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

Governor De Santis
Governor De Santis

Sportsmen Expected to Reap $40 Million in Sales Tax Savings in Florida

Florida’s 2026 Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday runs through December 31, eliminating sales tax on eligible firearms, ammunition, and hunting, fishing and camping equipment.

Behind the Bullet: The .22 Long

If we could rewind the clock to 1871, before the .45-70 Government and .45 Colt existed, and when cartridges themselves were just establishing a foothold in the shooting world, you’d find a pair of .22-caliber rimfire designs: the .22 Short and the .22 Long. Aptly named, these cartridges would survive well into the 20th century, ultimately being conquered by the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. But in certain situations, the .22 Long cartridge still makes good sense, and actually has a few specialized applications.

Reviewed: Sitka’s Blizzard Pro Parka

Sitka seems to keep “one upping” themselves with gear that not only keeps hunters in the field at a good comfort level, but also with gear that is well made and fits extremely well. Need a parka for the extreme cold, wet or wind? This Sitka product that could be the last parka you will need!

Suffix to Say: The Savage 99 by the Letter(s)

A savage primer to the letters that make up the models of the 99.

New Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season in Louisiana

A special nine-day Louisiana black-bellied whistling duck season began Oct. 3 and runs through Oct. 11.

Choosing the Proper Goose Load

When gunning for geese, use these tips to select the optimal load.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.