10 Shooting Tips for Waterfowl

Making a good shot is one of the great joys in waterfowl hunting. Indeed, shooting is the pinnacle of this sport. Everything else is a lead-up to that moment when you shoulder your gun and fire.

Here's a list of 10 tips for becoming a better shot on ducks and geese. Put these suggestions into practice, and you'll shoot better and enjoy your hunting more.

Read these 10 Shooting Tips

Late Summer Habitat Conditions in Canada

Habitat conditions have remained fairly stable over the past month. Conditions in eastern Canada remain very good while conditions are more varied in western Canada where the warm, dry weather continues. With few exceptions, waterfowl production was average or better throughout the country this year.

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Know Your Ducks

So, you think your waterfowl IQ is pretty sharp? See if you can identify the name of the waterfowl species with following traits:

• I have a bluish black-tipped bill.
  
  
• My legs and feet are blue-gray to dark gray.
  
  
• Except for northern pintail, I nest farther north than any other dabbling duck.
  
  
• I am a common winter visitor to Central America, the Caribbean, northern Columbia.

Stumped? Click here for the Answer!

Brush up on your Waterfowl IQ in our Waterfowl Gallery!

Wanted: Your Pictures on the DU Web Site!

DU is calling on members to share your favorite hunting, retriever and outdoor photos on the Ducks Unlimited photo gallery!

If you are already a proud DU member, click here to login and upload your photos.

If you're not currently a Ducks Unlimited member, simply click here to join! It's quick and easy, and when you join Ducks Unlimited via the Web, you'll receive instant access to all member only features.

Big Water & Harlequins

DU President Jim Hulbert joins Jared for a big water hunt in the Pacific Northwest's Puget Sound. In addition to some stellar sea-duck hunting, Jared gets the chance, with the aid of Mike Wolsky and Wings & Waves, to fulfill a lifelong duck hunter's dream: a shot at the gorgeous and elusive Harlequin duck.

Premiers Sunday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on OLN.

More Shows...

"The Divers" Sculpture

This whimsical sculpture is based on the popular "The Divers" print by Art LaMay, featured at Ducks Unlimited events in 1992. The approximate dimensions are 16" x 5" x 5". Bidding for this item closes on Sunday, September 10 at 9 p.m. CDT.

Bid Now!

2007 DU Calendar Promotes Your Message


The 2007 Ducks Unlimited promotional calendar is now available to help promote your business or special interest. During the past 16 years, Calendar Specialists of Minnesota has produced this popular calendar featuring an imprint area prominently showcasing your important advertising message. For additional information on how you can take advantage of 365 days of promotional exposure during 2007 using the DU calendar, visit: www.CalendarsNow.com/du.html

2006 Ducks Unlimited Holiday Cards Are Now Available!

Barton-Cotton has been DU’s holiday card partner for 20 years - and the 2006 collection of DU holiday cards has arrived! Visit our special Holiday Card Web site to view our unique selection and order today.

When you order online, you’ll also get:

• 25 FREE personalized return address labels
• 25 FREE decorative holiday seals for your envelopes
• FREE imprinting with your purchase of 3 boxes or more

Your purchase makes a difference in supporting Ducks Unlimited's ongoing wetlands and waterfowl conservation efforts.

Click here to order today!

Tostaditas

Makes about 40 bite-sized snacks

The best kind of finger food for the holidays, or for a quiet afternoon once the season is over. These mini-tacos will disappear like Canada geese do when you finally get a day off.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons oil
4 ounces ground duck/goose
¼ minced onion
1 tablespoon chopped green pepper
1 minced clove garlic
3/8 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons sour cream
6 corn tortillas (5-6 inches diameter)
2 ounces grated Cheddar cheese

The salsa:

1 cup chopped ripe tomatoes
½ cup chopped yellow onion
½ teaspoon (canned) chopped jalapeño pepper
2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

Cooking:

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and brown the ground meats. Add the onion, green pepper and garlic, and sauté until softened. Add the chili powder, salt and pepper. Turn the heat off and add the sour cream. Cover and set this aside. Prepare the salsa: Chop the tomatoes coarsely and add to the onion, jalapeño pepper and cilantro. Mix well. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer. Cut the tortillas into 8 pie segments: in half, then in half twice again. When the oil is hot, dip each segment into the hot oil and fry until crisp, about 3-4 minutes each. Drain on paper towels.

To assemble: Spread some of the meat mixture on the tortilla chips, then a bit of the shredded cheese and top with the salsa.

If you prefer wine, our certified wine professional recommends the DU Henehan Hills Sonoma County Zinfandel with this recipe. For a list of retailers carrying this wine, visit www.signaturewines.com/du .