The Man Who Changed a Tire in My Decoy Spread

by
posted on February 19, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (3)

It was an oddly warm January day on the Eastern Shore—in fact there were gnats in the air—but after a long, mid-day lull, the geese were back on the move. My buddy Tyler Shoberg of Delta Waterfowl and I each killed a bird, and prospects were looking really strong as the final, golden 30 minutes of shooting time approached.

Then something odd caught Tyler's eye.

"What the heck is that guy doing?" he asked.

A blue van with several occupants had pulled up and parked on the country road off the northern edge of our spread. My first thought was that a group of anti-hunters planned to run interference. But this was the Eastern Shore—there's a goose pit in every field. I imagine an anti-hunting extremist would either spend much of the day offended or move somewhere else.

Then the driver got out. This guy's actually going to confront us, I thought.

However, he did something much worse: He spent the entire remainder of our hunt changing a flat tire.

Ducks flared. Geese flared. Hunters laughed—what else could we do? As the sun set we picked up the few birds we'd shot earlier and headed home. Hey, at least we got a memory out of it. Some days you shoot a limit of birds. Some days you watch a guy change a tire in his tennis shoes.

Latest

W H2026 05 Black Bear IMG 20260302 225901
W H2026 05 Black Bear IMG 20260302 225901

Black Bear in Saskatchewan: Fortune Favors the Foolish

They pressed north through wildfire to their destination, a lakeside bear camp in Saskatchewan. Days later, they wondered whether their decision-making was bold or reckless.

First Look: Henry 1860 SUV Eagle

Pre orders for the Henry 1860 SUV Eagle are ongoing, a custom-engraved edition of its H11 New Original Henry Rifle developed in collaboration with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ("SUVCW"). A portion of the proceeds from every sale will support SUVCW's mission to preserve the history and legacy of America's Civil War veterans. Pre-orders are available exclusively at HenryUSA.com.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms Revel DLX

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a brilliant little takedown rimfire lever action from Savage Arms. This is the Revel DLX. An excellent fusion between classic lines and modern features, the gun is built around a satin-finished Walnut stock, boasting stippling for grip and comfort. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Watch Your Local Deer Herd for EHD

As a part of your summertime scouting, make sure to look out for signs of EHD among your local deer herd. Frank Miniter has spotted some on his own scouting tips, and gives some information about the disease.

Federal Signs Agreement with U.S. Army to Accelerate High-Performance Ammunition

Federal Ammunition has announced an agreement that allows the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology for use in multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The new agreement specifies conditions necessary prior to granting Government Purpose Rights, such as the delivery of 40-million cases featuring the new technology.

NRA Announces 2026 Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship Recipients

The National Rifle Association has awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to attendees of the 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) through the Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship program.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.