New Years Resolutions
Ryan Barnes for SPLIT REED
Presented by Browning Firearms
The year 2020 has come and gone. What a year that was. I can imagine most everybody will be glad to put that disaster in the rearview mirror- and although things still look unsure moving into 2021, at least know that there is soon to be light at the end of the tunnel. However, we’re not here to commiserate on frustrations of a year gone by. We’re here to talk about the possibilities in the year to come! Everybody seems to have a sense of hope and optimism, to at least some degree, when moving into a new year. Many people set goals for themselves or resolutions they try to keep to better themselves. For the next little bit, we’re going to discuss some possible resolutions that can be made as a waterfowl hunter.
First and foremost, these resolutions will not be centered on killing more ducks and geese. Everyone already wants to do that. These resolutions will be centered more along the lines of appreciating the hunt a bit more.
Secondly, for most hunters, waterfowl season isn’t over (thank goodness), so most of these can be implemented right now. You won’t have to wait until next fall to utilize these ideas.
So- here are some new year resolutions for waterfowlers to help enjoy the hunting experience a bit more.
Start keeping a hunting journal
Some hunters already do this, and it’s heard all the time how much they enjoy being able to reflect back on hunts they’ve had in the past. In a day of so much social media, it is easier to catalog and record your hunts, especially when you can snap a picture on your phone in seconds, but if a picture is worth a thousand words, a journal entry has no limit. Imagine being able to look back at hunts 5, 10, even 20 years from now written in your own words and pen, reading your own excitement, and being able to call back those same emotions from each day in the field. Which types of hunts you record and how you record them is up to you, but it would benefit any avid hunter to start keeping a journal of their hunts. Not only for their sake but for posterity’s sake. What an amazing gift that would be to yourself and those who come after.
Truly study up on the birds you hunt
Most waterfowl hunters have a pretty good idea about the ducks and geese they harvest. But it would do all waterfowlers some good to study even more about their quarry. You don’t need to become a biologist, but all of the birds you harvest have accomplished amazing things to get to where they were in their migration. Study enough so you can appreciate that. Study enough so you can be proud of harvesting certain ducks that you previously weren’t so impressed with. All ducks, from the hen gadwall to the drake canvasback, are all impressive trophies when you have studied enough to know what makes them unique. Doing this will allow you to appreciate each duck or goose harvested so much more, and make each day in the blind that much more special.
Learn a new hunting “skill”
This one has a wide variety of things to choose from. These “skills” could be anything from learning how to blow a call to learning how to utilize a new hide system. To truly excel at anything in life, you have to keep moving forward, learning, and growing. Becoming a better hunter is no different. Learning how to do different things in the field that will increase your success, will also allow you to find more enjoyment. Maybe you need to learn how to use a jerk string, or how to use an A-frame blind. All these things are elements that will allow you to have more options in the field, and give you more success and enjoyment.
Hunt a new area
People have areas they hunt that they know are tried and true. They’ve hunted there for years, and they don’t want to leave. Other people are more adventurous and are more eager to try new spots and see new places. Either way, this advice is directed to both parties- go hunt somewhere new! Whether you hunt somewhere out of the country, or somewhere out of the county. Branch out, go see some new places, go knock on some doors, and expand your little black book of hunting spots. Feel free to ask others for help, as that’s almost a necessity to hunt in new places. One way or another, make an effort to get to a new area or areas to hunt. No matter what, when hunting in a new place, there always seems to be a new level of excitement and anticipation. Go out and enjoy those feelings as you open yourself up to new hunting destinations.
Finally, the most important resolution of all-
Let your personal enjoyment be your gauge of a successful hunt
When you go on a hunt if you had a great time cutting up with friends, giving each other a hard time, and laughing together; let that be a tell-tale sign of a successful hunt. Don’t gauge your success by the number of birds you pile up at the end of the day, or how many “likes” you get on social media. If you went out, and accomplished a goal, and enjoyed your time in the blind, let that be your measuring stick for a hunt’s success. Limits are great, but enjoying the small stuff; the scenery, the birds working the decoys, the time spent with friends and family- that’s what truly makes a hunt successful. In 2021.
From all of us at Split Reed, thank you for your amazing support through 2020. We hope these suggestions will inspire some resolutions for the waterfowling world to enjoy this great sport of hunting even more, and here’s to an amazing 2021!
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