Well, it’s finally here- DUCK SEASON! This is definitely one of my favorite times of year. Fall is in full swing- the leaves are changing and tree lines everywhere have become so colorful, they look like they were painted on a canvas. I love the cool crisp mornings that give way to afternoons with some of the best temperatures for enjoying the outdoors. There is also something about getting up early and getting into the duck blind before sunrise, being able to see your breath and catching quick glimpses of ducks darting through the air before it’s light, and hearing them on the water mere yards from where you stand. Adrenaline starts pumping, and you know you only have minutes before you can pull the trigger and start the hunt. Not to mention the rush you get when you make a perfect, clean shot and the bird folds, falling to the water with a loud splash. I know that moment is just as exciting, if not more so, for the dog you have with you in the blind. That’s their chance to jump straight in the water and make their retrieve- exactly like they were bred and trained to do. But, as we all know, it quite often does not go quite so smoothly! I am sure I will have plenty of stories about Dixie, my dad’s black lab, as the season goes on.

In light of this years duck season, and since I won’t have a hunt to write about until Wednesday, I decided to do a recap of past years’ hunts and how much fun I had on all of them. Even when it was 11* outside… Or when I went for a accidental totally voluntary swim in 35* water. You better believe I was wide awake after that little swim! There’s nothing like dumping 5 gallons of icy water out of your waders. My dad has definitely not let me forget that one.

Enjoy the photos!

Early morning view over the decoys

Dad, Dixie, and me after a rainy morning

Through the marsh grass

Green Wing Teal

Taking a little snooze when things get slow…

Even this mallard’s fall couldn’t break through the thick ice!

Dad and me. Awesome morning.

Our loot from the morning

My first pintail!