Early Morning Waterfowl Hunts...

...This year have been few and far between. Don't get me wrong, I've had some awesome and memorable hunts across Ontario and Quebec this year, with more in the works over the next few weeks. But I haven't hunted the home turf once this year.

I've still been getting up at the crack of early, but instead of dawning waders and loading shotguns, I'm dawning hockey gear and tightening skates.

This year is Myles first year of "Tim Bits Hockey", and it seems to fall on every Saturday and Sunday morning, I had a hunt planned in New Liskeard when we got the official schedule which had his first practice fall that morning, naturally I felt a bit bummed out, but those feelings quickly disappeared once I got on the bench and him on the ice.

I still love early mornings in a duck blind, or a goose layout, but I am equally loving the early mornings at the rink leaning over the bench boards watching him have fun.

We put him in Skate Canada's "CanSkate" program the previous two years, versus a hockey clinic as we wanted him to learn skating fundamentals which I think really helped. Can see a big difference between other kids that did CanSkate versus hockey clinic, when it comes to being able to get up without a stick in their hands.

When we finally got the team's sorted, I was happy to see he wasn't on the Leafs or Canadians, was hoping for Bruins but we'll take the North Stars :)

15 games and 2 tournaments this year.

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That is awesome! Sorry about not making the cut for the habs but he will do just fine. These are the best yrs of hockey, as he progresses you will see that some parents quickly forget its a game and at the end of the day its just for fun and they sort of take the enjoyment out of it.

Looks like a great time , having all girls not much to do with hockey for me although I have plenty of experience peddling girl guide cookies lol

Been there and done that! Over the years my son and daughter played hockey, house league and Rep teams. I spent many early morning hours at arenas and I was glad to be able to be there for them. Jason, don't worry, this will pass..in about 15 years!

Jason he looks just like you at that age.. Great smile and all.

lol....thats great. it has only just begun.....just wait till he,s playing rep or higher....that beautifull trailer of yours will see more cob webs than road...lol...

Enjoy these times with the son, it passes very quickly. Dont worry about the hunts you will learn time management very quickly and before you know he will be a star on the leafs and hunting with you.

Cheers

hope he enjoys it T R as you form some of your lifelong friendships playing team sports and sure you'll be making some new friends as well.

I know people say that there is nothing better than going out to the field hunting but I think you found one.

I can tell you how much I appreciated dad being involved in my baseball growing up, even if I did not realize it then.

Enjoy these years.
You can shoot ducks your whole life.
The early years with the kids can not be replaced.