We'd set up
camp and soon had the lines set, anticipating a feed of
yellow-belly for tea. I think we must have left our run a bit late, as our
tally showed that every man and his dog must have been there before us, as
our catch was undersize and we had to throw back all that we'd caught.
That's all except the euro, but we weren't fussed on eating the old mate
and decided to cremate him instead. They're certainly stuffing up the
river systems. Not to be beaten we decided to support the beef industry
and cooked a few steaks instead.
Early next morning I thought I'd try my luck again and set a few
lines. To fill in time I used a rod to cast out past the edge of some
reeds on the bend in the river and next minute the slack disappeared in
the line and the rod lay over. I gave it the customary jerk and began
reeling in what ever had taken the bait. To my surprise I found myself
reeling in a wild duck that had latched on as the bait hit the
water and
did he put on a shindig.
It was near impossible to get the hook out of the old mate's mouth so
I found myself having to make a decision on what to do. He was beyond
saving, I reasoned, and as it didn't look like we were going to score a
feed of fish, a bit of roast duck would go down just as
well. With my mind
made up I went about preparing the duck for lunch. With the old mate
plucked I washed him in the river and as I turned to go up the bank I
could hear an outboard-motor close by.
To my surprise it was two fishery inspectors heading my way and my
first thought was. Is it duck season or not? Not willing to take a gamble
I tossed the poor creature into the
water and tried to get rid of as many
feathers as I could. The inspectors stopped the motor and surveying the
area they obviously spotted the feathers still attached to my boots.
"Have you been duck shooting at all mate," said one of the inspectors
as he tied the boat to a branch overhanging the
water.
"No way mate! I can honestly say that I have not been duck shooting!"
"That's good," said his mate. "You know it's out of season, don't
you?"
"
Well I didn't to tell you the truth, but I'm glad you told me."
The feathers didn't help my cause at all and as they looked around one
said.
"Have you seen a duck at all today mate?"
With no way of ducking for cover I blurted out.
"
Well to tell you the truth, I have seen a duck this morning."
"I thought you might have," said the inspector with a grin on his
face, "and where might it be now?"
With just as silly a grin on my face I replied.
"He's around the bend beyond the reeds there having a swim. I'm just
minding his clothes