"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

LEDEW H2026 04 Membershunt Angie Buck Barnabas Nov 2025
LEDEW H2026 04 Membershunt Angie Buck Barnabas Nov 2025

Member's Hunt: Patience is Tough When You Shoot a Big Buck

My phone still in my hands, I texted my teenage son, who was hunting along the field not far away. Trying not to move any part of my body but my thumbs, I sent the message, “Got a buck down, but he’s still alive. Help!” Tucker texted back, “What do you want me to do?” I replied: “Come kill the bastard before he kills me!” Intrigued? Read on.

First Look: 2026 Spypoint Trail Camera Lineup

Spypoint's 2026 trail camera line-up features three new models designed to deliver on flexibility and control.

Hardware Review: Christensen Arms Evoke .375 H&H

A .375 H&H Magnum for less than $1,000 is a win for hunters on any continent, especially when it comes packed with features and has the sub-MOA accuracy potential of the American-made Evoke from Christensen Arms.

New for 2026: Avian-X Waterfowl Backpacks

Expanding its assortment to include soft goods in 2026, waterfowl brand Avian-X has announced an all-new lineup of packs specifically designed to keep waterfowl hunters organized, mobile and ready for anything.

Behind the Bullet: The .308 Norma Magnum

Norma’s ballistician Nils Kvale saw the wisdom of having the velocity and horsepower of the .300 H&H Magnum, but in a shorter, more affordable receiver, and used the H&H case to develop his .358 Norma Magnum in 1959 as well as the .308 Norma Magnum one year later. The .308 Norma Magnum closely resembles the wildcat .30-338 cartridge, though the shoulder of the former is located a bit more toward the base than that of the .308 Norma Magnum. Intrigued? Read on about this often unfairly overlooked hunting classic.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV

The Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, from Browning Trail Cameras, promises direct video transmission and streamlined setup without adding complexity.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.