I've been hunting waterfowl for over 30 years, and there's one thing that I've found is consistant is that the birds instictivly know where to go that's safe for them. That usually means little or no cover for predators to hide in.

Sometimes, we need to keep the big boats at home, and toss the small water boat in the back of the truck. Meeting the ducks on there turf - or lack of it, can be the difference between a hunt, or just an outing.

I cherish my time on the water, whether I bring home dinner or not, but it sure is nicer when the boat's a little heavier on the way home!