By Gary Koehler

Evidently, more and more waterfowl hunters are packing cameras along with shotguns these days. In this, the third annual Ducks Unlimited magazine photo contest, the number of entrants was more than double that of our initial competition. That's a good thing. Memories are being preserved, perhaps at a record rate, thanks to the ease and affordability of digital photography. Camera mobility also plays a role in this merging of modern technology with outdoor tradition.

This year's flood of entries ran the gamut—covering all aspects of our nation's proud waterfowling heritage. Some photographers focused on the birds, a number captured in-the-field hunting settings, and others celebrated retrievers of all breeds. The mix was refreshing. Through these photos, contestants share their experiences with like-minded individuals who also treasure time spent in the marsh. These are their stories, in pictures.

View the honorable mentions in each category:
Waterfowl | Waterfowl Hunting | Retrievers

Photos by Richard Curtin, Russ Verbofsky & Mark Cunningham Jr.

Continue Reading >>