Jon Yenulonis
Well-known member
A while back, I believe I posted a story about a Bufflehead decoy I carved for a young friend and member here, Ben Lambert. It was given to him as a gift not only as a good luck charm for his brand spanking new Bankes 19' boat rig, but also for his friendship and support.
Well, a couple days ago, he invited me along on a trip to nearby Mosquito Reservoir for today. As we were putting out our spread of toy ducks, he insisted that I put my gift decoy out myself. I did just so, and knowing the tendancies of the little Buffleheads, I made sure he was deployed all by himself and in easy view of any birds flying by. Around 9 this morning, Ben says, "here comes a flock of Buffleheads". Sure enough, about six of the little Butterballs are heading right towards us, especially keying in on the lone, hollow wooden decoy. Ben stands up and drops one of the two drakes, I follow and drop the second. He then takes my dog Annie out of the boat, and lines her up for a pair retrieves that left me proud.
Come to find out, it was the first bird that he shot out of his new boat, over the gift decoy, and of the same species.
It was a very special moment for me, and I know it was a very special moment for him, one which will be remembered for a long time, if not forever.
Jon
View attachment 20181024_083846.jpgView attachment 20181024_084620.jpg
Well, a couple days ago, he invited me along on a trip to nearby Mosquito Reservoir for today. As we were putting out our spread of toy ducks, he insisted that I put my gift decoy out myself. I did just so, and knowing the tendancies of the little Buffleheads, I made sure he was deployed all by himself and in easy view of any birds flying by. Around 9 this morning, Ben says, "here comes a flock of Buffleheads". Sure enough, about six of the little Butterballs are heading right towards us, especially keying in on the lone, hollow wooden decoy. Ben stands up and drops one of the two drakes, I follow and drop the second. He then takes my dog Annie out of the boat, and lines her up for a pair retrieves that left me proud.
Come to find out, it was the first bird that he shot out of his new boat, over the gift decoy, and of the same species.
It was a very special moment for me, and I know it was a very special moment for him, one which will be remembered for a long time, if not forever.
Jon
View attachment 20181024_083846.jpgView attachment 20181024_084620.jpg