August 2022 – Inconvenient Facts

Amassing the giant Gear Guide issue is an absorbing task. We hope that you, like us, enjoy learning about the new for ’22 products and will favor the fantastic industry partners that make this issue possible.

As much as we enjoy new gear, we realize that what keeps all of us so passionate about waterfowl hunting are THE BIRDS! So, perhaps it’s worth spending a few moments discussing ducks and geese, the backbone of our common obsession.

I recently noticed that the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will turn 50 in the coming year. In the early 1900s, wild turkeys were at a low point, down to about 200,000 birds due to overharvest and loss of forests. Founded in 1973, NWTF dedicated itself to assisting restoration efforts for wild turkeys that had by that time, through protection, rebounded to about 1.9 million birds. Continuing efforts by state and federal agencies, often funded by NWTF, have brought wild turkey numbers to more than 6.25 million birds. Congrats to NWTF and 50 years!
As waterfowl hunters, we too have organizations dedicated to waterfowl conservation, and many of us are members. But waterfowl conservation and turkey conservation are two very different worlds, primarily due to a singular but striking difference—habitat.

Put simply, turkey habitat is seldom controversial and was naturally returning to favoring turkeys after the early 1900s. Waterfowl habitat is almost always controversial and has been going in the wrong direction, vanishing ever faster since the mid-1900s.

The decimation of the hardwood forests in the U.S. during the 1800s had much to do with the decline of the wild turkey. However, as those forests were allowed to regenerate in the 1900s, turkeys found new, essential habitat. With habitat aplenty, turkeys only needed to be protected and reintroduced.

The decimation of the prairie pothole regions of the U.S. and Canada, the drainage of wetlands, the conversion of prairie grasslands to agriculture only began rapid expansion after about 1950 and has accelerated since. It continues today.

Conservation organizations targeting hunters have offered a bright picture of water on the North Dakota prairie this year and a hopeful breeding season for ducks—all true, all good. But these press releases citing the recent 2022 Breeding Duck Survey, conducted by the state of North Dakota, seem to have left some important information out, as follows…

“Nesting cover in North Dakota continues to decline. We are seeing substantial changes in grassland conditions, with many areas that were formerly grassland being converted into agricultural land. Expiring CRP contracts and other factors are pushing these conversions. We continue to note many large tracts of grassland/CRP and native prairie that had been recently converted to cropland or were in the process of being plowed. Wetland drainage and wetland conversion to cropland, including drain tiling, continues to be an expanding occurrence…”
It continues, “…the loss of critical breeding habitats will be disastrous for breeding ducks and hunting opportunities in North Dakota.” And, “Waterfowl breeding habitats are under extreme pressure in North Dakota and these developments can only further reduce waterfowl production in the state.”

Turkeys are easy. Ducks are hard. Ignore the facts at your own peril.

August September 2015
Issue Contents

Features

Going Old School
For Us, A Float And Camp Hunt
Seemed A Throwback To Another Time
By Kyle Shaney

A Trip To Duck Central
The Missouri Model Of Conservation Isn’t Just
Lip Service, It Has Feathers, Wings And Webbed Feet
By Jay Strangis

Enough Is Enough
Resident Geese Need To Be
Given A Lesson In Manners
By Bucky D’Agostino

The Storm Cometh
Weatherless Days Crippled California’s Waterfowl Hunting
For More Than A Year—But A Storm Was Brewing
By Gary R. Zahm

The Marsh Nobody Wanted
One Person’s Cast Off
Can Be Another Person’s Jewel
By David Rearick

Jewel Of The Flyway
It’s Pay To Play At This Public
Waterfowl Area, But Well Worth The Price
By John Flores

GEAR GUIDE 2015
88 Pages Of Great New Gear!
Featuring Shotguns, Loads, Chokes,
Decoys, Blinds, Boats, Mud Motors,
Hunting Accessories, Clothing, Calls …

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Mallards Thrive, But Not Harvest
Hunting Tips And Tricks
Smart Money—Green Bay
Keep It Legal
The Other Hackberry
Wind Turbines—A Little To The Right, Please
Brush And Pen—Roland Clark
Blind View
Icebuster
Marsh Notes—Feds Finally Define “Waters”
CRP Reaches 30—Less Celebrated

From The Editor
The Great Distraction

Decoying
The Better To See You With
By Michael Hungle

Shotshells
3.5-Inch 10 Or 3.5-Inch 12
By Tom Roster

Duck Dogs
This Old Dog Will Hunt
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
New Doubles
By Jarrod Spilger

Close Calls!
Cold To The Bone
By Bob Mastroski

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Three Geese
By Jim Dougherty

June/July 2015
Issue Contents

Features

Legendary Waters
Eye-To-Eye In A Water Set, With
A Decoy and Survival Suit As A Blind
By Ron Peach

Blue-Plate Special
For Hunters Flocking To Louisiana’s Early Blue-Winged Teal
Season, The Mantra Is ‘Nothing But The Rice And Gravy’
By John Flores

A Must Win
When Developing A Young And Enthusiastic
Hunting Partner For Life, Failure Is Not An Option
By Ross E. Swope

The Talent Behind The Scene
Few Can Claim The Length Or Breadth Of
Influence Of Maynard Reece And His Art
By Jay Strangis

Beyond The North Wind
Hunting Geese In The Subarctic
Of The Hudson Bay Lowlands
By Ron Peach

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Predicting An Uncertain Future
Looking Like A Duck
MacQuarrie’s First Duck Hunt
Alaska’s Goose
Music Man—Remembering Eli Haydel
Fowling Goods + Tried And Tested
Marsh Notes: Early Teal Seasons Deemed Successful
Wanton Waste In Idaho
Youth Hunter Summer Camps

From The Editor
How Lucky We Are
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
The Night Before
By Michael Hungle

Shotshells
Over-Choked, Over Decoys
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Southpaw Smoothbores
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
Summer Training Primer
By Robert Milner

Boats Guide
Boat’ology
By David Rearick

Realtree’s Close Calls!
Throught The Ice
By Ron Peach

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Beyond Memorable
By Jim Dougherty

March/April 2015
Issue Contents

Features

Four Days In Dakota
My Dog And I Found An Offer
We Just Couldn’t Refuse
By Jack Hirt

Murphy’s Law
Snow Goose Hunting Rituals Are Rich
With Paradox And Unexpected Reward
By David Rearick

Southern Hospitality
Rewarding Dad With An
80th Birthday Duck Hunt
By John Pollmann

Passing The Test
Hoping To Out The Fairweather Types,
I Set To Work Creating The Hunter’s Survey
By Mike Boeke

Beyond The North Wind
Hunting Geese In The Subarctic
Of The Hudson Bay Lowlands
By Ron Peach

