Hunting Archery Duck Deer

Kevin Costner goes duck hunting - When actor Kevin Costner wanted to experience a north Louisiana duck hunt he called Dixie resident Gordon Boogaerts.

Actually, it was Boogaerts’ friend Gerry Burroughs who checked in with Boogaerts just before duck season ended, asking if he would take Costner hunting on his place, which has a grand reputation for duck hunting.

Costner, Burroughs and Chase Hoffpauir arrived at Boogaerts’ north Caddo spread about 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Costner had filmed a 4:30 a.m. water scene for “The Guardian,” so had been up all night.

He brought along his white Lab, Wyatt, and his hunting gun.

“Kevin and I got into the duck blind together and there was absolutely the most gorgeous morning sunrise you have ever seen,” said Boogaerts.

The red, red sky on the horizon was topped with a thick blanket of clouds.

“But, all of a sudden, a hole opened up in the clouds and a beam of light showed through. It was beautiful,” said Boogaerts.

“Do you have a camera?” asked the actor.

“No. I didn’t think you would want me to bring one,” answered Boogaerts, who wanted his guest to feel at home and not worry about clicking cameras.

“Well, you should have,” said Costner.

There were ducks flying in and out all morning and the two almost bagged their limits.

Costner left the ducks with Boogaerts to be picked and cleaned. And they even talked about a second hunt before the season was over, but because of rainy weather that didn’t pan out.

Costner told Boogaerts that he hunted pheasant and quail.

“But I don’t think he’s done much duck hunting,” said Boogaerts.

When they returned, Boogaerts’ friend Dale Tillman and neighbors Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and wife Carolyn Prator were waiting for them.

So was a big old country breakfast: scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and garlic cheese grits — which Costner didn’t try — prepared by Tillman and Carolyn Prator.

But there was also a roaring fire that Costner loved. And a Super Bowl playoff game on television that drew him to a comfy couch.

The group talked like they were old buddies, said both the sheriff and Boogaerts.

“It was, ‘Hi! I’m Gordon.’ and ‘I’m Kevin,’” recalled Boogaerts.

“He was cordial and exactly like I expected him to be. No surprise. Just a common guy like the rest of us,” said Prator.

Boogaerts discussed farming while Costner chatted about his home in Hollywood and a possible move to another house and his next film.

As the day wore on, talk turned to the Seattle Seahawks.

Costner bid his hosts farewell about 1:30 p.m.

But on the way back to town Costner took a look at fishing possibilities across the Red River levee on Gold Point Lake where the Prators reside and Boogaerts owns nine acres.

The end of a relaxing day in the country for the actor.
By Maggie Martin
maggiemartin@gannett.com