30 Minute Mallard

On 12-1-10 I got ready for work and had about a half hour until I had to leave.  I decided that I would wander down to the beach and see if by chance I could find a duck or two to shoot.  I got down to the beach and saw a group of seven mallards 50 yards or so down the beach.  There was no way to sneak closer because the beach is really open.  I watched them for a few minutes hoping the would swim closer.  They drifted a little closer but it was still a pretty far shot.  It was getting closer to the time that I had to leave for work so I decided that I would stand up and if I felt I could make it I would take a shot.  If not I would just let them go.  I stood up and quickly picked out a greenhead.  I felt confident so I squeezed the trigger and his ascent quickly became a descent.  After I picked it up, I looked at it and quickly realized that it was the nicest drake mallard I had ever shot.  It was perfect in just about every aspect and the feathers were not really damaged at all.  I carefully wrapped it up and put it in the freezer whole.  If I get the time I am hoping to try to mount it myself.  I have wanted to mount a bird for a while and this seems like a perfect bird to try it on.