JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

in the truck. If you own a retriever and plan to
take it hunting, do your homework and train him!
Your dog does not have to be field-trial ready, but
should know some basic commands--sit, stay, and
be quiet are all that is usually necessary to keep it
in line and keep the hunt enjoyable for others. An
untrained dog that will not obey while ducks are
working will definitely not likely get you invited
back.
Be safe. Duck hunting is often a group activity
and is inherently dangerous due to multiple
guns shooting in multiple directions. Being safe
in the blind is critical. ALWAYS have your safety
on, until the moment before you shoot. Guns are
constantly getting knocked over in duck blinds by
all the movement; so don’t let a good time become
a tragedy. Always watch your muzzle. Only shoot
in your lane of fire and do not shoot next to someone’s
head. Never shoot at a crippled duck when a
person or dog is out of the blind trying to retrieve
it. Even if you think you have a clean shot, let the
dog, the guide, your buddy, or whoever is out of
the blind, finish the retrieve. Many a dog and duck
hunter have been shot by accident. When shooting
at a cripple, it is also considered bad manners to
shoot someone’s decoys!
Also remember that a duck’s eyesight is many
times better than ours. They are adept at seeing
movement, color, faces. Waterfowl biologist conducting
aerial surveys can tell you two things stand
out when flying over a duck blind. A poorly cam-
ouflaged blind stands out and will reduce your hunting success. The second
thing is a hunter’s face. Our faces look like white pie-plates from the air. So,
when you think you have your blind brushed, add more brush. Dad had an
old saying, “You can either look at ducks or shoot ducks. You can’t do both.”
Wearing a facemask or face paint will help keep you invisible. If you prefer to
just wear a hat, make sure you use the bill to hide your face and don’t look up.
Avoid movement. Hold still when ducks are working. Don’t be grabbing your
gun and waving the barrel around. Just stand still and listen to the callers as
they do their thing. They will tell you where the ducks are coming from and
when to get ready to shoot. And finally
never, ever shoot until the shot is called.
Usually the lead caller will call the shot
but sometimes someone else will. Either
way, it is ill advised to shoot before the
shot is called. That can lead to bouts of
cursing and persecution by your hunting
partners.
In conclusion, remember that duck
hunting is a social sport, one to be enjoyed
by a group of friends and family. Having
good hunting etiquette (manners) is essential
to a good hunt. Don’t be unsafe,
have a well-mannered dog, take good
shots, respect other hunters, and respect
the resource. These are the keys to being a
good sportsman and being someone that
others enjoy being with afield. •