"Duck the Halls" Float Entertains at Christmas Parade

by
posted on December 16, 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 (49)

Now here's a parade float we can all appreciate. Nicknamed "Duck the Halls" by its creators, the waterfowl/hunting/Duck Dynasty-themed float was on display at the Chesapeake, Va., Christmas parade.

"Just a few years ago only hunters would've appreciated our handiwork," said Erinn Otterson. (Name sound familiar? You've read about his other antics here.) "But thanks to the popularity of Duck Dynasty, a lot of people cheered the float. It was a big hit, really funny."

Otterson—who's dressed in the photo below as either Uncle Si or Aging Hippie Duck Hunter—built the float with Chris Mowery and Brett Wayman, all of whom are employees of Chesapeake Bay Tree Incorporated.

"We wrapped chicken wire around Chris' duck boat [a 20-foot scissor rig] and brushed it up," Otterson explained. "Then we added Christmas ornaments, lights, twelve full-body decoys, a MOJO teal and a MOJO mallard. We put Santa hats on the decoys, too—I think that was a nice touch."

Otterson's wife, Jody, and Mowery's wife and kids tossed candy to spectators while Otterson, Mowery and Wayman blew duck calls.

Perhaps best of all, the men hunt a river nearby.

"Once we were done, Chris ripped the chicken wire off his boat and went scouting that afternoon," Otterson said. "A couple days later we shot bluebills, scoters and a gadwall about four miles from the parade route."

Latest

Lead Photo 2
Lead Photo 2

Top 10 Rimfire Loads for Hunters

Phil Massaro loves rimfire rifles of all shapes and sizes, and enjoys the majority of rimfire cartridges available. Here is his top ten of the latter, in no particular order.

Tips for Waterfowl Hunters to Safeguard Against Bird Flu

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for waterfowl hunters that applies throughout the nation. Following a few simple step can protect yourself and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is commonly known as bird flu.

EchoCore Suppressors Win Awards, Sign with Silencer Shop

In its first year of public evaluation, EchoCore Suppressors made an immediate impact at the 2025 Silencer Summit, taking first and second place in the 5.56mm category with its Sector 5.56 Full Size and Sector 5.56 Compact suppressors. On the heels of this, EchoCore has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Silencer Shop. 

New to the Flyway: Waterfowl Gear Roundup

Check out our roundup of the best of this season's waterfowl gear.

Chevron Commits $450,000 Wetland and Mottled Duck Conservation

Chevron recently continued its commitment to restoring and enhancing critical wetlands along the Louisiana coast by partnering with Ducks Unlimited (DU) to enhance private lands for waterfowl and other wildlife through the Louisiana Mottled Duck Project and the USA Rice-DU Rice Stewardship Partnership.

Behind the Scenes: Hard Truths of Conservation

Hard Truths tackles misconceptions about hunting and conservation, but these ambitious goals require filming in tough conditions and in remote areas alongside some of the world’s most dangerous wildlife.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.