Al,
So how did it go? Which dog went with you this morninig?
Heres to a great season.
Best,
William
Hi William,
I just got home after a very nice start on the early teal season. Did not see the birds I have been but enough to make it exciting. Was fortunate to finish before the sun rose. I'm glad that I brought my 2.8 lens along. Ended up taking one juvenile bluewing hen, one juvenile bluewing drake, and two bluewing adult drakes (I just checked their eyes and one adult male was a cinnamon--his eyes were red the bluewing's were brown). It was a fine morning indeed. The thing I enjoyed more than anything was watching Chili acting young once again. Boy, was she ready to retrieve.
Al
Here's a tail gate shot for you.
Chilli looks happy with you. Congrats on a good opener.
Tim
Thanks,Tim. You should have seen Chili when I opened the kennel door. It was gangbusters for sure!
Just prior to the opening, about a half dozen teal landed in the hole. One of them not but 6 feet from Chili. I have never seen a dog "inch" her way towards the water like she did. The good news is that she held.
Al
Congratulations Al. Looks like you had a great morning!
Todd
Thanks so much, Todd. It really was a great morning. I know many a duck hunter has already said this, "Anytime you can get out to go duck hunting that is what counts. If you end up getting some ducks it just added to your already lucky day."
Al
Yeah Al way to go! Congrats on the opener.
Hi Chris,
Thanks a lot. It was definitely a good way to begin it.
Al
Great images, Al. How did the bionic knee do?
Glad you liked the pictures, Chris. As for the knee, I sure gave it a work out. In fact, I left an hour early just so I would have extra time to set up decoys. Well I didn't need it, so I used that time to sit, listen to whistling wings, and drink hot coffee. It has been 14 weeks since the operation and the knee worked just like it has been with me all of my life. Even with about 6 to 8 inches of mud, all went well. We'll see how it feels tomorrow.
Al
Congrats on a great morning Al! Looks like a good start to the season to be sure. My favourite shots are the close ups of the swimming teal and Chili with the bird. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Nick,
You know when I was a young lad living in western Minnesota----maybe of the ripe old age of 15, I used to dream about going to Canada to hunt ducks and then follow the migration all the way to Louisiana. Well, I didn't end up in Louisiana but maybe the next best place! Glad you liked the pics.
Al
Al,
Thanks for sharing your special time in the great outdoors with us. The look in Chili's eye says it all.
Tom
Tom, you are more than welcome! I sure did have fun and am already looking forward to tomorrow. Tom, this is Chili's 9th hunting season. Her first duck was a teal during the early season and she was maybe 6 months old. My pup has had that same look in her eyes since the day I first held her, which was on my birthday in April back in 2003. Chili knows me well!
Al
Al
I'm glad you had a good opener.It always feels good to start on a positive note.I'm also glad you take you camera because I absolutly love all your pictures.The picture of the moon is awesome
Thanks, Robert. In 2007, January, I forgot my camera on one of my hunts. It was a horrible feeling. Now I try to take two just so I'll never forget it again. Sometimes getting a shot of the moon/my pup/a sunrise, is as much for me as shooting a duck. I know---my age is now talking!
Al
Looks great Al, hope this morning goes just as well for you. I'm a little jealous. This weekend is Youth hunt here in WI but I dont have anyone to take out. Next weekend is Northern opener but I have to go help my cousin cut down some trees on his property that I hunt. (Over 25 were dropped on only 20 acres) So I still got two weeks until I'll get out, and on top of that I have Homecoming duties at school that weekend.
Pat, I'm glad you are still a young man. I would love to come and help you cut up those trees. As for homecoming-----That is why you get paid big bucks for your job! (insert smiley face) Before you know it, you'll be out there hunting and never missing a lick. Good luck when that time comes, Pat. Oh, by the way, I have some pictures for you on today's hunt.
Al