November 23rd, 2009

Late Season Forecast!

We have a lull before our December hunters start to arrive, so thought I would take the opportunity to post a report on our hunting so far this year.

We had a very unusual spring and summer, which was cool and wet.  Our habitat is exceptional, and the cover has never been better.  Our biggest challenge, State wide, has been delayed harvesting, because of the moisture content in the corn and beans.  If you have a free time slot in Dec., we expect our BEST hunting to be on the horizon for the season.  

We still have a farmer who hasn’t been able to get  400 acres of corn out that borders us on two sides. 

Although some of our old faithful hunters took a year off due to the economy, we have had larger groups, with some new faces.  The guys have truly had to hunt this year but were seeing good numbers of birds, and found their experience exciting and worthwhile (at least according  to the banter around the supper table).  We were able to help a couple of our hunters celebrate birthdays this season… including our grand son… Kaiden’s 12 and his first official coming of hunting age mile stone.   He has been harvesting his share of birds right along with the seasoned guns, so we are very proud of him.  Grandpa Ron bought him a new 20 ga. Mossberg Youth shotgun for this important birthday.   As well as a very pink .22 Cal. Cricket Single Shot for his sister Karsyn, although she is a tender heart and would rather help birds and animals stay well and healthy.  Her young dog Chloe has been out with Mike this year on every hunt, and is picking up very quickly from Drake and Jake.

We have made some improvements to the lodge and game room, including the installation of a 60 inch big screen TV.   which  has received many positive comments.

We are again doing our Pheasant mount raffle for charity.  This year the proceeds will go to a young local fellow with Thyroid cancer.  He is a mature 14 year old and a very good student, so hope our annual effort will make a little difference for he and his parents.  The draw will take place at the end of the season.  6 chances for $20.  Let us know if you want in the draw.

This weekend Mike and his family have been here on their annual deer bonanza, so the fun continues! 

We want to make you all aware that we are running a RECESSION special in Dec. and are offering our hunts for $1000/hunter for a 3 day hunt. (this season only)  If you have already been hunting in  S.D. this season, your license is still good, so what a great time to make the best of our late harvest.  Most of the birds don’t even realize we have started hunting.  We would love to have all of you take advantage of our big discount whether you have been hunting this year or not.  We have several interested parties, so give us a call (605-539-1730) and book your dates.

We are already starting to fill our 2010 reservations, so look forward to another year of excitement in the fields, forming new friendships and strengthening old ones.  If you would like to retain your existing slots, shift to a new date, add to your group or are a new group looking for a WILD bird hunt, please get in touch soon, as we are expecting to fill up fast.

Until the next issue of Rooster Tales, I wish everyone a fantastic end of 09, and look forward to our next season.

Ron and Lynn Ogren

Echo Valley Ranch

605-530-1730 or 605-360- 0088 (Ron’s cell) or 605-881-4459 (Mike’s cell)