Ducks Galore...
Travis Frank
It's the start of another Minnesota hunting season. The anticipation is high as I rise from bed. A start time that begins at 9:00 am forces me up at 4. I hustle for a cup of coffee and on the road we go. I meet up with the hunting crew and start throwing on the gear. The sky's are dark, but my hunting crew says we must hurry.
For ten plus years we have scurried to this same honey hole, and the catch. It is public hunting land. "We gotta be the first," says Bails my longest standing hunting buddy. So we throw the dekes on our shoulders, duck calls, shells and a beverage tucked in the waders. Through the catttails for what seems like forever. The slough looks different than in years past, but the ducks are there. As it starts to glow from the rising sun, it is very obvious that this would be another good opener.
Typical opening duck day. A bunch of great buddies with great nicknames. Bails, Whorl, D to the E, Alabama, Scotty, and Jiffy. Not a cloud in the sky or a ripple on the water. As we flush the ponds resting birds, it is very apparent that yet again, I could have savored a couple more hours of sleep. For 10 plus years we have hurried to be the first, and nearly every time, we don't encounter any hunters.
That's ok, it's duck opener, and we must get out there early. To miss on the laughs and the talks of past hunts would be a shame. The wait makes it all the more sweet.
As 9:00 am rolls near, we throw out the dekes and watch the sky's fill with flight. I look at Scotty and we both know that this is going to be good. 8:55, 8:56, 57 and with each passing minute the ducks become more frequent. Finally! It's 9 and the ducks are everywhere. Bang! Bang! and my limit is full. Woodies that is. All this anticipation for a couple of reports from the barrel. Yep, that's opener.
As the woodies flew from every direction, it became apparent to Scotty and I that we weren't gonna have any other species to poke at. As we round up the troops and pack up the birds, the the smiles are endless from a each and every hunter. The walk was worth it, and the sleep unnecessary, cuz another opening day story goes down as a success. 28 ducks in total for the seven mighty hunters, and yep, It was worth it!
Thanks boys for all the fun, without the laughs and remeniscing,it just wouldn't be the same. The ducks are the bonus when I hit the slough. I just love spending time with my duck hunting crew!