Posted by Bill Gaughan on January 20, 2002 at 10:11 a.m.:
I got into duck hunting in my 30's but home, family, kids, and job relocations have kept me out of the marsh's for 15 years. Now that the youngest is away at school, and I've established roots I'm trying to get back into the sport. I was amazed at the technological changes since I last hunted; robo ducks, neoprene waders, advanced camo, vests for dogs etc. I am fortunate that some fellow workers allowed me to join them a few times this year for my first hunts in 15 years. As my wife says, "you've become obsessed". I agree with her, but I don't think it's a bad thing. I look forward to lurking on the boards as I get up to speed with watefowl hunting in the 21st century. I don't have the skill to build a layout boat but that's the number one item I intend to purchase before next season. I only have to work a few more years before retirement, and with the kids gone I can now spend time on things I want to do, and little appeals more to me than sitting in a blind in the early morning. I just have to learn in my mid 50's what a lot people have known since they were in their teens. But you are only as young as you feel and waterfowl hunting is making me feel like a youngster once again.