I swear, field hunters are the musky fishermen of the waterfowl world. If they weren't so damn pushy about the "right" and "wrong" way to kill ducks and geese, more people would probably pay attention. But after 18 years of hearing the same tired argument, it's just white noise.
I wish I had the time and patience to field hunt regular season. When I was in college, that's all we did. But we skipped class and burned days on end scouting for field. I work 60 hours a week now, and when it comes to getting my almost-5-year old out for a morning of watching the birds and dogs work, I hit the water. Every time. It's relaxing. I don't have to kill myself knocking on doors and beating 10 trucks to the same spot. I just drive to my local WPA, set up in a cozy cove with a dozen decoys, break out the granola bars and snacks, and talk to my boy about whatever comes to mind. I can recall every single hunt I've been with him since his first in 2016, which was actually a field hunt for geese. But other than that single one, the best have been the ones I stress out about the least. A slough, sack of decoys, him and the dogs. Ducks are a bonus, and we often make an extra trip for breakfast or McDonalds or just down a dirt road to see the world wake up.
Sorry if I bust your roost. But if it's not too far off the beaten path and makes for a fun morning for me and my boy, well, tough shit. Mama and sister are waiting back home, and I don't have the time or energy to do it the "right way" any more.
