We were sloggin up the Beef into a sleet storm. I was pulling the duckbot loaded with a season's worth of gear while tank walked ahead, breasting the current and watching the sky just in case a late goose decided to be stupid.

I was wet and cold and tired, eager to get to the warmth of the truck, but onld Tank was still hunting and happy as a clam.

Then it came to me, at 12 years old, this might be my old pal's last duckhunt and the warm salty moisture on my cheeks wasn't from the sleet.

He lived two more years, comfortable and happy, but he didn't hunt again. I will always cherish the memory of that last walkout.

What a blessing to be aware the moments you two were living and experience them all the more fully.

Great story and great to have those memories!

Making memories, that what it's all about! Thanks for sharing with us.

HBAR,
Thanks for sharing your story of your last hunt together. It is really hard to say this will be the last hunt with your loyal companion. I can relate I've been their.

Tom

No true hunter can cherish a last hunt more than a Chessie owner. Over the years have been through last hunts with several very special pals and will always remember the good old friends doing what they loved to do for their master. Thanks for sharing.

Who said Men are from Mars !
I been there and I know the love this story expresses for a great and true hunting buddy.
There will always be another one with new memories to remember .

I can definitly understand the thoughts that are going around here. I lost my "black" girl and favorite hunting partner of 16 years two weeks before this past hunting season. You just cant put into words the loss you really feel the first time you sit down in a pit blind waiting on that cold nose to find a place in your pocket to warm up. I have now picked up a little brown male to start over again. Everytime he doesnt do what i expect him to, I just tell him that Molly would have wanted to to do it right way and he just seems to get it right. Evidently she is in the big duck blind in the sky wishing she was still there to do her part.