Mid-Winter Winner: A Duck Hunt in the ‘Glades

by
posted on January 13, 2017
** 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. **
main2.jpg

In many places the ducks don’t roll in until it’s, well, pretty darn cold, a fact that can leave diehard waterfowlers a might conflicted when the family decides it’s time to head south for a holiday in the sun. But in fact it doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. As I learned first-hand the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, you absolutely can experience full-flight mornings in the duck blind and still make it to some of Florida’s finest beaches in the afternoon. Joined by my buds, Tom and Jack, we jumped in the boat with Osceola Outdoors’ top guide Mike Thomas, for an adventurous journey into the region’s famous “sea of grass,” a place many species of birds are known to flock to in the winter. And guess what? Ducks included! Oh yeah: Take ‘em and pass the sunscreen!

Latest

Ledeunexpected Benefits
Ledeunexpected Benefits

More than $1.3 Billion Raised by Duck Stamp Sales

On June 26 the 2026-2027 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, aka Duck Stamp, went on sale. The fact it raises about $40 million for conservation annually gets the headlines, but there are underpublicized benefits for making the $25 purchase—even non-hunters.

Hardware Review: Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR

Check out Frank Melloni's review of the Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD 30 SF

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD 30 SF, a second-focal plane riflescope line boasting System H2 optics for clarity.

Pyrodex Turns 50

Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Know How: Understanding and Obtaining a Cold-Bore Zero

Have you ever spent hours at the range zeroing a rifle only to learn it is nowhere near center when you go to confirm it at camp? Many attribute this malady to scope shift during travel, and that can sometimes be the case. However, far more often this point-of-impact change can be attributed to the way we zeroed back home.

First Look: Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Western Revolver

Built to recall the Wild West, the Single Action Revolver from Winchester Air Guns is the perfect sidearm for junior-shooter summer fun.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.