focused. Sometimes, it doesn't matter to hunters how successful they were in the past. Sometimes, they must prove to themselves they haven't lost their touch afield. And in the 11th hour of that longpassed doe season, Barry found that magic again. Barry no longer is with us, but he lives on in my memory of our hunt that day. It's one I reflect on a lot because it mattered so much to both of us. Barry would go on to take some mighty fine bucks in years to come. But that duck-call doe was always one of our fondest hunting achievements. A deer hunter on the ropes sometimes needs a friend. And once you've been through it with a friend - helped him get his mojo back - you'll appreciate why it's more fulfilling than taking a deer yourself. So, if you have a friend who's sinking in the quicksand that can ruin hunters, throw him or her a line, maybe MAKING IT WORK If you don't have a duck call, a crow or owl call will work in a pinch. Just be clear with your partner about what one and two calls mean. That information ensures the shooter always knows where the caller is. It's a safeguard that goes beyond the visibility of fluorescent orange clothing. Wind direction also is critical when using this drive. Decembers in Pennsylvania usually are dominated by a prevailing northwesterly breeze. And using a breeze in conjunction with this drive is more effective than 15 to 25 mph winds. Trying the drive in shifting winds also is usually unproductive. This drive tends to work best in heavier cover. Not through trip-over snags and impenetrable laurel, but mixed timber with robust understories - including small patches of laurel and blueberries - that still can be negotiated with ease. It's important that the shooter doesn't get hung up and can move quietly. even a duck call. Help that hunter shake it off. You'll never regret it! 24