doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com seduced by a darker side due to rain

Yesterday I went to my ducking lake. My partner, my dog and I were all prepared for the rain and wind which have been with us for the past few days. I had a fine double with me and also a Model 12 built in 1913 with solid rib and original configuration trap butt stock. What with the rain falling in sheets, a 3 mile paddle to the delta and the Weatherman's prognosis of rain all day I recased the double and pulled out the pump. Upon reaching the delta at the first hint of light we were greeted by knots of ducks jetting by the point with a 40 mph from the north tail wind. Geese - Whitefronts and Canadas - lifted from their night time roost into the wind then turned and struck out with purpose. Some to their migration, riding the wind while their soul stirring calls sang to the marsh others to some distant quarter of the lake for I saw them no more this day. But the ducks! Mallards, Gadwalls, Teal, Bluebills, Whistlers, Buffleheads, even Pintails and Canvasbacks rushed past enough to seize one's very breath. The 12 seemed to shoot of it's own accord and without taking the opportunity for selection of a kind I acquired a mixed bag of 2 drake mallard, 2 drake whistlers, 2 drake bluebill, a spoonbill ( my mistake in identification ) and all topped off with a beautiful drake Canvasback. The dog performed as is his gifted way with 8 for 8 on the retrieves even though some were in deep reeds and not a few quite distant. Back home with the guns cleaned I now face the dilema of reverting to my loved sidebys or placing the model 12 at the front of the waterfowling gun cabinet. I wish all of you who visit the marshes, lakes and rivers this autumn similar perplexations.

Outstanding story. The Model 12 carries as much duck hunting mystique for me as do the doubles...Grandpa and Dad both had them and my memories from boyhood are of the nickel steel pumps guns.

BTW, I'll be heading to Manitoba next weekend for 3 days of duck and goose hunting. How are the numbers? Was your Canvasback plumed out, or was it still pretty mottled?

Todd

Slate - Thanks for the story and thanks for good thoughts on our behalfs. Your account is a distillate of what its all about. May you have more such times yourself with your good buddy and that Model 12.

Thanks Slate!

No need to apologize for using an all American gun like that vintage Mod. 12.

No harm in saving that fine double for another better day. I'm not from the use 'em, or loose them school. There are many better days ahead(I hope).

IF a M-12 is not almost as much a classic in the duck blind as a double, then nothing is and the lore of the hunt is gone. Just remember not to pull back on the double forend next hunting trip, just as I am sure that you did not go looking for the second trigger this trip. Great hunt and when those gees drop by here I tell them you missed them.

You stir my bones, slate. Nice goin'.

Todd, The canvasback was just about fully plumed. Most of the mottling now gone. Lots of divers this year in my area and plenty of mallards too. The geese are building in numbers year by year and now nest in many waters not used by them in years past. I had 80 Whitefronts pass over my house this evening so the migration flight is on and as you know the Whitefronts are near the front of the migration. Had a flock of Sandhill Cranes land in the lake behind my home about 7 pm today. There were a thousand birds in a field near my home this afternoon with a mixture of Mallards and Geese. So it looks like a tremendous season. Snow here tomorrow am and about 6" fell on my ducking waters since yesterday. It will all be gone within a couple of days but the message is clear to those who hunt here. Get out while you can for a lot of snow and a deep freeze will drive a lot of the birds south. Harvest was early this year and many farmers are near finished.
KY John, You are absolutely correct I looked for that second trigger more than once when I first started shooting but it is amazing how the mind can switch to mechanics of the gun in hand.

Glad you enjoyed the story I just wanted to warm your hearts and set your hand busy to ensure that the decoys, guns, blinds, and other waterfowling accrutements are all ready.

Slate,
Nice story. I wish I could have been there. Will be hunting Canada (in SK) the first week of Oct.
What better way to experience the fun of your old guns. Next time bring a different one! So if you take a few shots to transition, what the heck. The more the better.

So far I have hunted doves with my arietta 16, my 12 ga belgium hammer, my LC Smith 12ga specialty, my Fox 12 SW and my 28 ga SKB 485.

Can't wait. I am loading up a bunch of bismuith for duck and the Fox. I already have plans for pen raised birds when the LC Damascus comes back from Jim Swain.

Good hunting and good health to enjoy it.

Jerry