October 2022 • Nebraskaland 35
to keep my guns clean and working properly. As my buddies'
fancy automatics keep jamming, my over-and-under keeps
plugging away.
It's important to clean your gun after every hunt. Sand and
dirt buildup in an older gun can be a disaster and may lead to
costly repairs. Also remember to remove moisture from your
gun when you get home to avoid rust buildup. If you're not
interested in looks or having the newest and best, that old
Remington 870 you owned as a kid may still be working.
CALL SAVINGS
Recently, I've reunited with an old friend on some
waterfowl adventures. We had our first hunt almost 50
years ago, but seem to always be going different directions
during the season. Not only is he a skilled waterfowler, he's
a magician at low budget hunting. A couple years ago, I sent
him a double reed call that cost about $25. Even though he
hunts often, he really never figured out how to use a duck call
the right away. Much to my surprise when we got together,
not only could he blow the call, he sounded pretty good.
He had been practicing, and listening, and didn't need an
expensive acrylic call to fool ducks. Not only that, he had
put together his own motion decoy: A pulsating goose decoy
almost identical to the ones you can buy for a hefty price. He
told me he saved at least $100 compared to buying one new.
Through trial and error, my friend found a way to save
money and still kill ducks. And it doesn't hurt that his
scouting skills are always on point.
N
Finding the right decoy brand is important, but
scouting will create a bigger return on your time and
financial investment.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
If the budget is tight, no need to buy that new gun. Take care of the one you have and find time to clean it after
every hunt. It will pay dividends in the long run.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
