A man, his gun, his dog .... and the wife

This post is about duck hunting!!!

While you all were sleeping off your turkey dinners, Eric and I went duck hunting last Friday.  Long story short, no ducks were harmed in the making of this "thing."  So much for the hunting part.

In order to enjoy our nice date day, we needed to first unload our precious cargo, also known as Sophia and Griffin  (and referred to in earlier posts as my "party crew.")

 Luckily awesome aunt Kellie was up to the job of babysitting, so we loaded up and headed off for an afternoon hunt.  Eric took me to the Nashua River in Pepperell , MA.  His friend Dick was nice enough to join us for this adventure (also affectionately called a "shit show" by my loving husband).  Dick just had to see the wife in camo!

We arrived at the river, put on our bad-ass duck hunting gear and packed up the canoe.  (Ok, so Eric packed up the canoe, I just complained about how cold I was.) Bogey squealed in delight the entire time, eager to get his bird.  (sorry Bogey, that never happened.  I know you deserve better than that.)  Here is a photo of me and Bogey dressed for the task at hand.  I know, peeps, I look smokin' hot....

After a short canoe trip across the river, Eric found our spot and we set up shop in a muddy, marshy location.

Here's Bogey checking out the scene

Here's Eric in the canoe

The blind

Me in my kick ass outfit

                                                             

Eric setting up the decoys

Mooooo

 The odd thing was that there were cows in the field right across the way from us.  They didn't seem to mind the gunshots though. 











After we set up the only thing left to do was sit, wait and watch the sky.  Besides my cold fingers and toes, I enjoyed sitting out there and listening to nothing at all.  It was peaceful-- I get why my husband likes hunting.  The boys said some silly stuff like "there is some nice movement in the spread" (meaning the ducks are moving on the water--- why don't they just say so?!) They also participated in some skillful duck calling which I can only imagine sounded like sweet songs of seduction for the ducks. I also now know why Eric comes home empty-handed often.  He and Dick failed to do the "watch the sky" part! Ducks flew over us only three times: two out of the three I had to tell them, "hey guys, there are ducks flying by."  The third time, let's just say I didn't escape without injury!  (See bloodied gum below).

I also want to mention here that wearing your headphones or ear plugs around 12 gauge shotguns is a good idea! Don't take them off! (my ears are STILL ringing!)

We had to end our hunt at 4:16pm because of sunset and while we left empty handed I personally left with a sense of self accomplishment.  I was nervous and reluctant about this trip.  There were so many unknowns to me.  But I really did enjoy myself, I made it through without serious injury and I think it really benefited my relationship with Eric.  After 13 years together, I learned new things about him, and for that I am truly grateful!