Going on a Hunt

laduck · Postby **laduck** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 6:22 pm

How does the old saying go? "Hope springs eternal in the human breast". When things are bad, and this year has been bad, do you all still think that you will kill ducks on the next hunt? I am going in the morning because I think "what if the ducks start flying and I am not there". Maybe things will be different in the morning> Maybe there will be ducks if I go to a different place. Maybe ducks moved in during the last week (I know that they haven't not, because people have told me so). All I need is one good hunt to forget all of the bad ones. So how do you all approach the next hunt for this year? I hope that you all have a great hunt in the morning and be safe out there. Jack

Shoot them sprigs on their next pass!

CaptnT · Postby **CaptnT** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 7:57 pm

Like most good things in life, its the chase that is half the fun. [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

I'll be looking to the sky when the sun rises tommorrow for the same reason, laduck, so I can see for myself.

Postby **judge jb** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 8:19 pm

thats the reason they call it DUCK HUNTIN, not duck KILLIN..... enjoy......

judge jb

Anatidae · Postby **Anatidae** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 1:40 pm

Well, I've had those same thoughts (about the ducks showin'-up any day), for about 2 months, now. And even though I haven't pulled the trigger in the last 4 trips, I went again, this morning. [img]images/smiles/icon_redface.gif[/img]

From our scouting runs, we've seen 4 mallards in this particular spot. That's 4 more than we've seen anywhere else. It's a chore to get in there, but we've gone thru the ordeal so many times, it's like ridin' a bicycle, now.

We got 'bout 1/2-way in there when we noticed a dozen honkers that had roosted in this spot last night. [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] They just skirted around us as we entered 'their' sanctuary, never making a sound.....and didn't appear to view us as a threat.....just kept about 40yds between us.

Well, shootin' time came and I looked to see where they had gone, expecting them to be WAY out, by now. 'Spotted'em sittin' on a grass bed 'bout 50yds off my end of the boat. I removed the 'Drylock' 2's from my gun and inserted some Bismuth BB's. My heartbeat quickened as the gander gave that muted 'ger-onk' that tells the other birds, "ya'll 'bout ready to get somthin' t' eat?" I squirmmed in my seat, making sure I'd be in postition for the 'shot', should they decide to come my way. Then they started cluckin' which means they fixin' to go airborne.

They unflolded their wings (which would've given me the best chance to bag about 3 sittin' together). They taxied and then lifted-off, passing within a mere 35yds of us, much to my surprise. I never made a move for my gun.....I could only watch the beautiful spectacle as they took flight.

[img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img]WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOOT? [img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img] Well, that's a good question......one that I'm not sure I can answer, but here goes. I turned 48, today.....the older I get, the more appreciation I have for life.....maybe I'm gettin' 'soft'....(No, I am gettin' 'soft'). But, seeing those geese, that close (in what THEY trusted was a peaceful coexistence).....was a trust I couldn't betray and a birthday present I couldn't have topped had I killed the whole bunch of'em. Like my ole buddy, CapnT said...."it's the chase that's half the fun".

Thirty-five years ago, I woulda been linin'-up heads and slingin' lead.....and never thinkin' twice, about cripples floppin' all over the place. But this time, it just felt right to let'em go (JB, I don't know what to call it.....not killin', not huntin'....'guess you'd have to call it 'gratitude')........there'll be other days.....and better days.......provided God is merciful enough to grant me a few more seasons.

Those 4 mallards?........never showed-up.....and I didn't pull the trigger again! [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] But I have NO regrets about today......it'll be one my fondest memories of waterfowling (at least until Alzheimer's kicks-in). 'Glad I went!!

[img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img] Happy Birthday to me! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Happy hunting to all you old 'coots' out there, that can relate to what happened to me, today! [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] I'd be interested in your thoughts.

[ January 12, 2002: Message edited by: Anatidae ]

mallard man · Postby **mallard man** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 3:04 pm

Just wanted to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I bet that was a pretty sight and a heck of a gift.I have an understanding for what you saw and did with the geese I did the same yesterday deer hunting I had sworn when I left the house yesterday going hunting I would not come back home with out some meat but had 5 does in my field for about 45 min to an hour and never pulled the triger,just enjoyed watching them graze in their "safe place" and that made for a good afternoon in the outdoors!Cant wait for the day that I can take my son and let him enjoy some of the same good times in the outdoors.

P.S Man your getting old!! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Postby **judge jb** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 3:45 pm

Anatidae, me you both share alot in common, age as well, sometimes i feel a little soft, then i remember that i don't hate ducks and geese as much as i did in my younger days....haha.... don't like to hunt hard either... like to sit on the deck and just watch sometimes...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND......

judge {cooter brown} jb

Anatidae · Postby **Anatidae** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 8:47 pm

Thanks, guys....it's folks like ya'll that make me feel there's hope for this world, afterall. 'Cooter'.....Ha, I love that! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

nomsduckhunter · Postby **nomsduckhunter** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 9:18 pm

This is my first time to post even though I truly enjoy reading the information that is placed here. My best friend and I have been hunting for the last 20 years and there have been times when you just sit and watch as ducks swing through the dekes. Why? Sometimes it's just the right thing to do. Only duckhunters know the answer. The thrill is not always the kill. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

hemingway · Postby **hemingway** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 8:10 pm

Anat-
Very well said...some may call it soft but i call it respect for your quarry. Its also about maturation as a man/hunter. I like to fill a limit as much as the next guy but "gratitude" sometimes wins out...this year I would just like to pull the trigger [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Anatidae · Postby **Anatidae** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 8:46 pm

I appreciate your thoughts 'Hemingway'....thanks....'glad to know you're still around and hope you get the opportunity to pull the trigger (or not), soon.

Noms.....'Been there, done that.......There've been many times my wife (#1 hunting partner) has asked, "Why didn't you shoot? I kept waiting for you to shoot, but"....blah, blah, blah...."what are you waitin' for?" [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

Like you said....Sometimes, I just want to watch the birds. If he's not 5' off the water, back-peddling and suspended over the decoys about 20 yds out with his neck and feet stretched-out....I don't even make a move for the gun. I'm so numb about the season right now that I don't care if I don't get to pull the trigger until next year....I really miss just seein' the ducks. [img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img]

goosebruce · Postby **goosebruce** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 8:57 pm

Yeah, ole anti-did didnt pull the trigger...

Bet his wife COLD SMACKED a double on tasteys, and made him skin them for his birfday! bwhahahahahahahah!

I watched snows try to land in the deeks yesterday, while others passed over the pit in range. I didnt shoot. Was too enthralled with geese actually working, and watching my dog. Course they werent fit to eat either, if itd been honkers Id been hammering ass. I dont hate em like I used to either, but I still eat them! travis

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