I know those looks oh too well...

For at least the newbie's first season, I try to give tips & techniques each morning. From that, I try to "build a lesson plan", almost as if I'm teaching a student one-on-one.

I try that for a whole season. Of course, I have some private property that only I have permission on, so they get a few days to test out their "secrets" by themselves.

Then, the last time we go out for the year I act stupid and ask all the questions---what property should we hunt tomorrow, what time do you want to meet, where do you want to setup, etcetera. They're usually in complete control---but don't even realize it until the day is over.

I think the best look is when they get the bird to answer off the roost in the late season. They know what has been tried, and know I've said, "at this point, no matter what you do isn't a mistake, because they've heard everything to nothing."

Watching them have to think is the best look <img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle> maybe only second to the look of satisfaction of bringing one all the way in to realize they forgot to raise the gun off their lap <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>