This morning's teal hunt

Al Hansen

Al Hansen

Well-known member
I sat with my back up against a fence post and waited what seemed to be an eternity to shoot at some teal. I watched the full moon set over the Magdalena mountains straight west of me and I knew I was going to have a tough day to hunt. My bet was that this piece of real estate that I was on was loaded with ducks all night long just gorging themselves with seeds.

Finally a single came in and I dusted her. Then I let almost an hour and a half slip by before I saw some sustained action. In few minutes it was all over and I was walking out 25 yards to pick up my 2 decoys. I found it worthwhile hugging the fence line as I trudged out of that mucky place. Seems like the stickier it gets the better the ducks love it. It was another fine morning in New Mexico. I'm sure glad my friend called two days ago to tell me about all the teal that were using his flooded field.

Just so you know, we have had an unusual amount of rain recently. Last year our total here where we live was just a touch less than 2 1/2 inches. In the past 8 days, we have had over 6 inches of water. Now you know why this field is flooded.
Al

There were close to 100 ibis feeding in this field also.


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Good girl, Habi. She brought me 3 hens and 3 drakes. 5 were bluewings and 1 was a cinnamon. I have already found out that it is a must to get my afternoon nap in prior to the next hunt, which by the way, will be tomorrow.

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Still doesn't matter how muddy and mucky it gets the dogs still will do what ever it takes to get those birds!! Dog looks great the spot looks great and the scenery is amazing!!!
 
Beautiful area but from past reading reptiles and duck hunting spook me a bit. Most we have to worry about here on the tide lands is a clam shell or crab.
 
Nice shooting Al, and the dog looks great. It is pretty rare to get bluewings in NJ, by the time the season opens here they are mostly gone. I haven't shot one in about 25 years.
 
Al, I really enjoy all of your reports and awesome pics - keep them coming......... my wife and I took a quick vacation to NM many years ago to find snow during the winter and I really loved the scenery - if you keep up these posts I am going to show up on your door step one day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Al,

Those photos makes me wish we had an early season teal hunt. Teal are my favorite bird to hunt and eat.

Last season opener we had a group of blue wings land out about 50 or 60 yards. My hunting partner for the day decided to take the long shot as they spooked. He counted out one, two, and three. I looked out and there were three down teal. Longest shoot I've ever seen, and a triple to boot.

Tight Lines ... Fred
 
I almost feel like I'm sitting next to you.

Thanks for sharing
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You are most welcomed, John. Glad you enjoyed it. I have to admit that it was fun. In one hour I'll be back in that same spot with Habi at my side.
Al
 
Yes they are, Dave. They get so big because they like to eat Trinitite! That stuff makes their legs grow longer and curves the beaks.
Al
 
might have to send you a teal decoy or two......
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Hey Jim, what a great thought however I want you to know that I have more decoys----lots and lots of "more" decoys. I prefer having these two. Makes it easier to walk.
Al
 
Still doesn't matter how muddy and mucky it gets the dogs still will do what ever it takes to get those birds!! Dog looks great the spot looks great and the scenery is amazing!!!
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You are exactly correct about the dog, Wesley. They do it without question and seem to ask for more. Glad you enjoyed it.
Al
 
Looks like you had a great hunt. The landscape is beautiful. A lot different then Lake Okeechobee.
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Hi Jeffrey. I did have a great hunt and have to admit that every time I get to go duck hunting I have a great hunt whether or not if I shoot a duck. By the way, I have been in your neck of the woods and it, too, has amazingly beautiful sights. Has it changed since 1954?
Al
 
You are looking greener there then we are here now. That water looks great for teal... and everything else.
Habi reminds me of my nephew's brittany last weekend. We sat next to a pile of dirt pushed up and out of the way for the gravel pit. She was a black brit for a while but a little walk through the grass and she was clean. Amazing how dogs can do that.

Tim
 
Al

You are just having a great season so far, good to see all the water down there.
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Doug, it has been a very long time since anyone has seen this much water in such a short time.
Hey, I found out what weeds are in a short time at our place. How the heck can those seeds remain dormant for so long is beyond me.
Al
 
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