I quit 10 years ago, just kind of gradually happened. First my dog died, then my hunting podna moved to Ganado, then had to sell my boat (divorce), and then the final nail in the coffin was I moved to North Texas and didn't know anyone who did any kind of bird hunting.
Then last fall something happened, my new wife was helping me clean out my shed in Huntsville, so I could sell the house, and we were moving a bunch of decoys and she asked why I had 4 dozen "toy" ducks, and I told her I used to duck hunt, and she asked why "used to" , and I listed all the above reasons, but admitted I mostly missed the dog. Then I got a lab pup for Valentines day, so who knows what the future holds.

I quit 10 years ago, just kind of gradually happened. First my dog died, then my hunting podna moved to Ganado, then had to sell my boat (divorce), and then the final nail in the coffin was I moved to North Texas and didn't know anyone who did any kind of bird hunting.
Then last fall something happened, my new wife was helping me clean out my shed in Huntsville, so I could sell the house, and we were moving a bunch of decoys and she asked why I had 4 dozen "toy" ducks, and I told her I used to duck hunt, and she asked why "used to" , and I listed all the above reasons, but admitted I mostly missed the dog. Then I got a lab pup for Valentines day, so who knows what the future holds.

Guy. That’s not the 1st time I’ve seen you mention the dangers of hunting. You really feel that way? I feel it’s more dangerous driving to the hole than hunting.

Regardless you might think about getting a spot or a garmin In reach and having it buckled to your waders if it will give momma, the kids and yourself some peace of mind.

I’ll say me and my 2 duck hunting buddies have slowed down significantly over the last few years. We all have kids in elementary-jr high now.

Yes I do feel that way. Heading accross a stump loaded lake at dark 30 in the morning, solo, in freezing weather, in a boat that will sink if it takes on water, that is very dangerous. I have also lost a lot of weight (40lbs), I’m like zero fat these days, one thing I have learned cold hits you much harder without that layer of fat. But with less weight and being in shape, I stand a better chance of pulling myself back into the boat if I get thrown, something I probably could not have done 40lbs overweight.

I take many precautions, 5mm waders, wader belt, life jacked, yes phone strapped to outside of my life jacket, I do use life 360 app, but so my family knows we’re I am all the time. I probably should get a garmin unit or something better, if there is no cell coverage I do not go out. I also take my trolling motor with me and 3 batteries in case my motor fails. Started packing propane heater last year.

I take these danger’s very seriously, I take my time making sure boat is good, going through my check list, and I take my time headed across the lake. I don’t race and rush to beat Barney like I use too.

I can recall at least 3 posts where boat duck hunters have posted mishaps on this forum, and they are lucky to be alive.

1) One on Ray Roberts, one of the very first posts I remember, boat took on water, cap sized, boat floated lucky for them, 2 were able to get out of the water and get on top of the hull, one had to stay in the water no room on top for 3. Can't remember how they were rescued.

2) One on Grapevine, boat completely sunk. Can't remember how they survived.

3) Duckkiller (spelling??) on here, thrown from his mud boat after hitting a stump, solo, motor did not shut off, he got chopped up, not sure how he survived either.