Hunting Fowl in a Duck Hunting Boat
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Being raised with five brothers and
numerous uncles, plus my Grandpa Tom who fed his family
during the Great Depression with wild game, the
middle-of-the night outings in autumn to hunt water fowl
were memorable!
There was an air of expectation as all the men
got their gear together, while my Nana
cooked sizzling
bacon and eggs in her large iron skillet.
The pungent aroma of coffee permeated the entire
house.
Often, shortly after leaving, they’d be back to collect
things they’d forgotten.
But all of us at home, going back to bed, would
be dreaming of dinner that evening.
Nana would stuff and dress the birds and we’d
have a feast with plenty to freeze and dry for later
meals.
None of this experience would have
been possible were it not for duck hunting boats.
That’s how the men in my family accessed the
awesome waterfowl flying in from Canada, skirting across
the lakes of Michigan and the other Great Lake states.
My Grampa Tom would have no idea
what eBay is, but if he were around today, that is
probably where he’d go to replace an old duck hunting
boat.
Although one of his great grand-sons would probably do
this for him.
There he’d find a selection of all brands – Waco
BW-42MV and 50MV, Supreme, Triton, and Sea Ark.
In truth, though, my Grampa most likely built his
own duck hunting boat.
Most duck hunters do hunt over
water, and stand in water in their boat.
They may be hunting in ponds, lakes, bays or
oceans – wherever the duck are.
In the UK one doesn’t “hunt” duck, one “shoots”
them unless hounds are used.
Then they “hunt” the fowl.
Castle Craft has been making duck
hunting boats since 1985.
There’s a portable boat that folds flat and can
be accessed at
www.Porta-Boat.com.
Duck Waterfowl Boats makes the
claim that they’re the first choice for duck hunting
boats. They
say their boats are so covert the ducks don’t even see
them! “We
punish the ice and rocks” they boast.
They offer a 15 year hull warranty, which is
impressive.
I watched a video with the hunters in their boats
tackling 5 foot waves.
Mallard Marine manufactures and
sells high quality duck hunting boats, specializing in
layout duck boats including the Marsh Rat ultimate
layout boat.
It’s lightweight, safe and stable, tows easily by the
bow eye. It’s easy to lift and load, hides great in low
cover, made of durable polyethylene.
It’s a great back-up boat and meets and exceeds
US Coast Guard regulations.
There’s even an
inflatable duck
hunting boat made by Sea Eagle.
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