Thread: Game bird diary for all

Gary The Parry

Finished the season Sunday the way i started it, with the boy. I/We have been out more times this season than ever before but its probably my lowest success rate partly due to some average shooting on my part but mostly trying to focus on getting Arlo set up and safely onto birds we have missed ( not fired) plenty of opportunities i may of taken when alone..........but i wouldn't change a thing from him getting his first birds to seeing him starting to handle his .410 confidently when handed to him with a good understanding of safety and respect for his quarry ( loves eating it).

Some good fun and adventure along the way including my increased fitness lugging him and gear over round and through various lakes,river and ponds ( anyone have any waders for a 6/7 year old . The look on his face Jamming a spot prize at the North Canterbury duck comp, when we never entered a bird between us . And just after going through the firearm rules the 20 minute argument that "Yes i am sure you are allowed a Ginger beer"

Any way back to Sunday, got to the pond late and said we had to set up in a hurry, was putting as many decoys out as i could carry and turned round just to see others being hiffed over the top of the mai mai in random directions

Always keen to help.

Straight away 3 parries came in just as i was making it back with the 12g unloaded i slipped a .410 shell from my pocket and into his single shot and said sorry mate i am going to have the shot, as 1 there was no time to get him set up and 2 looked like there range may be pushing the wee gun ..... no need to worry Bang splash and the dogs last retrieve of the year.

I was a little concerned he was going to be a bit dark with me, again no need apparently because i shot it with his gun it was his duck He quickly named it Gary the Parry which stuck when he marched it in the house to introduce it to his mum


no further opportunities that evening just both happy to be out there with a keen lad and a good dog, good end to season bring on the next and the next.