The stars provided the only light in the dark skies as we finished loading the truck. Orion’s Belt stood out among the stars with nary a hint of clouds. By the time we reached the boat launch area, the lights from Mountain Home AFB provided a bright glow in the western sky while the hint of a rising sun was visible in the eastern sky. The waters of CJ Strike Reservoir were dark as we loaded the boat and set out for the marsh area. We had a lot of work to do before sunrise and the beginning flights of ducks.