Did This Guy Really Catch a Quail with his Bare Hand?

by
posted on May 15, 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. **
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (14)

In case you haven't already seen it, there's a video making its rounds on the web that purports to show a hunter snagging a quail right out of the air with his bare hands as it zooms past—much to the amazement of his buddies. It's embedded below.

The real question, though, is whether or not the events in the video are legitimate. Being that I'm skeptical of just about anything that "goes viral," it's no surprise that I have little faith that the events depicted in the video were a completely random and coincidental event. Whether the whole thing was staged, or simply a matter of fancy CGI work—like that "eagle" that allegedly tried to make off with a baby a few months back—I'm not buying it. Here's why:

1. Playing it too Cool
The hunter in question (identified by MSN as Matt Carter), seems to be playing the whole thing a little too cool for me. He's completely unperturbed at the sight of a quail flying straight for him, and seems to casually look it into his hand the same way a baseball or football player might with a ball—like he knew it was coming. Hey, maybe I'm wrong and this guy's just got ice in his veins. But I remain skeptical.

2. The Video's too Perfect
From the convenient close up of Carter just ambling through the field as the bird comes in, to the obvious post-production edits, the video doesn't do its content any favors. If this had been something that happened in the corner of the frame, or the video had gone up raw, it would have had a stronger case. But the cameraman has a seemingly fantastic angle on Carter as this all happens, and later went to work on the video a little bit before uploading it. That muddies the water, in my book.

3. The Obligatory Self-Promotion
You'll note that the video ends with a plug for an upcoming book, written by former NFL Quarterback Colt McCoy (who also briefly appears in the video) and... Matt Carter. Numerous reports have already pointed out how "coincidental" it is that there's a viral video going around just before the book's launch, and it's hard not to agree. A "viral" video with an ad at the end? Seems too perfect.

McCoy himself makes little more than a cameo in the video, offering only a chuckle and the compliment of "sweet catch." Seriously, Colt? If this whole thing is legit, your buddy just made a better catch than any receiver you had on the Browns ever did. Give me more enthusiasm.

That all said, maybe I'm being entirely too skeptical. Watch the video below and make your own call. Did this guy make the catch of the year?

Latest

Lede 7BCK
Lede 7BCK

First Look: Horizon Firearms Exclusive

Custom & Collectable Firearms proudly unveils the Horizon Firearms Exclusive, a 1-of-50 limited series built for hunters and anyone who values accuracy, value and dependability.

Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young Now Accepting Javelina Entries

The Boone and Crockett Club (B&C) and Pope and Young Club (P&Y) announced in August that they have completed scoring procedures and are now accepting entries for javelina (collared peccary, Pecari tajacu) in their record books.

First Look: SnapSafe Modular Super Titan

The SnapSafe Super Titan, with all of the security of a conventional, welded safe in an easy-to-assemble gun vault that moves anywhere piece-by-piece and then locks together in minutes with included hand tools, offers gun owners the security they require with all the convenience and mobility they demand.

First Look: CVA Endura Muzzleloaders

CVA has announced its Endura series of muzzleloaders, the most advanced muzzleloader series CVA has ever built.

Smith & Wesson Announces Grand Opening of Training Academy

Smith & Wesson has announced the grand opening of the new Smith & Wesson Academy.

Preseason Report: Benelli Nova 3

As the 2025 fall season gets underway, check out this clip of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper putting the Benelli Nova 3 through its paces, and chatting with Benelli USA VP of Marketing Tim Joseph about the gun's design and capabilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.