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Post by ET on Oct 16, 2020 18:28:40 GMT -5
A friend of mine has been after me to go duck hunting with him on the Niagara River. For years I hunted the river with my best friend until he passed away. Since that time of passing I lost interest in duck hunting but my new friend kept trying to encourage me to come out with him. I finally relented and joined him this morning. The first obstacle is launching the boat in the dark. Now my deceased friend and I had become a good coordinated team for this chore. Working with someone new you have to redevelop familiarity coordination. After numerous tries we got the boat launched without incident.
Next step after loading the boat with our equipment was to get my friends young chocolate lab settled into the boat for his first boat ride. Here my job was to restrain him from doing a torpedo launch while travelling in the boat. After a few needed sharp tugs on the leash the dog knew he wasn’t going to get his way and laid down.
Once we arrived at the blind location it was a simple matter to put out decoys and position ourselves in the blind. It turned out to be a blue bird day with little flight activity. There were quiet moments that allowed many past fond memories to surface. Even though the day was unproductive I still enjoyed my time outdoors. I imagine there will be a few more outings and even some nasty weather waiting, chuckle.
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Post by billc on Oct 17, 2020 10:17:50 GMT -5
The joy of hunting isn't measured by the size of the bag. Working with a young dog, developing teamwork with a new partner, and remembrance of past hunts make it all worthwhile.
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Post by ET on Oct 17, 2020 14:38:34 GMT -5
The joy of hunting isn't measured by the size of the bag. Working with a young dog, developing teamwork with a new partner, and remembrance of past hunts make it all worthwhile. Yes it was worthwhile just to get out again to an old haunt. Only two things missing that day was a nearby flyby to see if I still had a good follow through and lead with a shotgun. Also to watch the dog make his first duck retrieve. Guess I will have to wait a little longer for that to happen. Something to look forward too. I guess there's still a few outdoor adventures and memories to make.
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