Junior Hunt at the Laughing Mallard
By Darold Givens

What better way to get youths involved in hunting that getting them an
opportunity to really have a fabulous hunt. Every year the state allows
licensed hunters under the age of 16 to hunt the weekend after the end of
the waterfowl season. Do you know what that means? The birds had 5 days
off without anyone disturbing them so when the youths go to the blinds, it will
be like hunting a sanctuary. That may sound cruel but I have seen these
kids shoot and there is a lot more noise than hitting. But the kids get to see
these great birds, flocks of ducks and geese up close.

The hunt that we sponsored at the Laughing Mallard consisted of my 12
year old grandson, Ryan and two brothers, Will and Cody Dexter from Half
Moon Bay. Father Rob got to take Ryan, I took Cody and Will’s father Bryan,
took Will. We each had our own pond to hunt. We were equipped with radios
so we can alert or harass each other. The hunt started on Saturday, 1/2
hour before sunrise and the birds were already landing on the pond. When
the smoke cleared, the birds were flying away. No kills on the first volley, or
the second or third. My motto was continually “More lead, more lead, and get
in front of the bird”. After that, birds were getting hit with more frequency. I
could see Ryan dropping a big snow goose and lots of shots from Will. Cody’
s first bird dropped but swam away and played hide and seek with our dog
“Buddy”. Later when we were looking for another cripple, Buddy went into
the weeds and found the first duck, a large drake pintail. By days end, Cody
had two snow geese and 6 ducks, Ryan had 1 snow goose and 5 ducks and
Will had 1 duck.

On Sunday it was Cody 0, Ryan 0 and Will 1. Will went from last to first with
one bird each day but they all went home winners as well as the adults that
took part in this annual event. If anyone has a youth hunter that wants to
participate next season, let me know early to get you assigned a place to
hunt. Space is limited as we house and feed all participants in the Willows
area near the Sacramento Refuge.
Click on Photos to Enlarge
Junior Hunt at the Laughing Mallard
Foster City Rod and Gun Club
Eurasian Duck!!
Ryan Will and Cody