Duck Hunting

By: Cooper Scott

I have a lot of hobbies, but I would have to say my favorite one is duck hunting. Most people don’t understand how much hard work and critical thinking goes into duck hunting. There are many factors that have to align to have the perfect hunt: wind direction, cold weather, right water levels, equipment, traveling, and scouting. There is no better feeling when a hard thought out plan comes together for a successful hunt when we all reach the limit. This is one of the reasons why I love duck hunting. Not only do the right factors have to align, but it takes certain qualities to be an avid hunter such as patience, dedication, diligence, awareness, preparedness, and optimism. These are all qualities that make me who I am today.  

Another main reason I love duck hunting is the fellowship. When I duck hunt, it is usually a family affair. I get to spend quality time with my dad, brother, uncle, cousins, and friends doing what we all love. One of my favorite memories of duck hunting is last year when my older brother and I had to hold a spot or “hole” for us to hunt. We woke up at midnight, got in the boat and drove to the spot we were hunting. The land we hunt is public so many other local hunters tried to go to that exact spot, but we were there first. My brother and I bonded in the five degree weather waiting for our fellow hunters to come in the morning to hunt. It was very worth holding the spot because it was one of the best hunts we have ever had. We all killed the limit and I killed my first canvasback. Needless to say, all of our hard work paid off. I have been going out west to duck hunt since I was 8 years old, and I have made so many countless lifelong memories.