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Overall—A Darn Good Season
Tips And Tricks
Smart Money—Atchafalaya Delta WMA
A Refuge With It’s Own Spirits
Predators—A Factual Disadvantage
Crows—Wingshooting Warmup
Marsh Notes: Disappointment In North Dakota
Duck Stamps Get Price Increase
Oregon Mallard With “Bird Flu”

From The Editor
A Higher Expectation
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Altering The X
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Cues And Commands
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Off-Season Modifications
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Plated Shot, Load Choices, More
By Tom Roster

Boats Guide
2015 Duck Boat Lineup
By David Rearick

Realtree’s Close Calls!
Rising Waters
By Denny Mortensen

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
White-Cap Migration?
By Jim Dougherty

December 2014
Issue Contents

Features

Southern Discomfort
In Louisiana, We Found Early Teal
Amid Dire Talk Of Coastal Habitat
By John Pollmann

Help Wanted
Fending Off Problem Geese Just
Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do
By Gary R. Zahm

The Combatants
One’s Arrogance Stirred The Other’s
Distrust And The Game Was On
By Bill Morrissey

Blinded By White
Pooling All Resources, Pulling All Stops In An
Effort To Traffic Piles Of Spring Snow Geese
By David Rearick

Invisible Man
Spurred By A Need To Hide In Plain Sight,
A Waterfowler Expands His Toolbox
By Ross E. Swope

Small Bore, Big Bird
By One Hunter’s Calculations, In The
Right Arena The 28 Has The Goods

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Where Are The Ducks?
Cover Art
By Hunters For Hunters
Newt Rule’s Moxie
Refuge
On The Half Frozen Seas
Marsh Notes: Mule Deer And Ducks
Hunt Access Investments In Nine States
Action On Climate Could Boost Wildlife Habitat

From The Editor
Upping The Price Of Admission

Decoying
To Stay Or Go
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Rules Of Reward Training
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Waterfowling Pumps
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Switching To Traditional Steel
By Tom Roster

Boats Guide
Late Season Life Preservers
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Out Of Sight
By James Doran

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Daylight
By Jim Dougherty

November 2014
Issue Contents

FEATURES

What’s My Line
Waterfowlers Tend To Practice The Style Of Hunting
That’s Most Available, Becoming Specialists In The Process.
What’s Your Specialty?
By Jay Strangis

Snow How-To
The Day I Learned How To Snow Goose Hunt
By Dean Davenport

Overlooked
Drawn West By A Reputation For
Ample Waterfowling Opportunity
By Ron Peach

Whitefronts—Old School
It’s Not Easy To Find A Shoot That Measures Up
To 60 Years Of Specklebelly Hunting Tradition
By Dave Smith

Art Appreciation
One Man’s Roadmap For Navigating
The World Of Waterfowl Taxidermy
By Ross E. Swope

The Right Time
When Is The Right Time To Put Your Faithful Dog
To Sleep? It May Be A Question With No Right Answer

Creek Creeping
An Underserved Tradition
Tops This Waterfowler’s List
By Mark Forabosco

Going Dry For Ducks
A Hunter’s Guide To Targeting
Waterfowl On High Ground
By Terry Shields

Not Of This Age
Hunting Canvasbacks
In A Mentor’s Shadow
By Jon Wongrey

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—A Duck’s Eye View
Camera Scouting
Challenging River Routes
Doing Business From A Blind
Once The Ruler Of The Blind
Calculating Ethanol’s Cost
Fast Food
Three Bird Limit
Marsh Notes: New Stamp Features Ruddies
New Nickname For South Dakota
Federal Stamp Online In 15 States

From The Editor
Winds Have Changed

Decoying
Tapping The Hardware Store
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Distraction
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Benelli Ethos
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Testing Tells The Story
By Tom Roster

Boats Guide
Belts Versus Gears

Close Calls!
Frozen Stiff
By Jay Strangis

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Wrong Color
By Jim Dougherty

October 2014
Issue Contents

Features

The Winemaker’s Mallards
We Knew Good Ground Would Trump
Bad Weather—But When?
By Jay Strangis

Of Old Dogs
And Green-Headed Ducks
Revisiting A Familiar Place Where Birds
And Aging Retrievers Are Both Revered.
By Jack Hirt

Ducks At Altitude
Most Waterfowlers Associate Ducks With Marshy Ground
And Low Places, But There’s Much To Like Up High
By Mike Gnatkowski

Pay The Money, Take A Chance
We Put A Lot Of Stock In A High Dividend Mallard Hunt,
And Were About To Find Out What The Market Would Bear
By Gary R. Zahm

Brant On The Bay
A History In Hunting The Most Changeable
Waterfowl Populations In North America
By Michael R. Shea

King’s Quest
There Are No Easy Days
On The Bering Sea
By David Rearick

Dream Season
Good Things Come In Small
Packages, And In Numbers
By Jeffrey P. Bonin

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—City Goose, Country Goose
Smart Money: Grand Pass, Missouri
Odd Duck Out?
The Steel Deal
Keeping Watch On Mottled Ducks
Currituck Reflections
Canada’s Duck Stamp
Culinary Matters
Marh Notes: Little Fanfare For New Record
Study Quantifies Gobbled Up Wetlands
Is There An App For That?

From The Editor
A Logical Progression

Decoying
Getting Decoys In And Out
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
The Versatile Duck Dog
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Suitable Smallbores
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Shot Quality And Behavior
By Tom Roster

Boats Guide
Outfitting A Duck Boat

Close Calls!
Retrieving A Friend
By Neil Patterson Jr.

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Up To The Hubs
By Jim Dougherty

August/September 2014
Issue Contents

Gear Guide 2014

90 Bonus Pages Of Great New Gear!
Featuring Shotguns, Loads, Chokes, Decoys, Blinds, Boats, Mud Motors, Hunting Accessories, Clothing, Calls …

Features

September Snow Day
When It’s Right Time, Right Place,
Right Birds, It’s A Beautiful Thing
By Jack Hirt

Learned Mallards
Our Hunt Was Eventful,
For All The Wrong Reasons
By Jay Strangis

Mallards In The Snow
For Lovers Of Foul Weather, Days
Like This Can’t Come Soon Enough
By Dean Davenport

Rice Country Specks
A Late Date In Louisiana Proves That
Whitefronts Appreciate A Good Conversation
By John Flores

The Silent Treatment
Hurrying North, Only To Be Met
By A Canada Goose Sneak Attack
By Wendell H. Shepherd

Great Salt Trifecta
A Trip To Utah Turns Out Three Unique
Hunts In One Productive Landscape
By David Rearick

God’s Own Country
For The Waterfowler, New Zealand Is A Paradise
Of Opportunity, So Far And Yet So Close
By Ramsey Russell

A Dog That Fits
I Needed A Versatile Retriever, But My Wife
Had Other Demands For Man’s Best Friend
By John R. Salassa, M.D.

