Excuses for the Duck Hunter

by
posted on February 24, 2014
** 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 (12)

In the areas of shotguns, dogs or proper duck calling, I suspect you and I may share differing opinions. However, let's agree on one thing: We have never planned a hunt improperly. We always select the best location on every given day; our calling is spot-on both in timing and acoustics; our dogs superbly trained; our shooting techniques spotless. Sure, there are days when we don't shoot any birds. But they're hardly our fault.

You see, sometimes we run into luck outside our control. The unseasoned waterfowler might even call them excuses. All I know is when I return to my wife after a 4 a.m. wakeup and a day afield—duckless—there are plenty of good reasons. Perhaps a few of these will serve you well the next time the duck gods don't cooperate during an otherwise perfectly executed affair.

The sun was too bright.
"The birds flew too high. There was too much sun in hunters' faces. The guns glared. The decoys shined. I doubt anyone shot a bird today."

It was too cloudy.
"Plenty of birds flew over, but they couldn't see the decoys. I doubt anyone shot a bird today."

The dog broke on a seagull.
"He's only steady on ducks."

My gun froze.
"The firing pin completely locked up. I should clean it less."

My gun wouldn't cycle.
"I should clean it more but that means more time away from you."

My shells are no good.
"I shot the ducks square in the chest and they just flew off."

It's those dang skybusters.
"The birds would've worked us if Team Duck Dynasty in the next blind over hadn't flared every last one of them."

The shot caller had a bad day.
"I don't know what was up with Bill. He'd call the shot too late, then too soon. It was a mess."

There was no wind.
"The decoys had no motion."

It was too windy.
"The ducks were hunkered down."

My camo was all wrong.
"I should've gone with a lighter/darker pattern. Heck no I didn't move too much."

I'm too courteous.
"I could've shot plenty of ducks but I let the others shoot first, gentleman that I am."

It was too warm.
"The ducks were all snoozing."

It was too cold.
"Ice floes washed away the spread."

So, you see, it's easy to justify our lack of success, deserving as we may have been. What would you add to the list?

Latest

Ledegrasssland
Ledegrasssland

Grassland Conservation Funds Available in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has $9 million in funding available for landowners who want to create grassland habitat that can support native wildlife, like northern bobwhite quail and other grassland-nesting birds.

New for 2025: Texas Hunter Products Trophy Quail Feeder

Texas Hunter Products has launched its the Trophy Quail Feeder, engineered to meet the diverse needs of landowners, hunters, and conservationists nationwide.

Hardware Review: Leupold VX-6HD Gen 2

This year Leupold introduced the VX-6HD Gen 2 series of scopes. Read our Hardware review of it here.

First Look: MDT Timbr Core Rifle Stock and Core Bottom Metal

MDT has announced that the Timbr Core Rifle Stock and Core Bottom Metal are now available.

#SundayGunday: Burris Signature HD 15x56mm Binocular

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re taking a break from things that go bang and setting our sights on a key piece of gear for spotting your quarry, the Burris Signature HD 15x56mm Binocular.

First U.S. Citizen Contracts New World Screwworm

On Aug. 24 HHS confirmed a Maryland resident—who recently traveled to El Salvador—is the first documented human case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the United States. Presence of the parasitic larvae (maggots) was confirmed on Aug. 4 after studies conducted by the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.