I had the pleasure of taking my friend Matt out for his first duck hunt. I decided some flooded corn fields would be a nice place to introduce him to an amazing sport. We motored out, pulled over a dike and got set up. Matt was so excited that he could not sit still. I explained to him the reason for setting the decoys a certain way and what I hoped the birds would do and where they would try to land. A pair of Mallards came in wings cupped and floating. We both rose to shoot, I missed, and his gun jammed. I handed him my A-5 and showed him how to operate the saftey. I took his 870 and tore it apart to find out what was going on. Just then a single started to work the decoys and I went to work on my call instead of his gun. The mallard decoyed perfect and Matt dropped it with a nicely placed shot, from my gun! After a long walk in the mud Matt retrieved his first duck. He was tired and said he needed to get into shape. I think it might have had something to do with the cigars we smoked on our way out. That was the end of the day and we packed up and headed back to the launch. The motor purred down the river as we traveled back in the darkness. Neither of us said much, we did not have to, it was a great day.
After saying goodbye to my wife and mother-in-law in town for our baby shower, I hit the road for Traverse City, about a 3.5 hour drive, in search of Black Ducks favoring a hidden beaver pond. I arrived without a problem and get the gear ready for the next day. We hit the water early and set out Susie and three companions. The Blacks were flying and I got my one bird limit early, it was incredible. After the beaver made his presence known by slapping his tail on the surface of the water I was working a far off single and noticed movement to my right. I looked and laid my eyes on a huge Black Bear! They are common in the U.P. but not often seen in the lower. Black ducks and a black bear! How cool! That day will be known as Black Sunday from now on.
The next day we went to the bay to try some divers or our chances on some mallards. The scenery was breath taking and it was a pleasure just to witness it. No birds were bagged but Susie had the opportunity to ride the waves in the Grand Traverse Bay. It was an incredible experience.
I have more to the tale of the adventure that I shared with Susie, but it will have to wait. I can say it involves my friend Mike who is also a member of this site and resides in MI, and a two fat limits of mallards taken by the two of us. I will get the shots up soon, it was the best hunt yet of the year! I had a great time with Susie, I hope to make it an annual event. I will be sending Dave some photos to put in the journal. I hope you enjoy our little journey!
