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1985, Wabbaseka Scatters, lead shot, canvas waders and the points system!

Some friends randomly invited me to go hunting on what would be my first Green-Timber Duck Hunt. Reluctant to go, I asked,

"What time are we leaving?”  "Be here at 4 A.M.!”

We piled in the Buick about 4 A.M. and drove for what seemed like hours. After arriving at a parking area, we got out and geared up. Gear back then consisted of a gun, a call, 15 or 20 bullets, waders, a Coke and a Snickers bar.

Now the walk! We must have walked for 45 minutes down a levee and then a mile through the woods. The guys stopped at a blowdown, and I asked,

"Where are we going to hunt?" They replied, "Right here!" You could barely see the starry sky through the small opening in the canopy the blowdown had left. I remember thinking that these guys must be nuts!

About 40 minutes before sunrise, the woods came alive with Wood Ducks and it wasn't long until the Mallards began to filter down through the canopy, twisting and turning while dodging tree limbs on their way to the water. The wood ducks were one thing, but watching those big fat green heads pumping and back-pedaling with all they had in order to navigate the small opening was even more amazing.

Just thinking about it now gives me chills. The split second when that duck just freezes in mid air, wings locked back and feet down, feels almost like time itself stops. That moment, that feeling, those sights, those sounds are why 40 years later, I'm still hooked. Lots of things have changed since 1985, the thrill, sensation, and amazement, it never got old.  Been blessed to have hunted with so many great people and experience some of the best Green-Timber Duck Hunting Arkansas County has to offer. When I hang up my duck call, it will be right here at Popa Duck Lodge. God Bless, and see you in the woods!

-Michael Burford