December 8, 2007 was quite a hunt for us. Near perfect conditions – 28 degrees, but clear – somewhere right off the coast of Maine at a place we call The Shanty. Me, Eddie, Jeff, Andy, and Cedar – 19 ducks in the bag. Take those days when you get them.

By early afternoon at low tide, we were just about done when a few black ducks passed above. Jeff hit one but it still managed its way for a couple hundred yards from us before falling into about a 15 acre piece of marsh that is tangled with creeks. Time to go to work.

Too far for a cast so I walked Cedar to the general area encouraging her to find the still-alive bird which by the time we got there could have been anywhere.

In and out of creeks, hunting close and ranging far with determination. After maybe 20 minutes of work, she disappeared into a creek and soon clawed her way out with the bird in her mouth.

The LabsnDucks logo is a fitting tribute to great hunt, an impressive retrieve, a beautiful bird, and a very special girl.