About 2 weeks ago I had the privilege to participate in a ‘youth/adult’waterfowl hunt sponsored by theSCDNR. It was my son’s first duck hunt(age 14) and what a GREAT experience it was for the both of us.
At 5 am we met the DNR agent and waited for the others whohad been drawn for the hunt. The agent was not just courteous and professionalbut was very keen on helping create a spirit of outdoor enthusiasm for youth (waitingon the others we also got to ask questions on the deer, turkey, and bear populationsand hunting in our area).
The agent took us to our blind in a flooded cornfield –maintained beautifully for these hunts – and showed us where to place decoys and then whereto watch for their arrival (we got the wood duck hole!). (I am also a novice –having only been duck hunting 2 times before so all help is needed)
To see my son’s face as the ducks started coming in at 6:45am was more than priceless. To watch him show discipline in waiting to shootmade me more than proud of him than I already was.
Our hunt was successful – maybe not measured in quantity ofducks harvested (1-wood, 1- mallard) -but we both consider it an experience ofa lifetime. Our only problem now is ‘where’ can we go next!
Also – DO “THANK” your DNR agents – from those that offerthe Hunter Education programs (we did it this year ) to those who manage the hunts andenforce the laws.