Dog Blinds & The Founder of MOMarsh | HP Outdoors
When it comes to turning your passions into a business, there are few that have done it as successful as Ira McCauley DVM. Ira a successful Veterinarian has turned his passion for waterfowl hunting not only into one business but two. From building one of the most premier hunting lodges to making some of the best dog blinds the waterfowl industry has ever seen. Ira McCauley built Momarsh and helped co-found Habitat Flats. Dan and Josh had the privilege of talking with Ira about his businesses and the industry of waterfowl hunting. I highly recommend listening to the podcast. However, if you'd like to learn more about the dog blinds MOmarsh has developed or the caliber of Habitat Flats then read on through this article.
You can listen to the Podcast here - Episode 89 Ira McCauley of Habitat Flats & Founder of MOmarsh
Habitat Flats - Waterfowl Hunters Paradise
Located in Sumner, MO just two hours from Kansas City, Habitat Flats sits what looks like in the middle of nowhere. However, it's where thousands if not hundreds of thousands of waterfowl migrate through each year on the Mississippi Flyway. For most farmers, they are planting crops for either their animals or to sell each harvest. However, with Habitat Flats they farm to attract waterfowl. Every year they plant thousands of acres of crops to help attract and hold ducks in their area each fall.
The Plan -
Habitat Flats started in 2008 with a group of four partners that wanted to purchase a particular piece of land that actually wasn't even for sale at the time. Therefore, Ira, Aaron McCauley, Dan Daugherity, and Tony Vandemore came together to pool enough finances to purchase a piece of land that would be suitable for creating a duck hunting lodge that all would desire to be at. Thankfully, the four of the partners had the drive to make this successful for years to come. Tony Vandemore became the face of the brand and manager of Habitat Flats. Tony is who most people today assume started and sole owns Habitat Flats. However, the success of the lodge was built by the four partners pooling their ideas, land, and financials so they could create a long-term business.
The Hunt -
When you plan to book a hunt with Habitat Flats you'll be greeted with the best service possible. From the time before you hunt to the time you leave Tony and the Habitat Flats team offer an exceptional hunting experience. All of the hunts are 3 days 3-night all-inclusive hunts. Starting in early September, Habitat Flats kicks off with the early teal season and continues to Duck season and even early Snow Goose Season. With thousands of acres adjacent to three major wildlife refuges, Swan Lake NWR, Grand Pass Conservation Area and Fountain Grove Conservation Area. Habitat Flats is in the perfect spot for migratory waterfowl hunting.
If you have the opportunity to hunt at Habitat Flats in Sumner, MO you'll have access to hunt flooded fields, managed soil marshes, sloughs, and timber holes. You name it, Habitat Flats offers duck hunting over it. With over 50 permanent blinds, they have plenty of space to put you on the birds each morning. I know for myself I wanted to stay and see every one of the duck holes they had to offer. It's just not possible on one visit which is why they have so many returning guests each year.
Habitat Flats puts in a ton of time each year preparing for waterfowl season and it shows in the quality of the hunts and properties you'll experience on your guided hunting trip.
The Lodge -
** **I should rephrase this and say lodges, since Habitat Flats started they have been able to establish two more lodges. One in Arkansas and another is in Saskatchewan. However, the most known and notable is their lodge in Sumner, MO. The backyard overlooks the flooded corn fields and Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge where thousands of mallards will roost every night during the migration.
If the beauty of the fall sunsets weren't enough as you walk into the lodge you get a 5-star hunting lodge like you've never seen. Inside there lies a full kitchen, where all the meals are prepared and served daily. From steaks to prime rib, to salmon you'll be eating very well on your visit. As you continue through you'll be shown your very own private sleeping areas with full bathrooms to provide some rest each night. Additionally, you'll get to relax in the large great room that has a TV, a stocked bar, and just about every mounted waterfowl you can imagine. This area is perfect for relaxing and enjoying some time out of the blind after you get your limit.
Overall, there is no lodge out there that offers the ample amenities as Habitat Flats does. It was all because of the partnership Ira created with his friends to make the absolute best duck hunting lodge.
MOmarsh - Waterfowl Hunting Products
Ira McCauley is the founder of MOmarsh that was established in 1998. Ira started his waterfowl hunting passion in the marshes of Lousiana and Texas. While attending Mizzou for college, Ira began waterfowl hunting what is called "The Golden Triangle" near Sumner, MO. Here is where Ira and his brother later bought some hunting land, which is where MOmarsh began its efforts of improving shallow water products.
One of the first products created by MOmarsh was the Original Fatboy marsh boat. The boat was designed to be a layout boat for hunting ducks in the marsh or divers on big waters. However, the company has expanded to offer blinds, sleds, and of course, dog blinds and marsh stands. Plus if you listen to the podcast, Ira alludes to MOmarsh having some pretty amazing products coming down the pipeline.
MOmarsh Dog Blinds & Dog Products -
When it comes to duck hunting or Goose hunting having a place for your gun dog to hide is very important. Therefore, most use dog blinds or dog hides to give their dog a place to not only conceal them but keep them safe. There are numerous manufacturers out there providing dog blinds. However, no one does it like MOmarsh. Currently, MOmarsh has four different styles of dog blinds that are perfect for this waterfowl season.
