As we start the New Year I have been sick – sniffling, sneezing and now … coughing. The Little Gal has been helpful (as well as tolerant), but the cold doesn’t seem to go away. Hank and the Little Gal put me to bed before 7 p.m. on New Year ’s Day. I woke up feeling just about the same as the day prior, which was, to put it nicely, not well. The Little Gal decided I needed fresh air so she and Hank got everything ready and we headed out the front door.
They were taking me duck hunting! I was super excited because hunting always makes me that way, and because the Little Gal was pretty pumped up. Bonus!!
We went to one of our favorite “honey holes” and set up for the ducks. This spot is a glorious one because this time of year nearly every pond is frozen, so finding open water is tough. The water flowed nice and slow, creating the ideal landing spot for ducks.
We were all chilly as we waited. Then before we knew it, we were sweating with excitement because the ducks were coming. Hank whispered to us, “Be ready!” and nodded toward where they were.
Now I have to say, something amazing happened this day …
This was our first duck hunt of the season, and last year it took a lot of directing to get the Little Gal a duck. She would wait too long and shoot as the duck sat on the water or she would try to shoot too early and we would watch as the ducks would flee unharmed.This time was different.
She. Was. Ready.
I watched. She had her gun up and ready before Hank spoke. She lead the ducks as they came and then in shear amazement, I watched as she “cut a duck.” (Those are her words, not mine. More about that later.) That shot blasted and just like you would dream, the hen fell from the sky. Then without being told, she continued to shoot at a drake as he turned and ducked away. What a wonderful, amazing thing to watch as she grinned from ear to ear with her first duck of the year.
The Little Gal with her prize duck. Photo by Mia Anstine
“Cut a duck”
I went to SHOT Show last year, and the Little Gal is not old enough to attend. She asked me to bring her something from Las Vegas. I looked and looked and didn’t really find anything fitting. I was on my way from one appointment to another when I saw the Duck Commanders. The Little Gal just loves them. I decided it was what I would get her. I stood in the long, long line to meet the guys and get an autographed photo of the crew. The Little Gal still has that autographed photo that I brought home for her. In the top left corner, they wrote her name and “Cut ‘em!” She was proud today to run and grab that photo. She said, “I cut it!” I smiled real big. “YEP!” She sure did and made Mom feel so much better too. A special thanks to my Little Gal.
Mia & the Little Gal starting the year off with a bang. Photo by Hank Anstine
Follow Mia Anstine’s life at her excellent blog, My Many Outdoor Adventures.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
Thank you Georgette! It was great to see you as well. Happy hunting!!!
Atta girls!!!! Gotta love some Duck Commander!! LOL!
I know well that feeling of seeing them start to “get it”, become more fluid and feeling… instead of thinking through it. That confirmation its all coming together!
Thanks Brian,
She is SO EXCITED about “getting it”. Isn’t it amazing to see? Thank you for following our posts!
Mia! I love your stories! You are such an inspiration and give the Little Gal a huge hug! She is awesome!!
Kirstie,
You and the other ladies are an inspiration to her as well. Thank you for all you do for each and every one of us!!!
Mia, great story. Thanks for sharing. Makes me want to get out there and try it too!
Mia – this is going to sound silly but I got all teary reading this… please give Little Gal a great big hug from me and tell how proud of her I am! Waterfowl hunting can be realllllly had work and cold and nasty – not to mention how hard it can be to “cut that duck” when they are whizzing by at mach one – So glad you made the effort and you both had such a wonderful day!
Great story Mia and it was wonderful seeing you again at Shot Show!