Harvesting a Gorgeous Drake Mallard: A Bittersweet Duck Hunting Experience

Man, it happens to everyone who duck hunts. They are so good at disappearing. I'm sure you were shooting within an ethical range but steel just sucks at killing. After years of dealing with cripples I finally just switched to the copper plated bismuth, the killing power is night and day. With the limited opportunity in this part of the world its worth every penny .

It happens to us all, and no doubt it will happen again, it's the one thing that you have to put in the back of your mind. And like you said, she won't go to waste, something will be thankful for it.

@Appalachian it absolutely does happen. Isn't the first time it's happened to me either. I still just hate it.

@Brian absolutely. I've been there before, it just sucks.

@Appalachian I’m with ya. Steel has probably had close to the same impact on lost birds as lead did in poisoning over the years. I wouldn’t be surprised by a non toxic soft material mandate some day.

Stud drake! Happens to everyone, but just know that it’ll be put to use. Something will eat it if she doesn’t survive!

@Ty thank you, and absolutely.

@Mike heck yeah I wouldn't be mad about that at all. Heck make it tungsten so it will become more mainstream and hopefully cheaper . My buddy and I are currently reloading with some tss #5s to pass shoot cranes and geese with. If you haven't already check out the Boss shells, that's what I've I've been running the past few years now. They ain't no joke.

@Appalachian yep, used Boss for 3 yrs now and 💥☠️. Totally agree with ya on the supply and demand theory too

@Mike I mean I'm almost never brand loyal but I think I killed around 70 birds last year and only remember having to swat 2??? That's unheard of with steel. I'm prepping for a creek hole shoot in the morning now. 🙃 They did me dirty Saturday gonna set up on them a little different and hope they aren't in Georgia by now 🤣

@Appalachian same here. Our group has taken close to 200 geese since switching and only needed the dog for a dozen tops, and those were wingtipped. Good luck tomorrow!

@Mike preciate it😁 same to you. don't forget about turkeys in the spring. If you are still interested. I could probably swing a 3-4 day ordeal. We could probably drum up another Gowilder or two to get involved.

Yeah man it happens. Do what you can and roll on. A dog definetly helps alot of you have the time for one. Makes the hunt fun as well. Rarely ever lose a bird now. Congrats on the hunt. Definetly picked up birds, I watched hundreds trading in and out of our hole while I was working all day sadly. Lol

@Brandon definitely has happened before and will happen again, but it still sucks. Ha! Makes sense, I'm sure you'll get on them soon enough though. Good luck! I wish I could have a dog, but definitely can't currently in life.

@Appalachian yessir, definitely on the radar. Early March would be a good time to dial things in. Season starts mid April

@Mike well I meant if you wanted to come down here. I've just about burned up all my "hunting trip away from home permission" from my wife on a few duck trips to the Mississippi flyway. My leash got a little since my little boy Bridger was born, he's about 10 months old now.

@Appalachian here is a good half way option, just saying...if you can get permission to do that.

@Appalachian well heck, that works too! OTC or draw?

@Appalachian and congrats on the little guy!

@Mike haha, ok, ill come to Tennessee also.

@Derek just saw you added in. Gotta make something happen, I’m up for anything with half a chance🤣

@Mike I'm up for anything! If I'm invited.

That’s up to @Appalachian it seems, haha. I’m in!

@Derek maybe one of theses days, I'd be a little more confident on my home turf though. I am wanting to branch out some though.

@Derek

@Derek of course you're invited 😁

@Mike it's otc with a 3 bird limit. I'm thinking amphibious assault. We have lotsss of boat access public. Thinking about dropping guys off all over with walkies before daylight to get lots of ears in the woods and adjust according to the roost talk. I bet @Adam would want to get involved as well.

Hooyah!

@Mike 🤣🤣🤣

@Appalachian @Mike yeah buddy, always down for thunder chickens! Hell, all other hunting is just filler IMHO lol

@Adam I agree 100%