Was able to hunt solo today.  Something I hadn't done in many years.  As I sat with my young girl Luci in this her first season I reflected on the several great dogs I have had and the many hunts and adventures we experienced together.  I have truly been blessed to live in a country and state that allows me to pursue my passion for duck hunting so freely.

This particular morning we had zero wind and we were able to hear very clearly anything that moved in this wooded hole.  The pigs paid us a visit on the opposite side of the pond.  Amazing how much noise a half dozen hogs can make. They rooted and foraged for about thirty minutes completely unaware that we were only 100 yards away.  (I did load my 3" BB's just in case they ventured too close to our setup.)

Legal approached and not a single bird was to be seen for 15 minutes.  Then, it happened.  A dark cloud of teal buzzed us and at first appeared not to be interested.  A few peep's on the whistle brought them back for a 2nd look.  The sound of 200 teal whizzing by was amazing. I picked out a single that was apart from the main flock and fired.  Folded the beautiful drake and it landed in our deeks.  Told Luci to "sit" and hit the peep's more vigorously.  The flock responded and gave me another chance.  This time, I aimed at the slow pokes in the back and let go with two more shots.  4 birds down.

I quickly reloaded and only had to wait another 2 minutes before a pair came in.  Fired and got my 6th teal.  Luci was beside herself as I finally released her to do her work.  I could see the disapointment in her when she watched me pick up the decoys.  Her look of "is this it?" was priceless.

And so goes 2016.  A new chaper in 2017 begins shortly...

Fired up to hunt this morning.  It's all about making memories right?  In typical duck hunter fashion I'm telling myself "today will be epic"

5 hours later I'm so very thankful for heated seats and a heater.  Was a brutal day to say the least.  20 mph north wind didn't help. 

All my local holes were frozen solid. Ended up setting up on a larger small lake that hadn't locked in yet.  15 minutes after legal had 1 lost greenhead glide into the spread.  At that moment I thought maybe, just maye we are about to experience a hunt of a lifetime. Well, it turned out to be a hunt to remember anyways.  Only saw 1 more bird all morning.  Hoping this weekend improves...

I absolutely love it when they come right into the hole in 2's and 3's.  Our shooters today experienced some phenominal shooting on som eperfectly decoyin gducks.  With temps in the 50's & 60's this morning was a hunt to remember.