Maine N Zone Opener

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
Supporter
I know I should be chasing trout or striped bass--both finally on the move with some big dumps of rain providing access to spawning tribs for the trout and moving juvenile alewives down the rivers for striper chow.

But opening day is opening day, even when it's better weather for casting flies than shooting ducks--warm, clear, windless.

Went to the usual early season spot. I thought I had it to myself but company showed up just as I had my decoys set. Turned out to be a nice young man who was very polite, moved from where he wanted to be to get as far from me as possible once he saw where I was, and came over and introduced himself as we were both picking up. And it worked out. At first light I had wood ducks everywhere but in my decoys. He took a shot that put them all up in the air and three dropped right on me. A Scotch double on a drake and hen woodie.

It was a short day for both of us as the ducks stopped flying pretty much as soon as it got light. Downside of all that rain--every puddle in the woods is full of water right now. I returned the favor at the end of day, pushing ducks from my end of the pond to him when I started picking my decoys up, and he dropped one of them, then came to apologize for "setting up so close to you". (He was at least 1/4 mile away on a pond that's less than a half mile long.) Perhaps all hope is not lost if the 20-somethings are polite, hunt walk-in spots solo, and can shoot well.
 

Yup. Reads like a good first day all the way around.

I'd say that young man had good upbringing, and mentor as well.

There is hope for the future with many young folks concerning our lifestyle.


Ya know after the hunt, and doin' what needs done... Time for a nap, and then some Fishin'. [;)]


VP
 
tod osier said:
I'm ready for the season to start, myself. Glad you had a good day!

It was more of a good 40 minutes. Three hours if I count the walk in and out, the paddle, and the decoy set up and take down. I actually prefer those hunts to the all day marathons.
 
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