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—The Importance Of Stopovers
An Argument For Pass Shooting
Why Collect?
Farm Bill, A Guarded Victory
Mossberg 500
North America’s Other Eiders
Whoopers Gone Cajun
Marsh Notes—How Short is Shortstopping?
Is There A Drone In Your Future?

From The Editor
Work In Progress

Decoying
Confidence Decoys
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Hunger Games
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
Environ-Metal Keeps Expanding
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Browning A5 3.5
By Jarrod Spilger

Close Calls!
Testy Tusker
By Raul Madrasa

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Ground Blind
By Jim Dougherty

June/July 2014
Issue Contents

Features

Take ‘Em Or Leave ‘Em
Resident Geese Have changed Hunting For Better And Worse,
But Who’s Going To Turn Down A Solid Opportunity?
By Jack Hirt

Blind Leading The Blind
All Goose Hunts Do Not Lead To Heaven
By Marshall Nych

Hide And Seek Ducks
Solving The Riddle Of Abundant Water,
And Seemingly Invisible Ducks
By Jay Strangis

Dryland Divers
The Drama Of Speeding Squadrons
From The Comfort Of Terra Firma
By M.D. Johnson

Arctic Alabama
Plunging Temps Couldn’t Keep Us
Out Of The Black Belt’s Timber
By D.M. Zumbaugh

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Greenwings: Small In Stature Only
10 Duck Stamp Facts
Smart Money—The Rainwater Basin Area
Jimmy Robinson
Reborn—Cheyenne Bottoms
Wetlands—A View From All Sides
Marsh Notes—Increased Refuge Hunting
Chuck Berry Grew Snow Goose Hunting

From The Editor
Still Too Quiet
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Sticks And Branches
By Michael Hungle

Shotshells
Why The 3 1/2 –inch 12 Is Such A Success
By Tom Roster

Duck Dogs
Essential Behaviors
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Franchi Intensity
By Jarrod Spilger

Boats Guide
True Value Or Hidden Headache
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Gassed!
By David Bracket

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Decoy, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Decoys
By Jim Dougherty

March/April 2014
Issue Contents

Features

Reverse Migration
Getting Some Swings At Snows
In Front Of A Major Spring Storm
By Jay Strangis

Icy Eiders
Hunting Maine’s Late-Season
Sea Ducks On Frigid Waters
By Ron Peach

Public Domain
Unlocking More And Better Hunting
Spots Using Today’s Technology
By L.P. Brezny

Reaching The Big Island
Duck Hunting Spots Have
Their Own Siren’s Call
By Bucky D’Agostino

Delta Blues
Early Season Teal Hunting
In The Heart Of Dixie
By John Gordon

If You Build It
Once In A While A Grand
Hunting Plan Comes To Life
By Ross E. Swope

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—A Season Of Extremes
Tips And Tricks
Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee
Lost Or Found? Texas White Geese
The Old Humpback
The First Decoy Collector
Marsh Notes—Eli Haydel Passes Away
Pheasant Summit Has Waterfowl Component

From The Editor
Should Have Been Epic?
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
The Setup Leader
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
The Elephant In The Room
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Managing Recoil
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Brands, Shell Length & Reloads
By Tom Roster

Boats Guide
The Latest, And Greatest
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Out For The Season
By Nathan Gottson

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Decoy,Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
One Old Bird
By Jim Dougherty

November/December 2013
Issue Contents

Features

Close Enough
Some Days, Getting Under Late-Season
Ducks Or Geese Is A Daunting Task
By Jay Strangis

Stillwater R&R
A Trip To A Historic Marshland To
Be Humbled By Diver Pass-Shooting
By Gary Zahm

Just A Hunting Dog
The Value Of Your Canine Hunting
Partner Can’t Be Measured In A Test
By Jack Hirt

My Summer Vacation
Turning Back The Clock
To Those Carefree Days
By Doug Larsen

Marsh Hens
When The Highest Of Tides Flood
The Carolina Lowlands, It’s Game On
By Captain John Gribb

A Christmas Gift
Some Of The Season’s Blessings
Don’t Come Wrapped In Bright Paper
Fiction By Bill Morrissey

Eastern Shore
A Quick Trip East Offers A Peek Into The Land Of
Longshoremen, Maryland Honkers And Superior Clothing
By Jay Strangis

Late-Season Saviors
Mastering Cold Weather
Has Its Own Rewards
By David Rearick

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—The Muddy Waters Of Possession
Cop Turned Master Carver
The Missouri Factor
What In The World Is That? Whistling Ducks
Gunning Boxes
Wisconsin’s Hunter/Craftsman
Everybody’s Autoloader
Marsh Notes—Can Will Grace Duck Stamp
Farm Bill Facts

From The Editor
Refuge
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Numbers Vs. Realism
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Tracing Field Trials, Part II
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Affordable Autoloaders
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Reloading For Waterfowling
By Tom Roster

Boats
Two Stroke, Or Four?
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Moose Madness
By David Downing

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Decoy,Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Snows And Bows
By Jim Dougherty

October 2013
Issue Contents

Features

Mega Spreads
Oversized Spreads Can Be Useful
If The Setting Demands Numbers
By David Rearick

Other Ducks
Learning To Target The
Ducks Of Opportunity
By Mike Gnatkowski

Just A Hunting Dog
The Value Of Your Canine Hunting
Partner Can’t Be Measured In A Test
By Jack Hirt

Indian Point
Big Blows And Clouds Of Ducks
Bring Out The Spirit Of A Marsh
Fiction by Bill Morrissey

Green Bay Divers
A Tradition That’s Alive And Well
By Ron Peach

Coast To Coast
The Salt Represents Some Of America’s
Best Public Waters, And It’s All Free
By L.P. Brezny

A Hole Called Duckland
The Sheltered Little Bulge Of A Sunken
Channel Was The Perfect Duck Hole
Photo Essay By Gary R. Zahm

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—What Will We Do?
Big Guns—The Size And Capacity Of Punt Guns
I Pronounce You Hunter & Hunter—A Wife’s Tale
The Animal Trap Company
Michigan’s Big Water, Late Season
Roll Your Own Tundra Swan
Coming Of The Mag 10 Auto
Marsh Notes—New Data On Avian Migration
Farm Bill, Really?

