The eerie blue pre-dawn backdrop was rapidly disappearing, being replaced by bright rays of sunlight that bounced off the green heads of our decoys as they bobbed on the water's surface. Maybe it was the emerald colored heads of the new Greenhead Gear decoys or possibly the championship-winning calling produced by Bill Cooksey, my partner, that was drawing the ducks in close. Whatever the case, these North Dakota ducks seemed drawn to this pothole with reckless abandon.

Throughout the initial hours of daylight, I witnessed more mallards, pintails, and widgeons than I had viewed the previous two seasons. If this was any indication of the duck population, then the coming season should be one to remember. Everywhere we looked ducks dotted the horizon. It was enough to make a waterfowler gasp in awe.

Suddenly the calm was interrupted by a lingering hail call, offered to draw the attention of a passing trio. Like a traffic cop, Cooksey directed the feathered flyers right into our spread of decoys, where they were met with a swarm of steel. On this morning, Bill showcased the skills that earned him the 2003 U.S. Open Duck Calling Contest trophy. Most of the passing birds were suckers for his sweet serenade allowing us to take intimate, close-range shots.

While I accepted a drake retrieved from the shallow waters by our canine companion, Sky, I couldn't help but remember previous hunts. Much like the stock market duck, hunting has it's up and down years. Nature has its own system, a series of cycles that allow for lean years as well those with "bumper crops" of ducks. Amongst my travels in the first several weeks of the 2003 season, it appears that this may be one of those glory years for waterfowl and hunters alike. Populations in Canada, the Dakotas, and traditional breeding grounds were far better than recent years. Mallards and other puddle ducks increased their numbers substantially allowing for liberal bag limits again this season. Further research (i.e. hunting) by this writer proved that the biologists might have even underestimated the hunting forecast.

No matter where my travels took me in the North Country, I witnessed ducks and geese frolicking in potholes, sloughs, or ponds. Although waterfowl research wasn't part of my educational experience, it didn't take a scientist to read the writing on the wall in the breeding grounds. Simply put, this fall is the time to dust off those waders and polish up on your calling skills.

The wail of Bill's hail call drew me back to reality. Immediately I froze doing my best to blend into the marsh grass. Like a swarm of mosquitoes, the teal buzzed through our set up looking for a place to light. Finding a spot to their liking, they began to ease in and were hit with a barrage. Sky, our lone retriever for the trip, earned his keep as he repeatedly brought duck after duck to the hands of his master, Travis.

As much as I enjoy watching the birds fly, I never tire of viewing a good retriever do what he was born to do -- chase down ducks. Sky was as much an integral part of this hunt as any of us human hunters, plus he didn't get critical of the occasional erratic shot.

In short order, our foursome had limits of six ducks each. As we began to stow decoys, pick up spent hulls and trash, it became evident that there were similarities to all successful hunts. Sure, calling played its role and shouldn't be overlooked, but Cooksey admitted it didn't take a contest champion to call wild ducks. Several factors are always involved when a memorable hunt is reminisced.

Location has to be one of the most important. The best calling will not talk a duck out of going where he really wants to be. Scouting your hunting areas is critical. Determine where the ducks rest and feed, paying close attention to the times these activities occur. Should you mistakenly hunt your waterhole when the ducks are flying out to feed, it's likely to be an exercise in futility.

Likewise when hunting a large field or impoundment, try to narrow down the location preferred by your quarry. Often a distance of 50 to 100 yards will mean the difference in a quick limit or going home frustrated and empty handed. Keen eyes will spot clues such as feathers, webbed footprints, or the telltale sign of droppings amongst crop stubble. Make a mental note, set this spot as waypoint in your GPS, or drive a stake into the ground once the honey hole is found. This will ensure the best shooting upon your return.

Camo and concealment rate right up there with good calling. Since waterfowl have the advantage of height on hunters, they can easily see anything out of the ordinary. Take the extra time and effort to blend in and mask any un-necessary movement.

Camo is the other factor that is rarely given much thought. Sure the Shadowgrass pattern closely imitates the background of most hunting areas. But why not take a little time to spruce up the camo on the blind by adding some vegetation. Veteran hunters like Bill Cooksey and Travis Mueller recommend "brushing" a blind. Simply put, "brushing" is nothing more than applying native vegetation to the exterior of the blind. "Our blinds feature webbing that crisscrosses the entire exterior, allowing grass, stubble, or reeds to be easily inserted," advised Mueller an Avery sales rep and veteran hunter. Ten minutes of labor will allow the blinds to blend into their surroundings, thus increasing the hunter's advantage. Be sure when changing areas, to also change the vegetation on the blind if it doesn't match the surroundings perfectly. Corn stubble won't work well in a marsh setting or vice versa.

"Just like calling, there is no replacement for good decoys," lectured Cooksey. "When a duck or goose hears that call, he immediately looks for the bird producing that sound. Hopefully your decoy catches his attention and leads him into the trap," he added. Brightly painted decoys with proper details will fool more birds than old worn out or dull blocks. If all of your decoys are faded, paintless, or full of pellets consider replacing them with new innovative dekes like those offered by Greenhead Gear.

Hunting waterfowl isn't a science or some tough book to crack. Simply utilize these basic tips and spend some time in the field and your success stories will begin to mount. Nothing is more thrilling than hearing the whistle of wings as Mallards drop into your spread of decoys. Pride and confidence will grow as you begin to "speak" to the ducks, turning them from their chosen route and leading them into your oasis.

If you have even considered taking up the sport or have been away from the duck marsh or goose fields, this is truly the year to try your hand. Never have I experienced the numbers of waterfowl as I did this early season. A few properly timed cold fronts hopefully will funnel the waterfowl south as the season's progress. Most states have as liberal a season and limits as allowed in the last decade. Give it a try and you might find yourself covered up with ducks and geese.