Breathing, one can hear the world breathing as the wind blows through the trees and the waves crash onto the shore in the darkness of the early morning hours.
Awakening, creation begins to sound off, almost as if the world is yawning after being awakened from its slumber by the brightening sky.
Shivering, the frigid cold causes not only the hunter and his dog to shiver, but the rest of creation as well. Birds become restless, beginning to flutter, whistling wings overheard can be heard.
Best to get the final check in order, decoys set out, blind brushed, gun loaded, and everyone ready.
Quacks can be heard off in the distance. Seemingly out of thin air splashes occur in the decoy spread 5 minutes before legal light.
Shivering, creation begins to awaken further, craving the sun with the warmth it is sure to bring.
Awakening, one minute before legal shooting light the ducks in the spread take off. They must know of the coming storm.
Breathing, adrenaline begins to surge, as a flock of ducks makes their decent towards the spread.
An eerie calm rushes in, as time slows down.
Cut’em!
Thunder erupts; flames explode out of the end of the barrels, and birds fall to the water.
The hunters’ most loyal friend braves the frigid waters in an effort to bring back the benefits of the labor, as quickly as possible.
Calm waters erupt, not only from the ducks as they drop from the sky, also the dog as he surges toward the fallen bird.
Smiles appear on everyone’s face. Not for the kill, but for the camaraderie and satisfaction of the hours of intensive labor turning out fruitful.
Exhausted, everyone packs up, hauls the gear back to the vehicles and heads home.
Memories have been made that shall last a lifetime.
I’d love to hear your memories of a hunt you have been on, comment below your favorite hunting experience!