| Opening day of 2004 found me sitting on the edge of a shallow swampy lake. I had scouted a lot of local lakes and this one looked promising. I arrived early , got set up, and waited. About 30 minutes before legal shooting time, it was like someone opened a cage and let every Wood Duck in the area out, and 10 minutes after that every Canada goose in the county lifted off from the far side of the lake and flew directly over me. Legal shooting time came and went, and nothing was flying. Every once in a while I'd hear a shot in the distance, but it was generally slow. At about 9:00 am, half dozing, I was ripped awake by motion out of the corner of my eye... Three Woodies coming into the decoys. I rose and fired, SPLASH!... As I wheeled around to draw a bead on the remaining birds, I realized there was only one bird leaving... I had dropped a picture perfect drake and a hen with one shot... dumb luck at it's finest! But a great way to start the season. |
