duck hunting with a 20

[Mark Kircher]

And another for those interested...........

Fresh mallards came into the Bay last week with all the marshes frozen here.
I just bought a TDB 17 foot this fall. Took her out for a maiden hunt voyage of about 1/4 mile to north of my house. Had the young Pup Ellie with me as she was back from training while my daughter was home for Thanksgiving.

It was a great day for a hunt as winds were 25-30 MPH. Not such a great day to test hunt a new boat. Hence my reluctance to go far. So I set up at the first north point. Build a blind with what I had. Some Burlap and an old piece of canvas (painfully unprepared)... threw out 6 blocks and sat down just hoping to get Ellie her first live duck.

Wasn't 20 minutes and 3 flight birds came from the south on final approach. I let the first one come all the way in and crushed him at 15 feet - then swung for his twin brother and dropped him 20 yards out front. Ellie was out of the boat and into the reeds for the first bird before I could blink. Back she came while I watched the second flounder out front and fumbled for my camera. I sent her for the second but she needed a little coaxing until she saw the movement. Then off to the races for the second. I was beaming proud - My first ducks for the new pup! and a double on drakes to boot!

Finished off my limit within the hour and headed in for a fire and a bourbon. It has been quite a couple weeks for me and my 20 gauge 32".

I have been smiling a lot lately. I will take them as they come. Best time of the year!