Right when you think it will never happen…
A founding Member of the Hunters of Maryland (“HOM”) downed her “first-ever” AP Canada goose on Thursday, January 28, 2021. And that would be a young lady named Beth Hill. Why so notable? Because we have tried to get her that AP goose for 2 seasons now…waiting for that perfect solo shot. Closure came within 5 minutes of quitting time and less than 48 hours before season’s end...a last minute first.
We were about to pack up when out of nowhere comes a single. Silence blanketed the pit. Whispers and hand gestures guided Beth as she positioned herself. “Now Beth” came the word. She jumped up and unloaded. That bird dropped dead about 40 yards away.
The thrill of anticipation on someone’s face about to drop his/her “first-ever” bird can only be exceeded by their look of achievement. Even us old timers, who have bagged a lifetime of birds, never tire of that “get ready” cry of anticipation, especially knowing it is about to be a first-ever for someone else. The experience lasts forever. It is why we hunt.
Those of us who witnessed Beth’s fait accompli burst into cheer and celebratory high-fives. What a shot! Finally!! And guess what? While were hooping and hollering like schoolboys, Beth stood there frozen in time what seemed to be an eternity. When it finally kicked-in her long-awaited moment had finally arrived, she was right there with us as we loudly proclaimed the “best shot of the season”.
Closure here is 2-fold: First was her shot and then what must happen next. After we packed up the rig, Beth asked if someone could teach her on how to breast a goose. There was more than one volunteer. Oh no she proclaimed, she herself would clean the bird. And that is exactly what she did. Remember too, it is dark outside with a windchill factor of 19 degrees. Completion of her task bordered on perfection.
Having been given a recipe from one of her fellows, she committed to preparing them for dinner, two days hence.
Cudos to Wayne – pictured there with Beth -- who not only gave her the recipe and initially guided her in hand in breasting the bird, it was Wayne who also coached her as the single approached. Beth and Wayne will surely be friends forever…that’s an often overlooked dividend of being afield with like-minded souls.
When that moment finally came for Beth, she delivered.
Congratulations Beth, welcome to the wonderful world of waterfowling.
