Enchanted Evening with the Dove Commander

Hello again all my technologically advanced and well connected waterfowl enthusiast friends. Welcome to Muck Bottom Outfitters Waterfowler Report.

We've all seen the "duck commander" in magazines, on the web and perhaps even on the plastic cases our calls have been wrapped in. But have you seen the Dove Commander? Don't worry, I was skeptical myself. I'm here to tell you he exists. He comes out a couple times in early September and slides away until the next year. He visits the marsh land and looks for just the right spot.

In late afternoon we set off on a long trek into the unknown, following the commander, heading toward what appeared to be the "X". The "X" for what we don't know, I'm recalling in my mind scenes from Children of the Corn as we head deeper and deeper into the brush. Are we in search of white doves? Perhaps signaling our demise and meeting with Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates. Just what have we gotten ourselves in to? A slight hand motion signals the stopping point. I've now switched from Children of the Corn to a member of SWAT being motioned to stop and sit down. Finally, it is here that we see among the mud, marijuana, button weeds and sunflowers he is home. He pounds steel posts into the ground with precision and purpose, tightly winding #9 wire between them and cliping on four dove decoys. Yes, I said decoys. He then, carefully and strategically, sets up the robo-doves. Yes, again, I made reference to decoys. It's time, he motions to the crew of 4 and we sit down as if in a trance gazing at the sky. Not long and it starts. Doves flying, doves dropping, shells ejecting, barrels smoking, mosquitos the size of barn swallows biting, and empty shell boxes piling up. After 3 1/2 hours of sore shoulders and sore necks, it's over. The commander starts to pick up the dead and silently walk away, leaving only the stench of blood and gun powder behind. We take his lead and slowly follow the legend of the marsh back to the truck, it was then when we realized the level of our success. With 5 guns and non- stop shooting, we managed to count exactly 5 limits. The commander, among the blasts and carnage, knew exactly when it was time to go.

After a bit of a worrisome start we had a great evening. Ducks and Geese are just around the corner. That's all for now. As always, check back for the latest and greatest and thanks for all the hits. Send us your report.