Following the annual waterfowl migration from beginning to end? If you’re a waterfowler, this is your dream fall. This was also Cole Fabro’s mission when he decided to collaborate with HuntStand on a unique new series. The first stop for the SOUTHBOUND waterfowl series is Wisconsin.
Started Young
Fabro couldn’t wait to get started on his SOUTHBOUND quest. He’s a dedicated waterfowler, and was excited to do some traveling and find some birds. It’s no surprise that Fabro grew up in a hunting family. His early hunting was mainly for deer and pheasant. Then a high-school buddy got him into waterfowling, and he’s been chasing the birds ever since.
Day 1 Challenges
On Day 1 of their hunt in Wisconsin, Fabro’s team was running about 12 dozen Canada goose decoys. The team had found a really good field, with two different food sources attracting birds. There was a lot of birds. Everything was looking great, except for the HuntStand LandZone wind forecast wasn’t too promising. There was little wind, and things didn’t quite work as planned. But thankfully, HuntStand was forecasting a change.
Day 2 Redemption
On the next hunt, the wind finally picked up, blowing steadily out of the north. It was late October and the group was hunting silage fields. The group was using Alpha Waterfowl Blinds from ALPS OutdoorZ, and they worked nicely. It should be noted that Fabro prefers to use fully flocked decoys for his sets. They are expensive, and they can wear out quickly if you don’t store and protect them with bags. That’s why Fabro uses ALPS gear bags, and they come highly recommended. As proof, Fabro is on year 10 with some of his favorite flocked decoys. He points out that they would never last that long without taking the time to store them in bags.
The group ended its waterfowl series in Wisconsin on a good note, bagging many fine Canadas. Mission accomplished. With the bulk of the fall hunting still ahead of them, it was a great way to kick off the fall. Continue the journey by watching Episode 2 of SOUTHBOUND.
