by Brook Dunn


Last hunt of the season, 2007-2008 - 4 mallards, 5 teal

Weiner, Ark. - we got out of bed at around 5:00 o''clock to make breakfast. It was still dark out and the house was almost under water. The pond behind the house had flooded and was now surrounding the house. We had to put waders on just to walk around outside. The wind was coming out of the west and was really chilling.  We canoed to the blind and sat down, loaded the guns and ready to shoot right at shooting time. The blind faces west, and the wind was right in our face and really cold. So after the first light of day, a group of teal fly by that sound like a jet engine. It was still too early and to dark to see to get a clear shot.  We got excited.

Another group of teal came, the wind brought them right in our face. We raise up and "boom, boom, boom" --  5 teal drop.  After the last shot all the guys laugh and scream "Yea, it's going to be a good hunt today boys!"

After retrieving the teal we sit back in the blind trying to stay warm. The coffee can only do so much. Later on in the day a group of about fifty mallards come from the south, and buddy, this was one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen.... textbook duck hunting.  They cupped up and ready to sit down. Right as they flew past the blind we all unloaded and dropped four greenheads. 

The day was slower after that.  The wind settled down which I think led them to settle in fields rather that woods. When the wind is blowing they like be in the woods it's a little warmer.  Weiner, Arkansas is a great place to hunt.  Some days are better than others but it's all about just getting out in the timber and hunting some ducks.

Me and my friends live for duck season and cherish what Ducks Unlimited is doing for the wetlands all around the world. Thanks for all you do and letting me share my short story.