Not to be misunderstood, the duck season is over and my retriever and I were just walking and observing. No shooting, of course. I visit the ducks throughout the year, even in the off season. Many times I'll just throw out some decoys off season and watch the ducks land among them and swim around. I enjoy it more and more each year. Frankly, I almost enjoy sitting there for a few hours just observing more than shooting. Especially the woodducks. Maybe its because I'm older but I can imagine the day when I'll stop shooting the local woodducks. I have a special fondness for them. I stopped shooting the hens years ago and I'll probably stop killing the drakes at some point also. Seeing that pair today was a special thrill. I'm looking forward to the big flocks coming back in the spring. I'll be there to welcome them and observe. For me, its absolutely soul satisfying.
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