Drakes galore

[Stan Hillis]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

Hey, are you going to Arkansas this year (or have you already)?

I'm still trying to decide, Garry. Haven't been this season . . . yet. I used to go by myself often, 9 1/2 hrs., but since my grandsons have been with me twice I just don't have the desire to go anymore without them. My years have me now battling within myself, in a way. I'm very healthy, work on the farm full time, but some of the get up and go has "got up and went". Not energy, mind you, but drive to get up and get out in the cold alone an hour or two before sunrise.

I've had a great sporting life. Started hunting at age 8, continued throughout my life (with a brief few years when girls became more important), been to Cordoba twice for doves, and chased ducks in several states. These days I fight the urge to "sleep in" when it comes to duck hunting. But, so far I can still fight it and go alone. Days like yesterday morning will make getting up and going so much easier in the days to come.

If I do make a run to east Arkansas, to the L 'Anguille River, I'll surely make a report with pics. Thank you so much for asking. Means a lot.

[mobirdhunter]

Stan, I feel like I could have written something very similar. I don't go out alone much any more, especially in the early morning, and certainly not as often as I used to. I know what you mean about your "get up and go." I like to tell Elaine that some days I feel my "ebb has flowed." My young friend -- who I introduced to duck hunting when he was in his teens -- used to belong to the leasing outfit I do. He took me along on early morning duck hunts on days I'm sure I would not have gone on my own. I told Elaine he treated me like an old man, setting decoys, retrieving ducks, breaking ice. I'd feel guilty until Elaine reminded me I did the same for him when he was a much younger...and that I was an old man(!) He had his first child last year and opted to put his "duck money" toward day care. I duck hunted once this past season.

I hope that if it's right for you to kick water in the timber in Arkansas, you make that trip. Likewise, if it's right for you to look back at photos of past hunts sitting in front of a fire (or heater!), then I hope that brings you equal pleasure.

The best now is to savor -- what is to come, or what has passed.

Enjoy your end of season, however you spend it.

Originally Posted by Stan Hillis

I'm still trying to decide, Garry. Haven't been this season . . . yet. I used to go by myself often, 9 1/2 hrs., but since my grandsons have been with me twice I just don't have the desire to go anymore without them. My years have me now battling within myself, in a way. I'm very healthy, work on the farm full time, but some of the get up and go has "got up and went". Not energy, mind you, but drive to get up and get out in the cold alone an hour or two before sunrise.

I've had a great sporting life. Started hunting at age 8, continued throughout my life (with a brief few years when girls became more important), been to Cordoba twice for doves, and chased ducks in several states. These days I fight the urge to "sleep in" when it comes to duck hunting. But, so far I can still fight it and go alone. Days like yesterday morning will make getting up and going so much easier in the days to come.

If I do make a run to east Arkansas, to the L 'Anguille River, I'll surely make a report with pics. Thank you so much for asking. Means a lot.