I Quit

Eric Patterson

Eric Patterson

Administrator
Staff member
at 10:00 today instead of hunting on for 2 more ducks. There was no reason to press on until the final sunset hour. This season gave me everything - dry spells, cold spells, hot spells, and curly tails. Never in 25 seasons has the disparity between December and January been so great. What started out so weak finished so strong. At 10:00 today I knew the time had come, another season for the books. Our youth hunt is in two weekends but that will largely serve as a last tribute to this season. A season that saw my son bag his first duck, a season that led me back to Black River, and brought me back home again to find backwater success with friends and my sons. I give my sincerest thanks to my hunting partners this season, Jeff Bowen, Joey Wolk, Alan McElyea, Jeff Smith, and Hitch. Gentlemen, it was a pleasure. If there is one thing I've learned in 25 years of fowling it's this, no season follows our estimations, advanced planning is gambling, persistance pays and nothing, I mean nothing, beats a day when you are out there watching your son become a dyed-in-the-wool waterfowler with every flight. 2007/08 I bid you a fond farewell.


FatherSon.jpg

 
Last edited:
Sounds like your season ended a lot better than it started.
Great job on getting Thomas addicted!
I wont even depress you with the story from this end of the state, needless to say, it just got worse & worse!
The only bright spot is that Youri is hooked. Depending on how he matures & grows, I may start him shooting this fall, we'll see.
 
Eric,
That's a pic to be framed and placed on your office desk!!

Congrats on another memorable season.

Best,
Brian F.
 
Thats another WOW. Great picture for the memory bank.

Some times the pursuit of is more pleasurable than the objective.
 
Very nice picture, and I'm happy to see your season finished well. Similiar experiences occured out here, nice post.

Are you putting that black duck on the wall?

Regards,
Jack
 
Congratulations on not just a great season, but also on a wonderfull pic of your Son and you with some fine birds for the table.

I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me. I grew up mainly hunting upland bird, but this year got into waterfowling, mostly sea ducking here of the coast north of boston, and my highlight was a $100 Double banded Drake Mallard bagged 1/2 mile east by northeast off Marblehead. (Suicide run by a flight of puddle ducks over sea duck decoys off the leeward side of a small island offshore.)

My Questions are:
1 Where did you get the waders for your son, I cannot seem to find any to fit my 5 yr old son.
2. What age is your son, know that he has shot his first bird, and what gun and modifications did you make to it?

Thanks

Seamus
 
Thanks fellas. The pic was from the same hunt Thomas bagged his first duck.

LI Jack, the black duck is awaiting a little open flame action on the grill.

Dave, I wish the time you or Hitch was here was as productive as the past few weeks were. On one day I think we had seven different species while hunting the same spot. That doesn't happen very often.

Seamus, The waders are from LaCrosse and they make them in youth sizes that will fit your son. I think all the way down to 13 or smaller. In the past I've ordered them from Mack's Prairie Wings. Other places carry them too. Thomas is 8. He has a Stoeger Youth 20 gauge O/U. No modifications. Double barells lend themselves to youth hunters nicely as they don't have an action which adds 3 or more inches to the gun length. Young shorter hunters typically have a hard time reaching the forend without straightening their arm too much and this gun overcomes that with it's shorter frame, far shorter than a pump or semi-auto. They are also safe. This particular model automatically sets the safety every time you break it open making certain the gun is on safe after any reload. We've been thrilled with the gun and highly recommend it to anyone too small for a 12 gauge.
 
Last edited:
Lord knows that kid looks just like you. Enjoy every minute you can with him as he will discover girls before you know it and then may not have time for Old Dad. Delighted ya'll had a good season. I can hardly wait till next season even though I'll be fishing soon.
Congrats,
Harry
 
It sounds like you had a great season Eric. Until recently, I never completely understood the joy of getting a youngster involved in our way of life. May you enjoy many more!
 
Ha ha ha ha! I just flipped the laptop around to show my wife and she goes "OH MY GOD, THEY LOOK JUST ALIKE!". Forgot to ask, what loads are you using for Thomas?
 
Last edited:
like the old mossy oak advertisement used to say "sometimes it's not just the critters your trying to get close to" glad yall had a great season.tell thomas im proud of him........
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top