Duck Hunting in Old Mexico
-Capt. Jeff Larson
We sure hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! Please be mindful of those that had a tougher year than you.
The day before the December Duck Split Opener. There are so many ducks ranging from West Matagorda Bay to the border of Mexico. How do I know you asked? I just got back from visiting our Lodge in San Fernando Mexico. Since there wasn’t a Duck Season going on in Texas, Captain Avery Wallace, with Avery’s Guide service jumped in the truck and we went down for some hot barrel wingshooting. We arrived in time to make an evening hunt. Needless to say, Juan the Guide had a great spot picked out with a natural blind built for easy access and total concealment. We shot a bunch of ducks for an afternoon duck shoot. The next morning we headed back down to the boat and this time we targeted pintails. Pintail hunts in Mexico are what dreams are made of for Duck Hunting on the Coast. A norther was blowing a gale which it typically is a good thing. Great for ducks but not so good for boat rides to the blind. Yes ,of course the tide was out and had to walk in some relatively soft mossy bottom. I say mossy because that is where ducks like to come eat grass. We arrived there a little late because we ran into an unmarked gill net. Yes, a gill net. Mexico still has nets for fish. The caveat to the whole hunt was that I had a 2 hour drive to the border to pick up Avery’s Customer while he stayed hunting. The weather was clear, cold, and blowing and the pintails were trickling in about every 10 to 20 minutes. The customer was a long standing customer who would definitely understand a on the X Pintail Shoot is a good reason to be late. Juan and Avery were like you need to leave to go get the customer. Man I was torn, ass chew’n or be punctual. Oh more Pintails coming.
Bam, Bam, Bam, Well you can tell that there was no leaving the blind anytime soon. Oh yeah! I started pulling out onto the main road to make that 2 hour drive when my phone rang. It was NOT my lucky day. The Flight was on time and he was getting his bag. I just answered the call and went into how good the shoot was unfolding and time got away from me. I am on my way, be right there and don’t go anywhere.
Yep, the Transportation Guy got poor marks and a bad write up at the end of the trip. But I did make sure he was 2 hours early arriving to head back home. I got a good tip which tells me any duck hunter knows when it’s a great shoot you get a hall pass.
Look, when my buddy Juan says, “There are many Pintails!” and pumps his right arm at an angle. That means you will shoot a case of shells.
The Re-opener should be a bang!!!!!! The tide is low so plan accordingly. Oh yeah almost forgot to tell ya! Fishing for trout and reds are off the chart on these mild sunny days. When they flip on like a switch then you will get em good. The Flounder are still migrating out into the Gulf. So try your hand at gigging. The giggers have been stabbing some serious door mats.
Merry Christmas and hope we get a Presidential Christmas Miracle!
Captain Jeff Larson 281 217 0399
