Hal - looking at your photo (great looking dog, BTW), I see a metal ammo box. Looks a lot like my old steel Herters box with a padded, pop-up swivel seat - great in the blind, and I used to lay it on its side and use it for a seat when I was rowing.
Your comments on ice bring back good memories - the Ducker's a great performer through - and up on - the ice. I've always hunted with field-bred springers, and found that a neoprene vest keep's 'em comfortable right up to freezeout. The dog could come up out of ice-choked water, and within minutes I could slide my bare hand under the vest and she'd be warm and dry.
I also note that you're going after cans and 'bills - my favorite waterfowl - there's nothing to compare with the sound of divers ripping the air overhead!
