Yesterday was a crazy morning that started with me getting the boat stuck just before legal time. Made a wrong turn and ran into thick head high cattails and button bushes. The boat skidded to a stop about 60 yards in. Lots of pushing and pulling, 45 minutes later we ran to the spot we wanted to shoot.
It was daylight when we were throwing the decoys out. I sat away from the other guys frustrated that I had blown our hunt. A few birds worked the decoys and I felt a little better the other guys were getting some shots. But it was obvious we had missed the first light flight. I was sitting there beating myself up.
Then a Mottle Drake cupped in from my left. I shot twice and it dropped 20 feet from me. I could see the band before I got to the duck!
Its an old worn band and I can just barley make out the number. Its going to be interesting to find out how long this one has been flying around.
Beautiful bird that redeemed the morning and made the entire trip for me!
