New Duck Hunter

R

Randy Duda

Active member
10/25/2014 was the New Jersey Coastal youth only day, and what a day it was! My son has been involved in DU NJ since he was just 6 years old, helped do a number of events and outside in the dirt projects.. Marsh Clean ups etc.. WE have been building up to this day for years and with the new Duck Boss sporting her winter colors we got up @ 4 am after a sleepless night of making ready. We woke and dressed for a sunny 65 degree day.. Good thing I dressed him more then he thought he needed! We drove to the ramp , slide the boat in & got ready to go, one problem! The motor would not start!!!! I had let the battery run down! The devastation in his eyes was painful. So back on the trailer back to the house & a change of batteries, hoping this one had a charge... I drove down the road away from the neighbors @ 5:45 am & started the motor! Thank YOU!!! he was so excited again. AS we drove back to the launch I pointed out how Duck Hunting is always an adventure - no two times are ever the same, just when you think you have figured it out or it seems predictable.. ADD A LABRADOR!
Back in the water she started right up and we are off.. Quick trip to the sedge Island and Decoys go out... AS I sit there watching his teeth chatter, I could see myself 30 some odd years ago in this very same river waiting for sunrise shivering on nerves and the what might be adventure the day brings. Some birds flew and in typical fashion, they buzzed right while he looked left and the pass shooting needs work!! Once the sun was up the Brant began to fly and wanted to be right at the same place we set up!! Love it when a plan works.. So in comes the first bunch - wait for it.. OK.. BOOM - BOOM my 20 gauge Pheasant gun says " is that water"!!!!! Scratch 1 bird! The look in his eyes and on his face was magic! I thought he was going to jump out of the boat and swim out for it!
Now Brant are not the smartest of game, so around they go and --- Hey Load up! here they come again... Now he has it like a pro... One shot one Bird! and the daily limit of 2 is in the water and a Duck hunter for LIFE is in the boat with me. Congratulations Ryan, from controlling your nerves, remembering all the safety stuff, acting like a seasoned hunter, and being respectful to the Makers experience it was a Beautiful morning - the best one I have ever had in a duck blind!

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Mirrors a lot of my first hunts Randy, location included. Although my first youth day the motor started, just the motor board broke and it almost fell off the boat...
 
Awesome way to go, can't wait till my boys are ready to go my oldest son turns four next season so I promised him he can go next year and sit with me. And our sport and heritage just grew stronger,
 
Randy-

Great job getting the boy out and putting him in the birds. Congrats to you both for spending time together and building memories together.

Chad A
 
You deserve to be a proud Papa! Well done. Please congratulate Ryan on his first hunt. What wonderful memories. I sure enjoyed the story and pics, Randy.
Al
 
Randy~

Great story and photos - congratulations to both!

I am surprised to see Brant anywhere near a shoreline with trees - but I'm a Long Island boy....

All the best,

SJS
 
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