From The Editor
Getting It Right
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Playing The Wind
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Tracing Field Trials, Part I
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Benelli SBE II Waterfowl Edition
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Simplifying The Nontoxics
By Tom Roster

Boats
One-Piece Metal Hulls
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Swept Away
By David Downing

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Decoy,Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
A Hundred Thousand Ducks
By Jim Dougherty

September 2013
Issue Contents

Features

Change In Plans
Stymied By Mild Weather, A Utah Hunt
Moves North To Meet Winter Head On
By Gary Zahm

Squeezing Water From A Sone
The World Seemed To Be Drying Up
And Taking The Ducks With It,
But A Few Birds Could Still Be Found
By Jay Strangis

In Sandy’s Wake
On The Jersey Coast, A Punishing
Prelude To Duck Season
By Bucky D’Agastino

Florida
Wingshooting’s Alive And Well In The Sunshine State,
Including The Draw Of Wall-Worthy Birds
By David Rearick

Patterning Early Canadas
Summer’s Heat Gives Up Grudgingly, Green Leaves
Still Rustle On Trees—But This Is Early Goose Season
By Ron Peach

Adjusting My Sights
Winning At Waterfowling Was Everything, But Time
And Perspective Brought A New Sense Of Purpose
By Angelo Baio

Going Guided
One Man’s Template For The Qualities, Characteristics
And Operations That Make Up Good Guide Service
By Ross E. Swope

Bittersweet Trophy
After Years Of Wishing, The Significance
Of A Bird-In-Hand Proves Double Edged
By Joel Herrling

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Bagged Fowl—By The Numbers
Roothead—Folksy But Effective Decoys
Beaver Dam
Sense Of Ethics
Home Run Baker
Swans—A Success Story In Trying Times
Darrydale—Making Hunt Stories Legend
Marsh Notes—Numbers Point To A Good Season
Farm Bill Efforts Disappointing

From The Editor
Up High The Air’s Too Thin
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Performance Review
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
About Retriever Puppies
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
Winchester’s New Tracer Load
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Preseason Patterning
By Jarrod Spilger

Boats
Defining Open-Water Boats
By Robert Vanpelt

Close Calls!
Fire In The Hole!
By Wayne Brown

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Decoy, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
A Tub Full Of Ducks
By Jim Dougherty

August 2013
Issue Contents

Features

Finding an opener
On Opening Day Of Duck Season, We Choose Quality
Over Quantity, Always Hoping We Might Get Both
By Jay Strangis

North Meets South
Making New Friends
Along The Snow Goose Trail
By Dean Davenport

Freelancing Then & Now
Find ‘Em, Hunt ‘Em—It’s Still
The Same, Only Different
By Jack Hirt

Strike! While The Iron Is Hot!
After A Typically Slow Start, Two Days
Of Duck Action Made The World Right
By Wendell H. Shepherd

Bob’s Desert Ducks
Showing Me The Best Of What
Something Could Be, Was Just His Nature
By Nick Hahn

Free & Flowin’
River Systems Provide Some Of The Best Duck
Hunting, With No Shortage Of Public Access
By John Felsher

Arkansas Pinch Hit
Forsaking Timber Mallards
For A Rice Field Mix
By David Rearick

Lake Michigan Longtails
Experiencing Surprising Numbers
Of Sea Ducks On The Big Lake
By Ron Peach

Gear Guide Section
88 Pages Of Great New Gear
Featuring Shotguns, Loads, Chokes, Decoys, Blinds, Boats, Mud Motors,
Hunting Accessories, Clothing, Calls …

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Duck, Duck, Gray Duck
Model 12—The Perfect Repeater
Never Be A Baby Bird, er, Duckling
Mechanical Calls
Waterfowling—Not A Hobby
Oregon’s Mixed Blessings
Marsh Notes—Roasted Duck At Stonehenge?
Non-Traditional Outdoor Degree

From The Editor
Migration—What’s Normal

Decoying
Using Natural Cover
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
All About A Dog
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
Proper Practice
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
The Waterfowling Double
By Jarrod Spilger

Close Calls!
Gator Snack
By Wayne Brown

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
A Piddly Little Pond
By Jim Dougherty

June/July 2013
Issue Contents

Features

River Outpost
Bisecting The Late Bird Flow
In Nebraska Cattle Country
By Jay Strangis

Not Down Yet
We All Come For The Birds,
But What Do We Go Away With?
By Jack Hirt

Back On The Job
Just For The Memories, Bringing A Dusty Crew
Out of Retirement And Into The Marsh
By Ron Peach

Mommy’s Dream Hunt
A Single Mom Determined
To Build A Hunting Tradition
By Gigi Hall

The Line Was Drawn
Overcoming A Season-Ending Storm
On An Atlantic Coastal Marsh
By Bucky D’Agostino

Virginia Gentlemen
Seeking To Extend The Season,
In Blue Ridge Horse Country
By Ross E. Swope

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Saving The Fall Flight
Reality Check—Breaking Down Hunt Video
Things That Matter—Grazing For Ducks
Places That Matter—Freezeout Lake
Looking Back—Southern California Canvasbacks
Marsh Notes—Fish & Wildlife Called “Narrow Interests”
Waterfowlers Muscle Up For Ducks On Alaskan Islands

From The Editor
Any Ideas?
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Keeping The Spread Clean
By Michael Hungle

Shotshells
What’s My Lead? Part 3
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Browning’s New A5
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
Hard Mouth
By Robert Milner

Boats Guide
Overcoming Haywires
Getting Boats And Trailers Shipshape For Fall
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Knock Out
By Dennis Knowlton

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Blind, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
In Pursuit Of Spoonbills
By Jim Dougherty

March/April 2013
Issue Contents

Features

Men In White
Field Testing On The First
Outing Of Snow Season
By Jay Strangis

What A Day!
A Frustrating Hunt Proves
Worth The Price Of Admission
By Jack Hirt

Niagara River
An Icy Foray For Big-Water Birds
In The Western Basin Of Lake Ontario
By Tony Zappia

Sound Reason
Loaded With Ducks, But Not Hunters, Mississippi’s
Wide-Open Sound Offers Great Shots At Divers
By John N. Felsher

Black Bottom Vengeance
We Wanted To Hunt This Duck-Filled Swamp
In The Worst Way—But Not Literally
By Allison Crews, a.k.a. Swamp Witch

A Welcome Wind
Chasing Down The Perfect
Duck Spot For A Blustery Day
By Gary R. Zahm

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Good Hunting Despite The Weather
Looking Back—Governor/Duck Hunter
Lore And Tradition—The Old Corn Shucker—Win. 1897
Looking Back—The Grand Kankakee Marsh
Things That Matter—Father Goose
Looking Back—Vintage Crow Hunting
Marsh Notes—Violations Have Much In Common
Power Line Proposed Near Squaw Creek Refuge

From The Editor
Traditions
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Tucked Away
By Michael Hungle

