It was a cool October morning, but it could not have been more beautiful. Duck season opened earlier in October in those days. We were fortunate in that it coincided with the full color of the Ohio deciduous forests. The lake we were hunting lies in the middle of the most picturesque woods you could ever imagine. The vibrant colors of the leaves were reflected by the mirror calm water. There was not a cloud in the sky, truly breath taking. The only aromas from our island blind was the sweet smell of pipe tobacco and black coffee. As we drank our warm beverage and relaxed, the group could not imagine more beautiful scenery. The only thing that might have made it better was a flock of ducks. Right on cue two fully plumed wood ducks appeared seemingly from no where. I shouldered my smooth bore and broke the serenity. In unison both birds closed their wings and plummeted in response to one eruption from my autoloader. Two birds taken with one shot, and what beautiful birds they were. The drake and hen wood ducks were as picture perfect as the surroundings.
Everyone in our group harvested waterfowl that day. The geese flew all night by the full moon, so they didn't make themselves available very often during the day. We had action from the regular visitors of mallards, teal and woodies. I have vivid memories of that hunt. Everyone put their fair share of birds in the coolers, but what comes to my mind first. What I remember most was the absolute beauty and peacefulness of the setting. The sun warmed the day throughout the afternoon. We sat under a giant oak tree drinking coffee near our tents. The singing birds and the backdrop soaked into our being as we shared stories until dinner. I am not sure why the Ohio duck season opens later now, but at least I have these memories as if straight out of a Terry Redlin calendar!
No comments:
Post a Comment