Back in the game

[Mark Kircher]

I am up early and thinking our NY season is less than 2 weeks out. I am hoping to hunt quite a bit this year as a battle with Vertigo kept me sidelined for some of 2023. I was fortunate to gather quite a bit of ammo from a retiring friend. My guns are in order. Decoys ready.
I have a few wishes for this season-
First I am hoping to blood a few guns .
Widgeon #2 restocked by Brian a few years back #159075 the JN Young gun DHE 20 #1 framed PG DT 32" FF last of 8 widgeon gun club guns.
Also the 20 Gauge C engraved Superfox with 30" FF barrels (1 of 1) which I am saving for a Superfox winter hunt with Craig. Pics attached.
Second - and this is up to chance and fate- I enter 2024 at 446 Ducks and Geese without a band. (Yes I keep detailed records of every duck hunt) The Span goes back over a decade- my last band in pic attached. Perhaps this is the year I break that streak. Perhaps not. No matter I suppose, as I have never been able to decide if a banded bird is more of a trophy than one that had not been trapped when it was young????
In any event my last band was with a good friend who passed a month ago. I will be thinking of him often band or not.
Reports and pics to follow for those interested. Every season is a new adventure and I have high hope for this one.
The last pics are of the Vanderbilt Marsh and Irondequoit bay where I will spend most of my time.
The table is set!