Swan hunting! Despite comments to the contrary I find hunting them a charm. The big clamoring flocks of noisy white birds. The air filled with hoots and whistles and the whirr and heavy wing beats. And you can always get a limit of ducks and geese while you’re at it!
After patterning the birds for a few days we felt confident in our position. We were near the only bit of open water so when the Swans weren’t flying, the ducks were.
Went out Wednesday eve, and we were able to shoot two pinnys while we waited. Gur made some nice retrieves, even over and through ice (something she had never encountered before.)
Near closing the swans started to fly. After a couple of attempts I finally downed a Juvenile bird. The problem now: no waders and the bird was out on the ice about 10 feet. Even after a great deal of coaxing, I could not get Gur to tug the swan out of its icy hole. We had to leave it overnight...
I’ve never been one for leaving downed game and promptly returned the next morning with waders (something I should have been wearing the day before!) To my surprise the swan was still intact, no harm done. What a wonderful opportunity to hunt these big white behemoths.
Of course you’ll notice mines not white. Believe it or not ( and honest I’m not just making excuses), but I was out to get a Grey bird. I already have a nice mature bird from several years ago and I needed an immature to round out the trophy room.
A nice head Pic. Notice the lack of pink. This was an early hatch. Also notice how the feathers have started to recede near the bill to be replaced by the yellow patch.
And here I am with the day’s spoils, and after not shaving the whole holiday weekend!
Hopefully I won’t be the only one in my party to pull out next year.
Always,
cj
