The Last Duck Hunt
When I was about 11 or 12 I knew I was a mighty hunter. I had shot deer, rabbits, sage hens, Hungarian pheasants and rattlesnakes. I had hunted geese from a pit and now decided I was going to conquer duck hunting. I got on my trusty Honda 50 and headed from our farm to a reservoir about 10 miles to the north. I had my double barrel Stevens 410 shot gun straddled in my lap and enough shells to kill a truck load of ducks.
Image compliments of @barjack/Flickr
I parked the motorcycle about a quarter of a mile away from the reservoir and snuck up on the cold water of the reservoir this October morning. Sure enough there were some Green-Headed Mallards on the pond. I crept closer on my belly thru the cattails to where I could get a good shot. I yelled so they would fly and did hit one of the ducks as it attempted to fly and get away. He fell into the cold water about 20 to 25 feet from the shore.
Image compliments of @texaseagle/Flickr
At first I didn’t know what to do, as I hadn’t brought a long pole or a fishing line to reach him and get him to shore. I thought for a bit, but I had been taught never ever to leave an animal or bird in the field so I was determined to get him. I found a stick about a yard long and started out into the cold water to retrieve him like a bird dog. What I didn’t realize was that the bottom of the reservoir was full of weeds and the bottom suddenly dropped off steeply from near the shore. All of a sudden I couldn’t touch bottom and my feet with my lace up boots still on were tangled in the weeds.
I was drowning, the heavy boots and my wet clothes were dragging me down. My short life of 10 to 12 years did flash in front of my eyes. I don’t know how I got out or how I got my duck out, but the ride of 10 miles to home on a little Honda was very cold. I shook like the dickens with cold. I didn’t ever tell my folks about the drowning part, and no I never, ever went duck hunting again. The Great Duck Hunter was grateful to be alive, grateful I wasn’t a drowning victim at that early age. The Good Lord had pity on me that day and many days since.. Funny when you are drowning how bad you want to live..
The mighty duck hunter
10 Comments
Leave a Reply
Get Your Copies Today!
My newest book, The Dread, has just been published! Click the book cover below to read more.
The Long Awakening is now available in Paperback and eBook formats. Click the book cover below to purchase!
I really like your stories. thanks for sharing.
Thank you Lynda for coming by, I appreciate your time and comments.
Love hearing stories. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks John keep coming by, there are many more stories..
Keep the memories and stories coming. I read every one, and almost always find myself nodding, thinking, that could have been me, or yeah, we did things like that too. Hope your children are enjoying these as much as others are.
Thanks June for your time and encouragement. I think my kids as well as my relatives are enjoying these. I’m very glad you too are enjoying them.. Keep coming back, I appreciate it.
All your stories are nice, this one in particular. Thanks
Thank you Jacqueline I appreciate your time. I’m glad you enjoy the blog.
I’ve been reading all of your stories, and I’ve enjoyed every one! I sometimes wonder if you get my comments (Do you?) Please keep the stories coming. .I dearly love Montana, and I still think of it as my Home, and it will always be. .
Yes Michelle I certainly do get your comments and am glad for the feedback. Keep coming back and thank you for your time..