September 2007 Updates page 8
21 September
Duck Blinds
What is routine drudgery for us we are often reminded that to others it is interesting work. Collecting camouflage for the duck blinds.
The late June floodwater made the pickings slim for rippy grass, but we were able to find a spot to get by for the 07 season.
Some of the asides that we receive questions about may include some of what may be considered innocuous to others. The tractor above running at PTO speed to drive the cutter is lucky to get by at 5 gallons an hour fuel consumption. Farmers and tractor 
owners look at the hour meter on tractors as dollar meters. The 40 -50 gallon fuel tank on a utility tractor (80 - 120 hp) is frequently filled twice a day during spring planting, fall harvest. Any time such a tractor is run it is for income, not recreation.
Future MAHA owners/operator Jon Jr and T.J. paying their dues. Wage less labor for the Association. These pictures are from several weeks ago. The temperatures were high, the humidity kept clothes soaked and the gloves required by the rippy grass serrated edges.
The infallible Bruce Johnson tying down one load of many used to cover blinds.
Rippy grass is used for our duck blinds for several reasons. It is a locally grown product. It is durable. It has length and flexibility to weave onto the blinds. The downside is, it is hand labor intensive to sustain the characteristics that make it good for blinds.
The pictures above are how the Jon Nee family and Bruce Johnson spend their weekends several weekends each fall.
Other notes. Duck blinds are covered in time for regular duck season, not early teal.
