of grain still standing in the fields is taking a toll on we hunters.

Hoping Sophie can smell by the middle of this upcoming week. Will post an opener picture later.

 

[IA at heart]

KBell, bummer about the skunking but it goes with the territory I guess. Great picture and great to "see" a few familiar names on here after a long off season. As I posted on Nates post, I am officially an Iowan now and look forward to many years in this fine state!

 

[KBell]

Welcome!

Welcome to you and your spouse to the great state of Iowa!

As you know I am a life-long Iowan but do leave during the heart of winter months now.

I hope all is well and you are looking forward to some great bird hunts. Head north and somewhat west of where you now live and you will have some great hunting.!