Worst and best

[fowl Shooter]

Always hear about how other people screw your hunt at refuges and such. Since its the holiday season lets hear about the other end of the spectrum - acts of kindness and sportsmanship. I'll start. 22 years ago when I just graduated from the university missouri and became a rabid waterfowler back there, I came back home from school and drew a Kern reservation. Never hunted waterfowl here in california my home state. Went up to Kern and picked a spot where the blind just opened up near the north end of the refuge. I got really lost in the fog and kept driving around looking for my parking lot. I wound up in parking lot 2 and was asking for directions when this tall middle aged gentleman came up to my truck and offered to guide me to my parking lot. I could see he was half way unloaded and he still insisted on guiding me. After about 20 minutes and numerous twists and turns we pulled into the lot. He then pointed me off into the right direction to the blind. I experienced one of the best shoots ever that day but most of all won't ever forget this mans act of kindness.

[Speckmisser]

That was a cool one. Wish I had more good stories, but I really have only one.

First time up to Delevan, I had no idea how the lottery worked. Having hunted only at Mendota and Grizzly Island before, I simply assumed there was some kind of sweatline.

I hit the parking lot at Delevan around 2130. It was kinda weird, no line or anything, but I went ahead and found a spot to park, fixed a drink, and sacked out in the back of the truck. I figured I'd wake when the ressies started moving around, and then find out where the sweatline was.

Well, those of you who know Delevan will know that I was screwed when they started calling ressies. I missed out on the lottery, and was pretty much out of luck. A guy standing behind me heard me asking about it, and when I got turned around he said he was hunting alone on a ressie, and would be happy to let me come in with him.

It wasn't a classic Delevan day, but the shooting was OK. He was a pretty good guy, and we had a blast. The funniest thing was, our dogs were both named Sandy! Made for some interesting retrieves.

I lost his phone number and never was able to get in touch with him again.. even just to offer a Thank you.