Shotshells
Pattern, Chokes And Speed Limits
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Stoeger’s M3000
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
Starting A Puppy On Blinds
By Robert Milner

Boats Guide
2013 Preview
New Models & Proven Performers
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Set Adrift
By Jarrod Lettenmeir

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Blind, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Three Greenwings
By Jim Dougherty

November/December 2012
Issue Contents

Features

Better Late Than Never
The Prairie Duck Season Should Have Been Done,
But Nobody Told The Mallards
By Jay Strangis

Walking On Water
Finding A Way To The Ducks
In A Frozen Nevada Desert
By David Rearick

Frozen Texas
Bidding Into A Lone Star State Hunt Where
Dreams Of Balmy Weather Turn Cold
By Captain. John Gribb

Dances With Geese
It’s Our Closest Companions That
Must Endure Our Obsessions
By Dale Spartas

Cleared For Landing
The Aerial Dynamics Of Our Beloved Waterfowl
Photo Essay
By Gary Zahm

Late Honkers, Out Of The Fog
A Hastily Planned Hunt
Turns Well Worthwhile
By Mark Brendemuehl

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Mallards And Migrations
Perspective—Married To A Waterfowler
Lore And Tradition—870: A Pump For The Ages
Things That Matter—Banding: A Window Into Waterfowl

Percpective—In The Spirit Of Christmas
Things That Matter—Drought: Boom to Bust?
Marsh Notes—Goldeneye Will Grace Duck Stamp
Arkansas Non-resident License Increase

From The Editor
What Had Been…
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Sharing The X, Or Plan B?
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Gun Dogs And Field Trials By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Post-Season Cleanup
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Importance Of Pattern Testing
By Tom Roster

Boats Guide
Hull Chine Matters
By David Rearick

Close Calls!
Shelved Hunt By Derek Nafferty

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Loving Whitefronts
By Jim Dougherty

October 2012
Issue Contents

Features

Ducks On A Catfish Pond
Out Front Of Migrating Fowl In The Mississippi Delta
By Jay Strangis

Hooked On Quack
Confessions Of A Duckaholic
By John N. Felsher

Teal Season
After Too Long Away From The Decoys,
A Trip To Welcome Fall
By Ron Peach

Experiencing Arkansas
One Hell Of A Way To
End The Waterfowl Season
By Dale Spartas

Double Teamed
Pairing Up For Sea Ducks
On Chesapeake Bay
By David Rearick

After The Tourists
Taking A New Approach To
An Old Saskatchewan Habit
By Mike Gnatkowski

Wind Waves Water
Whether Or Not To Hunt?
Better Let The Dog Settle The Question
By Wendell H. Shepherd

Potholes & Creeks
Waterfowling In Its Simplest Form
By Mike Gnatkowski

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Wonder Ducks
Smart Money—Cayuga County, NY
New Goose On The Block
Ghosts Of Green Bay
Duck Vigilance
Idaho’s Little Known Bear Lake Refuge
Marsh Notes—Matching Hunters With Hunts
Arkansas Curtails WMA Private Use

From The Editor
A New Mindset
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
A Different Slant
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
The Drive Myth
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
10 Economy Shotguns
By Jarrod Spilger

Shotshells
Shotgunning Techno Myths
By Tom Roster

Close Calls!
Old Man Overboard
Thomas Edmunds

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Brant
By Jim Dougherty

September 2012
Issue Contents

Features

September Strategies
Unpacking A Different Set Of
Tactics For The Early Goose Season
By David Rearick

Morning In The Corn
A Hunt For Horicon Geese
With A Very Special Guest
By Jay Strangis

River Remembrance
Sharing Time With Your
Thoughts In A Duck Blind
By Greg Hoch

Strange Season
What Looked Like A Poor Year For Canadas
Proved the Opposite on The Northern Prairie
By Michael Hungle

Weather—Or Not
Atmospheric Conditions Are Overrated—
It’s The Birds That Make Or Break A Hunt
By Jack Hirt

Predict Success
It’s An Old Waterfowling Edict—
Be Where They Want To Be
By Ross E. Swope

The Senator’s Model 12
Some Guns Just Aren’t For Sale
Fiction By Bill Morrissey

A Nice Little Goose Hunt
Salvaging A Mis-Timed
Trip To The Prairie
By Jay Strangis

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Honker/Hunter Intersections
Smart Money—Lamar, Colorado
The $100,000 Duck Call
Sabine
Bear River Resurgence
Canvasback
Marsh Notes—Study Targets Longtails
Mentoring Gets A push
Woodies Out West

From The Editor
A Special Contribution
By Jay Strangis

Decoying
Sun Vs. Clouds
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Feeding And Blind Retrieves
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
Environ-Metal’s New Speed Ball
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Safety First
By Jarrod Spilger

Close Calls!
Ride Of My Life
Thomas Edmunds

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
The Anxious Wait
By Jim Dougherty

August 2012
Issue Contents

Features

Huntin’ The Brake
Seeking Ducks And The Southern
Experience In Central Louisiana
By Jay Strangis

Gone Solo
Trafficking Snow Geese Alone
In A Missouri Cornfield
By Ron Peach

House Of Dreams
A Lifetime Of Waterfowling
Memories Under One Roof
By John Gordon

Goose Nimrod
Learning Honker Hunting
From The Best, I Guess
By Gary Fitzpatrick

2-Barrel Duckin’
Goin’ Old School On
Traditional Fowling Water
By Bucky D’Agostino

Happy Friggin’ New Year
Nothing Like A Bang-Up Diver Hunt
To Ring In The New Year
By Gary R. Zahm

John The Guide
When You’re Wanting A Good Hunt
It’s Not Showmanship You’re After
By Jack Hirt

The Early Birds
Neither Hurricane Nor
High Water Could Deter Us
By Ross E. Swope

July Seventy
His Legacy Was Duck Hunting, And The
Ability To Make His Passion Look Effortless

GEAR GUIDE 2011
68 Pages Of Great New Gear
Featuring Shotguns, Loads, Decoys, Blinds, Boats, Mud Motors, Hunting Accessories, Dog Gear, Clothing, Calls, Chokes, ATVs…

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Bluebills, Goose Neck Collars, Duck Stopover Timing
Tips & Tricks—No Wind? Get The Sun At Your Back
Smart Money—Devil’s Lake, North Dakota
When A Bluewing Isn’t Blue
The Dark Art Of Baiting
Bear River Resurgence
The Big 10
Marsh Notes—A Record Duck Count!
CRP: Demand High, Acres Decline

Decoying
Positioning Blinds
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Train Every Day? Not Likely
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
Nontoxic Is Now All Gauge
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Franchi Affinity
By Jarrod Spilger

