Duck Opener in Michigan's U.P.

[Jeff S]

The duck hunters in this forum know what I'm talking about. It's opening day and you've been sitting in the blind for over an hour, waiting for legal shooting hours. In the darkness you've heard the whistling wings of divers overhead, and off in the distance you hear the quacking of mallards sitting contently in the shallows. Finally, it's light enough to see a group of 9 ring necks circling our end of the lake. As always, they buzz over the decoys, but never commit. However, on their 3rd pass, I decided to take a shot. Nice right to left swing, remember to lead and follow through, "bang" and he dropped stone dead in the weeds.

The rest of the day was pleasant, but a little slow. For the 8 hunters in our family group, we took 8 birds. Sunday morning was much better for my brother John and me. We decided to hunt until 10 a.m., and about half of that time it rained. However we were rewarded with another group of ring necks, and two opportunities on redheads. We collected 6 more birds and then packed up the gear for the ride home. Did we get a ton of ducks, "no". But, we did some shooting, and once again we had the family together to kick-off another hunting season in Michigan. Okay fellow members of the Fox Fraternity, it's Fall and we need to see pictures of those beautiful guns in action. Ansley developed them to be used.

[Stan Hoover]

Nice going Jeff,

Thanks for posting the pictures and it’s good to see your family.

Stan Hoover

[jolly bill]

All good Jeff.

[Researcher]

Good going Jeff. Enjoy every minute of it.

[fox-admin]

Nice hunt!! Thanks for the pictures. We open Saturday in the NY northern zone, hoping to get Nellie wet.

[44whiskey]

thanks for pics and story.keep them coming and i hope you have a great season,all the best 44whiskey

[Jimmy Goodtime]

Awesome! That looks like your straight grip “A”, correct? Jealous of you guys up north right now, it’ll be November before our season opens down here. I’ll use doves and deer to help pass the time.

[Kimber06]

Jeff, congrats on a great family hunting tradition. Just getting out to hunt with family is a win, the ducks are an added bonus. Have my first grouse hunt in two weeks in upstate NY and hope to break in a 16ga A grade. The best part of the year is finally here.

[Jeff S]

Thanks for the nice comments and yes that is my straight gripper. I really like that gun for ducks. I’m sure that the guys that hunt “big water” are better off with a Super, but for me, this works good. The card says IC and Full. I measured them at .015 and .039. The right barrel works great when they’re buzzing the decoys and the left barrel is good for high passing shots. Barrels are 28”.

[DarylC]

Nice going Steggy. Looks like all that range time you've put in is paying off in the marsh.

My Dad hunted up until he was almost 96. He had trouble climbing in and out of a goose pit but with a milk crate and a little help from his friends, he carried on.

Great family hunt.

[Sporrns]

Great post, Steg! Our duck season is coming soon; can't wait!! Kevin

[Jim Cloninger]

Thanks, Jeff. I look forward every year to your opening day duck hunt in the northern Michigan. Jim

[Don Ay]

one sweet opening day

[arcmaster]

Jeff;

I loved your description of the hunt and really loved the pictures. Traditions with family are priceless. Your family really looks like a great bunch of people. I miss my dad every day and wish that I could hunt one more time with him. He was my rock and also my best friend. Thanks again for the great post!
Mike

[hihaven]

Nice pictures thanks for posting