dilemma for 12/24/11

[vandeman17]

I just checked the weather and they are calling for AM snow showers in Othello and boy do I love hunting ducks in the snow. My problem is that I am supposed to be to my Grandma's place for Christmas Eve by 2 pm and she lives in Auburn.  It is about a 3 hour drive from Othello and the spot I would want to go is about a 45 minute hike each way. I just can't decide if it is worth getting up really early, driving there and hiking all the way out there to hunt for like 2-3 hours then having to drive all the way back and do the family thing... 

[pianoman9701]

Are you a hunter? Problem solved. "Sorry I'm a little late, grandma. I was working a conservation project helping with the duck overpopulation problem."

[bobcat]

I would save the duck hunting for another day. It just sounds like you'd be setting yourself up for an accident, with all that driving, possibly a lack of sleep, probably heavy traffic going over the pass at the same time you are, and being short on time possibly causing you to drive faster than you would otherwise.

[Heartsblood]

I feel ya man. Tough call. Conflicted. I usually end up going and having a great time, show up late for the fam and then am exhausted to the point of not really being present. Friggin' weather just hasn't been cooperating this season has it? I always feel a sense of urgency when it looks like there might even be a small window of desirable conditions. I dunno. Let us know how it goes. Good luck! 

[Woodchuck]

Dude, "Is it worth a lack of sleep to go hunting?" What in the name of Chuck Norris are you thinking? Gas the rig up now to save time in the morning.

[vandeman17]

I would save the duck hunting for another day. It just sounds like you'd be setting yourself up for an accident, with all that driving, possibly a lack of sleep, probably heavy traffic going over the pass at the same time you are, and being short on time possibly causing you to drive faster than you would otherwise.

This is really the main reason for my dilemma is that it could be a longer then expected drive and I might be tired and wary. It just really sucks that we FINALLY get a day where it could be good duck weather and I could have to miss it! 

[3nails]

 But there WILL be other days to hunt. Probably lots more this year. Get the extra sleep and use the energy to help out Grandma. You'll feel better about that choice.

[pianoman9701]

I've got the perfect solution(s). First, Bobcat, stop wearing women's panties! And Vandeman, get a gun for grandma and take her out with you. She can help haul the dekes! 

[vandeman17]

Now that would be a sight to see that is for sure! Luckily we hide our decoys out there so we don't have to pack them each time! 

[JackOfAllTrades]

Recheck the weather report...

Go to grandma's. There will be other snowy days to hunt. If you think that normal 3hr drive is going to take 3hr's... Think again.

-Steve

[vandeman17]

It is still showing snow on the reports that I am seeing... 

[Jerbear]

There will come a time in your life when all you will be able to do, is have fun memories of Grandma.   Family first.  I didn't, and I so regret it now.  Go, tell her you love her, and make her day.  The ducks can wait.

[JohnVH]

if you live that far apart, there is always time to shoot stuff, priorities man...

[Maverick]

Go kill some ducks in the snow! Id say its worth it and you'll make it grandmas. Maybe a little late but you'll be okay! Bring some good food with you and you'll be in the clear!

[BLKBEARKLR]

There will come a time in your life when all you will be able to do, is have fun memories of Grandma.   Family first.  I didn't, and I so regret it now.  Go, tell her you love her, and make her day.  The ducks can wait.

My thoughts exactly, you never know when the last day will come. Ducks will always be there. I wish I could go home to see my grandparents instead of a hunt. Would be on a plane 2 weeks prior to the date just so I could spend more time with them.

[vandeman17]

All very valid points and I will make it to my grandma's no matter what so not being there isn't the issue. I just can't decide if it is worth all the extra driving and all that just to hunt a few hours and be sleepy the rest of the day. At least if I do go hunting, I will fall right asleep on her floor instead of possibly tossing and turning like usual.

[full choke]

Go do the hunt if you want to, seems you are leaning that way. I know from experience though that a) it won't snow, and b) the walk will take longer, as will the drive. I have done exactly what you are contemplating too many times. You will end up with a couple of birds (maybe) you'll be out however much extra in gas money, you will be tired and late. Merry Christmas.

[krism83]

IMO I would scrap the hunt, call in sick Monday (if you are working that day anyway) and go out then snow or no snow. Don't get me wrong, I love to hunt and fish, but family is far more important this time of year than getting a few ducks.

[gasman]

Hey Adam, just head over tonight, stay at the sleeze bag hotel we did, get up first thing in the morning, kill your limit and be out of there by 9..........

You and I both know you wont find anyone else back there chasing them away 

[Skillet]

I'm going to say go hunt, man.  I've done the same thing and never regretted it.  But then, my family is definitely not one to lay on a guilt trip on a hard working man taking advantage of a rare opportunity to do something he loves just because the opportunity came on a certain day of the year.

[vandeman17]

Hey Adam, just head over tonight, stay at the sleeze bag hotel we did, get up first thing in the morning, kill your limit and be out of there by 9..........

You and I both know you wont find anyone else back there chasing them away 

Pete, I had thought about that but I still have Christmas shopping to do so that doesn't afford for too much time.  I have decided that I am just going to try and hunt Monday when we get back from the wetside. Hopefully nobody goes out there this weekend so we can get into them Monday. 

[gasman]

Hey Adam, just head over tonight, stay at the sleeze bag hotel we did, get up first thing in the morning, kill your limit and be out of there by 9..........

You and I both know you wont find anyone else back there chasing them away 

Pete, I had thought about that but I still have Christmas shopping to do so that doesn't afford for too much time.  I have decided that I am just going to try and hunt Monday when we get back from the wetside. Hopefully nobody goes out there this weekend so we can get into them Monday. 

There's a Walmart a mile down the road from the hotel.....finish you shopping there and the liquor store and your set 

[Wacenturion]

There will come a time in your life when all you will be able to do, is have fun memories of Grandma.   Family first.  I didn't, and I so regret it now.  Go, tell her you love her, and make her day.  The ducks can wait.

Was going to say the same thing....right on!   

[rasbo]

There will come a time in your life when all you will be able to do, is have fun memories of Grandma.   Family first.  I didn't, and I so regret it now.  Go, tell her you love her, and make her day.  The ducks can wait.

x2 jerbear is spot on,wish I could spend another day with my dad

[ICEMAN]

Take Grama' duck hunting.

[akirkland]

Bag the hunt. Grandma is more important than anything. Maybe show up early and help her out. Spend some extra time with her. Thats what im doing. She is 82. Not many Christmas days left for her i dont think. Next thing ya know you dont have her anymore. Take her flowers too Good luck and Merry Christmas

[Idahocougar]

Go to your Grandmothers. My grandma just passed away last Sunday and I wish I would have spent more time with her. There will be plenty more good days to go hunting.

[vandeman17]

Go to your Grandmothers. My grandma just passed away last Sunday and I wish I would have spent more time with her. There will be plenty more good days to go hunting.

I am really sorry for your loss! I will be skipping the hunt and going straight to my Grandma's place in the morning because like people have said, there are plenty of times to hunt and family time comes first!