Duck Hunting with the Pros

Partnering with local NGO’s, like the Derby Ducks Unlimited Chapter, gives us the opportunity to have kids hunt with some real pro’s!

Wade Skeen and his buddy, Kyle Merick offered to take some of our high school trap shooting athletes on a duck hunt. When we put out the word, two young hunters from Maize High School jumped at the opportunity! Quade and Elijah are both avid duck hunters, but wanted the chance to hunt with some more experienced waterfowlers to have the chance to learn more about the sport.

Leading up the to hunt, Quade was frequently texting with questions: “Shall we bring our waders?” “Will we get to help set the decoys?” “Where are we meeting?” The excitement was palpable!

We met at a local convenience store at 5am and drove to the pond where we would hunt. Upon arrival, Wade asked the boys, “Do you want a guided hunt or do you want to work and learn?” Both boys chimed in, “We want to work and learn!” Just what Wade wanted to hear. He put them to work setting duck and goose decoys in the pond, scattering goose sock decoys along the edge, putting up the panel blinds and brushing them in with branches and grass.

The boys were a stream of constant questions: “Is that a 737 call?” “Do you like these decoys better than those?” “Have you shot a wigeon this year?” “Did you ever shoot one with a band?” All morning long the talk in the blinds was all about duck hunting. Except when they were talking about the goose jerky that Kyle brought along. His Dr. Pepper/jalopeno jerky was a hit all around!

While these boys were certainly experienced and avid duck hunters, they were anxious to learn more about the sport. And they were absolute sponges, soaking up every bit of advice from Wade and Kyle.

Having mentors like Wade and Kyle willing to step up and provide opportunities like this is important for the future of hunting. We’re thankful for folks like Wade and Kyle for stepping up and making this happen!