This past weekend marked a long tradition of the signature event of fall duck hunting. Hunters have come from near and far to chase these wonderful birds. When ducks for the table are mentioned, teal rise to the occasion. It has been a special bird in our family because Jonathan came from Arkansas, Florida and Mississippi to spend a few days hunting teal for many years.

I was sitting on my marsh stool out at our duck club waiting for the evening flight. The mosquitoes finally relented a bit or got tired of my frequent mistings of repellant. It was 4:30 in the afternoon which is too early for the birds to move. This was my first solitary hunt without a dog since Smooch passed. It was genuinely nostalgic to remember Bimbo, Eider, Magic, Smooch, Blitz and dogs that I admired who lived with other hunting friends. They just don’t live long enough, and it is stupefying to consider another pup that just might outlive you. It is also a bit goofy to snivel over the majestic animals that I got to live with for a few years. So I enjoyed being goofy for a while.

There were 10 teal sitting on the pond well out of gun range. They were there when I arrived, and I was fortunate enough to get to my spot and set up my stool without disturbing them. Bullfrogs jumped and croaked and splashed. A Pied-billed grebe came out of the reeds and dove carefully in search of food. I was concerned about shooting a bird over the pond because I’m not sure how deep it is out toward the middle. My waders extend over my chest, but it is messy if you happen to tip over or flood the things—so I stayed cautious. It seems like I tip over more frequently than I used to, so I remain alert. Two teal came by and I dropped them in the pond exactly where I didn’t want to. The birds that were there when I arrived left in a big rush. After a while a pair of dove came by and I put them in the pond by the teal. Another hour and another pair of teal finished my day. I was able to use my walking stick to reach the birds with the water about one inch below the top of my waders. The good thing about teal season in September—if it is too deep for waders, it’s not uncomfortable to strip down and swim after your birds. Just skip the visual. My other option would have been to call a friend who has a dog and ruin somebody’s day. I do miss my labs.

There are Blue-winged, Cinnamon and Green-winged teal. The limit is six birds per day. I try to collect teal even when big-duck season is open. Mallards and Pintails are great table fare, but there is a special spot in my heart for these fast-flying little birds that sound like someone ripping a newspaper when they cut around the corner of the marsh and buzz your decoys. Robin and I have a lot of memories about teal and duck hunting at the Bottoms. It marks the true start of fall even though dove season is always earlier.

I hope all of you at one time or another can enjoy our marsh or any special spot of your choice to honor great dogs and great friends. We live in a great place!

Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast.