Took my sons down to the Big "C" for some pre Christmas waterfowling. Conditions consisted of a nearly full moon, sub-freezing temps, side-ways blowing snow, and (last but not least) cornfed greenheads. My 2 sons Max (13) and Dominic (10), are coming into their own as wingshooters as their connection ratio is climbing with experience. Max started us off with a double on greenheads - as Dom didn't get a chance to shoot as they were in our lap and dead before he shot - I played the clean up role. As Dom goes and picks them up I mention to Max to watch one might have a band. Dom comes back in the blind exclaiming "Band Boy!", here you go.....1st bird down has jewelry!
Last time Max hunted he got a 14 yr old snow goose w/ a band - and that was on a double as well! Dom and I agree that we are encouraging Max to continue shooting doubles so we can see some more jewelry. The data - banded July 30th 2006 in Alberta Canada - mature drake.
Even with the wind heavey in our face it was just off enough for the birds to set up just off our right shoulders for 20-30yrd shots. We picked up a drake canvasback midway through the hunt and the rest was mallards......they started stacking up in the blind.
Max admires another nice drake -
It was quite a sight seeing bogey after bogey of mallards materialize from distant fields with craws full of corn.....They couldn't get their bills into the water fast enough. After starting up at 7:20am we were complete by 10:04am.
after a little photo session Dom decided to chill with a few of his favorite birds.
Then Max got funny and buried his brother in birds.
We packed up and went home satisfied for the holidays. Time to clean 21 ducks! Check out the corn!
I can still clean 3:1 but I appreciate the boys help when we have a load to pluck!
Ready for the oven! Fresh duck for dinner-
Can't wait to hit it again after Christmas......We hope you enjoyed the story-
I'm sure glad they prefer this to XBOX!
For Dad and the Young Guns..Merry Christmas to all!...We're over and out for now-
