My first selfie!

Buddy

Member
Hunting with my little boy has been amazing. I usually don't take pictures but decided its time to start. I am already looking forward to reflecting back on these days and making a photo album.

Anyways...Yesterday was another day the kid proved he is just as crazy as the rest of us.

Quick summary...Cold, windy, and straight down pour. High wind warning so I decided to go explore at daylight in an area that I have not hunted much. When we got there the storm was just kicking in. Once we got down the trail and could see the marsh I knew it would be great! Unfortunately I didn't realize how deep everything was to get to the birds. I decided to hunt the edge and at least get some learning in for next time.

After a couple hours of watching the rain made a nice puddle by a fallen tree where the ducks were flying by. We headed out and only had room for 6 decoys in the puddle. I ended up shooting a teal as I didn't think I would shoot a duck. Also, a good test for the kid as he learns all the species!

Well after shooting the ducks got up that we watched all morning! They filtered back in and came into the puddle! Was able to fill the rest of the limit with mallards and pintails. The storm paused for a picture and our walk out!




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Buddy

Great job dad, That will stay with you forever, I'm a father of two boys and they are older now. But I still look back to their youth and their first hunts. Thanks for making me smile.
 
Remember 30 years from now you,ll cherish those pics you take with your little huntin buddy now. I,ve got 3 sons worth of pics and now working on grandkid pics and smile every time I look back at them.
 
Its truly remarkable the bonds made in the marsh. Its not something I can explain unless you have spent some time in the marsh. I have done a lot of big game hunting but nothing draws my family together better than the marsh.
A couple years ago I was focused on how many birds I shot. Now its taking my son and his grandmpa, great grandmpa on hunts together.

Honestly, these hunts are the most rewarding to me and also very relaxing!!! I grew up with what I call old school duck hunters. Its amazing how my son has tamed them back a lot!
 
[size 4]Now you're BOTH hooked. Can a boat and a dog be far behind?? (...after all, you need to be safe [;)]).
 
I got a Lund ducker last year just to get the kid in the marsh. It has its limits on when and where but we used it alot. We are due for larger boat of our own. Right now I rarely get out without other family members who all have a boat. We tow the ducker and walk the kid into the spots with the ducker.

A dog is almost mandatory at this point for the boy. Again, I haven't had to get my own has my family breeds them and we tend to hunt a couple dogs hard. Just grab one when i head out deal. These dogs get to see about 2-3 days a week of waterfowl hunting. BUT having a dog of our own would be another key part of the tradition.
 
I took my son out gunning in Merrick Bay a lot when he was ten and eleven. Remarkable eyesight. He would call out the species as they got within a 500 yards and he was right every time. I remember my gunning partner saying "Pintails" as 4 ducks that were way out approached. My son whispered "Old Squaws". And he was right.

Joe
 
That's awesome! I can't get enough of the youth hunters and especially when they are into it like that. Those young eyes are the real deal. I wouldn't second guess him!
 
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