A boys first hunt..............

Dave Church

Dave Church

Well-known member
My youngest son finally got his first chance at hunting yesterday when the Maryland October season opened up. I was very impressed at how much he helped with loading the gear, helping with the sneak boat, and putting everything away when we were done. He had been always been available for th past several months, helping me finish up the decoys, rig them, grass the boats, etc. The morning wasnt very cold and the moon was soooo bright we didn't even use a spotlight to make our way into the marsh. We jumped some geese (not in season yet) and got the decoys put out in good time. I told him as we set up that it was very important to be as quiet as possible because you never know where the birds might be. As if on cue, a hen mallard started quacking within 15 yards behind us in the grass and soon 4 mallards jumped out and took off (not legal shooting time yet). I couldn't have planned that training any btter. He learned about current and tides and how to reposition the boat so that you don't end up getting stuck. He learned about knowing your area and how to set up so the sun isnt in your eyes. He was a little duck hunting sponge. After about twenty minutes I saw a pair of ducks coming right to us about 10 feet above the marsh grass and I told him to get ready. They flared when I raised up and I saw they were a pair of Blackducks (not in season yet). He really liked the Blacks and how close they were. Soon, 20 or more geese came out of the deep marsh (still not in season since the last time I mentioned them) and were close enough to touch. Herons flew by most of the morning with their loud "sqwauk" and by the end of the day my son knew to ignore their sillouette in the sky and the sqwauk that they make as he was honing his skills at what he should be looking and listening for. Four mallards came into the area but never saw our set up and lit about 100 yards away, I slowly paddled towards them until they flushed so he could get a shot, but it just didnt happen. He thanked me numerous times and can't wait for the next hunt. I think he is hooked.

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Sure did enjoy that wonderful story-----(not in season yet)! Loved that quote and how you used it. The pictures brought it all together. Thanks, Dave.
Al
 
Dave
Great story mate I enjoyed it, it looks like that little boy of yours is going to be following in Daddy footsteps.
Take care and God Bless
Eddie and Amber
Its all about Building that Bond.
 
Very nice indeed.
While it's great to have game in the bag, that's not all, in fact somewhat minor, to the experience. Like whipped cream on good pie.
I think the anticipation of the potential reward in hand makes the whole experience all the more desirable and meaningul when it happens.
And I loved that you didn't miss the opportunity make every moment a teaching/learning moment... (I attempt to do the same with my young kids when they go out with me.)

Great memories for both you and your son!

Best,
Brian F.
 
I know mine last year was a blast!!! Waking up extra early, being able to talk without scaring away animals (most of the time) and just being out on the water... Good luck for you and your son next time u take him out, too bad those black ducks and geese were out of season - cant wait to see a picture of him with his first duck! First hunt may be awesome, but when you shoot your first duck.... its a priceless feeling you will get again and again!!
 
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