6th Prize
Hunting Journal with Weatherby Logo (100 awarded)
Sean Coughlin, Michigan
“I can almost feel the frost still on the tall cattails as we creep out to the edge of the marsh in the dark. It quickly turns your outer layers wet as it melts against your touch. The sky would go from a deep azure blue to the kind of pumpkin orange. Every now and then a pair of mallards fly overhead unsuspecting. Each man tries to peer through the fog burning off the waters surface trying to catch a glimpse of passing birds. Each of us is sneaking around trying not to make a sound as we place decoys. A splash here or there is checked as we all try not to disturb the pristine stillness and the adrenaline rush to come.
Shooting time comes upon us and we let the first birds come and go. Its not about the kill. Its about the choice and the experience of being part of nature. A flock of geese easily outreaches our range and we all watch in lust and wonder as they keep flying south.
Laughter at missed oppurtunites, excitement of first time hunters, camaraderie of the blind is what my dream hunt would be. I love waterfowl hunting and would love to share that with my father who taught me about respect for the outdoors. Hunting big water or the Lake St. Clair flats of Michigan would be the ultimate. Our family has a lot of fond memories of boating on the flats. He worked so hard to help me get on my feet and finally finish college and achieve that which he didn’t get the oppurtunity to do.
I wish it could be an easy choice for someone to send another on a dream hunt. If it was my decision, I couldn’t really say no to anyone, but my father is starting to lose a significant part of his mobility of his fingers due to a aggresive form of arthritis that attacks his joints. It most probably originates from his job as an electrician. I will try my hardest to get him out this year. We’ve had only one or two chances to small game hunt in the last few years. He says he’s been having trouble holding onto things. But if you would consider me I would very greatly appreciate it. I’m not really interested in a new gun but more the opportunity to go on a hunt with my father. I don’t have the resources to take him on something guided and I don’t know anyone who has the equipment to get out on the flats.
It’s always been a dream of mine to share that kind of quality time and sense of virgin awe and exhilaration that comes from someone’s first time duck hunting. I can still remember him giving me the pole on the first salmon I ever caught. It was probably 17 years ago next week.”