Close Calls!
Duck Blind Brownie
Ned Fortsite

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Spot Shot
By Jim Dougherty

June/July 2012
Issue Contents

Features

Goose Follies
Some Honker Hunts Are
Not All That Serious
By Jack Hirt

Oh, California
Hunting With The Camo Cameras
In The Heart Of The Pac Flyway
By Jay Strangis

Mountain Geese
All The Signposts Pointed To The
Eastern Shore, But We Were Headed West
By Ross E. Swope

Better Late Than Never
Some Duck Hunting Experiences
Are Too Long Overdue
By Gary R. Zahm

The Santee Gun Club
An Early History Of A South
Carolina Waterfowling Icon
By Jon Wongrey

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch—Wanted: Snow Goose Hunters
Smart Money—Enid, Oklahoma
Revolutionaries—Man With A Mission: Ding Darling
Places That Matter—Hidden Gem, Finger Lakes Region
Looking Back—Death Of A Duck Club
Marsh Notes—News & Events

Shotshells
Struck Birds That Keep Flying
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Choosing The Right Ground
By Michael Hungle

Shotguns
Super X Semi-Autos
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
Distraction
By Robert Milner

Boats Guide (New regular 3-Page Column)
Riveted Vs. Welded
By David Rearick

Close Calls—Adventure
Break-Neck Goose
Knocked Cold By A Big Canada
By Gene Macnault

PotShots
Remembering The Alamo
By Jim Dougherty

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever,
Waterfowling Accessory

March/April 2012
Issue Contents

Features

Butte Sink Assignment
Our Primary Targets: Pintails And
Specklebellies—California Classics
Photo Essay By Gary Zahm

Jump Start
Giving The Season An Early Go
In The Saskatchewan Parklands
By Jack Hirt

Greater Than Words
It Takes Only 11 Months—And Several
Days—To Cement A White Goose Affliction
By David Rearick

Snow Dogs
Understanding The Special Training And
Handling That Molds A White Goose Beast
By David Rearick

E-Collars 2012
Attention, Correction, Reward—
And Bark Collars
By Tony Zappia

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch —The Season That Was (And Wasn’t)
Smart Money—Catahoula Lake, Louisiana
Lore And Tradition—What’s In A Duck Club Name
Places That Matter—Gray Magic, Scotland’s Pinkfeet
Things That Matter—When Less Is More, Ducks That Is
Lore And Tradition—The Crow—Enemy Of The Public
Marsh Notes—News & Events

Shotshells
Maddening Bagging Problems
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Year-End Cleanup
By Michael Hungle

Shotguns
Stoeger’s M3500
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
“You Said What?”
By Robert Milner

Boats Guide
What’s New For 2012
By David Rearick

Close Calls—Adventure
Down In The Pits
Sinking In A Flooded Silage Pit
By Patrick Meitin

PotShots
Gadwalls, Gray Ducks…Whatever
By Jim Dougherty

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever,
Waterfowling Accessory

November/December 2011
Issue Contents

Features

Moving Water
Hunting A River’s Flooded
Brush For Ducks And Geese
By David Rearick

You Vs. The Cold
How To Win The Battle
By Steven J. Mulak

Three-Strike Snows
An Honest Effort To
Survive A White Goose Hex
By Jerry Mitchell

Persistence Pays
Hanging In For Those Final Days
By Wendell H. Shepherd

Desert Ducks
California’s Imperial Valley Sustains
A Rich Waterfowling Tradition
By Mark Schulte

Snowfront Canadas
An Oncoming Snowstorm Sends
Canada Geese Into Feeding Mode
By Ron Peach

Wooden Birds
Sometimes A Set Of Decoys Has
More Value Than Meets The Eye
Fiction By Bill Morrissey

Field Hunt
Photo Essay By Jim Thompson Jr.

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch —A Regular Migration Year?
Smart Money —Rainwater Basin, Nebraska
Looking Back —Paper Mache Decoys—A Weighty Issue
Places That Matter —Mountains Of Waterfowl
Looking Back—American Waterfowlers, B.C.
Fowling Goods—10 Top Products
Places That Matter—St. Johns River
Tried & Tested—Three Proven Products
Marsh Notes —News & Events

Shotshells
A New Hybrid
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Water Rigging Tricks
By Michael Hungle

Shotguns
Youth Models
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
Obstacles To Good Training, Part II
By Robert Milner

Close Calls—Adventure
Trotline
Freeing A Dog On The Brazos River
By Steve Kieran

PotShots
A Merry Christmas
By Jim Dougherty

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever,
Waterfowling Accessory

October 2011
Issue Contents

Features

Hallowed Ground
Testing A New Shotshell In The Shadow Of Icons
By Jay Strangis

Dem Honkers
HA Gift Of Perspective From An Unlikely Place
By Jack Hirt

Ringnecks!
Call Them Ringbills, Blackjacks Or
What You Will—They’re Air-Cutting Machines
By Mike Marsh

Fair Weather Puddlers
Some Duck Hunting Is Better
Than No Duck Hunting!
By Mike Gnatkowski

Barnegat Bay
A Quest For New Experience Leads
To Fertile, Famous Waters
By Ron Peach

A Mix Of Green
Chasing A Cold Front To
A Batch Of Mid-Season Ducks
By Frank Spicka

The Ravine
Recalling Youthful Times
And Simple Waterfowl Hunting
By Nick Hahn

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch — Remarkable Redheads
Smart Money — Pierre, South Dakota
Study Says — Wetlands: A Trillion Dollar Impact
Looking Back —The Green Bay Boat
Looking Back —Super-X Was Super Excellent
Things That Matter — If You Build It…
Things That Matter—Sneakbox: Time Tested
Lore & Tradition—The Judas Duck
Tried & Tested—Three Proven Products
Marsh Notes—News & Events

Shotshells
AW Readers Write
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Adding Motion
By Michael Hungle

Shotguns
Browning Maxus Autoloader
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
Obstacles To Good Training, Part I
By Robert Milner

Close Calls—Adventure
Without A Paddle!
Float-Hunting Nebraska’s Republican River
By Steve Kieran

PotShots
The Cornfield
By Jim Dougherty

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat,
Retriever, Waterfolwing Accessory

September 2011
Issue Contents

Features

Blind Luck
When Nature Rolls, The Dice Are Loaded
By John Pollman

The Sniper
He Was A “Sportsman,” From The Country
By Nick Hahn

Must Have
There’s A Lot OF Stuff Out There,
Here’s a List To Get Started
By Mark Brendemuehl

Waterless Fowl
Hunting Ducks And Geese In Dry Fields
By David Rearick

Canadas, All Ways
There Are About As Many Plans For Shooting A Honker
As There Are Honker Hunters
By Jay Strangis

