Waterfowl Hunting With the Benelli Ethos

Benelli's new Ethos seemed more than at home in the pit.

A proper decoy spread is an important part of the game, and our host was prepared for any situation. Pat "Skip" Skipper's carefully devised system allowed him to carry hundreds upon hundreds of decoys inside his relatively modest trailer.

Tank, the Skipper family's golden retriever, gets to work on one of his his 12 retrieves.

NRA Publications Editorial Director John Zent unshoulders the Ethos after a successful volley while Tank gets to work on the retrieve.

Patrick "Skip" Skipper coordinated the deployment of the decoy spread—and continually made rounds to ensure everything stayed in place, despite the weather.

A culmination of all of the company's innovations, the upcoming Ethos represents the next generation of Benelli shotguns.

NRA E-Media staff member Tom Rickwalder sneaks a peek at incoming birds.

Patrick "Skip" Skipper routinely used one of his many flags to help convince his prey to decoy.

Thousands of snow geese passed over the pit throughout the course of the day. The conditions weren't right for a snow goose shoot, but there's plenty of winter left.

The Ethos' stock has been designed to help absorb the recoil of even heavy waterfowl loads—which most certainly came in handy in Chestertown. Here's a look at the inner workings.

Six hunters meant a 12-goose limit—which the crew withstood the rain and achieved. Pictured from left to right are: John Zent, Tom Rickwalder, Shawn Skipper, Patrick "Skip" Skipper, Tank the gundog, "Coyote" George and Justin Skipper.

From Left to Right: NRA E-Media staff member Shawn Skipper, Justin Skipper and Patrick "Skip" Skipper.