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September 12, 2003
Charlie Farmer, Springfield News-Leader
Hunting ducks lures generations of a family
As a teenager, my dad and I took up the art of duck hunting.
Actually, I pestered him until we bought hip boots. After a year, or so, we found that hip boots didn't measure up. Too much water down our pants and we were chilled to the bone.
Dad and I upgraded with chest waders. They worked pretty good for two years in the sloughs where we hunted.
It was inevitable that a duck boat was in the future. Dad and I saw too many boats crossing over the ponds and lakes where the mallards were rafted and content.
Most hunters camouflaged the boat and motor with reeds. Our skiff was a 12-footer. We oared the boat for awhile. Then Dad found a 10-horse motor that he bought from a man who worked with him. The motor gave us plenty of good performance.
It was then that Dad and I began hunting ducks in earnest.
Those years were some of the best for me, Dad, Mom and my sister, Gail. My mom also had a hand in wild ducks. She made those mallards, pintails, gadwalls, teal and widgeon so good in her cooker that there were no leftovers.
The tradition of duck hunting is still in our family. My son, Scott, is an avid duck hunter. At 8 he was ready to go duck hunting. Some were tent outings, others were in motels close to wetlands where the ducks funnel in morning and later, sometimes at dusk.
Some of our best duck hunting was at Stockton Lake and Truman Lake. The wide-open water at both lakes, however, was not conducive for hunting. The best way to find the ducks was in the slews and potholes where ducks had plenty of food and concealment.
The weather has a hand on ducks and duck hunters. Drought is not good. If wetlands are parched and there is no food for ducks, the birds may abandon the spot for another. The birds may never come back.
Rain is good for ducks and hunter. Snow is also good for duck hunting.
• Pick up a 2002-2003 Waterfowl Hunting Digest from the Missouri Department of Conservation and venders who carry hunting and fishing supplies.
A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp is required of every waterfowl hunter 16 and older. To be valid, the stamp must be signed in across the face. Federal duck stamps are available for $15 at post offices and selected permit vendors.
• Another good thing coming up is the Springfield Chapter Sportsmen's Banquet for Ducks Unlimited.
It will be at the Pat Jones Buena Vista Ranch in Strafford on Sept. 20. For tickets, call Cary McAnally at 823-97O3.
Contact free-lance columnist Charlie Farmer at 1197 East Court, Ozark, MO 65721, or at cjoutdoors318365@aol.com.
Charlie Farmer, Springfield News-Leader
Hunting ducks lures generations of a family
As a teenager, my dad and I took up the art of duck hunting.
Actually, I pestered him until we bought hip boots. After a year, or so, we found that hip boots didn't measure up. Too much water down our pants and we were chilled to the bone.
Dad and I upgraded with chest waders. They worked pretty good for two years in the sloughs where we hunted.
It was inevitable that a duck boat was in the future. Dad and I saw too many boats crossing over the ponds and lakes where the mallards were rafted and content.
Most hunters camouflaged the boat and motor with reeds. Our skiff was a 12-footer. We oared the boat for awhile. Then Dad found a 10-horse motor that he bought from a man who worked with him. The motor gave us plenty of good performance.
It was then that Dad and I began hunting ducks in earnest.
Those years were some of the best for me, Dad, Mom and my sister, Gail. My mom also had a hand in wild ducks. She made those mallards, pintails, gadwalls, teal and widgeon so good in her cooker that there were no leftovers.
The tradition of duck hunting is still in our family. My son, Scott, is an avid duck hunter. At 8 he was ready to go duck hunting. Some were tent outings, others were in motels close to wetlands where the ducks funnel in morning and later, sometimes at dusk.
Some of our best duck hunting was at Stockton Lake and Truman Lake. The wide-open water at both lakes, however, was not conducive for hunting. The best way to find the ducks was in the slews and potholes where ducks had plenty of food and concealment.
The weather has a hand on ducks and duck hunters. Drought is not good. If wetlands are parched and there is no food for ducks, the birds may abandon the spot for another. The birds may never come back.
Rain is good for ducks and hunter. Snow is also good for duck hunting.
• Pick up a 2002-2003 Waterfowl Hunting Digest from the Missouri Department of Conservation and venders who carry hunting and fishing supplies.
A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp is required of every waterfowl hunter 16 and older. To be valid, the stamp must be signed in across the face. Federal duck stamps are available for $15 at post offices and selected permit vendors.
• Another good thing coming up is the Springfield Chapter Sportsmen's Banquet for Ducks Unlimited.
It will be at the Pat Jones Buena Vista Ranch in Strafford on Sept. 20. For tickets, call Cary McAnally at 823-97O3.
Contact free-lance columnist Charlie Farmer at 1197 East Court, Ozark, MO 65721, or at cjoutdoors318365@aol.com.
