For about 25 years, a group of friends has gathered at Mattamuskeet, NC to fellowship together and to enjoy a Tundra Swan hunt. I've been fortunate to be part of this group of eclectic individuals. They really do know how to put on an event. Their appreciation for the natural beauty of Eastern NC, the wildlife, the waterfowl, friends, and environment, is beyond my ability to describe.
Our event begins on Friday evening with a Swan Calling contest, where the winner is judged on how well he or she can complete a series of swan calls: the hail call, the comfort call, the feeding chuckle, and the comeback call. Numerical scores are given by judges hidden from view. The winner receives a trophy. There is much revelry, singing, story-telling, and overall tom-foolery:
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On Saturday morning, we prepare the field and blind. We normally have about 15-25 tags to fill, and we usually have 3 or 4 first time shooters. They have to learn fast that although a Tundra Swan is a giant bird, they fly faster than they appear, and it takes a solid hit in the neck or head to bring one down. My enjoyment comes from calling and guiding the new hunters, and helping with the overall success of the hunt
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We usually get everything done by lunch time, but not always. Traditionally we break for an Eastern NC classic meal: Chicken and Pastry (similar to chicken and dumplings)
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An afternoon hunt finishes the day. Everyone's tags are filled.
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We then gather for an evening feast. Accompanied by much pomp and ceremony. Notice the black ties and champagne. We offer toasts to the Tundra Swan, to the military, to the USA, to the Fairer Sex, to our senior guide, George, and to our comrades who have passed away and/or those who are no longer able to hunt. The response is always a hearty, "Hear, Hear!!"
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There are songs to sing:
Place cards for the table, very formal, indeed!
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Lots of friendships to renew:
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One of the ladies made these wine bottle charms for everyone:
2 verses of "Amazing Grace" are traditionally sung.
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I hope our merry band of hunters are able to gather for many years to come.
Our event begins on Friday evening with a Swan Calling contest, where the winner is judged on how well he or she can complete a series of swan calls: the hail call, the comfort call, the feeding chuckle, and the comeback call. Numerical scores are given by judges hidden from view. The winner receives a trophy. There is much revelry, singing, story-telling, and overall tom-foolery:
">[inline ]
">[inline ]
On Saturday morning, we prepare the field and blind. We normally have about 15-25 tags to fill, and we usually have 3 or 4 first time shooters. They have to learn fast that although a Tundra Swan is a giant bird, they fly faster than they appear, and it takes a solid hit in the neck or head to bring one down. My enjoyment comes from calling and guiding the new hunters, and helping with the overall success of the hunt
">[inline ]
We usually get everything done by lunch time, but not always. Traditionally we break for an Eastern NC classic meal: Chicken and Pastry (similar to chicken and dumplings)
">[inline ]
An afternoon hunt finishes the day. Everyone's tags are filled.
">[inline ]
We then gather for an evening feast. Accompanied by much pomp and ceremony. Notice the black ties and champagne. We offer toasts to the Tundra Swan, to the military, to the USA, to the Fairer Sex, to our senior guide, George, and to our comrades who have passed away and/or those who are no longer able to hunt. The response is always a hearty, "Hear, Hear!!"
">[inline ]
">[inline ]
There are songs to sing:
Place cards for the table, very formal, indeed!
">[inline ]
Lots of friendships to renew:
">[inline ]
One of the ladies made these wine bottle charms for everyone:
2 verses of "Amazing Grace" are traditionally sung.
">[inline ]
I hope our merry band of hunters are able to gather for many years to come.
