A pink haze creeps along the horizon, taking over the starry darkness that we set decoys under. A distant call of a wood duck echoes through the tree. The soft whimper and steady tail thump from a lab full of excitement create a steady tempo for the few more minutes of waiting.
A day we all have been waiting for, a day we have been craving, a day we live for; opening day. It is a day full of tradition in the duck hunters world. A day we only get so many of them, yet one of the most special. Boat ramps, duck clubs and diners far and wide are full of guys and gals of all ages grinning ear to ear and overflowing with excitement. There’s old timers giving advice and talking about the “good ol days.” There’s always the college kids, showing off the boat they financed an arm and a leg for. There’s the special few who get to experience duck season for the first time, the little kids who finally get to follow dad into the timber.
These are some of the most special days for so many. A day full of laughter, joy, heartbreak and even a few guys who might have wished they spent the last six months preparing a little better. It is all part of the fun of it and there is nothing short of exactly what happens every single year. Opening day of duck season is a day like none other to say the least.
By Keagan Keddell
