Holiday Tradition

[jdmidwest]

The day started early today, hour and a half drive to Crane Pond for the traditional Thanksgiving morning hunt. Stars were out bright. Deer and foxes crossed the road to keep me on my toes. I left the house it was a balmy 35, and at the lake 23. I met my buddy there and we unloaded the kayaks and filled them with dekes and hunting stuff. We paddled the lake into the early morning light. A slight fog rose off the water, but nothing else. We dropped off the dekes and hurried to cover the boats. We had not even gotten our guns out of the cases before the first flock of mallards swung the blind. I was able to get off one fast shot but did not connect with the bird. We sit and watched as they grouped up and continued on south.

Little did we know, that would be the only ducks except for a pair of mud ducks and a single ringneck that circled the lake a few times. A pair of bald eagles watched the cove across the lake. At 10:00, we pulled out and left for home to our respective families for the rest of the day. My journey back took me along the hills and shutins of the St. Francois River and Marble Creek, another wonderful sight to behold. What a wonderful day.

Happy Turkey Day!