MOmarsh Field House - Size - 31" x 24" x 21" - Overall Height 25" Weight - 15 lbs
When it comes to dog blinds MOmarsh's Field House is the top of the line. It was created to be the most comfortable dog blind on the market, while still creating the best hide for all gun dogs. The blind is created with a mesh floor to allow for easy drainage and comfort. Keeping your dog dry as possible is what will keep them warmer and prevent them from getting too cold to hunt. Therefore, the mesh floor keeps the dog off the ground and doesn't let water to pool up inside the blind.
Additionally, the dog blind is designed with 3" legs to elevate the blind off of the ground helping keep your dog dry and comfortable. Essentially the blind is very similar to a dog cot. Except that it has a frame that gives concealment to your dog while in the field. With zippers on the front and back, the dog blind has easy access for your dog to enter and exit. Hence, the enclosed blind hides your dog's body from decoying ducks and geese. Overall the Field House dog blinds are built with extreme durability and specifically for the rough environments that waterfowl hunters endure with their dogs.
MOmarsh Field House LP - Size - 31" x 24" x 14.5" Overall height 17" Weight - 14 lbs
With the number of avid field hunters, customers desired a lower profile dog blind. Therefore, MOmarsh listened and offers the Field House Low Profile dog blinds as well. Made of the same material as the original Field House. The Low Profile version is about 8" lower casting less of a shadow while field hunting. It also helps to be closer in height to layout blinds so it doesn't stick out in a cut corn or bean field. As for the rest of the blind, it has the same mesh floor to help keep your dog dry when hunting over water. Plus it has the 3" legs to keep your dog off the ground as well. This is really a nice feature when it comes to comfort and keeping your dog off of the frozen ground come late season.
Similar to the Field House, the LP has zippered doors on either end that provides for a quick in/out for your dog. If you have a bull of a dog like mine that rockets out of their dog blind, the frame is made of round tubing that won't bend or break. It's designed to take the abuse of a gun dog during waterfowl season. Additionally, the dog blinds are fixed with oversized pads that fix to the legs and match the contour of any field. Therefore, you can get a very stable dog blind that won't shift or move when your dog enters or exits.
MOmarsh Invisi-Lab - Size - 31" x 24" x 21" Blind | Legs 24 - 34" Weight - 17lbs
When it comes to versatility dog blinds tend to lack in this department. Usually, they can be used on the dry ground but that's about it. This is why MOmarsh created the Invisi-Lab dog blinds model. Designed to offer extreme versatility when it comes to land, marsh, or water. The Invisi-Lab dog blinds offer not only concealment for your dog, but elevation as well. The feet have an adjustable range of 10" with a max of 34". This way you can keep your dog out of the water when hunting timber, flooded fields, or marsh. The blind even has the option of running without the legs making it suitable for field hunting as well.
Similar to other MOmarsh dog blinds the Invisi-lab has a mesh floor inside that offers superior drying capabilities and comfort. The mesh is supported with webbing to prevent it from ever tearing or breaking apart. I know for myself I've left my outside for weeks in the sun and it never cracked, faded, or broke down. They are built tough with round tubing that is painted to prevent any rusting. Fixed with stubble straps, the blind is very easy to conceal in any condition. Plus the dog blind has entry points on either side of the blind making it easy to enter or exit.
Overall, if you're looking for a dog blind that has the versatility to hunt in nearly every situation then the Invis-Lab will be your go-to dog blind.
MOmarsh Final Stand - Size - 31" x 24" | 18-34" Leg Height Weight - 9 lbs
The final dog blind offered from MOmarsh is the Final Stand, and yes it's more of a marsh stand than a dog blind. However, this is the foundation and platform that the previous three dog blinds are built off of. The features that are found in the Invisi-Lab are very similar to the Final Stand. Each of the four legs have ball pivoting feet that help to stabilize the stand. These also provide a spot to anchor the blind to a surface with the included stakes. One of the best features of the stand is that each of the four legs can be adjusted independently. Therefore, you can level the Final Stand on any type of hill or rough surface.
The platform is made of mesh that aids your dog in drying and staying comfortable. I like using this in marshes where it's a bit of hike in since it's lightweight and folds up nicely. I also use it for a lot of backyard training work. It gives dogs a place to train from. It's one of the best tools when it comes to teaching a dog not to break. Since if they do your dog will come off the platform, which really hones the drill of being steady and not breaking.
The Final Stand is just one of the many great products Ira and MOmarsh have to offer. If you'd like to learn more about MOmarsh products and the founder Ira McCauley then listen to the podcast here.
About The Author -
Chris Gezella is an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Growing up he was always out shooting trap and chasing pheasants, but his true passion resides in waterfowl hunting. As the owner of Alpha Dog Nutrition he has a passion for bird dogs, and as a hobby, he also helps operate The Upland Hunter, The Waterfowl Hunter & Guns Cleaner.