If you read our column last week, you will remember our topic of collecting certain novelties from our natural world. Now, this was primarily confined to items that consisted of bone, stone, metal and wood. We will continue our “collection” theme. However, this week, we will focus on those treasures that we collect from our hunting endeavors that have just a little twist from the norm. I’ll explain.
Most mallard ducks look the same. For that matter, each waterfowl species are almost identical. Of course the two sexes, drakes and hens, are far different from each other, but the drakes all look alike, as do the hens. Every once in a while, a duck will set its wings, only to be folded in the decoys that is so unique that most have never seen, nor will they see, the likes of it. I am not referring to a particular odd species, but that is also the case at times. For this discussion however, I am referring to hybrids. From time to time a lucky hunter will harvest a bird that is a cross between two species. A cross between a mallard and a pintail, or a cross between a mallard and a green-winged teal make quite the conversation piece in a blind. In reality, they are more common than one may realize and the plumage is always notable. To see a duck with an iridescent green head and a long sprig instead of the common “curly-cues” that a drake mallard normally has is quite novel. The green speculum is a tell-tale sign that a pintail/mallard cross has been taken. Of course, these are fairly expensive as they usually make it to the taxidermist to be placed in the den for all to enjoy. Pay close attention to your harvest in the blind this season, you never know what your retriever will deliver to your hand.
Speaking of waterfowl, there is always the chance to find some “jewelry” as you fill your limits. Before the ladies get too excited, I must qualify that this is what many of us refer to when a banded duck is taken. Excitement abounds in the blind when the silver leg bands are held up for the hunting party to take note of. Many times it is unclear who actually harvested the adorned duck. This is when it gets fun to see who gets to put the prize on their lanyard. Straws are drawn to see who gets it at times. I have seen empty hulls drawn from a hat with one being a different color than the rest and the odd color wins. Other times, a series of coin flips decides. Whichever way you decide to award the spoils, it can be fun and once again a memory will be there for many years to come.
Other oddities are collected at times that are also notable. I remember harvesting a gobbler many years ago that had no bars on his wings. Normally, a wild gobbler has a series of white bars on the wing feathers. This particular bird had solid black primaries. In fact, the wings resembled that of a buzzard and without the spurs and beard being attached, one could possibly have confused this bird with the turkey buzzard. I have seen gobblers with multiple beards and also multiple spurs. There is the occasional albino that is taken that always stimulates conversation. Of course, this phenomenon doesn’t pertain to just turkeys, for I have seen albino ducks, doves, and even deer. They are always unique and most of these also find their way to the local taxidermist as well.
I was fortunate to collect my own unique specimen the opening day of dove season. I had been standing amid the dried sunflowers picking my shots and enjoying the festivities. Dove shooting in the delta can be fast and furious and if you’re on your “A” game you can have your limit filled before they really start flying. JH was neatly folding his birds and Sam was at home nursing a big toe that the bush-hog tried to eat. Alas, this is a story for another day though. Stacey Hannon accompanied me this year and I took a break from shooting to go visit with her and some of the other non-shooters. Cold beverages and boiled peanuts are always available, so after a brief visit and some refreshments, I started back towards my spot. Suddenly, I heard my last name being called as one of the feathered gray speedsters made its way over a tree line to me. A fluid swing and just the right lead resulted in another bird for my bag. It wasn’t until I picked up my prize that I knew I held something special in my hand.
I don’t how it made it to the delta, but a species normally indigenous to Texas and Mexico found its way to Drew. I have never seen a white-winged dove before, but this particular Saturday one found its way to my game bag. This bird was gorgeous. The bird, with a bold white wing patch, crimson eyes, and a patch of blue skin around the eyes, immediately captured the attention of the rest of the field. Pictures were taken and ensuing conversation about this oddity from the brush country lasted throughout the evening. Since then, I have been made aware of several other white wings being collected this year. In fact, Cole Sirmon mentioned that his party harvested three this opening day. Oh well, I had my moment of glory albeit briefly.
You never know what you may encounter during your hunting endeavors. Pay attention closely for as Forrest says, “you never know what you’ll find in a box of chocolates.” So it goes in our hunting world as well. By the way, my white-wing is on the way to the taxidermist as well.
Until next time, enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it.
