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I finally found a small number birds in my area. Left a little earlier than normal this morning in anticipation of good things.
Set up the decoys, hid the boat, hid myself all with a few minutes left to spare.

Ever had one of those days where everything you touch turns to sh$t? Well I had mine today, and then some. Normally the hard part is just getting set up in the right spot. As long as you are in the right spot the shooting ought to be easy, right? Wrong.

I should have had the limit this morning. I should have had a Pintail, a Gwall, and 4 Mallards. But could I hit anything, hell no. First shot was too far away, second group was a gimme that I flat out missed. Decided to wait and let the next batch come in closer due to the high wind this morning. They made one circle and left the area. I wouldn't let that happen again.

The next batch was again, too far. This time I knocked one down. Unfortunately, my dog didn't see it fall, and I couldn't cast her in the right direction. I had to walk halfway to the bird. Needless to say, I missed an opportunity at the next batch because I was jacking around with the dog. Couldn't find the bird and now very disgusted with my performance. Thank goodness no one was with me to witness my performance. And for the grand finale, on the way out of the brake, I stuck my boat on a submerged cypress knee. This should have been one of the best hunts in this area this year, instead I screwed up everything that came my way. I should have stayed in bed.

Ever had one of those days?

yea but had you stayed in bed you would have been writing about oversleeping and missing a great opertunity to be in the woods because you were for sure that you were going to limit out this morning.,, Now you know

At least you got to see the sun rise [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

better than being at work, BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

No matter how bad the hunt was, it was better than being at work. That is for sure.

Wildfowler, it is obvious that you were just overwhelmed at finding ducks where there have been none all year. I know how well you can shoot--you need to regain your composureso that Squealer can get some action!

Ever had one of those seasons???
JT [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

I'll tell you about anticipation, it makes you do stupid things! You start seeing birds that aren't there. You click the safety everytime a killdee dives in. Then when the birds do come, you shoot in a panic.

I've started making myself hold back and not shoot when the first bird comes in range.
I just watch. Then after I calm down, I'm ready on the next "volley".

This has helped me on those days when I'm rushed to get to the hole, forgot my calls, only 4 shells in my bag, dog crapped all over my waders, etc.