C. L. Marshall - Chesapeake Outdoor Tales: Hunting and Fishing by the Tides

Published by The History Press

Charleston, SC

www.historypress.com

Copyright 2019 by Carroll Lee Marshall

All rights reserved

First published 2019

E-book edition 2019

ISBN 978.1.43966.816.0

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019945071

Print edition ISBN 978.1.46714.448.3

Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

The mid-Atlantic region is a very special place. The ability to travel in under two hours from a place where a single house cant be seen anywhere on the horizon to the innards of a city with over one million residents is indicative of how special a place it is. This books dedication is a toast to the traditions on which we have built such a legacy and to the future in hopes that we dont trade these traditions for something shiny.

CONTENTS

Courtesy Joyce Northam.

PREFACE

There are things that happen in the field and on the water that defy accurate description via mere words. Sometimes these events are shared with a good friend, but often the ones that stick with us the longest are the ones that we experience alone. Theres something therapeutic about taking to the woods or water alone or with the sole companionship of a good dog. The times in which we live have dictated many changes and interruptions in this precious time we spend wandering the marshes and waters of the Chesapeake. The need for a constant stream of information has replaced the ability to read a stream as it makes its way to the headwaters of the Bay. Change is constant. Change is all around us. We must adapt to these changes or be threatened with being left behind.

Sitting on the west side of Spring Island under a June full moon can do wonders for the soul. The peaceful and remote feeling is one that sticks with you. Having a line get tight from time to time doesnt hurt either. Words cant adequately describe this feeling. It must be experienced. It must be lived.

While theres time, take the time to explore the wonders that lie right on our doorstep. Share a blind with a friend. Share a sausage sandwich with a muddy Labrador. Take time to take it in. Its worth it. Tomorrow is promised to no man.

SIXTY DAYS

Sixty days encompass the entirety of waterfowl season in the mid-Atlantic. These precious few days are divided across four months in an effort to provide access to all available species to as many hunters across the region. The various allowable hunting days, or splits as theyve come to be known, are scrutinized by interested parties from the public comment period through their final publication. Hunters from all parts comment and lobby those wielding the power in hopes of tipping the seasonality of the sport a bit in their favor. In most cases, its Mother Nature that has the final say on the outcome of the hunters annual bag.

These allowable hunting days, however, do not make up a hunting season for most avid duck hunters. The season begins long before the first day of the first split dawns. In actuality, it really never ends. But these sixty days represent much more than the opportunity to legally take to the field. It is within these sixty days that much more occurs than the bagging of a few birds. Tradition, teaching, legacy, heritage, family and friendship are all words that get tossed around in hunting magazines. For those who live them, they are much more than that. For those who live the hunting life, it is part of who they are.

The anticipation of these sixty sunrises and sunsets grows daily, reaching fever pitch on duck season eve. Final preparations for the opener are often made days in advance, but they are checked and rechecked to make certain that all things are in working order. Gunning bags are packed with staples that will be called on throughout the season. Knives are sharpened, calls are cleaned and tuned, more shells are added to the bag and fresh dog treats are ziplocked tightly.

When youre shooting well, a good gun dog can make diver hunting much more enjoyable. Paul Bramble photo.

But waterfowl hunting, more than any other type of hunting, has the capacity to make impressions that last a lifetime. Theres a lot of reasons for that. Its a highly social event where idle time is passed in proximity with fellow hunters. Its an environment where much can be shared, and conversation topics contain sporadic serious topics that would not be covered in any other setting. Its permissible to chat about any and all topics. Politics, religion, women, nightlife and even duck hunting are often covered over the course of a hunt. Often long periods of silence are interrupted by random thoughts, observations or possibly even a duck. Its during these periods empty of conversation that much can be learned about ourselves and our partners. Theres a lot to soak in during the course of a good duck hunt; words many times obscure an otherwise perfect moment.

To the outsider, duck hunting must seem to be a very, very strange idea. Hunters ritually rise long before the sun, driving a boat through the marshes in total darkness, setting decoys, building hideouts along the reedy shorelines, utilizing a musical instrument to mimic the sounds of ducks and shooting at the ones who mistake this manufactured scenario as they try to escape their mistake. Strange it is indeed, but hunters have been perfecting the craft since time immemorial. For hundreds of years, this activity provided food for the masses, but over time, it became much more than that. Over these years and through direct generational teaching, skills and traditions were passed down, making waterfowl hunting what it is today. Calls, guns and knives are cherished items from hunting partners that hold a special place in the hearts of hunters with whom their protection is entrusted. These things are special for many reasons.

One of the most important and anticipated days of any hunting season is youth day. Most states allot a day solely dedicated to youngsters. Many kids of duck hunters have been tagging along with their parents and their friends for several years. Most surely have willingly accepted invitations to act as labor during the blind building or land prep, awaiting the time when they were ready to shoulder a shotgun. Ive witnessed, on many occasions, the most hardcore hunters go all out for youth day long after their kids have surpassed the maximum age limit. There is no satisfaction equaling the sheer excitement in a young hunters eyes as they enter the brotherhood by loading their guns for the first time. Few things equal the joy as they rise and claim their first duck. Traditions are preserved and initiated at moments such as this.