I want to thank you guys for getting me hooked on waterfowl.
I went with my brother to west Texas for deer. I had planned to nail some quail, but our grandmother had fallen ill and that didn't leave time for anything other than 2-3 hour guilt ridden excursions.

I couldn't complain though. Brother got his first deer (in deer forum) and, on the last day, I decided to fore go the quail and try to bag my first duck.

In a county were there is zero fishing, I had my work cut out for me. I needed a water that was shallow, as I didn't pack the waders for the trip. And most of all, I needed a place in county that held ducks! I wasn't attempting a limit. Just a good first duck that I could put on the wall.

We found a duck pond in an oil lease and made some inquires about who held ownership of the ranch. Turned out to be a ex-inlaw of my dad's. Fortune grinned a little bit.

The next morning we set off with temps and winds in the 20's. No blind, no calls, no deeks. Just a Supernova and ample steelshot. We approached the water like we'd approached the deer, stealthy. I was unsure if there was a duck roost in play, or a short stop watering hole situation. As I got close, a coot worked his way out of the reeds swam 5 feet from me and then headed back into the reeds, complaining the entire time that I had disturbed him. But he didn't fly up. I waited... no alarm. Couldn't hear any chatter. Hmm? I went ahead and stood up to get a good look at the water expecting a quail style flush. Nothing, no ducks, unless you count a half dozen coots!
I hunkered down on the last day of our hunting trip. I was thinking about the buck I had let go, thinking about the truck that left us stranded miles from nowhere 3 days in a row before we figured out it was the fuel bowl heater that had a short. Thinking about the quail that had all but vanished since dove season, only taking consolation that we had been integral in my grandmother's quick recovery in time to enjoy Thanksgiving with her family.

I stared at the end of my shotgun and noticed the frost had grown ice crystals on the rib and were spreading onto the barrel. As I lost focus and mulled over the my lackluster performance this trip and the expectations that seemed dashed to pieces, I heard a sound...

Fortune grinned like a Cheshire Cat!

That wonderful sound of ducks wheeling in on water in the morning. I resisted the urge to look up... I froze. I held my breath so the steam of the cold, crisp air hitting my breath wouldn't give me up. I could hear them coming in... a lot of them (Wagner's "Flight of the Valkyries" crept into my mind and I almost muttered ..."Charlie don't surf", but held it in), but I dare not budge to look. After the sounds of quacking made a circle, it drew near and began to echo off the water. I made my move. As I looked up for the first time I was floored by the sheer number of Mallards coming in. I frantically searched the wall of ducks as they began to flare from my movement, knowing I had mere seconds to find a mature Drake in the sun's first glaring rays.


There he was... boom! Missed! First shot poorly led (Duck Fever!) Deep breath...

Boom!



















One for the Wall!


I'm pointing to the green... West Texas Green!

I wonder if mossy oak will make a cow pattie break up pattern any time soon?
I'll throw in a pic when the mount is ready. I'm so hooked.

Nice story, i'm in for some MAX4 Cow patty lol.

My boots were dark, I was actually glad the cows had left some blending media.

Cool story. congratulations!

Thanks!
I enjoy spinning the yarn for you guys as much as I enjoyed folding that drake!

Congrats and welcome to the unemployment line....

GREAT STORY - Welcome to the obsession!!

I'm a collector. Different things... cigar lighters, knives, guns, impressionist art, telegraph insulators, etc...
But oh baby! Is the wife terrified now! I have lots of wall space and tall ceilings... much to do, much to do.
I fancy myself a bit of a writer, when I take the time to proofread and have ample inspiration. I should hunt more, so I could spin more yarns.

I'll bet you got an A in creative writing. Great story, very well written.

welcome

Version one was:

I shot me a big ol' duck an' he'sa gowin own the whawl!

Congrats on your first. Good story, and it only gets better here on out.

Congrats and I hear ya on the cow patties camo. They should mix in cow holes as well.

awesome story, and what a better duck on ur first bag! Love those greenheads!

Nice!

very nice!

great story, and congrats on the green

That would have been my report. You're a good writer and I look forward to reading more of your stuff.

congrats. good story. and again, welcome to the addiction!

Congrats!

Thanks for all the slaps on the back fellows!
Unfortunately, my mount wont be ready for quite some time. When I pick it up, I'll dredge this post from the depths and add a pic of the mount. My guy does incredible work, so it'll be worth my wait!

i really enjoy great writing like your post. well done.

sorry bro but pond jumping isnt 'duck hunting'. Good writing though.