I was fortunate enough to have been chosen one of the four veterans to participate in this unique opportunity. It had been many years since I last hunted ducks, and being a motivated DIY'er I had never been on a guided hunt before.
I can't say enough about the great experiences I had with Wingman Guide Service. Joshua Bourne runs a fantastic operation, and it is evident his service is a passion, not just a business for him.
I arrived to a wonderfully furnished house and made to feel welcome by a truly family run operation. I was provided with a snack of bacon wrapped marinated jalapeno duck poppers as we enjoyed lively conversation around the blazing fire pit. After a hearty feast of mashed taters and pot roast for dinner, all the prior service vets discussed our "war stories" probably a little later than we should have stayed awake.
At 0300 Joshua was up early whipping up a fine breakfast complete with potatoes, eggs, toast, sausage, and hot coffee. We were ready to hit the water by 0500 well fed and excited for the adventure.
The weather this day was challenging, but our capable guides knew an area where they had not pressured birds and their knowledge of the vast marshes proved invaluable. After the 30-minute boat ride we started to put out our set just at first grey light. Soon we were nestled in our little floating island between two decoy sets and ready to watch the skies.
Lack of wind and clear conditions made it challenging to predict the travel and direction birds would come in, as they pretty much had any angle they wanted.
Soon we were rewarded with birds and had several good opportunities in these really bright and clear conditions. My shotgun wing shooting was a little rusty at first, but I was finally rewarded with a lone bufflehead that came streaking in over my direction just over the water and swinging from left to right was I fold it with a single blast as the others watched. That one did feel good!
We ended the morning with six birds along with a interesting bluebill duck in the mix.
Getting six birds in tough "fowl" conditions was pretty successful!
I had to bid all adieu fairly early to pick up my son from school, but I thanked Joshua and his son for such a super time and great guide skills. Said goodbye to my new veteran brothers from the hunt. This BHA AFI program and the generous donation by Wingman Guide Service was a great experience. I highly recommend and thank all involved!
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