Well, put my son in for his first swan tag this year and wouldn't ya know it, he drew and I didn't (Awesome!). So I got his first hunt scheduled for Saturday (Today).
Swans didn't start flying until 4:45 pm tonight...so about 4:50 pm we had 6 come just to the right of us. I told Wyatt to shot at the last bird in the group, well he did and 1 bird, 1 shot, 1 kill. The birds were about 50 yds out and about 30 yds up and the good ole goose loads of heavy shot killed this bird dead, dead, dead! Plus the Benelli SBE11 has it's first swan kill on it!
So, I couldn't believe what had just happened and I don't think he did either. Anyway, we hopped and hollered for a few minutes, and gave the good ole high 5 and both smiled at one another. Dad he was very proud, made my day and this memory will be etched forever. I think his uncle Mike (up in heaven) pushed these birds to us.
On the way out, we got stopped by the DWR and got checked, he said that all the swans he has had the privilige of checking...that this was by far the biggest mature swan he had ever seen. I've posted some pics of my son with his trophy, but take a look at the yellow/white in his bill. I've never seen anything like it before and I've mounted a few swans in the last 15 years. Anyway, this is what the DWR officer was referring to, and the plumage...no pin feathers. This guy will look good on the wall!
Anyone know a good bird taxidermist??? Well I do.
Enjoy the pics,
SD
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