Morning Hunt

Al Hansen

Well-known member
Of course I was facing south looking down the channel since we had a north wind about 7 mph. Things looked pretty good as I pulled on my jerk string. With that done, I leaned my shotgun up against a log and grabbed my thermos. (Murphy's Law rule 4, I think) It was when I was pouring the coffee that the pair of mallards came in from the north---behind my left shoulder. I happened to be looking down and saw Pepper throw her head up and look my way. You could hear the wind in their wings as they came in. The ripples from the decoy hooked up to my jerk string were still stringing outwards.

I dropped my cup and thermos while wildly grasping for my Nova. All this time I am watching the pair back pedaling as they came in. I stood up and fired three shots putting the two birds down. Over the course of the last couple of years I have tried to be prepared with my camera but that wasn't going to happen when Chili brought me the hen but I did have it in hand when I was able to catch a couple of shots of Pepper bringing back the second bird.

It was as she retrieved the greenhead that I began contemplating, "I think I'll start calling her Snow Dog! She was perfectly camo'd when standing in the snow.

It was shortly after 9:00AM when I got that first twinge in my stomach. This one made me think of a breakfast burrito smothered in green chili. All attempts to continue to hunt failed and I quickly packed my gear and began the five mile trek on the four wheeler back to the truck. The small family restaurant that I frequent was sweet music to this hungry soul. It was a great morning.
Al

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Chili and Pepper didn't hesitate to leap up to their spot on the Kawasaki. By the way, the lady who owns the restaurant knows that my girls love to eat tortillas. She always has one all ready to go when I'm about to leave.

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That's too funny! I can't tell you how many times I've dropped or spilled my coffee while hunting! It doesn't seem to matter what you're doing (whether it's eating, pouring your coffee, responding to the call of nature, whatever...) the birds just know somehow when you're not on the lookout. :)

Thanks for the story and photos as usual Al! I look forward to your posts each day!
 
Looks just like the spot I hunted this morning Al. Minus the snow. Good Job!

Hi Rob,
I sure wished it was minus the snow here, also. Today it is supposed to get up to 53F. I'll take it. The best day will be tomorrow when we see 62F. It will be a pure joy to see that snow melt. We need things to dry out so that I can get back to some of my favorite spots.
Al
 
That's too funny! I can't tell you how many times I've dropped or spilled my coffee while hunting! It doesn't seem to matter what you're doing (whether it's eating, pouring your coffee, responding to the call of nature, whatever...) the birds just know somehow when you're not on the lookout. :)

Thanks for the story and photos as usual Al! I look forward to your posts each day!

Thanks so much, Derek. You nailed it because it always seems to happen. Sometimes when it is really slow I'll pour another cup of coffee----"just in hopes"
Al
 
That looks like a neat looking spot! Great looking pair of dogs as well..

Hi Taylor---This is a great little spot when it has water. Just two weeks ago it had finally filled up. It seeps in from the Rio Grande. Now I need the ducks in the area to get used to it. Normally in January it is a great place to take mallards and gadwall. We'll see. Because of two major snow storms we have lost most of our ducks to Mexico.
Al
 
Great pictures,Al. That's the trouble with you chaps spoilt with to much water lol.


Paul
I don't think I could ever get spoiled with too much water down here in the desert. Sometimes not even my raindance will help!
Al
 
Al, only do your rain dance near tall trees, that way when your hoping around the desert in your tighty whities the ducks may be so busy looking at you they will fly straight into them. That way saving on cartridges....and splashing that valuable water..

Keep them coming Al.
 
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