Once again, the Sportsman’s fly-in was the clear-cut highlight of the fall. 16 men made the pilgrimage to Aird Island (46°8’3″N 82°25’31″W) for a weekend of outdoor pursuits. A warm, sunny beach lined with a Cessna 182, Cessna 185, Cessna 206, Boston Whaler, and Stanley steel workboat set the scene.
An early morning duck shoot was followed by some Salmon and Walleye fishing. The Sauna was stoked in preparation for the evening. Our afternoon clay shoot prepared us for an upland pheasant push through the island’s beautiful pine grove. The bounty was lovingly prepared by the chef – pheasant scallopini with mushroom reduction.
Needless to say, our Red Canoe gear took a bit of abuse. After three days on the island, traces of dirt, feathers, scales, and fuel dotted the kit bags and flight jackets. Hints of campfire smoke and pine needles hung on our sweaters and caps. Exactly what we were hoping for.