The Rollercoaster of Waterfowl Hunting
Some days in the field test your patience, your scouting skills, and your ability to adapt. This hunt in Saskatchewan was one of those days — but it turned into one of the most memorable redemption hunts of the trip.
A Rough Start
The day kicked off with high hopes. We set up on a field loaded with birds — 350 to 400 honkers and plenty of ducks mixed in. The terrain, though, was tricky. The field was full of rolling dips that made it tough to choose the perfect hide. We brushed in the backboards and ghillie covers, ready for the first flights.
Then the unexpected happened. Whether the roost was bumped or someone hunted too close, the geese poured out and headed in the opposite direction. Instead of locking onto our spread, they lined out and followed each other straight to another field. Just like that, the morning hunt slipped away.
Ducks, Naps & Scouting
Fortunately, a few ducks gave us some action and kept spirits up. But by mid-morning, it was clear the geese weren’t coming back. Instead of grinding it out, we packed up early. Sometimes the smartest move is to save your energy for the next opportunity.
We took advantage of the downtime with a quick nap, then hit the roads to scout. That decision paid off. By afternoon, we had permission on a field with a great feed and the perfect hide: a little cattail patch jutting into the stubble.
Afternoon Redemption
With just a small crew of buddies and a loose, natural spread, we settled in behind panel blinds. As the birds left the roost, they worked in exactly how you dream it up. Small groups, friendly birds, perfect passes — the kind of hunt that makes you forget all about a slow morning.
We wrapped the evening under a Saskatchewan sunset, grateful for the company, the laughs, and the reminder that good hunts are about more than full straps. Sometimes a smaller group, a lighter spread, and a relaxed pace deliver the most memorable moments.
Setting Up the Next Day
The best part? Scouting during that “wasted” morning set us up for what turned out to be the biggest hunt of the trip the very next day. That’s the beauty of chasing waterfowl — every setback is just one step toward the next incredible hunt.
Final Thoughts
This hunt captured everything we love about waterfowling: adapting to tough conditions, enjoying time with close friends, and celebrating those redemption moments.
If you haven’t already, check out the full video on YouTube — and don’t miss the hunt that came after. Trust us, it was worth the wait.
