Another Opening Day

[MudDucker]

I can't tell you how many times I've answered the call for the regular season opening day, but a bunch. Was kind of discouraged, because the holes I scouted a couple of weeks ago, were nearly dry when I checked them out this week.

Finally committed to my least favorite place. Even though I was not as light in my step preparing last night, I woke up well before the alarm at 2AM. Checked to see that the weather looked ducky. Even loaded paddles in the boat this time. Got the coffee brewed, had a bowl of cereal and loaded the old truck with my gear.

We had birds fast and furious at first light. I had five on the water and threw up to finish my limit and my trigger would not pull. It was dead. I had just gotten it back from the manufacturer in time for the early season and had not shot two boxes of shells through it. Played with it in the boat and the problem got worse rather than better. Sat back and started calling birds for my hunting partner and his young son. We finished just shy of the limit ... my shy.

Went by the local gun store to see about sending the gun back and one of the guys there said, well, lets play with it first. When he pulled the trigger assembly, I saw something drop out. It was trash. I have been shooting Kent FastSteel and have noticed that it seems dirtier than ever these days. Sure enough, when we reassembled it, the gun operated properly. Just finished cleaning it better at home. Gonna go in the morning to another local hole that always has water, but rarely has many birds. Got to get a few days in before I take my wife to Chicago to watch our last child as she marches with her band in the Thanksgiving parade.

Sitting here, I am reliving the crack of dawn, the whistle of wings, the excitement of a young man and you know what, it wasn't such a bad day after all!

[Hit-n-Miss]

Sorry about the gun. How about some pics for the ones of us that dont get to go duck hunting anymore.

[bman]

Glad you got out... same here with the water but we had a stellar opening.
Most ducks we have seen opening weekend in five years... lots of limits for the crew and we found some Gadwall!
Cool duck for this area!

What kind of gun?

[micci_man]

Nice. My local watering hole is dried up, drained is a better word :cuss

[bman]

Now Micci, Duck season is the best time to work on the dam...
Man the higher ups know better than you