IA DNR: Youth Duck Hunt is a Learning Experience

But standing still was exactly what Josh Mathahs and Dalton Adams were doing early last Saturday morning --- the opening day of this year's special Youth Waterfowl Season. The time was O-Dark O'clock. Barely light in the east, the 12-year-olds appeared mesmerized as they drank in the incredible sights and sounds as they viewed their first ever sunrise from a duck blind. The youngsters were accompanied on this outdoor milestone by adult duck hunt mentors, Keith Helland and Yours Truly.

As official participants of a DNR sponsored Youth Duck Hunting Adventure, the four of us had gotten acquainted the previous afternoon as youths and volunteer mentors from across north Iowa assembled at Worth County's Keenan's Quarry Park. Formal programming included an introduction to the history and traditions of waterfowl hunting, safe gun handling instructions, and a quick trip to the shooting range for a go at clay birds. The evening concluded as youths received free Ducks Unlimited duck calls, caps, and brand new mallard decoys.

According to DNR conservation officer and event organizer, Matt Washburn, the Youth Duck Hunting Adventure is designed to give Iowa youngsters the firsthand opportunity to experience the sport of waterfowl hunting and all its trappings. The goal is to educate youngsters on waterfowl and wetland conservation and to ultimately recruit new hunters to the sport.

"The generation that grew up with hunting and fishing as part of their daily lifestyle is rapidly disappearing and hunter numbers are showing a decline," said Washburn. "Waterfowl hunting is very traditional. It's something that is usually passed from generation to generation.

"But not everyone has that opportunity today," added Washburn. "Kids are extremely busy with lots of competition for their free time. An increasing number of young people never make it to the outdoors. Mentored waterfowl youth hunts are one way to provide them with that experience. Hopefully, they'll like what they see and will want to come back."

Following a short night's sleep the plan was put to action as hunt teams reassembled and headed for the water. Our particular foursome arrived on the marsh about an hour before sunrise. In spite of the early hour, there was plenty to do. Helland instructed the young hunters on how to construct a quick but effective duck blind using freshly cut willows. Meanwhile, I waded out to set the decoys, which included the new mallards the youths had received the night before. Before you knew it, we were set for the hunt.

As daylight began to increase, so did the activity of resident wildlife. From a cattail clump at the opposite end of the marsh, a lone mallard noisily greeted her comrades. From high in the sky, a distant hen returned the salute. As we watched and waited, a group of green-winged teal suddenly burst on the scene. The flock executed a series of high speed passes before disappearing into the half light. The air was crisp and every sight and sound was new. By now, the boys were completely wired.

Shooting time arrived and the boys were allowed to load their guns. Seconds later, a drake mallard appeared from the north. The duck was reluctant to tarry, but some coaxing from the call finally convinced him that our fake ducks were real ducks. The bird sailed over the decoys, presenting a perfect black silhouette against the bright orange of the impending dawn.

The first shot of the day went to Mathahs. His performance was flawless. The shotgun broke the silence as the mallard folded stone dead. As the duck hit the water, Helland's Labrador retriever, Chica, sprinted for the retrieve. The blind erupted. There were high fives, cheers, and more high fives. So many, in fact, that the sound began to resemble applause. There was no denying that we were off to a great start. With his very first shot at his very first duck, 12-year-old Josh Mathahs had bagged a prime drake mallard. The celebration was definitely in order.

The festivities were interrupted by an unexpected honk, a sound which caused us to instantly shrink deeper into our willow branch hideout. We answered the call and a honking Canada goose soon appeared above the trees. We stepped up the calling and the goose came closer. The bird circled once, twice, three times. Finally convinced that all was well, the goose arched its neck, set its wings, and dropped the black-webbed landing gear.

From the confines of our blind, the bird loomed like a B52 approaching the runway. The bird appeared closer than it was and holding the boys back was a challenge. Then, at the optimum distance of fifteen yards, we let them take the shot. Dalton Adam's 20-gauge barked and the goose quit flying.

For the second time that morning, the blind erupted. This time, however, the jubilance defied description. Let's just say that all four of us went fully and completely, game show nuts. The look on Dalton's face was priceless --- a unique blend of excitement, utter amazement, and stunned disbelief.

The morning continued. The boys missed several teal and then bagged a second drake mallard and, amazingly, a second Canada goose. At nine o'clock it was time to head back to headquarters for bacon and eggs and to see how other youth parties had fared on their excursions. After bagging the decoys and obtaining some souvenir photos, we were ready to head out.

Mathahs and Adams insisted on carrying the game. The boys were still revved. The only time they actually stopped talking was when they paused to blast a couple notes on the new duck calls.

"This was so much fun," said Mathahs. "I wish we could start all over and do this again."

Was the Youth Duck Hunt Adventure a success? Helland and I both agreed that Mathahs' statement said it all. The most important thing was not that we had successfully bagged ducks and geese, but rather that the boys enjoyed the entire outdoor experience.