Duck opener for us couldn’t come soon enough. With much anticipation for my new lab,Puppy Gus. It would be the test for his work in progress training.This hunt for me was more about the dog than shooting ducks.I spent much time worrying about not doing something right on his first day.
I did it !
Our day one hunt was on an out of the way location that would have very little if any hunting pressure and would be a great first time spot for Gus to not get to distracted by other hunters and or dogs.Our location held a nice bunch of woodies that made day 1 a great outing for Gus.As it is finally shooting time,I really hoped to not miss the first bird for Gus’s sake.The shot gun gods blessed me with a one shot kill on the first bird,as Gus got to see the bird come in,and fold immediately in the middle of the decoys for an easy first retrieve.He was uncertain though when he brought back the bird if he brought back the right thing and appeared to be uncertain of the taste,spitting out feathers for a bit.
You did good.
Any uncertainty of his interest in duck hunting quickly dissipated,as he started whining when he saw a duck coming our way. My shooting was a bit off at times so Gus quickly learned the look of disgust when I didn’t come through for him.We were fortunate to have success with some blind retrieves and hunt-ups and he got to retrieve every duck and no birds lost.
Proud of Gus
All in all for us anyway,we did not have as many birds as in past years hunts,but that was secondary to Gus getting actual real time hunting experience.Last year the teal were dominant,and very few woodies.This year was just the opposite.Perhaps a few more mallard sightings than normal and the geese never came close enough to think about it.
Regardless of numbers of ducks seen ,shot at,or killed, the 2009 opener is one I will never forget,being able to watch my first lab do what they are bred to do.My only regret is that I didnt do it sooner in life,but grateful I was able to finally experience it first hand! Hopefully,the season will continue to be as enjoyable as the opener.Gus & I wish everyone a safe & fun hunt this fall!
Headed across the bridge on Saturday morning Dean and thought of you! There were quite a few trucks parked along the road along the river, and it seemed like a great day for ducks to fly.
Sounds like you couldn’t have asked for a better day to get your pup on some birds, and judging by the photos you didn’t miss as often as you reported either!
Joel
That first retrieve is the most rewarding, I’m sure you’ll never forget it Dean.
Great write up on a good opener! 
Great report Dean.
Congrats on a great opener and one of many yet to come for you and Gus!
thats awesome dean!!! i hope you and ur new buddy have many more memories like this one!
Great pic, the dog looks great! Is he going to see some upland work also?
great report Dean congrats to you and Gus
He is a great lookin dog! Glad to here is did well
I really enjoyed your report Dean!
I guess the reason why…it was all about Gus and not about you or how many ducks you killed. 
Great job on keeping the focus on what’s important.
I wish you and Gus many more fond memories!
Great job Dean, Gus and Uncle Randy!!!
Jami
Nice Report Dean. Looks like you had fun.
As dumb as it sounds, that first retreive is like your kid just scored the winning touchdown in the superbowl? Fatherly pride
way to have a successful first trip for him! sounds like he’ll be just fine!
Congrats on the new pup Deano. Glad to here you got a new shooter beside you so Randy can focus on retrieving birds!
Saw you park the Jon boat and heard the shots…we were pitching paddle tails on the sand and I said: “Dunno who those camo guys are but that Lab sure looks a lot like Gus?
Way to go…Deano and GUS!
Dean:
How old is Gus???
I’ve had my 16 week old out for grouse so far and seems we have gotten past the gun shy part, so now we will start to work into the sitting still part after some good walks at the water side.
Mark