2011 opener in NW MT...

[MTGunner]

It was a calm false dawn in NW MT an hour plus before sunrise, legal time here on the CS&K reservation, getting my gear set up and tollers ready to set in a modified J hook pattern. There were geese in the air as I went about my tasks. All set up 30 minutes to go to legal time. Time enough for another cup of Joe and spend some time with Lu my lab/shorthair cross 8 year old pup. Lu and I tucked into my layout blind with minutes to go. There were mallards and teal in the decoys milling around without a clue about what was in store. Too easy! I spooked 'em out as I'm not the person that shoots 'em on the water. Off to the SE a loose flock of mallards wing their way toward my tollers with company in mind. Yep, company is what they got. Two of 'em dumped into the hole in the midst of my set up. Not bad for an old fart such as myself. Ten minutes later and a miss on an easy teal I lay with the wind coming from the SE. Blast! Gotta move a couple of decoys that are blowing into shore. Back in the layout, Lu chomping on a bisquet and my mind in neutral. A flock of teal catch me napping as they scream thru the tollers at light speed. Around they go to the NW but a single swings around deciding to play chicken. Bad choice on her part. A very pretty blue wing teal in the pot. Next hour a gadwall hen, a drake and hen mallard complete my morning of gunning. Yes, I could have taken another but six is enuf. Load up all my gear and head toward shore to pack in the truck. At this point it would be great to have my son along to help. Oh well, it is what it is. My opener has been thoroughly fulfilling and a grand adventure. On the way home I stop at the CS&K bird check station for the count. Good people doing important work for all sportsman. Hope you enjoy my story. MTG

 

[kansasdad]

Nice way to open a season

 

[wingman1]

Sounds like a relaxing morning for ya. Congrats.

 

[Brisco]

Excellent story. I could see it happen as you described your morning. Its been a long time since Ive been in the duck blind but going this fall to ND. How does your dog work for you? Sounds like a great combination for retriving and upland bird hunting if its balance equally.

 

[Lawnboy]

Great write up. I could see them flying around. I'd still love some picts. on your next trip. That duck hunting sounds like fun. I've never tried it.

 

[MTGunner]

My pup, Lu, is a hunting machine. Best dog I've ever had. She retrieves ducks and geese like a lab. She points Huns, pheasants, quail and grouse like a shorthair. BTW, she was a dumped dog along with 4 other litter mates. We took her in and she has pleased us ever since. I will take a camera next morning that I hunt ducks/geese. Not much for picture taking as I have little skill in that department. Never the less I will give it a go. The lake that I hunt is in the shadows of the Mission mountains. A beautiful setting. MTG

 

[kansasdad]

Regarding photography....National Geographic is so wonderful because they only use the best. In predigital era they would shoot 4-5 rolls per quality image. Shoot a "stupid" amount of photos and share the best ones with us.

 

[TOM IN TENNESSEE]

Got to enjoy a morning with ducks, your dog friend, and your own set and calling....at peace with the world!
Don't get no better!!