2 outta 3 ain't bad...

[Hank Yorke]

I don't post here as often as I would like, but with a 4 year old and a 2 year old my life consists of many more "Off Topic" subjects/moments than "On Topic"... That said, today was a little different. About a month ago I was selected to attend a "reserve draw" at one of the few FWA's in Indiana. The reserve draw guarantees you a spot, but that's about it. Normally at this time of year the weather is too warm and the local ducks are stale, but by now you all know about this front that has pushed through the Midwest...

Last night, as he always does, my 4 year old helped me pick out the decoys. He chose a pair of LL Bean GWT (thanks Hank Fish) and most of my frond rig, Blacks, Mallards, and a lone drake Pintail. Admittedly, he was guided to choose the fronds as there was possibility I was in for a long walk; and the 6 LL Bean Coastal Magnums he originally chose, just didn't seem like the right choice.
Fast forward to just after story time; I was informed that I should shoot 1 daddy Mallard and 1 pheasant. After a brief discussion about pheasants and their habitat, he decided I should shoot his two favorite ducks and a daddy Mallard... His two favorites are GWT "because they are fast, like Lightning McQueen" and Gadwall "because their quacks sound like toots". Makes sense to me, but a Mallard??? "Yeah daddy, because you always shoot those." I had no idea I was so predictable.


Well, I left the camera in the truck (I was right about the walk) but it was a beautiful sunrise to watch while the LL Bean and frond stool floated.
After 3 hours we were back at the truck with 66% of the request... Hall of Fame numbers as far as I am concerned

 

[Brad Taylor (NC)]

I know the feeling, Cole is almost 7 and it is getting much easier to get out. I'm loving every minute of it as I have been able to get him out dove hunting, deer hunting and most recently goose hunting.

Congrats on a nice hunt, nothing wrong with that!

Brad

 

[Al Hansen]

That story I enjoyed. What fun to have your four year old help you out. I'll bet you can hardly wait for that day that he will accompany you on a hunt. Just think how he already has you pegged for what you like to shoot. It sure looks like you were on the "X" for a great hunt. Congratulations!
Al

 

[Carl]

I'd say you did ok even without bagging one those tootin' gadwalls! Dog looks happy either way.

 

[Bill Clark]

Hank,
I consider that a great hunt, especially practicing voluntary restraint.
How old is the black dog?
By the way your youngster has a keen eye for decoy selection.
Congratulations,Bill.

 

[Hank Yorke]

Thanks fellas

Al - The prep for a hunt has become my favorite part, he picks out what gun I should shoot, as well as the decoys. The constant "Why's?" are welcome when they are about ducks, dogs, decoys, etc... I am really looking forward to getting him out with me.

Carl - He was okay with it, so I was too. He did question me when he looked at the birds then looked in the decoy bag. "Dad, you didn't bring any Gadwall decoys..." As if to say, well no wonder you didn't kill any Gadwall... If only it was that easy.

Bill - I'd be a liar if I said it was 100% voluntary... I doubled on the teal out of a group of 3 that came in about 30 seconds into LST. I knew the first was a drake but the second what a guess and a prayer. Piper is 5, one year older than Henry; she has done a nice job overcoming her trainers lack of time. Henry is certainly developing a taste for the finer things in life, i.e. cork decoys, double guns, and A5's. I am not sure if that's good or bad, but at least I know he comes by it honestly.

 

[Hank Yorke]

The ice didn't take long to form with this early cold. This was about 10 minutes after I'd cleared the hole for the second time. No ducks were harmed in the making of this photo.

 

[Brandon Yuchasz]

What a great day Hank. I remember those days with the kids well. Treasure it I miss them being little already.

 

[Hank Yorke]

Well, I got the rest of his request knocked out this weekend. The dog logged her 5th and 6th duck species of the year on Saturday afternoon, Ringnecks & Gadwall. Better late than never!

Today we found a rooster in a small triangle between some woods, a logging/farming road and a corn field. With a lot of corn still up here in central IN, there are lots of places to hide.