What Happened to this Mallard?

by
posted on December 15, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (41)

undefinedMy friends and I had a pretty good duck hunt last week, and all returned home with fat mallards to eat. However, as I was preparing to pluck one of the birds, I noticed something odd: Its left foot had a split running through a digit and extending partially into the webbing. At first I thought the injury had resulted from our shooting that morning, but closer examination revealed it to be an old, healed wound. Here's a photo:

So, question is, if one of my shotgun pellets didn't take a chunk out of the duck's foot, what did? Another hunter last season? A snapping turtle? I'd love to hear a few of your theories.

Latest

Calling Bull Elk In Rifle Season Lead
Calling Bull Elk In Rifle Season Lead

Calling Bull Elk in Rifle Season

Calling may not only get a bull to reveal its whereabouts but also spur rut-like activity not many rifle hunters witness.

Nosler Expands Whitetail Country Line

Nosler has announced the expansion of its Whitetail Country Ammunition line.

Game Departments Warning Hunters About AI-Generated Misinformation

Two states are warning hunters to not rely on the artificial intelligence-generated responses that appear after a web search for state regulations, as they are often incorrect and increase the risk of sportsmen unknowingly violating game laws.

First Look: Nomad Outdoors Conifer VX3 Gear

Nomad Outdoor has launched Conifer VX3, the updated version of its line of technical in-field gear designed for maximum warmth when the winter winds howl and late season cold fronts throw the worst conditions at hunters searching for that target buck.

Recipe: Venison Minute Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Is there anything better than a fresh venison steak cooked to perfection and smothered in a buttery sauce? A thinly sliced backstrap and compound butter, or cowboy butter, make it a challenge to stop at just one.

New for 2025: Tuo’s Genetically Engineered Verse Camo Pattern

Tuo Gear and Veil Camo have partnered up to bring together some of the most advanced ideas in concealment.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.