"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

W H2026 09 Hardwarew3848 TAH 1756Lead
W H2026 09 Hardwarew3848 TAH 1756Lead

Hardware Review: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

First, the Browning Automatic Rifle addressed in this article is not the renowned 1918 BAR of military fame. I’ve actually seen an American Rifleman editor hunt hogs with a reproduction 1918 BAR. While it was a spectacle to behold, it’s probably not the optimal choice for the deer woods, but hey, who am I to judge? The Browning BAR we’re talking about in this article is the iconic hunting rifle.

Choice Ammunition—Montana’s Handloaded Factory Ammunition.

Today, we have many more projectile options than we’ve ever had. However, there are still some combinations that aren’t readily available, and some of our older cartridges have become all but unobtainable. Enter a boutique ammunition shop from Montana, the brainchild of Mr. Jon Wemple: meet Choice Ammunition.

Improving Buckshot Performance

Buckshot’s downrange effectiveness varies greatly, from stellar to lackluster, depending on the shotgun/choke configuration and specifics of the load. Here is what you need to know to extract its greatness.

Last Minute Hunting Essentials

Looking for some last minute gear to take your hunting season to the next level? We have what you need. Check out our list of last minute hunting essentials for the season.

#SundayGunday: Nosler Whitetail Country Ammunition

This affordable option is for hunters who understand the effectiveness of an old-school, cup-and-core lead bullet.

Pellets Fly: An Airgun Hog Hunt in Florida

The author hunts the Space Coast with a pair of airguns from Gamo.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.