Mixed Bags in the Natural State

The crew made the trek down to Arkansas for a late season waterfowl trip with Grayson, Max, AJ, Grant & Drake which will now be a yearly tradition and much needed vacation among the crew after the festivities of Christmas. There was a lot of optimism in the air with the promising cold front of the past few days and the only thing holding us back was a full moon and the indifferent feeling if the ducks will be active in the rice fields at first light if they get a chance to feed all night. 

However, our nerves were calmed as prior to shooting light all types of dabblers and divers were working the spread prior to a call being touched. Some people say the best part of the hunt is even before it starts just watching the birds work without a care in the world of calling, shooting, or chasing cripples down a levee. As the hunt started it became similar to having a four course meal at a fancy restaurant. At first light we harvest Wigeon & Teal, followed by Gadwall nearing 8AM, and Mallards & Pintails showing up for the 9 o’clock flight. Finally, to finish off the 6 man limit we were met with nonstop waves of Northern Shovelers.

As we crawled out of the pit in broad daylight around 10AM we felt like kids on Christmas morning. That’s the thrill of it that most will never know why we love to wake up at 4AM sleep deprived to sit in freezing temperatures, high winds, and at times winter storms. The adrenaline, memories, and most of all the pure enjoyment of the sport as it produces an indescribable feeling to the people who greet the lifestyle of hunting head on with passion and commitment new and old faces alike.