The Advantage of Hunting from Crutches

by
posted on October 23, 2013
** 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 (37)

As planned, on Saturday I crutched to a favorite wood duck hole against doctor's orders and went duck hunting. It wasn't easy navigating the thick early season grass with my "marsh sticks"—as they've come to be known—and soon I wondered if I'd made the right decision. As I put my weight on a crutch in order to plop down onto the bank, it sunk into the mud and the rubber tip (you know, pretty much the most important part of the crutch) broke off. We never did find it.

No worries. I knew there would be hardships in using crutches for a task completely outside their intended design. And within minutes a drake mallard decoyed like a house of fire. It didn't circle or even give us a discerning look, but rather landed amidst the decoys before we could even depress our safeties. With a simple "hey duck!" the bird took to wing, and my buddy Ben swung through and killed the rising greenhead with one clean shot.

The mallard seemed to foreshadow an action-packed morning, but the recent cold front and full moon had apparently pushed out the many wood ducks we'd anticipated. No matter, it had been a fun morning with friends immersed in Pennsylvania's orange October oaks. And the important thing is I was out hunting rather than sitting at home elevating my tattered leg.

Plus, an unexpected benefit of crutching to the hunt was soon realized. We stopped at a small medical supply store to pick up a new tip for my crutch, and my friend, Tyler went inside. I wasn't present but apparently the conversation proceeded thusly:

Tyler (dressed in full camo): Hi, I need to buy a rubber tip for a crutch.
Clerk: Were you hunting?
Tyler: Yes ma'am, duck hunting.
Clerk: Was the guy on crutches hunting?
Tyler: Yes, which may explain how he damaged his crutch.
Clerk: (Following hysterical laughter.) Our family farm is covered in mallards and pintails right now. Would you like me to talk to my Dad about getting you permission?

So, you see, crutching to a hunt is hard work. But it's not without advantage.

Latest

Herman Shooting B14 Squared CIMA CF
Herman Shooting B14 Squared CIMA CF

#SundayGunday: Bergara B14 Squared CIMA CF

On this week's #SundayGunday we’re checking out the Bergara B14 Squared CIMA Carbon Fiber rifle, a beautiful, new-for-2025 fusion of modern elements and classic sporter style targeted squarely at backcountry hunters. Weighing in at a mere 5.8 pounds, it’s also the lightest B14 that Bergara has produced to date. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

New for 2025: Streamlight Sledge Headlamp

Streamlight has launched the Sledge headlamp, a low-profile, rechargeable flood headlamp engineered for outdoor enthusiasts who demand durability, versatility and long run times.

Member's Hunt: Bear Camp Memories

Stephen Prall of Hawley, Pa. sends us an excellent story of a long-anticipated bear camp.

Video Highlights Hornady’s Conservation Impact

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), in collaboration with Hornady Manufacturing, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), has released a new video titled “Funding Conservation for Future Generations.”

Range Review: DoubleTap Ammunition's SnakeShot Defense Loads

New for 2025, these hybrid rounds from DoubleTap Ammunition launch hollow point bullets with birdshot pellets.

First Look: LTT Impact Long-Range Tikka Rifle

Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) has announced the launch of the LTT Impact Long-Range Rifle, in collaboration with Tikka.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.