Every decade or so duck hunting takes an upswing in popularity. This is obvious by the increased number of blinds on local lakes and rivers. Usually it is a younger group of sportsmen that have been deer hunting or fishing for some time, and like the idea of spending some time with others that enjoy the outdoors and not be subjected to the solitariness of deer hunting or the weather restriction of fishing.
The modern fowl weather gear can make even the worst of weather conditions tolerable. The blinds offer relief from the wind and a fare kitchen, similar to the forts of your youth. The new oversized shotgun extends the distance that a hunter can take down their quarry, but dressed in layers of the latest clothing bulked up to look like the Michelin man does nothing to improve the hunter’s marksmanship. The only sure thing about duck hunting locally is that the next outing could be better and the conversation will always be as good.
Non-duck hunters are often confused at how duck hunters hope for below freezing weekends with winds out of the north, or how a student that has a hard time getting up for school at 8:00 am can pack his own lunch and be ready to leave the house at 5:00 am on a morning duck hunt. Or why someone would take a day of vacation on the worst weather day of the year. Or how a day coming home cold and empty handed can be one of the most exciting days because a flock of mallards answered your calling and repeatedly buzzed your decoy spread just out of range.
For non-hunter the lingo and actions can be somewhat confusing. For examples a male duck could be referred to as a drake, bull, or greenhead while a female are often called hen or Susie. The nicknames for the different species are endless from cans, long tail, hoodies, butterballs, grey ducks, smiley ducks, specks, ball plates, dye damper, divers, and puddle ducks. Terms specific to duck hunting are endless such as high ball, sky busting, buzzed, flared, single, double reed, magnum, spreads and my favorite the “Bar” referring to Watts Bar lake. All could be confused with other questionable pass times.
Months before opening day, you may be subjected to watching or listening to someone practicing his duck calling techniques, preferable in the confinements of an unoccupied car. Or be forced to watch “Captain Duck Man” hunting videos which resemble an episode of “Blue Collar Tour”.
After hunting local for a few seasons, the next step is going out of state, or on a guided hunting trip, or getting on a lease to pursue a bird that taste similar to a flying converse tennis shoe. All three may allow you to see more birds in one day than you would see in a whole season locally.
Now I am content saying that I did duck hunt and look forward to trading hunting adventures and stories with hunters that share the same passion. One local young hunter that is always willing to share a story or two is Big Jon Russell. I have watched him go from a novice to semi-pro status. He sometimes guides with his world class retrieve Abbie on his lease in Arkansas. The following photo is of Big Jon and fellow hunter Matt Marine. Click on the photo to see more from his resent trips.
Our local sporting goods store owners are also avid duck hunters and there establishment is a hangout for many of the local young duck hunters.
Take someone hunting or fishing,
Greg Jones