Him

[BOGSTER]

I am very grateful that my Father enjoyed hunting and fishing and made my going a priority. Those early days shaped me into the man I am today. Dad always went duck hunting from his early 20s on, but it wasn’t until he became Pastor at First Baptist in Elloree that duck hunting became a true hobby.
One of his deacons, Mr. Faitsie Bair took us and showed us upper lake Marion and taught how to hunt the woods. I am grateful beyond words for that.


The old man mallard hunting - 95ish



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BOGSTER]

He doesn’t do much hunting at all these days.
His outdoor activities are limited to fishing around Edisto and a round of Golf now and then.

But I drag him out a few times each season.
He’s always appreciative, and more than happy to get a chance to watch the sun rise and chat with his son about the Good Lord.

The old man about 3 weeks ago


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nitro5x6's]

Awesome photo Bog. Frame that one. Fine Wigeon and great smile from your Dad.

[buckpro]

I know that spot

[quack head 11]

Quack,

If you have kids, be their mentor.. If you don't , find one to mentor. Break the cycle.

My Dad called it " Something of value" that he could give to us. I had two brothers. Neither of them ever went hunting with my Dad. Amazingly, my Dad balanced a busy career and family life. He made the time for all of our varied interests and activities . Admittedly, I pale by comparison in my Dad's shadow, but most men do. I try to give, teach and provide for my girls.. I had a real good role model in him and am damn sure grateful. He's been gone nearly 7 years and I miss him deeply. Time is the enemy sho nuf.

Oh dont you worry pal, my boys and my girl all are my outdoors adventure partners. My kids dove hunt, deer hunt, rabbit hunt, fish, hobby farm, and dirt track race with me ALLLL the time. I wouldnt have it any other way. I parent them as needed but they truly are my best friends too

[BOGSTER]

I know that spot

Hush yo mout.

[nitro5x6's]

Oh dont you worry pal, my boys and my girl all are my outdoors adventure partners. My kids dove hunt, deer hunt, rabbit hunt, fish, hobby farm, and dirt track race with me ALLLL the time. I wouldnt have it any other way. I parent them as needed but they truly are my best friends too

Outstanding.

[Duck Nitz]

Blackus Duckus!

[everlast]

Bog, thank you for an awesome thread.

Far and away my favorite Puddle duck. My Dad was a rabid Waterfowler. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's , he made a few requests of me. To do a Black duck safari trip and finish his final season with our dear friend Pat Pitt at the Languille club in AR. We achieved both goals. We had previously hunted with a bunch of great folks over the years, but never attempted a long string of hunts due to time and family constraints. We set all that aside.

The Black duck trip started at Prince Edward Island, Moved to Rhode Island for incredible afternoon estuary hunts. Then the amazing Brigantine area in NJ. And the last Drake at a friend's farm near Elizabeth City, NC. Watched Dad kill Black ducks with his Sweet Sixteen at every destination. Parkinson's took a lot from him, but not his uncanny ability to shoot well.

In January , 2000 we landed in AR and drove to Pat's in an icestorm , Dad knew he was through. Easily tired and unsteady , it took some effort for him to walk to the blind each morning. Upon the end of his last hunt, I carried him from the blind on my back ( as he did for me many times when I was a boy), He didn't say much until we hit the levee and told me simply that he loved me and thanks for all the adventures we shared. Grateful that we made the last journey , I damn near quit that day too. Hard to imagine hunting without my Dad. But, I did. For me, for many reasons, the Black Duck is the King.

This got me in the feels

[JABIII]

Old Man looking good!

[Palmetto Pride]

I know that spot

Me too

[nitro5x6's]

This got me in the feels

Dad's final quail hunt was epic too. He walked better without waders and a stick to support him. Still shot like Vince Hancock. That is another story for another day. Didn't know it at the time , but it was the last time I would quail hunt with my best friend Martin too.

[Sportin' Woodies]

My dad took me and my brother duck hunting one time. It involved a farm pond that had 20 or so hooded mergansers on it. Bought some #4 nitro steel 2 3/4" shells and loaded up. It was the first year you couldn't use lead. We snuck and he counted to 3 and we shot at them when they were about 60 yds out. Only killed one. Said we should have killed a bunch. I think he cussed and left and I had a lump in my throat for letting him down. Precious memories. Enjoyed yalls write ups.

[scdiver]

Nice write up and hunt.

Love those birds.

[cooper66]

Clarkie just think of how many of those blacks fell with the trigger pull of Dad's old A-5 back in the day. I can remember when killing them was just normal! Wow !

[BOGSTER]

I can’t even begin to imagine.

[BOGSTER]

I wish we had taken pictures back then.

[JABIII]

I wish we had taken pictures back then.

Or could find the few we did. There is a trove on Edisto of old duck hunting pics I need to get to scanning...

[Highstrung]

I still kinda want that boat.. the one the gentleman on Edisto owned back in the day. I remember seeing it for the first time when I was around 16

20220125_160801.jpg

[Relentlous]

It’s refreshing to see people post dead duck pics.