A Ticket In A Great Lottery
“To Band A Bird Is To Hold A Ticket In A Great Lottery,”
Aldo Leopold
By Greg Hoch

The Club Scene (Photo Essay)
Another Weekend at the Grassland
By Gary R. Zahm

Big Mac Revival
A Nebraska Stronghold Cycles Back
By Mike Gnatkowski

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch — Fun With Ducks
Smart Money —Klamath Basin’s NWRs
Looking Back — Making Decoys
Places That Matter — Horicon
The Bestest Hunt Ever
Fowling Goods
Where The River Narrows—Quebec Snow Geese
Tried & Tested
Fowling Far And Wide
Marsh Notes

Shotshells
What’s My Lead? Part 2
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Decoy Spacing
By Michael Hungle

Shotguns
Remington’s Versa Max
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
Behavior Problems In Retrievers
By Robert Milner

PotShots
Coot Shoot
By Jim Dougherty

Close Calls
Incoming
Hunting Alaska’s Kodiak Island Sea Ducks

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat,
Retriever, Waterfolwing Accessory

August 2011
Issue Contents

Features

Water Or Not
Wet Years Are Good For Ducks, But
Hunters May Find Them A Mixed Blessing
By Jay Strangis

The Burn Barrel
Never Underestimate The Potential Of A
Lowland Farm, Or An Elderly Widow
By Bill Morrissey

Got Cranes?
There’s Something About Cranes That
Never Really Grabbed Me
By Jack Hirt

Scoter Buffet
Black And White On The Atlantic
By David Rearick

Art Of Bob White
The Artist’s Life And Work
Has Long Been Trans-Flyway
By Jon Wongrey

Outer Banks
Eye-Level Duck Hunting
Off The North Carolina Coast
By Mike Marsh

Early Season Backwaters
Easy To Hunt And Low On Pressure, Back Bays
And Coves Offer A Solution For The Solo Fowler
By Ron Peach

Big Lake, Skinny Water
Ducks And Geese On
Utah’s Great Salt Lake
By Wendell H. Shepherd

GEAR GUIDE 2011

60 Pages Of Great New Gear
Featuring Shotguns, Loads, Decoys, Blinds
Boats, Mud Motors, Hunting Accessories
Dog Gear, Clothing, Calls, Chokes…

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch — That Other Migration
Survey Says — Who’s Shooting What
Smart Money — Saginaw Bay, Michigan
Olt Got It Right
Bear And Geese — Collision Course?
A Mentor’s View
NYC Honkers — Food Or Fertilizer
Marsh Notes — Another Positive Duck Count!
Greater Snows — No Decline

Decoying
Multi-Species Waterfowl Hunts
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Nature Of The Dog
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
What’s My Lead? Part 1
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
Benelli’s Super Vinci
By Jarrod Spilger

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat,
Retriever, Waterfolwing Accessory

PotShots
Ham
By Jim Dougherty

June/July 2011
Issue Contents

Features

Missouri Freezeup
We Were Right To Follow The Birds South,
But Northern Weather Followed, Too!
By Jay Strangis

The Art Of Charles Beck
Not Just About Our World,
But The Way We See Our World
By Jack Everett

Farouk’s Duck Clubs
The Best Of Egypt’s Duck Hunting,
Has Always Been Reserved For Rulers
By Nick Hahn

Unexpected Guests
The Birds We Hunt Seem To Follow A
Rule Book—Luckily These Couldn’t Read
By Ross E. Swope

Honkers & Homework
Wringing The Most Out Of A Soggy
Hunt For Manitoba Geese
By Michael Hungle

By Boat!
Watercraft Designed With Reach
By David Rearick

Departments

Hunt Book
Flush With Mallards?
Keep Pintail Hunts Consistent
Smart Money — Valentine, Nebraska
Duck Breeding Arms Wars
Things That Matter — Herters
Encounters Of The Blue Kind
Tried & Tested
A Fowling History Revisited — Havre de Grace
Fowling Goods
Marsh Notes

Decoying
Moving The X
By Michael Hungle

Shotshells
The Nontoxic Scene Is Changing
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
The Versatile Autoloader
By Jarrod Spilger

Duck Dogs
From Fishing To Field
By Robert Milner

PotShots
Last Day
By Jim Dougherty

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

March/April 2011
Issue Contents

Features

Wings Of Fury
The Return Of Greater Snow Geese Brings
Another Atlantic Goose Season To Life
By David Rearick

One For The Youngsters
There’s Nothing Like Cooperative Snows
To Light Up “The Hunter” In Young Boys
By Jack Hirt.

Ducks And Dogs
Sometimes Good Hunting Trips Cast The Unexpected,
Even The Painful
By Mark Brendemuehl

A Field Of White
A Dose Of Goose Feathers And Corn
Makes A Missouri Boy Feel Right At Home
By Ron Peach

Into The Corn
On Some Hunts, Getting There Is NOT Half The Fun
By P.J. Reilly

White Goose Tactics
How Compulsive Snow Hunters Shape Every Advantage
By David Rearick

Northern Ghosts
Seeking Eiders On A Frigid Rhode Island Coast
By Kenneth L. Kieser

Jack The Lawyer
Big Jack Was A Character Of The First Order—He
Also Had Access To Some Great Goose Hunting
By Nick Hahn

Greater Purpose
A Delaware Hunt For Greater Snows Features
A Cast Of Thousands: Decoys And Geese!
Photo Essay By Scott Moody

Departments

Hunt Book
The Season That Was
Of Mallards And Phantom Geese
Missouri’s Grand Pass
Still Brant Hunting—Morro Bay
Saskatchewan: First Stop For Geese
Loon Hunting, A Bygone Tradition
Ruddy Duck, The Original Butter Ball
Marsh Notes

Shotshells
Effective Snow Goose Loads
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Hunting On Or Near Roosts
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
The Overdogged Hunter
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Snow Goose Chokes
By Jarrod Spilger

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Mallards In The Treetops
By Jim Dougherty

November/December 2010
Issue Contents

Features

Remnant Ducks
Bitter Cold Be Damned, Some Mallards Are Just Plain Stubborn
By Jay Strangis

Late Geese
Wintry Honker Hunts Have Much to Offer—
Cold, Snow and Perfectly Matching Camo
By Mark Brendemuehl

Hunting The Magnificents
Tundra Swans Come Singly, But One Is A Handful Of Bird
By Kenneth L. Kieser

Hard Water
Ice-Up Is One Of The Best, And Most Risky, Times To Hunt Big Water
By David Rearick

Ohotnik
In Russian, The Word Means “Hunter” By Profession
By Nick Hahn

Susquehanna
As The Season Progresses, This Keystone River Only Gets Better
By Bob D’Angelo

