December Lull

     December traditionally means the start of cold weather and the start of consistently good duck hunting.  Ice forms on many of the rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes, concentrating ducks to whatever open water they can find.  Many of the ducks and geese that have been north of us for the season thus far have come down on the prevailing north winds after being forced out by ice.  Ideally this migration means we will have a continual stream of new birds for the rest of the season, some will winter here, some will just stop over for a day or two.  At this point in the season we usually start hunting almost daily.  This is traditionally how it goes.  This year wasn't traditional.

      Warm weather and prevailing south winds are duck hunting's kryptonite.  Warm weather to the north keeps ice from forming and the ducks have no reason to leave.  Birds also don't like to fly against the wind during migration, no one wants to work harder than they have to!  We were plagued by these two factors this season.  By mid-December it became obvious we weren't seeing new ducks or geese, and hunting the same (small amount of) birds that have been here for a month since the small push in November becomes very difficult.  Ducks wise up to the game quick, especially when they are frequenting the same spots.

     Although it was tough, we kept at it when we could and had a few good hunts.  A brief cold snap in the middle of the month helped a little, but it wouldn't last long. 

The coldest morning of the month, 7 degrees and some moisture in my gun's trigger assembly didn't mix well.  I had to break it down and thaw the frozen parts in my pocket before I could finish my limit with more gadwall and a black duck.

A few good cornfield hunts helped keep December from being a total loss.

Ed and Bob spinning around to shoot at some doves which opened towards the end of December.  Doves are a fun (and delicious) addition to the duck and goose bag.

A wet corn field usually means some ducks will show, We managed several on this late December afternoon.

Another gun malfunction, this time from worn out parts instead of ice.  They can only take so much abuse in a lifetime.

The previously mentioned doves make an excellent addition to breakfast.  Simply wrap the breast meat in small strip of bacon and throw on the grill for a few minutes.