Cheech Kehoe
Active member
Today was a short "old school" hunt. I dropped the kids off at 8 and everyone wanted to stop and talk and all I wanted to do was get out the door and to the lake. I may have broken a few speed limits on the way because I had to pick up the boys at 2 today. I had 11 goldeneye decoys from John Bourbon, Eddie Gayne, Julie Gilbert and a couple other people. Plus buffies from Brian Moyse. Somehow I managed to paddle out and be set up at 9:30. The Whistlers were everwhere, but I have never seen them so shy. They did not want in and I figured that the aquapod was just not hiding well in the open water. Then I found out why they were so shy. I have not heard that much shooting in a long time. It sounded like opening day. But I settled in low and had visions of feet down drakes at 30 yards. Those visions never materialized. I was hunting the backup gun today because "somehow" the bolt handle on the SX2 sheered off yesterday. The first group that came within range continues south and was met by the second group that was within range shortly thereafter. There was a third group. I emptied the gun as the two Whistlers banked at the edge of range and gained altitude. I thought I was true, but off he went...about 400 yards, and from the sky he fell. Imagine my surprise when I paddled all the way there and he was stone dead. By the time I got back to the decoys it was time to pack up and head out, but I sat for a minute to just soak it in. I thanked Chaplain aloud for everything it gave me this year. The memories that I will have forever. It was the perfect ending to the season that gave birds frequently, but never a limit. Merry Christmas all!