Old Guide
For Dogs And Men, It’s The Marsh That Calls Loudest

Departments

Hunt Book
The Fall Migration Puzzle
The Grasslands
Hunting The Inland Seas
A Brief History Of Banding
Paradise Parched
Atchafalya
Marsh Notes

Shotshells
Point Of Impact
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Patterns And Placement
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Delivery To Hand
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Answering With Two Barrels
By Jarrod Spilger

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
The Big Ten
By Jim Dougherty

October 2010
Issue Contents

Features

Greenwings
These Smallest Of Our Puddlers Are Thriving, And A True Treasure
By Ron Peach

Wood Ducks
On Purpose, And Otherwise
By David Rearick

Shooting Ducks Over Decoys
Some Are Easy, Some Only Look Easy
By Dale Spartas

Ducks In Small Places
These Homely Spots Turn Beautiful When The Birds Show Up
By Mike Gnatkowski

Teal!
Getting After Bluewings Deep In The Heart Of A Rice Field
Photo Essay By Dale Spartas

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch, Lore & Tradition, Marsh Notes, Places That Matter

Shotshells
Choosing Chokes
By Tom Roster

Decoying
More Or Less?
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
The Excellent Gun Dog
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
Pumps — Waterfowling Workhorses
By Jarrod Spilger

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
The Slough
By Jim Dougherty

September 2010
Issue Contents

Features

Border North
Hunting The Crown’s Canadas…In Eastern Ontario, Eh?
By David Rearick

Pasture-ized Geese
Hunting These Early Honkers You Might Have An Audience
By P.J. Reilly

Island Of Mud
Locals Called It “Bad Shelter Island”—They Were Right
By Nick Hahn

To Shoot A Goose
One Man’s Accidental Path To Becoming A Honker Hunter
By Jay Strangis

Our Corner Of The World
Wringing The Most Out Of “Average” Goose Grounds
By Shad Singleton

Smokin’ Geese Over Water
Hunting Honkers On The Wet Has Its Advantages
By Mike Gnatkowski

Hunting Skinny Water
Never A Sure Thing, But The Value Of Each Goose Is Enhanced
By Wendell H. Shepherd

Home Grown Honkers
An Opening Day in California’s San Joaquin Valley
Photo Essay And Text y Gary R. Zahm

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch, Lore & Tradition, Survey Says, Smart Money, Marsh Notes, Places That Matter, Things That Matter

Shotshells
High Velocity And Steel
By Tom Roster

Decoying
Dealing With Frost
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Extreme Weather Work
By Robert Milner

Shotguns
The 20 Gauge Duck Gun
By Jarrod Spilger

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Laying Out
By Jim Dougherty

August 2010
Issue Contents

Features

Geese Over H2O
Fooling Honkers On Overlooked Loafing Ponds
By Mark Brendemuehl

River-Mouth Divers
Hunting Drowned River Mouths On Michigan’s Coast
By Mike Gnatkowski

Last Outlaw Gunner
Tom Reed Outlived His Kind, And Ultimately His Own Past
By Jon Wongrey

Waylaying Drinking Ducks
Hunting The Between-Meal Stopovers of Thirsty Mallards
By Nick Sisley

Perfect Storm
South Dakota’s Surreal November
By Paul S. Strangis

The Prince
Pavel Samsonov Carried Himself Well In The California Marsh
By Nick Hahn

Tricky Shots
Practice And Positioning Can Help You Hit More Fowl This Season
By Nick Sisley

A Taste Of Salty Water
Sometimes You Have To Leave Home To Get A Broader Waterfowling Perspective
By David Rearick

MEGA GEAR GUIDE
60 Pages Of Gear
Featuring Shotguns, Loads, Decoys, Blinds, Boats, Mud Motors, Hunting Accessories, Dog Gear, Clothing, Calls…

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch, Lore & Tradition, Marsh Notes, Places That Matter, Things That Matter

Decoying
Making Adjustments
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Picking A Great Retriever
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
Recoil Considerations
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
The Mighty 10 Gauge
By Jarrod Spilger

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
Jump Shooting
By Jim Dougherty

June/July 2010
Issue Contents

Features

What Can Be Done
Making A Farm Work For Waterfowl—And Hunters
By Jay Strangis

Dakota Bound And Determined
Seek And You Will Find Places That Matter On The Northern Prairie
By Jack Hirt

Calling The Shot
Getting The Birds “Right” Never Has Been Black And White
By Wendell H. Shepherd

The Day It Rained Mallards
The Forecast Was Bright And Clear, With A Good Chance For Ducks
By Nick Sisley

Pothole Success
Five Ways To Make Small Waters Work
By Mark Brendemuehl

What’s Past Is Prologue
“Whereof what’s past is prologue, what to come, in yours and my discharge.” William Shakespeare
By Rob Jepson

For Every Water
Today’s Waterfowlers Enjoy Boats Designed With Purpose

Bluebills
As Any Diver Hunter Will Attest, Scaup Definitely Have Game
Photo Essay by Scott Moody

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch, Smart Money, Fowling Goods, Lore & Tradition, Marsh Notes

Duck Dogs
Blinds And Hand Signals
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
Nontoxic Shot Types
By Tom Roster

Shotguns
The Super Magnum At 20
By Jarrod Spilger

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
The Last Pintail
By Jim Dougherty

March/April 2010
Issue Contents

Features

Spring Snows
The Mud, The Miles And The Gear
By Jack Hirt

Maine Tale
How Sea Ducks Saved Duck Hunting
By Jay Strangis

Uncle Rich
A Wise Old Man Who Above All Knew Ducks
By Jon Wongrey

Snow Pros
Pointers from A Dedicated Bunch
By David Rearick

Grand Slammin’ Geese
Taking A Mixed Bag On The Oklahoma Prairie
By Mike Lambeth

Generation Next
Raising A Waterfowler, From Toddler To Hunting Partner
By Michael Hungle

E-Trained
Technical Advances In Today’s Electronic Dog Collars
By Jack Everett

On Assignment (Photo Essay)
We’d Almost Hung It Up, And Then…
By Bill Buckley

Departments

Hunt Book
Flyway Watch, Smart Money, Fowling Goods, Lore & Tradition, Marsh Notes

Decoying
Overcoming Fog
By Michael Hungle

Duck Dogs
Manners And Efficiency
By Robert Milner

Shotshells
New Wet Bird Loads
By L. P. Brezny

Shotguns
The Reliable Scattergun
By John M. Taylor

Market Hunter
Find An Outfitter, Call, Boat, Retriever, Waterfowling Accessory

PotShots
The Passage Of Time
By Jim Dougherty

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